Best Bait Caster for a Beginner?

[Catt]

12 minutes ago, Functional said:

Going to second the Lews Speed Spool LFS. $99

 

It'll handle big fish easily 😉

 

[Functional]

You look really good for your age @Catt. That's a nice fish you're holding. 

 

😂

[Catt]

21 minutes ago, Functional said:

You look really good for your age @Catt. That's a nice fish you're holding. 

 

😂

 

Nah! I look the same!

 

[MN Fisher]

4 hours ago, Catt said:

Nah! I look the same!

Still looking good though, Tommy.

 

Back to the OP - I would also recommend the Fuego, still have two in my line-up despite the Patriarchs and Tatula TWs I've purchased the past couple years. Solid, dependable reel.

[txchaser]

Used tatula SV is definitely the best control you can get anywhere in that range.

 

otherwise 
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Daiwa-24TATULA-100HL-Bait-Reel/dp/B0CKHM84DZ/

 

Is the new tatula 100 from amazon japan. Can't beat it at that price. 

 

Or the old pre-2024 is 90.00
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Daiwa-24TATULA-100HL-Bait-Reel/dp/B0CKHM84DZ/

 

20 shipping on both

 

Buying from amazon japan is super simple and the shipping is often as fast as buying US. 

[Gera]

Put a little extra and get an JDM SLX DC reel from Digitaka. 

[MontclairDave]

On 3/7/2024 at 10:21 AM, Lasher said:

https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-slx-mgl-70-6-3-1-casting-reel-slxmgl70.html?cq_src=google_ads&cq_cmp=20999074712&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_med=pla&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_pos=&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=4&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWNqfzykGXDekHTBXuv_WLSb5lQ8UX3kUvQ0n1S0KgFZq0hVLs9OllBoC_TEQAvD_BwE

 

Shimano SLX MGL 70 for $100  hard to beat that.  I just bought one.

Got me one as well and fished it a few times. Feels really close in quality to my Curado MGL 70. Killer deal for $99

[ReggieT]

Hey, what about ze KastKing Stealth?

I've heard some decent reviews on it...

[ReggieT]

About to pull the trigger on a new LEW'S REACTOR R1SH for under $55 shipping included.

Does anybody have experience with these?

[ReggieT]

On 3/6/2024 at 10:14 AM, Peacedivision said:

Lew's speed spool LFS + 600 yard spool of 12lb Yo Zuri hybrid should be right around $120 with tax.

What about this, " LEW'S REACTOR R1SH BAITCASTING REEL" for $54 including shipping??

 

[JediAmoeba]

5 hours ago, ReggieT said:

What about this, " LEW'S REACTOR R1SH BAITCASTING REEL" for $54 including shipping??

 

 

I am not a fan of any of the doyo platforms for beginners. They can be touchy or hit and miss when it comes to quality in my experience.

[Peacedivision]

7 hours ago, ReggieT said:

What about this, " LEW'S REACTOR R1SH BAITCASTING REEL" for $54 including shipping??

 

I have no hands on experience with that particular reel but if you're just after something cheap to learn on it will probably serve you fine. The brakes and spool are likely identical to the LFS, I suspect it's just a much cheaper frame and lacks the double bearing supported pinion. Performance will probably be similar but the LFS is built like a tank and will last forever with proper care.

[NavyToad]

@ReggieT Notice that most suggestions are in the NLT $100 range. I vote for the Lew’s Speed spool LFS, but many others will serve you just as well. The problem is that if you go too cheap and struggle too much with backlashes, you might just give up and never realize how useful and fun baitcasters can be. A better reel will be easier to learn with because of better breaking systems.

 

Side note - If you crank a spinning reel with your left hand, you might consider a left hand reel because it crosses directly over from a spinning reel. (Cast with your right, crank with your left)

I learned to use a baitcaster after 20+ years using spinning gear and I couldn’t get used to cranking with my right hand - so I bought a left hand reel and never looked back.

[ReggieT]

5 hours ago, NavyToad said:

@ReggieT Notice that most suggestions are in the NLT $100 range. I vote for the Lew’s Speed spool LFS, but many others will serve you just as well. The problem is that if you go too cheap and struggle too much with backlashes, you might just give up and never realize how useful and fun baitcasters can be. A better reel will be easier to learn with because of better breaking systems.

 

Side note - If you crank a spinning reel with your left hand, you might consider a left hand reel because it crosses directly over from a spinning reel. (Cast with your right, crank with your left)

I learned to use a baitcaster after 20+ years using spinning gear and I couldn’t get used to cranking with my right hand - so I bought a left hand reel and never looked back.

I did take note of the various suggestions and I am most grateful for sure. I saw this Lews Reel on Fleabay, did some empirical research and decided to pull the trigger.

 

Amid all my chatter and reading a zillion reviews/critiques, my son bought me a H20X Premier...so I have that on deck as well.

 

If either proves problematic or inferior, I'll pass em on and upgrade to something easier. But...I'm betting on my learning curve, practice, and perseverance in this matter too!

 

Quitting & Failure is not an option!🦾

 

Again...much obliged for all the great feedback!!

 

Reg

Ps...I like that tip about changing the reeling approach.

[Brian11719]

On 3/6/2024 at 10:14 AM, Peacedivision said:

Lew's speed spool LFS + 600 yard spool of 12lb Yo Zuri hybrid should be right around $120 with tax.

This TBH I tried a few different brands when I was starting out and this one is the easiest to learn and if you get into it you can move up from there...although as far as line goes I prefer sufix 832 for braid or ygk g-soul for fluoro but to each his own.

[Eric 26]

@ReggieT Nice purchase for the price 👍🏻 Do yourself a huge favor and make sure it’s properly setup for the lures you’re using by reading and watching as much as you need and you’re going to enjoy. 

[volzfan59]

As you can see, everyone has an opinion on the topic and they are all good options. My neighbor loves the Shimano SLX reels, but I'm unsure of which one he has. Personally, I like the Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier line of reels for beginners. Plenty of adjustments for you to dial it in as you progress. Also, if you just never get the hang of using a baitcaster, it happens, you've got a year to return it for a refund. That was the policy when I worked there anyway.

 

Edit, Sorry, I see you've already got a reel. Should have read all the replies before I replied. You'll like the Lews reel, excellent choice. They're made by the same company that makes BPS reels.

Edited March 17, 2024 by volzfan59

[Den60]

I'm going to jump in here and ask the same question. I use spinning reels and would like to get a good bait caster to use. I have both Shimano or Daiwa reels. Would like to keep it under $200 for the reel. Now, on my spinning rods I cast and retrieve right-handed which is my dominant hand but I am guessing I would probably need to go with a left-handed retrieve on a bait caster.

[mcipinkie]

Get on AZ and buy a couple of $50 Kast Kings.  I have boat full of medium to high dollar equipment.  Got a notification about this time last year from AZ of a KK sale.  $50 reels for $25  What the hey, I can always throw them in the trash.

 

Ended up buying 5 over a few months, and am very impressed.  Graphite frames.  I prefer aluminum framed reels for power work (Heavy flipping, frogs, etc) so I use these for lighter applications.  Cranks, jerks, spinner baits, etc.

 

Highly recommended. 

 

Buy you one or two and practice casting.  ALL bait casters will backlash unless you either tighten them down so much you can't cast, or you learn to cast.  I've been throwing bait casters since the 1960's. I turn everything in the reel off.  Wide open.  I used to take the magnets out of my reels to speed them up.  After years of  excessive practice, and lots of backlashes, I can handle almost anything.  Start out with some spool friction and some braking with the goal of turning them off.

[casts_by_fly]

12 hours ago, Den60 said:

I'm going to jump in here and ask the same question. I use spinning reels and would like to get a good bait caster to use. I have both Shimano or Daiwa reels. Would like to keep it under $200 for the reel. Now, on my spinning rods I cast and retrieve right-handed which is my dominant hand but I am guessing I would probably need to go with a left-handed retrieve on a bait caster.

I cast right and retrieve right with a bait caster. Always have. I cast right and retrieve left with a spinning rod. Anything else just feels weird for me. 
 

If you’re willing to spend $200 you’re so close to a jdm zillion at $205. That’s what I’d do (and I just might order myself another one). Way too nice of a reel for that price point.  

[ABU is overpriced]

A beginner shouldn't bother with anything high end. A tatula off of Aliexpress or Japan would be perfect, all you need is an SV spool, which will have a superior control than anything from Shimano. If you're not a beginner, but primarily use spinning reels, and want to get into baitcasters, for $210 the Zillion is unbeatable, but for $150-155 you can get the Alphas, which is as smooth. Both off of amazon japan if you don't want to hunt deals on auctions or Japanese tackle sites.

[ike8120]

A Kastking Mega Jaws with the Automatic Mag Dual Braking System.

[Bigbox99]

Fuego CT, Fuego CT SV, Lews LFS, Shimano SLX ect.  All are great.  Make sure you learn the correct way and don't use "spool tension" and instead rely on the brakes, your eyes to track the bait as it flies towards the water and your thumb to apply pressure to slow and stop the bait as it hits the water.  You don't need to compress the ends of the spool with a knob to get a slow drop to cast a baitcast reel as long as it has at least a semi competent brake system and you know how to cast.  The SLX being a centrifugal only reel can behave poorly with stiff plastic lines with no spool tension but this is easily avoided by not doing that and using the correct tool for the job.  IE: DON'T spool the fast and free casting centrifugal reel with line that has the handing characteristics of slinky.  That's what the SV and other reels with more aggressive braking profiles are for. 

[MediumMouthBass]

Shimano SLX $100, sale price $75

Shimano SLX XT $125, sale price $100

Shimano SLX 70 (with MGL spool) $150, sale price $125

Daiwa Fuego CT $120, sale price $100

Daiwa Tatula 100 (from Japan) around $120

Daiwa Tatula CT $150, sale price $120

Daiwa Tatula SV TW $210, sale price $180

Daiwa Zillion 21 (from Japan) around $210

Lews LFS $100, sale price $60-75

These are a wide range of different reels, for different budgets too. I included MSRP as well as what they go on sale for. Black Friday sales can either be hit or miss from how the economy has been the last few years, but still should have reels with the best prices they have be recently.

Stay away from Amazon reels as a beginner, most of the reviews are paid, the rest are bad.

Subpar parts, nonexistent cutosmer service, and a warranty that is about as real as the Easter Bunny. And a ridiculous amount of extra bearings, that do nothing but make people new to these reels think they are the best and give them there money. As a beginner for casting reels the experience will more than likely not be pleasant with them.

A good quality reel, with much better braking systems, and non plastic frames, goes on sale as low as $50-60. Wait for the sales.

[Den60]

I went with the DAIWA Bait Reel 21 Zillion SV TW from Japan for $205. It will be here on Friday, right as I get back from my golf trip. Thanks for the input.