Best Cranking Baitcaster under $200

[TAUMI]

What’s the best cranking baitcaster for 1/4 to 3/4 oz crank baits under $200? Also, what gear ratio do you recommend?  Thanks. 

[swhit140]

I like the Daiwa Tatula Elite 6:3:1, just a little bit more than $200 but worth it to me.

[jimmyjoe]

   What do you mean by "best"? Smoothest? Strongest? Greatest longevity?

   I would have said the Shimano Curado 200K, but you specified 1/4 oz lure weights, and the Curado is not known for casting lighter weight lures all that well. Great reel, really great reel! Just not the best with lighter lures. In the Shimano stable, I think you'd need to look at the various iterations of the SLX to get what you want.

   In the Daiwa line, you have a lot more freedom. The Fuego CT and the Tatula CT, the Tatula SV TW and SV TWS are all capable of doing what you've specified.

   And don't forget Lew's. Lots of choices there.

   Gear ratios that result in 24-28 IPT ratings are what I use, and I think they're the best overall for cranking either from shore or a boat.

 

   One other thing: Look for sales, look on the auction sites, check out the flea market here on this site, and you might even check out the Japanese sites selling JDM reels over the web. You DON'T have to pay MSRP.

   Reel repair people can usually tune your reel to work better with lighter lures if you tell them that's what you want, too.

   Lots of choices. And I mean good stuff, not 2nd rate stuff.

   Good luck!            JJ

  

[mcipinkie]

If you are looking for a quality rod, and not interested in anything else, the BPS Crankin Stick is a fine crank bait rod.  Only problem is the new ones are just so ugly.  I've a half dozen of the old ones with the cork power hump handles and have no complaints.

[SproDD79]

Shimano SLX 70 MGL 6:3:1, If you need the lefty version(71) look on ebay. It's size makes it comfortable to palm, it's very smooth and a great caster. 

[Bankc]

A spinning reel is probably a better option for you.  They would cast the smaller cranks better.  

 

But if you really want to use a baitcaster, you'll probably be better off with something with a lighter spool, like Shimano's MGL or Daiwa's SV series.  Or you can get an aftermarket lighter spool for whatever you choose.  The downside to those is they often won't hold as much line.  Though with smaller cranks and bass fishing, that's probably not an issue.  With the heavier, deep divers, you may run into problems because you'll need to cast them really far to get them down to their listed depths.  Same with trolling.  

 

You could get by with a regular spool on a baitcaster.  They'd handle the heavier cranks fine.  But you might find you don't get the distance you're looking for with 1/4oz. lures.  It depends on how far you're wanting to cast. From a boat, it would probably be fine, but from the bank, it could be an issue.

 

As for ratio, most people like a lower ratio.  Something in the 5's or 6's.  But since you're not casting deep divers, you probably could get by with any ratio.  You just might have to slow down your retrieve a bit with the higher speed reels.  It's all personal preference.

 

I'd go with a Daiwa Tatula SV in 6.3:1 if I were you.  But I'm partial to the Tatulas, and there are several other reels that would work just as well.  There is no best, and everyone has their own personal preferences.  

[FishTank]

Abu Garcia Winch.  For the money, it's a great reel.  I would also suggest the Curado K. 

[txchaser]

2 hours ago, Bankc said:

 

I'd go with a Daiwa Tatula SV in 6.3:1 if I were you.

If you are really going to be throwing 1/4oz baits, this will do quite well. 

[Bassattackr]

Revo STX in 6.3:1 for smaller crankbaits or Revo Winch for heavier/deeper baits.

[LCG]

SLX MGL 

[Sir Shamsalot]

You really have alot of great choices here at this price point. The Abu Winch is a great choice, I caught alot of fish on cranks using mine. The Curado K is a performer. The Daiwa SV TWS. The same can be said for just about any reel here. I have a Lew's Tournament MB in 5 gear that just gets it done. As long as you're just talking cranks, a 5 or 6 gear reel is fine. I look more at IPT and like that 23ipt when selecting a crankbait reel.

 

Currently,  I'm using an SV 6 gear, several Elites, and that MB on my crankbait rods.