Bait casting reel for 14 yr old's first combo

[GoIrish1]

Hello - 

 

I purchased a St Croix Bass X rod (6'6", Medium, Fast) rod for my son's birthday and looking to match a decent reel.  This is his first bait caster and I use only spinning rods/reels...so I'm a newbie in the bait casting world.

 

He has really gotten into bass fishing (MN/WI - LMB and SMB) and has been asking for a bait caster for a couple years.  He throws a lot of different baits, so looking for something versatile.

 

I'd like to find a decent reel in the $50-60 range if possible.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Thanks in advanced!!

[NHBull]

I would watch the classifieds.

You can get more for your money and we are coming 

up on a great time of year to get good used gear

[MickD]

Daiwa CC 80 is about $60.  I've no experience with this reel, but I've never seen a Daiwa reel that was not excellent.  For about $110 you can get the Fuego CT, and I assure you , it's a great reel.  I started my granddaughter on it and she has had no trouble learning to handle it.

[redmeansdistortion]

If he can open up the budget, a Fuego CT in the 7.3 ratio would be very hard to beat.  It's probably the best baitcaster out there under the $100 price point and shares much with the Tatula CT.  The only noteworthy differences are the lack of two handle bearings and the T-wing aperture, other than that they are almost the same.  If you guys keep your eyes peeled for a sale, you can get one for $75 to $85.  Sometimes they even get down to the $60 mark.

[Bassin_Harrison]

Daiwa Fuego CT x3 !! If you're willing to spend a little bit more, that reel is totally worth it. It retails for $110, but can usually be found for around $70-$80 on ebay. Fantastic reel. 

[MN Fisher]

X4 on the Fuego - the MagForce-Z braking system is MUCH better than any other magnetic brake out there. And as Red said - it's pretty much a Tatula CT without the T-Wing...same frame, spool, main gears, etc.

[WRB]

Ask your son what reel he wants! 

Tom

[Sam]

Remember, it is more important to teach your son how to "balance" his baitcaster rig than which baitcaster you purchase.

 

Any baitcaster in your price range will suffice. But he will get frustrated and lose interest in using a baitcaster if it is not "balanced."

 

Here is how to balance a baitcaster from the pros:

 

FIRST STEP

1.  Look at the rod's parameters stamped on the rod showing line tests and bait weights.

2.  Add the high and low line test together, divide by 2, and that is the most effective line test to use with your rod.

3.  You can do this for a spinning rig set up, too.

4.  Stay within the line weight parameters for maximum performance.

5.  Make sure your baitcaster can handle the average line test of your rod as stamped on the reel.

6.  Reel the line onto the baitcaster by running it through a face cloth with a wet spot created by KVD Line and Lure Conditioner.

 

SECOND STEP

1.  Rig up at least 12 pound fluorocarbon line (or the average of the low and high line tests) leaving about 1/8 inch open from the line to the top of the spool. Include your bait and weights, etc. In other words, have the rod set up as you would if you getting ready to cast the baitcaster.

2.  Go outside or where there is no carpet.

3.  Tighten the spool's drag.

4.  Tighten the reel's spool knob so the spool does not turn.

5.  Point rod tip to 11 o'clock and release the spool.

6.  Using the spool knob, turn the knob to loosen the spool so the line starts to move, slowly.

Then do it again by loosening the spool tension until the spool stops when the bait hits the ground.

7.  Goal is to have the spool stop when the bait hits the ground so you do the above a few times to get the right pressure on the spool.

8.  Adjust your drag, if necessary, and do it all over again.

9.  Once the spool stops when the lure hits the ground you are ready to rock and roll without the worry of a backlash.

(NOTE: Do not do this on carpet as the treble hooks will catch and tear carpet and wife will not be happy)

10.  He can make little adjustments to loosen or tighten the spool as he wishes.

11.  Do this every time you change baitcaster baits.

12.  He will become so proficient with this way of balancing his baitcaster he will not have to have the bait hit the deck or ground to know the spool speed is correct.

 

In fact, if he is throwing a buzzbait he can start the retrieve right before the bait hits the water.

 

And he can cast away without using his thumb to slow down or stop the bait unless it is headed into a tree, bush or grass and not get a backlash.

 

Give it a try and I think your son will love fishing with his new baitcaster rig.

 

Good luck.

 

[r83srock]

26 minutes ago, WRB said:

Ask your son what reel he wants! 

Tom

I agree. Have him try a few to make sure they are comfortable to him.

[new2BC4bass]

  Plenty of excellent information on this site.  "How to" fishing articles and equipment reviews.

 

Love my Daiwas.  Another excellent option (not given by many other than PhishLI and a couple others) is the Quantum Icon.  A $120 reel before being discontinued.  A very well built reel.  The IC100HPT (7.0 gear ratio) is $59 plus free shipping on ebay.  I got mine (IC101HPT = LH) for just under $50 plus tax from Amazon Prime.  Check out some threads about it on this site. Be aware that one Amazon ad calls it a Zebco, but it is the same reel.  Zebco owns Quantum.

 

Word is out on the Fuego CT so you don't see the super low prices available about a year ago.  Still can be had for $75 with free shipping from ebay.

 

Otherwise...as already suggested...you can find some great buys on various fishing sites including this one.  I've gotten good deals from a couple individual state websites.  May take a little time, but knowing what to look for and being patient can pay off big time.  My last Patriarch XT (the blue model) was $65 in very good condition.  A $250 reel.  Nice looking, light, dual brakes, tough finish.  A fine reel that is also highly under-rated.  I've seen the OG Fuego going for less than $100 (think down to $65).  A $230 reel that is also highly under-rated by many.

 

EDIT:  Hope you have more stores in your area for handling reels than I do.  Best place I have is Cabela's...about a 50 minute drive...breaking the speed limit. 

[roadwarrior]

Keep an eye on our Flea Market. Great deals come up often.

[Junger]

Davies SV reels will help cast without thumbing. I also walk out about 30 yards of line, then put on about 2 wraps of non residue electrical tape so any backlash won’t get in deep.

[FishTank]

Shimano SLX.  

 

When DSG has a their Black Friday Sale, there is usually a 25% off coupon.  Last years had no restrictions.  That would put you around $75.  It would be a great beginners reel as well as one he could get some long term use out of. 

[Hewhospeaksmuchbull]

I'll say Fuego CT also, with line and a bait!

 

https://north40.com/daiwa-fuego-ct-bait-casting-reel

[MickD]

4 hours ago, WRB said:

Ask your son what reel he wants! 

Tom

Think he would be knowledgeable enough to provide an answer that would be better than what this forum provides to the original poster?

[WRB]

2 hours ago, MickD said:

Think he would be knowledgeable enough to provide an answer that would be better than what this forum provides to the original poster?

At 14 years he knows what he wants, his dad knows what the budget is.

I knew exactly what reel I wanted at 12 years old and worked as a dock boy to earn it.

Why not start by asking the young man what he wants, if that hasn't already been discussed .

Tom

[Bluebasser86]

Do him a favor and spend a couple dollars more on the Fuego. Nothing will discourage him faster than a reel that is difficult to use and then it will have just been a waste of money.

[Catt]

11 hours ago, MickD said:

Think he would be knowledgeable enough to provide an answer that would be better than what this forum provides to the original poster?

 

I let my grandson earn the money to buy exactly what he wanted.

[roadwarrior]

[J Francho]

I have a ton of gear, so I would hand down a trusted reel mounted to a new rod, spooled with fresh line. That way, it would be easier to teach the youngster. With my oldest, a 6-6 medium/fast Avid with a 200e and fresh 12# mono was the ticket. 

[NHBull]

22 hours ago, WRB said:

Ask your son what reel he wants! 

Tom

I see a Calcutta Conquest 100 in his future?

[Columbia Craw]

I truly believe anyone new to baitcasters will benefit greatly from the cast control system in a Daiwa reel.  I taught my 7 and 11 year old grand children to cast with a Daiwa CT fitted with #12 Mono. They were casting machines in less than an hours.  With that, the Tatula CT or the Fuego would be a quality reel that is easy to adjust and set up.  I personally would not shy away from well cared for pre owned reels.