Finesse Baitcasters

[JTlunker83]

I know that spinning reels are a go-to reel when finesse fishing simply because it handles the lighter line better, but what about finesse baitcasters?  I'm looking at a BPS Prolite Reel and wondering if it would be a headache handling 8-10lb test line.  If there are good finesse baitcasters, are there any that ya'll would recommend.  Try to keep it below the $100.00 mark.

Thanks

[cbfishalot]

I was going to say Daiwa Sol or the Shimano Chronarch CH50MG.  They both would be great finesse baitcaster for 8lb fluorocarbon and small baits.  The two might be a little out of your price range.

[.ghoti.]

I have a Johnny Morris reel from BPS. They are on sale at $120 a few times a year. A little over your price but not much, and it will do just fine with 10lb test line. That's what's on mine, and I use it for unweighted flukes and very lightly weighted tubes.

Cheers,

GK

[Yodie]

Hmm... I never thought 10lb to be light...10lb Stren Orig. is my go to line, I use it on everything but my spinning rigs (6lb and 8lb) and my flippin/pitchin rig (17lb)... I have never had a bass break the line becuase of anything but neglect on my part.

I have two old Curados, and new 100D, a 200DPV, and an old Lew's BB-1NG and all have had 10lb on them and thrown baits as small as their respective rods would allow...

I kind of see the ability to use lighter line and smaller baits in the rod more than the reel, becuase the reel can always be adjusted back tension wise, but you cant make a Hvy action a medium by any kind of magic I know of...

[Yodie]

Oh....I guess I didnt give a reccomendation...

I stick with more brand names becuase they are easier to get fixed if something happens. I would reccomend the new Citica 100DSV which is real close to your price point. Also the Quantum Acurist PT, but not the CX model, the PT is definately worth the extra cash.

[ww2farmer]

The BPS Extreme line also offers a Finesse size, regularly they sell for $79, but if you care to wait it out they go on sale often. I have a few of the regular size extreme's, they handle baits down to 1/8 oz pretty good on light line, with no wind in your face, and if your not trying to heave it a mile. I will say the pre 2006 ones with the internaly adjusted brakes seem to cast better to me than the 2006 an newer ones with the externaly adjustable brakes.

[cart7t]

A BPS Extreme ETX05 is a pretty small reel that would work.  I just got a Revo S for myself, nice reel and somewhat smaller, not sure how it would handle 8lb line though.

[reelon]

I had a prolite when I first started fishing, it did handle light lures well, but I had 12 lb line on it. I really don't know which reel could go under the 100 for this application sorry.

[NBR]

I bought a BPS prolite finesse reel combo last year with a 6'6"ML rod and spooled it with 12# Berkley XL because I had some. I used it for jigs as light as 1/8 oz. with no trouble. This year I think I'll spool it with 8 or 10#.

I like thr reel and combo as well as any other outfit I have which go from Daiwas, to Curados to Quantums just fine.

[dink]

The rod will be the deciding factor reagarding lure size/weight.  That being said, I throw Shad Rap SR5's with a 5:1 BPS Rick Clunn (blue one).  The externally adjustable brake system makes for easy "tweaks" when throwing these featherweight cranks.  I have put 8 and 10 lb. test line on this one and my Prolite Finesse.  No problems with casting.

[HPBB]

I think almost any BC can be a good finess reel. yes some are better than others, but when you learn your reels good and know how to adjust it right you should be able to use any lure. I know with my flippin sticks and reels I can use a 1oz jig then switch right over to a 1/8oz with out any problem, just some adjustments. I have used 10lb on almost all of my reels with out any problem. Rods well that is a different story.

I would suggest a TD sol & TD Viento, but both are well over the $100 mark. I use a TD SOL & Viento with light 8 & 10lb line, but I also have a Pinnacle Solene($55) and Inertia($80).They handel light line good.

If you go on Ebay you can find some really nice Used reels at good prices. I know last week there were some used TD Vientos going for $100, and those Pinnacle reels I go on ebay new, $40 for the Inertia nd $30 for the solene