A whole new world

[wgilfus81]

After many years of fishing with spinning reels, Ive finally made the call to move into the world of baitcasting. Im looking for suggestions on a cost efficent, smooth operating baitcasting reel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[RiskKid.]

I started with a Shimano Citica and feel it was the perfect choice based on price (119 retail but there are deals to be had) and quality. I still use it as much as any other reel I have. I would suggest a 100 size.

[Red]

abu garcia revo S, $100 and smooth as silk

[islandbass]

There still is time. The Citica or Curado of your choice. Nuff said. There are a myriad of posts to back this recommendation.

Can't recommend other brands because I'd be blowing smoke up your sit down part since I've not yet fished with a Revo or Daiwa bc reel. That will soon change. I plan to acquire a Pixy and a Revo this year.

[Raul]

I plan to acquire a Pixy this year.

I hope to live to see that day.  

For the money I wouldn 't think it too much, for 70 dollars ( after the discount @ *** and the rebate from Shimano ) I 'd jump straight on the Citica ( already have ).

[.dsaavedra.]

[move]CITICA[/move]

[Chad.]

Daiwa advantage hsta!

[Jeff H]

Cabela's Prodigy is $100 and very worthy of consideration if you have the budget for it.  It might be more than you want to spend though

[hawgchaser]

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Quantum Code casts well. External centrifugal control is a GREAT feature, 8 bearings, this is a very user friendly reel. $80

Shimano Citica performs like a Bass Pro extreme but costs twice as much. Still a good reel but some of them are squeelers and that drives me crazy. Mine and 3 of my buddies make this noise.

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

Those are the four reels that I have and my pinion of them. I do have some others but these are the ones I recommend.

Good Luck!!!

[Chad.]

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

you contradicted yourself  :

[hawgchaser]

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

you contradicted yourself :

How so?

The extreme performs as well as the curado. I have several of both and although the Curado is considered the better reel, I personally prefer the extreme. I see no contradiction. If you do, fine. The point is that I have all of the above reels and like them but the extreme is my favorite and is the best value IMO.

[Chad.]

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3

you contradicted yourself  :

How so?

The extreme performs as well as the curado. I have several of both and although the Curado is considered the better reel, I personally prefer the extreme. I see no contradiction. If you do, fine. The point is that I have all of the above reels and like them but the extreme is my favorite and is the best value IMO.

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3  :-/

[grimlin]

LOL @ hawgchaser...You said citica performs like the extremes....then said it performs like a $200 reel.Something ain't right there...Last i checked citicas are $120.You did contradict yourself a little bit.Now if you had said it performs like a curado it'd be different.However i highly doubt it does. Which is the reason you didn't compare it to the curado,because you know better.

Honestly i have the citica and the extreme...guess which one performs better for me?I'll give you a hint it starts with the brand name Shimano.No i'm not brand loyal either so don't try to pin it.

[Micro]

After many years of fishing with spinning reels, Ive finally made the call to move into the world of baitcasting. Im looking for suggestions on a cost efficent, smooth operating baitcasting reel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The previous numbnuttery notwithstanding, you didn't say what your price range is. Lucky for you , the reel I recommend comes in various grades to fit most budgets.

I recommend the Abu Garcia Revo. It's exceptionally well made, has the best drag on the market, casts exceptionally well, handles light to heavy baits well, and is backed by a company that has outstanding customer service. The Revo S at $99 is probably the best lowpro value out there. The SX is an upgrade with more bearings and a magnetic brake for $150. The STX with the disengaging spool casts like a dream and easy on the eyes - a super reel at $200.

[hawgchaser]

Ha, you guys are killin me!!!!  

The citica performs as well as an extreme. However I do not like the reel as much. In fact I gave one of mine away to my fishing buddy.

I think most people would agree that the Curado is the best of all the reels mentioned. BUT I personally prefer the extremes. I like my curados but love the extremes. I have posted other threads about why...mainly durability.

So the extremes do perform like a $200 reel. The Citica performs like an extreme but has some things about it I am not a fan of.

If I am contradicting myself, then I am sorry. I still don't see it but the point is.....the extreme's are the best buy IMO.

Keep in mind I have 2 chronarchs, 3 curados, 6 citicas(5 of them the older ones) and I think 5 extremes. Just my opinions and i know many will disagree. ;D

Sorry for the contradictions

[hawgchaser]

Oh by the way, I am dying to try the Revos. I have heard nothing but good things and they are supposed to be smooooooooooooth.