Fishing on a budget

[bounder5150]

Im getting into bass fishing but dont have alot of money.  How are the Berkley Tactix since they are reasonably priced and are technique specific.  Also what is a good baitcaster for under $100,, all suggestions welcome on getting started with good quality for a good price!

[D4u2s0t]

I picked up the bass pro tourney from a member here, new I think they go for like 50-60.  It's a great reel to learn on, or even if you already know how to use one I would definitely recommend it.

[RobbyZ5001]

For a baitcaster under $100 I would go with the Abu Garcia revo s or the Shimano citica. You can find both under $100 if you look around.

[L a r r y]

If you want to spend $100 on a b/c, get on Gander Mountains site and you can pick up a REVO STX for $99.  Alot of people have them and they all say they love them.  This is normally a $200 reel, which is a good deal imho

[Catt]

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1246369553/

[SWMIBASSER]

do you currently fish with a baitcaster?

I've always said that the Abu round reels are one of the best to start out with. Simple as can be to use. I learned to use a bait caster with an Abu round reel when I was 12 years old, and haven't looked back.

As for rods, watch Bass Pro shops this spring as all their stuff seems to go on sale.

The tactics are OK. My brother has one for drop shotting. It's nothing great. A little heavy, really slow action (i guess this is on purpose though).

He catches plenty of fish on it though.

[K_Mac]

The BPS Pro Qualifier is $99 list. It is on sale now for $80. At full price it is a great value IMHO. It has both centrifugal and magnetic braking that allows for excellent control and is a very smooth reel. It comes in two speeds. The slower is 26" per turn, which in my opinion is perfect for all round use. The higher speed is 29 IPT. I have 2 of these reels, and have asked Santa for a couple more for Christmas. Good luck.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102287_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

[GRiver]

Bass Pro Shop has some good deals....look at there combos too.

[MSPbass]

Don't be afraid to look at used either. You can find great deals form folks looking to upgrade/downsize their own gear and it's often very, very, well taken care of. A little boat rash doesn't really mean a thing. You'll scuff up your new reel before you know it anyhow. Be sure to read a seller's feedback if you go the eBay route though. The sellers there are sometimes less than honest. Just sometimes. Seen lots of good deals from this site's Flea Market forum too.

Otherwise, I agree with the above; the combo deals from Cabela's and BPS are a good way to go.

[SWMIBASSER]

I'll add something else.....

Some people feel the need for quanity of rods.

If you think you need several rods, and that is why you are on a budget I would argue that LESS equipment of a higher quality is a better route to go.

A 7ft MH casting rod, 7 ft M spinning rod, 7ft M or MH crankbait rod, and you have the basics down. IMO.

[awcGA]

I bought an Extreme bait casting combo on sale from BPS for $99.00 about 3 weeks ago. I have Spiderwire Stealth line on it and so far it has performed flawlessly. I have caught 2 bass over 5 lbs each with it and with no issues.

[Chris]

Take a look at Pinnacle stuff in my opinion their products are the best bang for the buck great for budget guys they have reels on sale right now.

https://www.pinnaclefishing.com/shop/default.aspx

[Rebel Angler]

Bass Pro, Dicks Sporting, an Wal-Mart are where I get all my stuff. Not bad prices an still have everything you need, minus alot of the high end rods an reels.

[retiredbosn]

I try to buy all of my stuff on sale.  If you are willing to do some looking you can routinely find good deals.  Right now on Ebay you can get an Accurist PT for 50 bucks, I use Abu EXT Pro's, they retailed for 170, and I bought mine for around 70 a piece nib.  I word of caution do not buy used reels from Ebay, buying used reels here on the flea market is fine.  Good luck.

[fishfordollars]

Try this:

Pawn shops

Garage sales

Over half of my high dollar tackle came from these two outlets. It takes some patience, but really pays off if you take the time.

Jack

[barroncooper]

academy recently had the shimano cruxis on sale for $39.99.  I bought 4 of them for christmas gifts.  d**n smooth reel too.  also had the allstar classics  for 24.99.  can't get more economical than that