Good reel for older person just starting getting into baitcasters

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

I've been after my dad for years now about getting a baitcaster but he's just flat out refused. Can't teach an old dog new tricks kinda deal. Anyways I just forced a new rod on him for Christmas. We are both just once a week kinda guys, just wondering what would be a good choice to learn on these days. I don't want to buy him a cheap cheap reel but I can't afford more then say $250-300 CAD. I wanted a SLX XT but sold out. Any recommendations? 

 

Thanks y'all

 

[new2BC4bass]

Don't know CAD prices, but the Tatula SV is a good reel for beginners.  I started at 61 with a OG Fuego.  Any of the Daiwas with Magforce Z would make a decent option.  I personally had a little more trouble getting the new Shimano braking system dialed in.  Older models were easy.  Also a dual brake Lew's would make  good choice.  Not familiar with their newer reels, but like my older models.

[QED]

Are there extra fees/duties if ordering via credit card from US internet vendors?  The Lew's Custom Lite (super low profile (SLP), very compact form-factor) is one of the lightest, better reels within the high end of your price range (assuming CAD$1 ~= USD$0.78).  Does the Canadian Amazon site have Lew's reels?

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

I found the custom lite on amazon.ca for $332 CAD. My local shop has the Diawa Tatula SV on sale right now for $249.

[FishTank]

A Shimano Curado would be a good one.  Easy to use and set up.  Smooth, casts well and is pretty much bullet proof.   

 

To order to Canada, check out Amer. Leg. Fish. > I don't think I can spell their website all out on this forum but hopefully that is enough so you get the idea.  They are located in Evansville, IN.  They offer reasonable shipping to Canada and total cost would be cheaper than buying there. 

[MidwestBassAttack]

I second the Curado suggestion. In fact, came here to post and suggest a Curado K. I’ve had three in the past and loved them. 

[PhishLI]

2 hours ago, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

just wondering what would be a good choice to learn on these days.

This year I've taught 4 guys how to use a bait caster who were previously spinning only guys. They had 6 reels to try out on two identical rods. Here's what happened without going into all the details:

 

All agreed the Curado K was the smoothest reel. All either had over runs or backlashed the reel with maxed out brakes.. All had little to no issues casting the Fuego CT. Three guys bought a Fuego CT, but one who thinks of himself as a "Shimano guy" bought a SLX. I had to do additional hands on work with him to correct some of his mechanics and it stuck for the most part. He's used to whipping spinning rods, so he still backlashes once or twice a trip,  The guys who got the Fuegos became independent quickly and haven't had to trash a spool of line yet. It's a forgiving reel to learn on and to fish with in general.

 

I don't doubt any of the experienced guys here who are pleased with and who've suggested a Curado K. However, experienced baitcasting reel users are not the same as new guys coming over from spinning reels.

[fishhugger]

i am barely a spinning guy, (i didn't fish for decades). i'm 65 and got my first bait caster in late fall. i started fishing with it days after i got it ---- i've used it exclusively since.  i got an slx and slx st... they both seem fine.  the slx xt, afaik, differs in that it has it's centrifugal brake that can be adjusted on the outside of the reel, or from the inside cover... i actually have not figured out exactly how the brakes work; i leave them off, often.

 

now i'm learning to casting leftie (i'm rightie).  i learned to cast using mono, 10#. someone suggested mono was either more forgiving, or that once you learn on mono, braid is easy. now i use braid or mono.

 

i'm glad i got 'leftie' slx's.  (uh, i bait cast with rh, and reel w left hand, like my spin rods)  i don't see why people switch hands  while casting (ie, a rightie who casts leftie and then has to switch hands after the cast. i think most guys do that? makes me dizzy just describing it)

 

oh, i got my slx's as combo set ups --- people told me they were a great deal. i'm totally happy with them.... this forum has helped so much...!

 

have fun w your dad..............!

[bulldog1935]

I'd be aiming anyone new to baitcasting to any Daiwa SV. 

We had to learn to load rods without jerk in the old days to avoid start-up backlash.  

Spin fishermen do everything with jerk.  Daiwa SV casting brake is made to absorb start-up jerk without you adjusting anything.  It's also a linear mag brake you adjust for mid-cast wind backlash. 

 

He'll still need thumb to stop the spool.  If you want less of that, look at Shimano DC. 

 

I'm going to reiterate something our OP stated - he's looking for up to a $250 reel - no reason to saddle him with a $100 reel...

 

[Lead Head]

I completely agree with "any Daiwa SV". As the thumb gets practiced and he gets comfortable with the mechanics, he can check out a shimano and maybe get some more distance. I have seen a few people with no experience able to effectively cast (if not accurately) a SV after only 20 minutes or so.

[new2BC4bass]

19 hours ago, PhishLI said:

I don't doubt any of the experienced guys here who are pleased with and who've suggested a Curado K. However, experienced baitcasting reel users are not the same as new guys coming over from spinning reels.

Totally agree.  I was one of the slower learners because I hadn't seen any of the videos on properly setting up a MagforceZ reel.  My spool tension was way too tight.  Now I've got reels from various brands that have in the neighborhood of 10 different braking systems.  I can set one type down, pick up another type and have no problems casting.  I don't think I would have been able to do that 12 years ago.  Of course they are all set up for how I cast.  If I picked up someone else's reel in the same model as mine, that might not be true.

[MickD]

Daiwa Fuego was mastered by my granddaughter in about half an hour, reasonable cost if your dad doesn't take to it.  But it's a very competent reel, so you could take it off his hands and enjoy it.

[LCG]

On 12/26/2021 at 4:51 PM, IneedAnewScreenName-98161861 said:

Any recommendations?

Shimano or Daiwa. I have tried both but I am partial to Shimano as I like their feel and function a bit more,but both companies make great reels. The Shimano offer MGL spools in their SLX and Curado lines, the MGL spool is lighter and casts light baits easier. I have both the SLX 70 MGL and Curado 70 MGL and previous owned a Curado K, Daiwa Fuego and Tatula. Daiwa Fuego is good value and easy to learn on. The Shimano s just feel a little better to me and fit my style of fishing better. Check out kijijji and Facebook marketplace too, I have found some very nice equipment for a good price.

[PressuredFishing]

Slx xt is really good and I love it, diawas tatulas and fuego are also amazing, lews has a good 100$ reel and abu has the revo X, as long as you don't get a kastking, pfluger, piscifun etc reel you will be fine, I'm not saying those don't work and I own quite a few of their casting models, i just feel for a newer person a stronger breaking system will minimize more backlashes (on the KK/piscifun reels I have noticed they can be fussy on breaks dialed in and you have to thumb it off the get go for them to work really well.)

[ATA]

For any new user I suggest DC breaking system to avoid backlash as much as possible and give a pleasant experience on water.

I am strongly suggesting Curado DC, It is in your price range and also have bullet proof body.

I am sure he will love it.

 

[WRB]

What type of fish does your dad like to catch? and line he uses? What rod did you get your dad?

Tom

[NavyToad]

If he’s used spinning gear for his whole life, and is used to reeling with his left hand, I’d suggest a left handed baitcaster. Lot of good reels in your price range.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

2 hours ago, WRB said:

What type of fish does your dad like to catch? and line he uses? What rod did you get your dad?

Tom

We fish for small and large mouth. He also likes to try for the odd pike if he has the chance. I got him the SLX 7'2 MH rod, I am going to urge him to use a T rig on this setup so line choice may vary but most likely braid to leader. 

1 hour ago, NavyToad said:

If he’s used spinning gear for his whole life, and is used to reeling with his left hand, I’d suggest a left handed baitcaster. Lot of good reels in your price range.

You are correct sir, he said the same thing. Thanks!

[WRB]

Shimano SLX MGL 70 is a sweet reel easy to cast. Set the brakes 3 on 3 off using 30# braid. The smaller reel with less line capacity is perfect using braid and matches the rod.

Tom

 

[Big Rick]

I've got 5 boys and the easiest reel I've ever started them on is any of the Daiwa SV type. You can spend as much as you want in that line, but even the cheapest model with an SV spool is a solid choice. Backlashes are kept to a minimum without sacrificing distance. YMMV

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

43 minutes ago, WRB said:

Shimano SLX MGL 70 is a sweet reel easy to cast. Set the brakes 3 on 3 off using 30# braid. The smaller reel with less line capacity is perfect using braid and matches the rod.

Tom

 

Sounds good, I think the only problem I'll have with this reel is availability. Shimano products specifically the SLX and DC lines are hard to acquire. Atleast where I live. 

 

31 minutes ago, Big Rick said:

I've got 5 boys and the easiest reel I've ever started them on is any of the Daiwa SV type. You can spend as much as you want in that line, but even the cheapest model with an SV spool is a solid choice. Backlashes are kept to a minimum without sacrificing distance. YMMV

Thanks for your info, I think I may go Daiwa for him. Seems like it has worked for numerous similar other folk. And plus u can get my hands on one locally!

[king fisher]

Is your dad a rebel, ready to take on any danger?  Then go ahead put the Daiwa on a Shimano rod, and let him feel like a rebellious teenager again. Just try and keep him away from lightning storms.  If he is a more cautious type get the Curado 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

9 hours ago, king fisher said:

Is your dad a rebel, ready to take on any danger?  Then go ahead put the Daiwa on a Shimano rod, and let him feel like a rebellious teenager again. Just try and keep him away from lightning storms.  If he is a more cautious type get the Curado 

Not sure if you read my OP but my budget does not allow for a Curado. The Curado DC that everyone is recommending is going for $379 plus tax at my local tackle shop. Unfortunately this makes it a non option. 

[DogBone_384]

14 hours ago, ATA said:

Curado DC

@ATA Beat me to it.  TW has the SLX DC for $189 ($US).  

 

Best of luck choosing a reel.  

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

1 hour ago, DogBone_384 said:

@ATA Beat me to it.  TW has the SLX DC for $189 ($US).  

 

Best of luck choosing a reel.  

Thats roughly $240 CAD, tack on $50 for shipping or close to that and then charges at the boarder probably end up over budget there.