Best Bait Caster for a Beginner?

[new2BC4bass]

41 minutes ago, Den60 said:

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.

Excellent decision. 

 

[Den60]

I'm pairing this reel with the Daiwa Tatula Bass Casting Rod 7'3" medium-heavy fast action and starting out with Xylene XL 14#. Going to use a Texas Rig with a 5" Yum worm. I have a few different colors of those. 

 

I will have two spinner R&Rs and this baitcaster R&R. Was going to rig one spinner with a hard bait and the other with a jig so I can quickly switch.

 

I know there will be a learning curve for me with the baitcaster setup but do I look like I'm on the right track with these?

 

[MickD]

On 3/7/2024 at 6:00 AM, Lead Head said:

This puts you in the Fuego or above bracket.

Fuego is a great reel for about $100, great for beginners.   No need to spend hundreds of dollars not knowing if the interest will stick or not.

[MediumMouthBass]

9 hours ago, MickD said:

Fuego is a great reel for about $100, great for beginners.   No need to spend hundreds of dollars not knowing if the interest will stick or not.

The Fuego CT is a great reel, i think it excels more for heavier duty fishing. Feels like a tank that can handle anything. Atleast mine does.

 

However its not worth the $120 MSRP. Nor is it worth $100 when it rarely goes on sale.

 

The Tatula CT, is smoother, casts farther (T wing), has a nicer finish, better handle grips, all for about $10-25 more when on sale throughout the year. I have no idea why Daiwa doesnt sell the Fuegos in the $85 range. They would move alot of product if they did.

9 hours ago, Den60 said:

I'm pairing this reel with the Daiwa Tatula Bass Casting Rod 7'3" medium-heavy fast action and starting out with Xylene XL 14#. Going to use a Texas Rig with a 5" Yum worm. I have a few different colors of those. 

 

I will have two spinner R&Rs and this baitcaster R&R. Was going to rig one spinner with a hard bait and the other with a jig so I can quickly switch.

 

I know there will be a learning curve for me with the baitcaster setup but do I look like I'm on the right track with these?

 

I use a similar setup for Texas rigged senkos and creature baits/craws.

7'3"MH F Dobyns, 12lb YZH which is more like 14lb. Paired with a SLX XT, or Tatula CT, but with any baitcaster this is a great combo for those types of baits.

 

Only thing i would recommend is to pick up some heavier senkos as well, i like Caffeine Shads because they are much heavier than the very light Yum's. Its good to have a wide variety of brands for senkos, different fall rates, and the ability to cast closer or farther.

 

Setting up the baitcaster is very simple if you watch a youtube video or one of the ones Glenn has on here. Another thing i would recommend is use cheap line first. That way if you get some backlashes and have to cut them out it doesnt hurt the wallet.