Wanting my first bait caster...

[bgaviator]

I am interested in upgrading from my push button reel to a bait cast. Just trying to figure out what the most universal setup would be to cover most fishing situations?  I’m willing to spend some decent cash to get a good setup. I was looking at these Shimano SLX DC or Curado DC reels. I saw a cool looking Abu Garcia white rod that looks like it would pair nice with it. I’m just curious as to what gear ratio, rod size, and action would be the most universal?  I’m not going to be the type that has multiple rods and reels. I just want one that can really do it all. Would a 7’, medium or medium-heavy action, paired with a 7:2:1 Shimano be a good fit for what I’m looking for?  Thanks. 

[roadwarrior]

1 hour ago, bgaviator said:

Would a 7’, medium or medium-heavy action, paired with a 7:2:1 Shimano be a good fit for what I’m looking for?  Thanks. 

Yes, that would be great!

[Deleted account]

Before anyone can make a good recommendation, they would have to know more about what you consider universal or the like, as well as what lures you intend to primarily fish, and where, how and when you intend to do most of your fishing. Fishing from a bass boat, jon, canoe, that other pointy plastic thing, from shore in open areas, surrounded by growth, wading or not, etc, will all have an impact on what gear will be best suited. 

That having been said, if you are only going to have one BC outfit, and without knowing the above, I would recommend a 6'9" MH, not extreme in action rod with something in the high 6 or low 7 gear ratio reel. I'd look at a Falcon, but most brands will have something that will work.

 

[new2BC4bass]

Rod Power: Medium Light, Medium, Medium Heavy, etc.

Rod Action: Slow, Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast, etc.

Gear ratios have been increasing steadily over the years.  7.2:1 should cover a lot of bases for you.  A DC reel will shorten the learning curve.

 

Medium/MH power rods are the powers suggested for a do-it-all rod.  Which one is best for you comes down to several variables including your fishing preferences.  Cover fishing?  None, light, moderate, heavy?  Preferred lure weights, techniques, etc. all play a part in the decision making.

 

Fast action gets recommended the most with some liking a Mod. Fast action the best.  All my original rod purchases were Fast with the expectation of it being the most versatile.  Since using Daiwa Regular action rods, I have come to a greater appreciation of the Mod. Fast action, and plan on adding 2 Falcon rods with that action.

 

Not knowing a thing about your fishing situation, my few suggestions would be something like a Tatula 6'10" MHF, Tatula 7'2" MR or for more money a Falcon Expert Head Turner (one of my next purchases  ).

 

I would pick the action based on your most used/preferred technique.  I have a tendency to lean towards a MH power for all around use.  BUT last time I visited Florida the only bc reel I remembered to take with braid was for my dedicated frog rod I had shipped down earlier.  Only other reel I had with me loaded with braid was a spinning reel.  I used it on an older Fenwick MF Elite Tech jig and worm rod and had no problems getting the few bass I caught with it out of the lily pads.

[FishTank]

I wouldn't go for a DC reel right away unless you intend it to be the only baitcasting reel you will ever own.  I would learn how to use a regular baitcaster first then expand into the DC reels.  

 

One that I like as a good beginner reel.... The Shimano SLX.  At $100, it will give you some extra cash to invest in a good rod and it's pretty user friendly.

[Eric 26]

1 hour ago, FishTank said:

I wouldn't go for a DC reel right away unless you intend it to be the only baitcasting reel you will ever own.  I would learn how to use one a regular baitcaster first then expand into the DC reels.  

 

One that I like as a good beginner reel.... The Shimano SLX.  At $100, it will give you some extra cash to invest in a good rod and it's pretty user friendly.

I second the recommendation for the standard SLX, or purchase a Daiwa Fuego or anything in the Tatula lineup. Daiwa has the easiest and imho most versatile braking system around. Plus there is a Tatula to fit quite a few price points and lure applications from light (finesse) to swim bait (ex.heavy).

[dodgeguy]

I would go with a Lews Tournament Pro in 6.8 or 7.5. It's 27 point centrifugal brake is second to none in my humble opinion. They can be had at Sportsmans outfitters for 159. 

[BrianMDTX]

50 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I second the recommendation for the standard SLX, or purchase a Daiwa Fuego or anything in the Tatula lineup.

A Daiwa Fuego would be a great choice. Set the spool tension just enough to stop the spool from clicking side-to-side (no wobbling) and set the magnetic brake to 10 and cast. Let off the brake as needed. 

 

My first cast cast with a Fuego CT on a Fenwick HMX HF rod with a 2 oz swimbait went a country mile without a hitch. It’s an easy baitcaster to start with. 

[bgaviator]

3 hours ago, BassWhole! said:

Before anyone can make a good recommendation, they would have to know more about what you consider universal or the like, as well as what lures you intend to primarily fish, and where, how and when you intend to do most of your fishing. Fishing from a bass boat, jon, canoe, that other pointy plastic thing, from shore in open areas, surrounded by growth, wading or not, etc, will all have an impact on what gear will be best suited. 

That having been said, if you are only going to have one BC outfit, and without knowing the above, I would recommend a 6'9" MH, not extreme in action rod with something in the high 6 or low 7 gear ratio reel. I'd look at a Falcon, but most brands will have something that will work.

 

Well so far I’ve been fishing just from the shore as I don’t have a boat and don’t have the logistics for really getting one. Sometimes I fish from the spillway at the big lake near me, and it has a lot of rip rap. Last week when I caught my first largemouth bass it was from the shore pitching a weightless Texas rig Yum Dinger worm near flooded trees and bushes. 
 

When I got into fishing last year I started building my tackle box with almost every kind of lure and soft plastic I would see mentioned on videos. So I have all kinds of soft plastic worms and flukes (which I haven’t tried fishing with the fluke yet). I have chatter baits, swim baits, jig heads, bobbers, spinner baits, crank baits. I have it all for the most part in my arsenal and I’d like to eventually learn all the techniques. A lot of my lures I haven’t even taken out of their packages yet. On the spillway I’ve been using small crappie jigs under a bobber. I’ve had success landing small, white bass with those. 
 

so unless I’m ever invited on someone’s boat or I rent a pontoon I will be usually doing shore fishing with any technique or bait I need to just catch something. I’m never targeting a particular species. I just want to have fun, and catch something. 

[bgaviator]

Wow I can’t seem to find these Daiwa Fuego CTs in the 7:3:1 right hand anywhere online. Seems like everyone is sold out of them. They seem to get really good reviews. 

[Eric 26]

I’m going to add a BPS Carbonlite 2.0 reel to my suggestions either alone or paired with the matching rod. The reel comes in a good selection of speeds including a 7.5:1 (right hand only) and has a dual braking system. The bonus is the reel is colored white as is the matching rod or the rod you’re interested in. Search magnetic vs centrifugal brakes on here and see why it’s nice to have both. Also their seems to be a Bass Pro Shop within reach of most everyone so you can put the combos in your hands and if not they offer great customer service and warranties. Also they usually have a Fuego and several Tatulas on display to handle in case you need to order and wait. Lastly try checking your local tackle shops although not usually the lowest prices the knowledge is worth it’s weight in gold.

[new2BC4bass]

On 5/1/2021 at 8:43 AM, bgaviator said:

Wow I can’t seem to find these Daiwa Fuego CTs in the 7:3:1 right hand anywhere online. Seems like everyone is sold out of them. They seem to get really good reviews. 

Versatile reels.  I don't have the CT model, but from what I've read you can drop an aftermarket spool in this reel and it will handle light baits quite well.  Better than some 'finesse' reels.  Less than $55.  So carry one rod/reel, extra spool and be able to fish for anything from panfish to whatever is the largest fish in your lake.

 

I am like you.  Just want to enjoy myself and catch fish.  Doesn't have to be a bass.  Sacreblue!! 

 

Love the only DC reel I have, but it wouldn't be my choice for a do-it-all reel.

 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

8 hours ago, bgaviator said:

I am interested in upgrading from my push button reel to a bait cast. Just trying to figure out what the most universal setup would be to cover most fishing situations?  I’m willing to spend some decent cash to get a good setup. I was looking at these Shimano SLX DC or Curado DC reels. I saw a cool looking Abu Garcia white rod that looks like it would pair nice with it. I’m just curious as to what gear ratio, rod size, and action would be the most universal?  I’m not going to be the type that has multiple rods and reels. I just want one that can really do it all. Would a 7’, medium or medium-heavy action, paired with a 7:2:1 Shimano be a good fit for what I’m looking for?  Thanks. 

I think DCs and the Daiwa SV reels are great for people just getting into BC reels.  Theres a dial with 4 settings, 1 for mono 2 for braid 3 for FC and 4 for casting in wind and skipping.  You can somewhat fine tune each setting with the spool tension knob.  Another advantage of a DC is that you dont have to dial the reel if you change to a bait with more wind resistance and or less weight.  Once you get proficient at casting you can start to back off the spool tension and rely more on your thumb then the DC brake. 

As for a rod recommendation, it all depends what you want to throw.  Most people will recommend a 7' MH F, but if most of the baits your using were thrown on a spin cast I think a Med power Fast action would be the way to go.  There are quite a few good rods in the 90$-150$ range. 

SC's BassX, Mojo Bass 

Phenix Maxim, Feather

Daiwa Tatula

13 Fate Black, Fate V3, Omen Black

If you the look of white rods check out 13s Fate V3, they have a unique look and use a blank good blank especially for what they cost.

  

[ironbjorn]

A Dobyns Sierra 704C or 734C paired with a Daiwa Tatula in a 7 gear ratio will do basically anything you want, within reason (no Ned rigs or 2oz swimbaits obviously). Dobyns rods are one power lighter than listed. Their version of a Heavy is most other companies version of a Medium Heavy. The 4 power Dobyns is the most versatile rod they make. With the Sierra line in particular, they're somewhere between a Medium Fast and a Fast, although it's listed as Fast. So ignore what's written and get this rod knowing that it's actually a MH/MF-F, great for moving baits and bottom contact baits. The 7 speed Daiwa Tatula tends to be a little slower than other companies 7 speed but faster than a 6 speed, putting it in a really universal category.

[islandbass]

8 hours ago, bgaviator said:

Wow I can’t seem to find these Daiwa Fuego CTs in the 7:3:1 right hand anywhere online. Seems like everyone is sold out of them. They seem to get really good reviews. 

Woh... It just dawned on me... if this is going to be your first casting reel forget the reel brand. Which hand do you retrieve with right now?

 

If it is already your right hand, then proceed. If it is your left hand as most spinning anglers use and you are right hand dominant and haven’t had your brain reprogrammed like some anglers are rh dominant but started with rh reels because that was all that was available back then (yep, I’m ribbing them, lol ?), you might actually prefer a reel with the handle on the left side. 
 

if you are not sure, go to a store that sells casting reels and try. One side will feel more comfortable to you than the other. 

This will save you a lot of hassle and from my post, you should surmise I’m speaking from experience... Doh, lol!!

 

LH for life!!  Lol. Just kidding. But I did train my brain to fish both LH and RH  but when given the choice, I prefer LH reels. 

[bgaviator]

31 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Woh... It just dawned on me... if this is going to be your first casting reel forget the reel brand. Which hand do you retrieve with right now?

 

If it is already your right hand, then proceed. If it is your left hand as most spinning anglers use and you are right hand dominant and haven’t had your brain reprogrammed like some anglers are rh dominant but started with rh reels because that was all that was available back then (yep, I’m ribbing them, lol ?), you might actually prefer a reel with the handle on the left side. 
 

if you are not sure, go to a store that sells casting reels and try. One side will feel more comfortable to you than the other. 

This will save you a lot of hassle and from my post, you should surmise I’m speaking from experience... Doh, lol!!

 

LH for life!!  Lol. Just kidding. But I did train my brain to fish both LH and RH  but when given the choice, I prefer LH reels. 

I retrieve right hand side on my current push button reel 

[Kdizzle]

Personally I would suggest you get on Ebay and buy a Black Max, which is by far the best entry level baitcasting reel on the market, for 20 bucks and spool it up with 10 lb mono, and fishing that for a summer just to get your feet wet with baitcasting reels.

 

Then go buy your cadillac. 

 

[Eric 26]

57 minutes ago, islandbass said:

Woh... It just dawned on me... if this is going to be your first casting reel forget the reel brand. Which hand do you retrieve with right now?

 

If it is already your right hand, then proceed. If it is your left hand as most spinning anglers use and you are right hand dominant and haven’t had your brain reprogrammed like some anglers are rh dominant but started with rh reels because that was all that was available back then (yep, I’m ribbing them, lol ?), you might actually prefer a reel with the handle on the left side. 
 

if you are not sure, go to a store that sells casting reels and try. One side will feel more comfortable to you than the other. 

This will save you a lot of hassle and from my post, you should surmise I’m speaking from experience... Doh, lol!!

 

LH for life!!  Lol. Just kidding. But I did train my brain to fish both LH and RH  but when given the choice, I prefer LH reels. 

I’m right hand dominate and only use left handed reels. My older brother bought a lefty (a then new green curado bantam) and when he first showed me I thought he was nuts ? 

[islandbass]

1 hour ago, bgaviator said:

I retrieve right hand side on my current push button reel 

Right on!  Glad you know already. Wish I did when I bought my first bc reel. 
 

LH Forever!!!!! (Wakanda reference, lol)

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, Kdizzle said:

Personally I would suggest you get on Ebay and buy a Black Max, which is by far the best entry level baitcasting reel on the market, for 20 bucks and spool it up with 10 lb mono, and fishing that for a summer just to get your feet wet with baitcasting reels.

 

Then go buy your cadillac. 

 

You may be right about the Black Max, but the OP stated he wants one reel to do it all.  He also stated he is not the type that wants multiple rods/reels.  Yup.  An unusual situation!  Wonder how long that will last once he gets his first good combo? 

 

So I wouldn't suggest for him to start on the bottom and work his way up.  Seems the OP is willing to spend in the neighborhood of $180-$250 on the reel.  I say wise decision.  Buy once.  Be satisfied.  Be done if that is his choice.

 

As someone who started on the bottom for rods and worked his way up to mid-tier  (mid-tier my budget, which is low end for some), I can attest to the fact that it is much cheaper to buy quality at the start, be happy with it and add another rod when looking at some for handling a specific technique.

 

Does anyone need 30 MH rods of varying degrees of quality?  I think not.  Five well chosen quality rods would be a much better option.  And much less expensive.  Same can be said for reels.

[brophog]

I saw a mention of lures, but not the weight of the lures. Spincast (push button) reels can cast smaller weights than baitcast reels, so keep that in mind. 

 

Most of the recommendations you’ll find for a “do everything” baitcast rod will be something like a M or MH rod in the 1/4-3/4 or 1/4-1 range.  That’s a really good recommendation but it really comes with the caveat of “do everything that a baitcast reel is designed to do”. Those same people are usually using a spinning rod for everything else. ?

[BrianMDTX]

9 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

You may be right about the Black Max, but the OP stated he wants one reel to do it all.  He also stated he is not the type that wants multiple rods/reels.  Yup.  An unusual situation!  Wonder how long that will last once he gets his first good combo? 

I’m not disagreeing with you. Not by a long shot. I started with a Black Max (well, actually with a Daiwa Millionaire 3H, but that was over 40 years ago and I had a 30-year hiatus lol). Then two BM’s. Then I bought a Fuego CT. I still fish the Black Max’s. To be honest, I still fish them, and like them. One is on a Daiwa Aird-X MHF and the other on a Aird-X MF. The Fuego is on a Falcon Lowrider MHF I set up as my main soft plastics rig. The Black Max is as inexpensive a baitcaster as you can get. But unless I lucked out and bought two gems, they aren’t bad reels. Time will tell, of course, and they likely won’t last as long as the Fuego, but so far, so good. 

 

And one one is a RH retrieve and the other is LH, and I fish both equally well. 

[bgaviator]

So a baitcast reel is not good when you’re throwing lighter jigs?

[Kdizzle]

1 hour ago, bgaviator said:

So a baitcast reel is not good when you’re throwing lighter jigs?

Well anything under 3/16ths is a very precarious proposition unless your trailer is pretty bulky.  If you just like to throw bitsy bugs and other medium wire hooked jigs, a good Medium or Medium- Heavy spinning rod is the way to go.

[dodgeguy]

1 hour ago, bgaviator said:

So a baitcast reel is not good when you’re throwing lighter jigs?

Depends on the reel. My Lews Custom light throws 1/10 oz jigs with a new on it.