Need recommendation for 1st baitcast setup for 14 year old

[padlin]

My grandson is new to fishing, has gone out a couple times with a spinning setup and would like to try a baitcaster. I can't help much other then buying it as I've never gotten the hang of it with the one I have. Looking to spend under $200 if possible, don't want junk. Needs to be general purpose freshwater, probably smallies and LM as primary targets.

 

I found a couple old threads, but for younger kids.

[A kid from Canada]

Why not let him try the one you already have. I mostly run Daiwa reels and love them but I'd throw a newbie on my Revo SX just for the dual braking. Also you can over tighten the spool tension to make it impossible to backlash (at the cost of distance of course). 

[dodgeguy]

BPS Carbonlite 7 ft mh for 179$

[Bird]

Best $100 baitcaster I've used is Shimano SLX

[padlin]

6 minutes ago, A kid from Canada said:

Why not let him try the one you already have. I mostly run Daiwa reels and love them but I'd throw a newbie on my Revo SX just for the dual braking. Also you can over tighten the spool tension to make it impossible to backlash (at the cost of distance of course). 

The one I have is a 6'6" Med/Hvy St Croix Premier with a Revo Premier gen 3.

[T-Billy]

Lew's Speed Spool LFS reel. $99. Lew's Hank Parker series 7' MH F rod, available at Wally World for around $50. Solid performing combo that won't break the bank. 

[Hammer 4]

Under $ 200.00 is the Shimano Clarus rod and the Shimano SLX reel. Rod is $ 89.99 reel is 99.99.

[WRB]

19 minutes ago, padlin said:

My grandson is new to fishing, has gone out a couple times with a spinning setup and would like to try a baitcaster. I can't help much other then buying it as I've never gotten the hang of it with the one I have. Looking to spend under $200 if possible, don't want junk. Needs to be general purpose freshwater, probably smallies and LM as primary targets.

 

I found a couple old threads, but for younger kids.

What do you have? 

Watch Glenn’s video’s on learning to cast a baitcaster with your son.

General purpose bass rod is either a Medium Fast action or Medium Heavy fast action rod between 6’8” to 7’.

Brands; Dobyns, Major Craft, Lew’s, Daiwa and Shinamo.

Baitcaster size 100 with 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 gear ratio.

Reel brands; Lew’s, Daiwa or Shimano all are good within

your budget.

Tom

[FishTank]

Shimano SLX combo. It can be had for under $200.  The reel is great for beginners. The rod is  just OK.

[padlin]

6 minutes ago, WRB said:

What do you have? 

 

 6'6" Med/Hvy St Croix Premier with a Revo Premier gen 3.

[suzuki2903]

Lews mach 2 or mach crush combos would be a great choice. 

[WRB]

Decent combo. Should be able to adjust the reel to cast without a backlash.

Right now 15% off sales are still available.

Daiwa Fuego CT reel with Daiwa Fuego 6’9” MF rod is under $180 @ALFishing minus 15% discount saves ($27)  enough for line and a few lures.

Tom

[LrgmouthShad]

I would get Standard Lew’s LFS 6:8:1, bring it into a store near you that carries good quantity and quality of baitcasting rods, and have him feel the reel on with different rods that you can find in the store that people have recommended here.

[PourMyOwn]

I don't think there's been a bad suggestion yet (maybe mine is!)   I'll say what I generally do-go used. Green Curado CU 200s are great reels for less than 75 dollars-I've seen them for 50-that even a 14 year old can't kill. 

[Cbump]

1 hour ago, padlin said:

My grandson is new to fishing, has gone out a couple times with a spinning setup and would like to try a baitcaster. I can't help much other then buying it as I've never gotten the hang of it with the one I have. Looking to spend under $200 if possible, don't want junk. Needs to be general purpose freshwater, probably smallies and LM as primary targets.

 

I found a couple old threads, but for younger kids.

My 11 year olds first “good” combo was a  BPS Pro Qualifier and a Falcon Bucoo. 
I’d look at a Tatula CT for $100ish. The Bucoo has been solid. 

[Plottman1974]

I don't have one, but EVERYONE raves about the Shimano SLX.

 

I have a Diawa tatula ct that is fantastic.  I couldn't ask for better...it is darned hard to backlash which is an important feature for a beginner.  

[Columbia Craw]

You have three reels mentioned that will serve you well and have effective cast control systems.  Tatula CT, LFS and SLX.  No bad choice here.

 

I differ about rods.  A 6-6 to 7 foot medium fast or a 3 power depending on manufacturer.  It is more probable your grandson will fish lighter baits as in 3/16 to maybe a half ounce and medium/3 power will be more forgiving during the learning curve of casting.  That’s how I started my grandkids and it has been successful.  One other issue. Start with mono. I can’t stress that enough.  This entry level stuff so equip for success in mastering the casting process first. 

[padlin]

Thanks all, appreciate the replies.

 

I'll take a ride down to Cabela's next week and see what they have on hand of wehat has been mentioned. Looks to be a bad time to try and get many of these, supplies look to be short.

[GRiver]

1 hour ago, dodgeguy said:

BPS Carbonlite 7 ft mh for 179$

I have one of these…. great rig. I have the 6’6” medium, I use it the most, it is kinda my go to setup. I feel it’s a pretty universal combo. If I could only take one with me I would grab it. 
It has dual braking- centrifugal and magnetic, light weight. I mean I have a top water rig but I have used this one for popper and spooks, then switched to Texas rig and finesse fished too.

[AmmoGuy]

I have a new Tatula 100HS listed here for $110 (retail $159).

And you can get a Duckett Silverado at Omnia right now for $79 ($99 retail). 

 

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/248854-wts-tatula-100hs/

https://www.omniafishing.com/p/duckett-fishing-silverado-casting-rods/action*fast--length*6'8"--power*medium-heavy

 

That combo wouldn't hold anyone of any skill level back. 

[dodgeguy]

10 minutes ago, GRiver said:

I have one of these…. great rig. I have the 6’6” medium, I use it the most, it is kinda my go to setup. I feel it’s a pretty universal combo. If I could only take one with me I would grab it. 
It has dual braking- centrifugal and magnetic, light weight. I mean I have a top water rig but I have used this one for popper and spooks, then switched to Texas rig and finesse fished too.

I'm usually a Lew's guy buy they are pretty nice for the money.

[Eric 26]

I agree with the advice of, watch Glenn’s video on casting a bait caster and letting him try yours. Nothing wrong with that combo in my humble opinion ? Good Luck and keep us updated on the outcome ?

[zpelletier]

Search SLX Combo on ALF
 

Considering they’re also offering 15% off right now (until the end of the day) I think this is probably the best deal out there. My son is 14, he’s got his first baitcaster this year and he’s got an SLX reel and it’s working well for him (he’s lucky my dad makes custom rods so he made him one for Christmas). 

[PBBrandon]

3 hours ago, dodgeguy said:

BPS Carbonlite 7 ft mh for 179$

+1

[new2BC4bass]

Definitely let him try your setup.  If you have to go new, Omnia has the Revo SX for $100...a $170 reel.  Enter your email address and get an extra 10% off.

 

Otherwise any of the above suggestions should work just Jim Dandy.

 

Rod?   Man, I don't know.  My go to suggestion of a Fenwick HMG is now over the $100 price.  I've only handled an Eagle in store, but it seemed nice for the price.  My $100 or less rod experience is very limited.  I've got quite a few I paid $100 or less for, but they are all higher priced rods bought used or on closeout.