fishinfan Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Hi All, I am looking to find an ideal bait casting reel for myself to learn to throw and hopefully not tangle up too much with birdsnests. I bought a cheap one awhile ago but it didn't work very well. If anyone can point out some good beginner reels to use/try please let me know or if you have any for sale please let me know but again I stress beginner and not rich here. Thanks for all your help. Mike Quote
RWHusker. Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Hi, Last year I bought a cheaper shimano ($60) for my son to learn on, bad idea. Was frustrating but he did learn. At the end of the season I bought an Abu Garcia Revo for him. It was night and day difference. I was very pleased for $99. When he's not with me I use it for my wacky worm reel/rod. I know I will hear it from the Shimano guys, but there's not alot of difference between my curado's that were twice as much money. GO BIG RED Quote
Guest muddy Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Although I use Pflueger Trions I learned on a BPS Extreme 6.2:1 LP.with a narrow spool amd a BPS PRO QUALIFIER and they great reels to learn on! i got them used from Mr.Carp7 and Pond Hopper, good deals! Quote
fishinfan Posted February 13, 2008 Author Posted February 13, 2008 Thanks for the info. I have been trying to read up a bit on baitcasters and I have heard there is a night/day difference with good reels and cheap ones. I'm just looking for something decent I can learn with and move up from there eventually. I appreciate the suggestion and your experience. Mike Quote
rfrazier Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 check the flea market on the forums for a few days, something will probably come up with a very reasonable price range. Quote
GitRDoneIke23 Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 Also when practicing make sure your weights/magnets are set all the way tight and the same with your spool tension. And just slowy let off a bit. I don't know how much you know about BCs but just a little, I MEAN A LITTLE turn on the spool tension knob will make a HUGE difference. As for a reel.................SHIMANO!!!! Quote
Super User flechero Posted February 13, 2008 Super User Posted February 13, 2008 For what it's worth, I bought a Daiwa Exceler for a friend that I introduced to baitcasting and it casts really well. I was pleasantly surprised by the performance. I had no trouble adjusting it for him to start "thumbless" at first and then each day backing it off a little. He's now casting it like a pro and loves this reel. Seems to have a decent drag as well. I have no idea what the lifespan will be but for $60 it's a keeper so far. I can't give you an objective comparison to other reels in this price range because I have nothing to compare it to... but it has a lot of features typically found in more $$ reels. I'm not usually a Diawa guy but if mine is "typical" for the Excelers, this is an easy reel to recommend to people looking in this price range. edited to add: It also comes in LH if you need it. (which is how I found it) Quote
fishinnstudyin Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 If you reel with the left hand, Cabela's Prodigy is on sale for $64.88 but only the left hand retrieve models are available. They are a good price for $100 and they are an amazing price for $70 (with tax). They are basically the Daiwa Advantage with an additional bearing. I had my little cousin casting it when he was 12 and he did perfectly fine. Just tighten the magnetic brakes and gradually progress and loosen them up. John Quote
Bassnajr Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 hey.. I am new to baitcasting as well and the difference between a Real Cheapee" and a reel you can learn with (as I am doing) seems to be, and I hate to talk money, the $100.00 range. That's when you see a REAL difference. But first, read the ABC's of bait casting right here on the BR threads. How they work, what the magnets are for etc. I also agree with a narrow spool, one that fits your thumb snuggly. Practice makes perfect: stick with it and it gets to be second nature!! Good luck! bassnajr Quote
Bassnajr Posted February 13, 2008 Posted February 13, 2008 PS for a cheaper real...the Diawa Megaforce with twitchen switch isn't bad either......and I agree with the comment about the flea market here. I bought a reel last week from fivebasslimit for a great price waiting for it to arrive. Give him a PM. I am sure he can help you and keep keep the price down!!! ajr Quote
fishinfan Posted February 13, 2008 Author Posted February 13, 2008 WOW...thank you all for all the responses and I am grateful for your input and suggestions. Just to clear things up I am a right-handed guy so I'm used to reeling in with my right hand. Just more natural for me I guess. Keep the suggestions coming and if anyone here has one for sale send me a PM or let me know where you saw a good deal. I'll try and make a desicion soon. I want to learn but also want something quality and reasonably priced. Thanks, Mike Quote
JigNBig Posted February 14, 2008 Posted February 14, 2008 Shimano Citica. nothing more nothing less. if you want the best reel for your money that will last the longest and be the best quality. buy this reel! i dont think anyone will dissagree. Quote
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