Recommend me a first baitcaster

[BigJohnny]

The cheaper the better, but my budget is flexible *cough* tax returns *cough*.

I don't really know anything about them, I've never used one before. I obviously want something that performs but I would also like to be able to figure out how to use it!

Any help is appreciated

[uicdent11]

Shimano Chronarch 51Mg on ***.com. If you can afford it, I can't think of a better real to learn on.

[roadwarrior]

The Shimano Citica, new or used, would be a good reel to start with.

Everyone I know who has one, loves it!  If you are patient, they pop

up in our Flea Market occasionally. For $60-$80 you should be able to

pick up a D, the E is $120 MSRP, but might show up on the Flea Market,

too.

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca_200e.html

[nateobot]

The Shimano Citica, new or used, would be a good reel to start with.

Everyone I know who has one, loves it! If you are patient, they pop

up in our Flea Market occasionally. For $60-$80 you should be able to

pick up a D, the E is $120 MSRP, but might show up on the Flea Market,

too.

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca_200e.html

This is the one I just got. It is my first BC as well. Was patient on Ebay and got a new 201E for $90 shipped. I will let you know how it fares this weekend.

[adclem]

I agree the new Citica E or a older Citica D model would be a great reel to start with.

Later,

[andamtoft]

as stated above the shimanos would be a good choice. you could also look into a revo s which would be a great alternative

[bigfruits]

chronarch mg or curado e7

[TrippyJai]

Citica E would be a great choice.

[-HAWK-]

The Shimano Citica E is smooth as butter, VERY easy to learn with. The Variable Brake system is very helpful for a newbie to learn the basics to baitcasting. You will love the Citica 200E, I can almost guarantee it.

[acmaul13]

Another vote for the Citica 200.I picked up a combo from BPS this spring and have been amazed with the ease of use 8-)

[I.rar]

citica d.

[coolhandlala]

you don't need anything fancier than a citica whether it is a D or E they are great reels to start with.  I bought 2, 2 years ago when first leaning to use a baitcaster and they are very easy to tune and cast without backlashes.

If you like the citicas then you can go ahead and spend the reel money on a chronarch, revo, zillion or some other sexy reel, but at first stick to the easy ones.

I would say listen to RW he will not steer you wrong.

[DINK WHISPERER]

Go big or go home i always say! Revo STX or SX. You might as well have the best right from the get go!

[crankin09]

REVO  S SX STX  It doesnt matter

[S I G M A]

I vote Revo S

[Cravin]

I agree with everyone! I would get a Citica or a Revo S, the Variable Braking System will reduce frustration on the learning curve and both reels are top notch new or used. If you decide you like them you can drop more money on their big brothers later. If you don't you can unload them here at the flea market and get some of your money back, You won't have a problem selling if you price them right.

[Hatty]

Stick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels.  I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.

[Pirouge]

I got a Citica 200E as my first bait cast rig and so far, I am not having much fun with it. I get lots of backlash's towards the end of my casts. I adjust the cast control knob so that my bait falls very slowly when I release the clutch bar. I have four brake weights on and two off.

My casts don't go very far and if I'm not right on top of things with my thumb, I get a backlash. If I am heavy with the thumb, I get even less distance. What am I doing wrong?

The bass are getting off easy as I am spending so much time untangling the reel.

[Cravin]

Set two brakes not four, and set you spool tension tighter, as a beginner I like to set it so that you have to bump the rod to get the bait to fall, when the bait falls 24 to 36 inches and stops you are set for casting. Once you get more familiar with the feel and the way it throws you can back off the tension and get more distance. Be very aware of wind, If you turn into the wind and cast you may be picking out another nest.

[Cravin]

Maybe this will explain it better?

If your backlashing as soon as you cast or in the middle to almost end of casting your spool is releasing line faster than the weight and momentum of the lures traveling speed from the cast. remedy by tightening the spool tension knob.

If your get loose line or slight nets at the very end of you cast its in the Brake setting, magnetic or variable which ever you have. When a lure looses momentum that is when the brake setting takes effect.

[ghost]

I'll agree w/ the Citica E or Revo S...but the Citca E is $10 less than the Revo S...I bought the Revo S when it first came out a 3 years ago for $100 new, not they are $130 & the body style or anything else about the reel is still the same.

I'd like to also throw in the 2009 BPS Pro Qualifier(PQ).  I have both speeds in left hand & believe it or not, it's a very good reel.  It has dual braking, so I see this as something easy for a beginner baitcaster to set & not get as many backlashes as a b/c reel w/ centrifugal braking or magnetic braking.  The PQ has both those braking.  The centrifugal braking for the initial cast & the mag braking for the end of the cast.  It weighs as much as a Revo S & feels quite compact, not wide like the Citica E.  Another reel to look at from BPS is the 2009 Rick Clunn model, it too has dual braking but weighs in about an ounce more.  It has a blue non-slip paint job on it.  Also these BPS model reels are on sale now & much less than the Citica E or Revo S.  Another thing I like about either these 2 reels is it has a swept handle.

I really like the Citica 201E I have but the only complaint I have is it feels wide, almost feels as wide as the Daiwa Advantage I have.  This isn't really a problem but it does not feel as compact to me.  The BPS PQ or Rick Clunn feel more compact side wise, but are just a bit tall like a Revo S.

[Simp]

I'm going to go a different way then these guys. Both the Citica and Revo's are great reels. What I'm going to recommend is usually a little bit lighter on the budget but my favorite real I've used. I personally like the KVD Quantum that Bass Pro shops has. Most people don't like signature series reels but this one is fantastic IMHO. I prefer the Centrifugal breaking system over magnetic brakes but I also wanted external adjustment to those brakes. The KVD fit that bill but I also wanted a slow 5.1 gear ratio. The KVD line offers that speed if you want it and a 6.3 or a 7.1 burner model. I got both those features for less then 80$ and neither the Revo S or Citica could offer that. What I also found out about the reel is it casts a mile, it's very smooth, and it can toss light cranks with ease. The spool tension knob is also light years ahead of other spool tension knobs out there. I know that sounds strange but you have to use it to understand. I know Procrafter actually bought several KVDs and was standardising his set up at the Roadtrip with them as well. So do some shopping, go to some stores and play with them before buying.Heck go fish with a friend that has some baitcasters. Try some out for a day and find out what you like and dislike about baitcasters. Then we can help guide you in the feature set you may like.

[skunked_again]

Stick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels. I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.

i agree. for a first timer id stay away from the STX and SX.

the OP might think about Abu 4600 series gear. the best learning gear i can think of.

[rubba bubba]

I'll agree w/ the Citica E or Revo S...but the Citca E is $10 less than the Revo S...I bought the Revo S when it first came out a 3 years ago for $100 new, now they are $130 & the body style or anything else about the reel is still the same.

While the $130 price is true for the S, that is list price.  They can be had, new and shipped for $85-95 on ebay.

For the KVD reels, I believe those are only available in right hand last I checked but that was a year or so ago.

[dmac14]

For the KVD reels, I believe those are only available in right hand last I checked but that was a year or so ago.

They just came out with the left handed version