Recommend a First Baitcaster for Long-Time Spinning Reel Fisherman?

[07Rapala]

I'm looking for a baitcasting reel and rod that will be easy to learn on, and will also be a good quality combo that I will be happy to own for a long time.

I currently have 3 spinning rigs, essentially: medium-light (6-10lbs line), medium (12-15 lbs line), and medium heavy (30lbs line). I'm looking for something that will compliment these. I'd like to support my local tackle shop with this purchase, and it seems he can get most of the major brands. Here are my questions:

 

• I'm thinking I would want to use this baitcaster set-up for early-season pike fishing and..., perhaps the best use for bass fishing for me would be flipping and pitching and fishing in slop. Are these good applications to focus on considering the gear I already have?
• I'm thinking I'd like something 'medium-heavy', fast action for these purposes as a compromise that should do several things well. Or would 'heavy' be better?
• Leaning towards a 7.x:1 gear ratio. Good choice?
• Since I'm basically sitting at water level in my kayak (and can't stand) I like a longer rod, is 7'6" a good choice?
• I'm left handed. I hold the rod and cast in my left hand and reel with the right. I assume I will want a 'left handed' reel, or does that mean the 'handle' is on the 'left'?
• Lastly, any particular reels/rods you all think would fit the bill for me?

[Bird]

Shimano SLX combo. Imo 

[Mobasser]

ABU Black Max. Not too expensive, easy to set up, and dependable.

[the reel ess]

I wouldn't buy any reel that does not have a solid metal frame. I've owned two that didn't and they wore out quickly. I currently have 2 Lews Tournament MB and a Lews LFS  reel, which I love. Great value. I have a Daiwa Fuego that I bought on the advice of others here. It's noisy. I mean I guess I can't complain because it has worked well for years. Just doesn't feel like $100 worth. 

[Wprich]

•I'm a mainly spinning rod guy but I currently have 3 casting set ups and they're all Daiwas with SV spools and have been great for me.  I currently have 2 Zillions and a Tatula I have a minor backlash here and there but specifically the Zillion has been great for me so far. 

•Medium Heavy fast is the perfect all around one combo you need to get started you'll likely add more later since rods multiply haha

•7.1 ratio is a great all around speed to me that's what all 3 of my current reels are but my next will be a 8+. 

•About the rod length I have a 7'5" rod and I have trouble casting it in kayak.  I try to take my shorter rods with me because I'm more of a side arm caster like to stay shallow making short casts/pitches at shoreline structure just how I like to fish.  

•All my main setups are Loomis/St.Croix what's your budget for gear?

[Koz]

When I first made the move to a baitcaster I went with something inexpensive for fear of wasting money if I didn't like it. So I went to my local DSG and picked up a medium heavy Lew's American Hero combo. If I remember correctly is was on sale and I had some DSG points to redeem so I git it for something like $69 or $79.

 

All in all, for a first go at a baitcaster I really liked it. Unfortunately, it unleashed the Bait Monkey and that led to a lot of other baitcaster purchases over the years. But I used it for 2 or 3 years and it held up well. It was also forgiving when learning to use a baitcast reel.

 

As far as what length rod to fish on your kayak, I think that's personal preference. It may also depend upon whether or not you cross under bridges when you fish. If you were standing and pitching or flipping there are times you might want a 7' 6" or 8' rod.

 

I stay seated in my kayak and the rods I bring are all between 7' and 7' 4" because I'm comfortable with those lengths. 

[Finessegenics]

Daiwa Fuego and Shimano SLX are two affordable baitcasters that are a joy to fish with it. Of course you can go way cheaper than them and still get a hood product, but to me, those two are the sweet spot between affordability and quality. I could fish those two for the rest of my days and I’d be okay with it. They’re both robust and smooth. If you’re willing to  spend a little more then the Curado K is also an excellent choice.

 

As for rods, it’s hard to go wrong. A lot of good stuff out there. I like St Croix’s Mojo Bass and Bass X. A 7 MH/F would be perfect. Best of luck! 

[Jigfishn10]

Really impressed with Daiwa CC80. Using a couple for saltwater, believe it or not. Just cleaned them out to get ready for the coming season. No signs of rust at all. 
I find them very smooth and love the breaking system. Fishing saltwater is often in a windy situation and these guys perform flawless. 

[07Rapala]

25 minutes ago, Wprich said:

•All my main setups are Loomis/St.Croix what's your budget for gear?

To put a dollar amount to my budget, I would go up to $300-350 for the combo. Again, my main interest is something that works well and is easy to learn on and that will be happy owning for a while.

The spinning reels I like are in the $100-200 price range, currently I have all Shimano.

I like St. Croix Premier spinning rods, great rods and made here in WI! I also liked my Fenwick HMX rod until it ended up on the bottom of the lake. I have a Fenwick Eagle also, which I don't like that much, it feels a bit 'dead'.

[Wprich]

I'd wait for a Presidents sale and get a St. Croix Victory 7'1" MHF and a Daiwa Tatula SV reel

[Ryanralston07]

Reel: Daiwa Tatula CT in 7.3:1

 

I used this reel in Alaska last summer and caught over 100 salmon (all five species but the king was a little 2-3 pounder I'm not sure how it survived lol), several rainbows, and a couple pike in a week on it and it felt as solid at the end of the trip as at the beginning of the trip. I used 40 lb powerpro braided line, and it cast and reeled smoothly. Folks who fished with us wanted to try the reel and everyone loved it for its size, smoothness, casting, and weight.

[Dreamer56]

I did what you are proposing - and I kayak fish - went with a couple Abu Garcia Veritas casting rods (on sale at Midway USA right now) and Lew’s medium priced speed spools - was committed to learning but patient with spending too much $$$ to get started. Considered buying used but went with new stuff and glad I did - still using that even though I moved on to more expensive gear. (Doesn’t everyone?)

 

 I recommend you practice from the bank before throwing the baitcaster in the kayak - once you get the rhythm of using a bait caster it is an easy transition to being on the water - just easier to learn to clear “birds nests” on shore ?

 

Rod length depends on what you are doing (flipping/casting/etc) and what you are comfortable with . . . 

 

You want to buy RH retrieve - reel with the right hand - can’t switch the side the handle is on so double check before buying.

 

good luck!

[BrianMDTX]

2 hours ago, Mobasser said:

ABU Black Max. Not too expensive, easy to set up, and dependable.

I have a Tatula, two Fuegos, an H2O Ethos Express HD and two Abu Black Max’s. I gotta say, to this day I enjoy the heck out of fishing with those two reels. They are pretty smooth and to be brutally honest, tend to cast a bit further than my more expensive reels. 
 

Drag seems relatively stable, and as I use my thumb a lot, the mag brake works well for me. It’s a good reel to learn baitcasting with. Pair it with a Daiwa Aird-X MH/F and go fishing!

 

OP- I don’t have a yak but fish from a small inflatable boat with an elevated seat akin to a fishing yak. I find it easier to fish 6’ 6” to 7’ 0” rods better than 7’ 3” to 7’ 6”. Both in casting and boating the fish. 

3 minutes ago, Dreamer56 said:

You want to buy RH retrieve - reel with the right hand - can’t switch the side the handle is on so double check before buying.

I use both. In fact, I think I’m starting to prefer LH retrieve better. 

[Woody B]

(I hope this is allowed)

 

I've got a couple Daiwa Tatula SV TW reels.  One is 6.3 to 1 the other is 8.1 to 1.  Both are scuffed a little from being in my boat.  They've got pretty aggressive brakes, so I'd say they're good for someone new to bait casters.  I unintentionally adjust the brakes while palming them.  I'll send you which ever ratio you choose to try.  If you like it you can pay me 1/2 of retail (I think retail is $199, I haven't looked).  If not send it back and you'll have an idea of what you want to spend real money on.   I don't usually sell stuff.  It's no big deal if you don't like or want it, or even if you like it and decide to buy a new one and send mine back.  You can take a couple months to decide to keep it or not.  

[GReb]

For your needs I’d focus on a deeper spool aluminum framed reel. Shimano, daiwa, lews, and abu all make quality products. What you’ll notice more than anything when fishing is ergonomics. If your local shop has inventory, ask them to mount some different models on a rod so you can get a true feel. 
 

From my experience you need to spend at least $100 separately on rod and reel to get a good product. 

 

[casts_by_fly]

3 hours ago, 07Rapala said:

I'm looking for a baitcasting reel and rod that will be easy to learn on, and will also be a good quality combo that I will be happy to own for a long time.

I currently have 3 spinning rigs, essentially: medium-light (6-10lbs line), medium (12-15 lbs line), and medium heavy (30lbs line). I'm looking for something that will compliment these. I'd like to support my local tackle shop with this purchase, and it seems he can get most of the major brands. Here are my questions:

 

• I'm thinking I would want to use this baitcaster set-up for early-season pike fishing and..., perhaps the best use for bass fishing for me would be flipping and pitching and fishing in slop. Are these good applications to focus on considering the gear I already have?
• I'm thinking I'd like something 'medium-heavy', fast action for these purposes as a compromise that should do several things well. Or would 'heavy' be better?
• Leaning towards a 7.x:1 gear ratio. Good choice?
• Since I'm basically sitting at water level in my kayak (and can't stand) I like a longer rod, is 7'6" a good choice?
• I'm left handed. I hold the rod and cast in my left hand and reel with the right. I assume I will want a 'left handed' reel, or does that mean the 'handle' is on the 'left'?
• Lastly, any particular reels/rods you all think would fit the bill for me?

my thoughts in no particular order:

 

• a moderate fast will be easier to learn on than a fast. The faster the rod, the more critical your timing on the casting stroke. A rod that is more moderate fast is more forgiving on the timing. 
• medium heavy or heavy depends a bit on what lures you’re throwing. If you’re throwing 3/8-3/4 oz lures, you’ll only need a medium heavy. If you’re pushing 3/4+ then think about a heavy. If you’re taking fish in the slop with bottom contact baits and some frogs, then you’re probably ending up with a heavy. 
• the shimano SLX combos (when on sale) are the best value combo I’ve seen. Individually they are $89-$99 items. On sale they are usually $100-$129.  You didn’t mention a budget. If your budget is twice that, you can certainly get more for your money with more money. The slx combos don’t have a heavy power mf action, but the heavy fast 7’ rod 
• Gear ratio is personal preference but I like a 7 speed for most things.  You’re talking about a right hand reel. 
• length is personal preference a bit, but if you’re just learning to cast a bait caster I wouldn’t go to the extreme lengths.  I’d stick close to 7’.  The bigger issue for some is the handle length. If you fish sitting down, a really long rear handle will get in your way. Really long rods have long rear handles usually. 
• the spring sales are just starting. TW has a big 25%off sale on lots of stuff. They also have a couple pretty good used options. Other retailers have other sales and used items. I have no problem buying good quality lightly  used myself.
   

[ska4fun]

Daiwa Tatula 100 - Superb value for money.

[WRB]

Since you like Shimano and St Croix suggest;

Shimano SLX XT 150 reel...$130

St. Croix Victory Marshall 7’3” MHF rod....$200

American -L EGACy  Fishing offers 10% off first time buyer discount and may offer 15% off during a sale.

Tom

[12poundbass]

Two answer your other question, if you cast with your left hand a reel with your right you’d want a right handed reel. I’m left handed as well and cast with my left and reel with my right, like you do.

[WRB]

Left hand bait casting reels you turn the reel handle with your left hand, Right reel with your right hand.

Spinning reel casting is often a faster snap cast motion. Bait casting requires a slower casting motion loading the rod to launch the lure. The snap fast casting motion is what often creates a backlash. It’s in the wrist keeping your elbow down near your side. It’s not a baseball bat swing!

Enjoy?

Tom

[A kid from Canada]

My Tatula SV is my favourite reel, in 100 size. I have better reels but for the price I love the Tat, it has a comfortable shape to palm, feels solid and isn't as overbraked as most people say in my opinion. It's something you won't feel you need to upgrade unlike a Fuego or SLX. A 7:1 ratio is a good all around choice as well.

 

Good luck with the overwhelming amount of options!

[dodgeguy]

Lew's tournament pro on a Johnny Morris signature series 7-2 mh fast. Or a Dobyns Sierra micro 734.

[Jrob78]

I would get a Tatula SV or a Tatula 100, the 100 is a little cheaper but the SV should be a slightly better reel to learn on. The SV spools are pretty forgiving. You might be able to find one a little cheaper on a JDM site.

 

One of the Curados, the 200 K or the 150 MGL would also make an excellent beginner reel.

 

These are reels that you won't immediately want to upgrade when you get more experience and they will last a long time. They will also leave enough money in your budget for a decent rod.

 

As for the rod, you need to determine how heavy the baits you plan to throw are and how thick the slop you intend to fish is. For pitching and flipping into cover I generally always use a longer H power rod.

[Eric 26]

6 hours ago, Woody B said:

(I hope this is allowed)

 

I've got a couple Daiwa Tatula SV TW reels.  One is 6.3 to 1 the other is 8.1 to 1.  Both are scuffed a little from being in my boat.  They've got pretty aggressive brakes, so I'd say they're good for someone new to bait casters.  I unintentionally adjust the brakes while palming them.  I'll send you which ever ratio you choose to try.  If you like it you can pay me 1/2 of retail (I think retail is $199, I haven't looked).  If not send it back and you'll have an idea of what you want to spend real money on.   I don't usually sell stuff.  It's no big deal if you don't like or want it, or even if you like it and decide to buy a new one and send mine back.  You can take a couple months to decide to keep it or not.  

If it were me I’d take @Woody B up on his generous offer in the 6.3:1 ratio reel and if you’re close enough head to the St.Croix factory and purchase a blemished rod of your choosing after receiving the reel. If you’re not close enough to the factory it sounds like you may have a quality local shop which will be able to help guide you in your rod purchase also with Mr B’s generous reel offer in hand. I may be in the minority here but I feel the 6 speed reel is perfect for your first bait cast reel. Lastly although I’m right handed I prefer reeling all of my reels left handed. Best of luck and I do hope you keep us updated on your decisions.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Surprised no one else has recommended the SLX DC.  As long as you get a rod that will somewhat load with the baits you're trying to throw, you can become proficient with that reel in less then 3 hours because its such a simple reel.  Instead of a brake dial you select the number on the knob that corresponds to the type of line you're using and or conditions. There are only 4 settings...

1) least brakes for extremely calm conditions (I don't recommend using this until you're advanced)

2) Braid/Mono

3) Flurocarbon

4) High winds, skipping, "beginner" setting 

In setting 4 the reel is very hard to backlash unintentionally as long as the spool has adequate tension.  You can further adjust the reel by tightening or loosening the spool tension to depending on how "tight" or "loose" you want the reel to run.  Since the settings are generalized you dont have to worry about adjusting brakes when you change baits.

Although the SLX DC is great reel to learn on, the reel is such a workhorse that its going to have a place in youre line up for years to come.  It comes with a long handle and beefy knobs which are comfortable and make it easier to get a good fish out of a tight spot in a hurry.

 

I love SC, but I would recommend getting the most bang youre money and that price point Ark is really hard to beat.  They use a blank in a 100$ rod that is every bit as good or better then the SC3 blanks.  The 7'3 MH F Tharp is where I would start.  Its a F, but its got enough give to it to make it incredibly versatile.  I have the same blank in the Essence and I use it for everything from jigs to chatterbaits and it does really well.

The 13 Omen Black is a really good rod too and theyre on sale at TW.  In fact they have the Yak series Omen Blacks with a short rear grip.  

The Tatula elites are on sale as well for 140.  I dont have any experience with the casting Tatula Elites, but the Tatulas I do have are out of this world.