baitcaster and rod on budget

[brianbjk]

I would like to purchase a low profile baitcaster and rod this year, i have never used one before but would like to try.  I would like to use it for crankbaitin.  i only have about  $150 to spend on it. I know i should probably spend more on the reel so can anyone give me suggestions on what i should buy. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

  also i would like to thank everyone who put this site together i've been a member for about a year and it's just an awesome site!!!!

[Quinn]

I also have a small budget for new gear.  I bought a Pinnacle Platinum plus LP100C to see how I liked a baitcast reel it is low profile for $39 at wal-mart.  I don't expect it to last forever or anything, but I like it alot.  I look forward to getting a better one some day (after reading the mounds of info. on this forum).

If you are new to baitcasting, read up on the tips from these great folks and spend a few days out in the yard with it (I couldn't imagine how you deal with a good backlash in a boat) and even if your not in a boat, it is a real bumber fixing them trying to fish.

Rods? I haven't worried too much about mine (6.5 foot med/heavy) I bought for $7.00 but I will try some others when I have the $$$(after reading the mounds of info. on this forum).

Your circumstances with decide all of these  

[Branuss04]

When I bought my first BC setup I was on a tight budget also.  I went and got a BPS Combo.  It had a Citica 200 paired with a BPS Extreme Series Rod.  This is a great setup and I have had no problems with either the rod or reel.  I'm sure there are many possibilities to what you can get in that price range.  Look around at BPS and Cabelas, they have lots of combo packages.

[Ballpark Frank]

There are some great combos out there in your price range. BPS and Cabelas have several that use their branded rod with a reel from a known manufacturer(Shimano,Daiwa, Abu Garcia, Quantum). Gander Mountain also has some good combos. If you have one of these three stores around you, go there and put your hands on them. The salespeople at most of these are knowledgeable and can help a great deal. Usually if you tell them your budget, they will help you decide on what's best for you and try not to make you spend more.

[Alpster]

Everyone on a tight budget looking for quality fishing gear should look at ebay, craigslist and carefully watch the 'flea market board' on this forum. If you are patient and careful, you can beat BPS and Cabellas by a long shot. I have some very sweet, even 'high end' gear that I didn't pay 1/2 of retail prices for. Most of it was still new in the box and the used stuff was just fine. Just something to think about. PM me if you want the details.

Ronnie

[fish-fighting-illini]

Several things to consider. Right now BPS is having their big sale so you should be able to find something in that prce range. The Shimano Citica on a BPS Extreme will do the trick fine. Shimano also has some sort of a rebate on reels so keep that in mind. If you can find it there are still a few of last years models of St Croix Avids to be had for around $100. Abu and Fenwick and Allstar have a special rebate going if you buy any Abu reel and a rod of the brands listed. You can find the coupon here on the boards. Any other time of year I would steer you to E-bay but not with the rebates and the BPS's on sale. E-bay has its drawbacks and some risks that you don't get in person.

Another great option BPS has the Pflueger President BC for $89 and has their Extreme rods for $67 or so. That would be a heck of a combo for the money.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.

FFI AKA - Matt Crum

[HesterIsGod]

Everyone on a tight budget looking for quality fishing gear should look at ebay, craigslist and carefully watch the 'flea market board' on this forum. If you are patient and careful, you can beat BPS and Cabellas by a long shot. I have some very sweet, even 'high end' gear that I didn't pay 1/2 of retail prices for. Most of it was still new in the box and the used stuff was just fine. Just something to think about. PM me if you want the details.

Ronnie

exactly what i was gonna say. You can get some really great deals on ebay if you know where to look and look often.

[bowtech_182]

How about a Browning Silaflex for $35 and a BPS Fritts baitcaster for $79.    This was recommended to me by five.bass.limit as great crankbait setup.  I plan on picking up the same setup sometime this year.

[Jake P]

Basspro has a Shimano Citica and Extreme XPS rod combo for 169.98$ with a rebate which would put you right at 150$. I have never owned a Citica but i have heard from tons of people that they are awesome reels. The Extreme XPS rod i do own and it was part of my first baitcast combo and i can say its not a bad rod at all. I think this would be your best bet for a baitcast setup. Good luck with whatever you choose.