Need Help with buying Baitcasters

[mackkie]

I'm a beginner to baitcasters, looking to buy one for the upcoming spring.

What's a good model, that will limit backlashing?  I don't mind spending from 100-250.

Does anyone know much about the Browning Midas Models?

Thanks!

[Micro]

I have a few Browning spinning rods and reels.  I like them a lot.  But for the price of the Midas baitcast reel, I think you can do better.  I'd stick with one of the well known manufacturers - Abu Garcia, Shimano, Daiwa, etc - since they provide great customer service should you need it.  

Most of my baitcast reels are Abu Garcia.  I have several Revos and EXTs.  I also have a couple of Shimano Curados.  They are all great reels.  

With a range of $100 - $250, you have a huge selection.  My recommendation would be the Revo STX (in 6.4:1) for $199.  The reel is light, ultra smooth, casts well, handles light baits well, is exceptionally well made, and Abu Garcia's customer service is excellent.  

[burleytog]

At the low end, Citica 100DSV.  On the high end, Curado 100DSV.

What, you expected me to say something else?

Seriously though, go to a tackle shop and handle every reel.  I don't think there is a bad reel on the market as long as it says Shimano, Daiwa, or Garcia on the side.  

Buy what you like.  Hell, buy one of each and give them a workout on the water.

[mackkie]

Which Abu should I look at, the SX, or STX?

Would you guys go Shimano or Abu?

What about the Quantum Energy, heard some good things about that too?

Thanks for the help!

[Guest muddy]

Pflueger Trion NSLP 99 bucks 8-) 8-)

[Alpster]

If you have $250 to spend, get a Shimano Chronarch 50Mg. You will love it. I have 4 of them. GREAT REELS!

Ronnie

[Pencil Pusher]

I have two of the Midas reels. I have no complaints about them, the dual braking system is great for casting a variety of lure weights BUT I got the on sale for $99. At the regular price of $150, I would choose a Daiwa 153HSTA. I have the previous model and from what I have been told by some knowledgeable people, the new one is really worth the bucks.

[PondHunter]

I have a preference for Shimano, but whichever you decide on buy a good one and not some cheapie. I made the mistake of getting 2 cheap ones and was totally put off baitcasters for a long time. The good ones have smooth enough drag settings to eliminate backlash and still cast well. You wont regret buying the best reel you can afford. My favorite is the Shimano Calcutta. Also, you may want to consider whether the reel is available in left hand retrieve. I am right handed, but a left hand reel lets me cast and retrieve without switching hands. I have mine on a Flippin Stick and if a fish hits as soon as the lure enters the water it helps to be able to set the hook and retrieve without changing hands. The better reels also have better magnetic backlash controls. The cheap ones are like light switches, on or off. You will probably end up closer to $250 than $100 when you find the one you want. GOOD LUCK!

[Cburgerjr35]

Get a Shimano Citica right now, while the rebate is going on.......

Then USE the rest on a good rod to go with it !!!!!!!!!!!

[Micro]

Or you could buy an Abu Garcia and an All Star or Fenwick rod and get $50 back.

http://www.abugarcia.com/coupon.php

[.RM.]

mackkie,

What's a good model, that will limit backlashing?  I don't mind spending from 100-250.

LOL, yeah you will if you spend $250 on a reel and get frustrated because you didn't do your homework and learn how to use a baitcaster the right way.

Just because you spend $250 on a reel doesn't mean YOU won't backlash that thing. The one thing I have noticed here is the high end of the posted price range is what the some of the guys immediately started giving suggestions on, but not one really offered a reel that will LIMIT back lashing, because their really isn't any such reel...

Real backlash control come's from the proper setup of the reel and an educated thumb, not by how much you spend on the reel......

JMH .02¢

Good Luck & Tight Lines In 08!

[burleytog]

The better reels also have better magnetic backlash controls. The cheap ones are like light switches, on or off.  

:-?

You recommend a Calcutta, then call it a cheap reel?  :-?

[Evan Pease]

For $250 Id suggest a Viento or Zillion. Complete opposite of mr burlizzle

[PondHunter]

Burley Walnuts, Calcuttas have magnetic cast controls, I meant that cheap models cast controls dont work very well, unlike the Calcutta. On the two cheap models I owned, the difference between 1 and 10 on the mags was virtually nonexistant, it was either on or off. With the Calcutta you can adjust it to work with any reasonably weighted lure.

[Micro]

I thought Calcuttas had centrifugal brakes, except for the electronic model.   :-?

[burleytog]

Burley Walnuts, Calcuttas have magnetic cast controls, I meant that cheap models cast controls dont work very well, unlike the Calcutta. On the two cheap models I owned, the difference between 1 and 10 on the mags was virtually nonexistant, it was either on or off. With the Calcutta you can adjust it to work with any reasonably weighted lure.

The Calcutta has magnetic braking?  :-?

Shimano Calcutta at fish.shimano.com

 

Yep, that VBS is really magnetic.  :-X

[OldGuyAl]

depending upon your level of experience, coordination, talent, and PRACTICE, anybody can backlash any baitcaster or not.

seriously, buy the very best reel you can afford - for me, that's a Revo STX and take it slow and easy.  Line plays some part in the equation, too.  Start with a more limp/soft/flexible line like Trilene XL before you try to spool up with the high-priced flourocarbons and co-polymers.   Figure that you're going to be throwing away most of the line you put on your reel when you're first learning it.  Stick with a 10 or 12lb line at the most.

Braid is really easy to handle but it's pretty expensive if you have to cut a bunch of it off and throw it away after you make a comprehensive bird's nest in your reel - which you ABSOLUTELY will!

Consider this - I've seen the best and most experienced anglers create total disasters in their reels due to something totally unrelated to their ability to cast - like accidentally catching your lure on something in the boat on your "back swing" (like your fishing buddy).  Once you get those spools spinning, they keep spinning whether the line is going forward or not.  ;-)

Don't give up!

[PondHunter]

So sorry about making a minor error on the specs of a reel. Next time I will be sure to PM you will all my future posts so that you can make sure I dont do it again.  >

[Jake P]

No matter how much money you spend on a reel it will not limit your backlashes, if you do not have an educated thumb it will happen. It takes practice practice and some more practice.1-250 dollars is alot of money to spend and you have a HUGE selection to choose from. My advice would be go to a tackleshop (basspro, cabelas or a local store) and get your hands on the reels your seriosuly looking at to make sure you like the weight and size and feel of them. Stick with brand names that deliver quality like  Abu Garcia, Shimano, Daiwa etc. I have heard nothing but good reviews about the Revo STX and its priced at 200$. Good luck with whatever you pick.

[FishTank]

The Shimano Calcutta would be a good choice.  I also like the Daiwa Zillion. But the best bang for the buck would be the a Shimano curado 100.

[mackkie]

I'm leaning towards the Revo STX, they have a $50 rebate if you pair it with an all star rod.

What type of rod should I get to go with this?  Is all star a good choice, or should I go Falcon, St Croix, or someone like that?

What are the best specs for a multi purpose pole, to throw spinnerbaits, jigs, plastics, etc?

Thanks guys

[Jake.]

I'm leaning towards the Revo STX, they have a $50 rebate if you pair it with an all star rod.

What type of rod should I get to go with this? Is all star a good choice, or should I go Falcon, St Croix, or someone like that?

What are the best specs for a multi purpose pole, to throw spinnerbaits, jigs, plastics, etc?

Thanks guys

All stars are good rods. I owned a few, before I switched to all St Croix. Either brand would be a good choice. As for a good multi purpose rod, I would go with a MH or M power rod, with a fast action. Length depends on personal preferance, 6' 6' or 7' are good choices.