Recommend a starter baitcast reel

[MNAngler]

Hi,

I have some credit at Dick's Sporting Goods and would like to pick up a starter baitcast reel. I was considering the Abu Garcia Blackmax, Daiwa Takara, or Daiwa Grigsby. All are currently under $60.

The Takara appears to be a Dick's exclusive. Anyone know its "regular" market counterpart if there is one?

I was high on the Quantum Code combo for a while, but under closer examination, it appears the reel's magnetic brake dial only goes between 3 settings, which is 7 less than most reels, so I'm skiddish about it now.

Can anyone recommend a good starter baitcast reel available at Dick's?

Thanx in advance.

[BassThumb]

Why does it have to be at Dick's?  Gift card?

If not, go try out the Shimano Citica 200E at Dick's, and then go home and buy it online for $95 shipped. It's significantly better than those you mentioned and is a perfect starter reel. I would recommend a little better reel to learn how to cast with. It will be less of a hassle if you go this route. It's a fine reel, and quite a bargain at $95.

[Bass XL]

I dont know if they sell them at dicks, but I started using the the older version of the Citica. It was a solid reel to start out with. Still use the same one to this day.

[northern basser]

BeaverIslander is correct.  The extra few dollars for the Citica would be well worth it. 

[basscrusher]

I'll give you the same advice I gave to hundreds of customers when I worked in a sporting goods store...DO NOT get a cheap baitcaster to begin. As everyone knows, the difficult thing to master with baitcasters is the backlash capability on casting. Better reels have better casting controls. Ironically, it often takes a "master" to be able to control casting on low-end baitcasters. Do like the others said and get a Shimano Citica E. Great reel, great casting control, you will learn how to properly use a baitcaster and get a long-lasting one in the process. Hope this helps.

[new2BC4bass]

I dont know if they sell them at dicks, but I started using the the older version of the Citica. It was a solid reel to start out with. Still use the same one to this day.

My local Dick's has the Citica.

[burleytog]

You'd might as well throw your gift card in the trash.  That's what you'll be doing with the cheap reel when you get frustrated after your 20th backlash.

[Pikesnogle]

All of this information is good. I just got my first bait caster about two weeks ago (Shimano Curado 201E7). At the advice of a few friends I spent the extra cash on a better quality reel, I would advise you to do the same. I got the hang of it in less than a day, I think that buying the better quality reel had a lot to do with that. Stick with it, don't get frustrated you'll get it.

-Snogle

[LAO162]

Do a search on RH/LH retrieve.  There's a discussion just about every week.  If you've been using spinning gear for a couple decades, you may find the traditional RH retrieve to be distracting.  If you are uncomfortable with the rod in your left hand, then you may not enjoy baitcasting gear.  Cheers!

[Guest beowulfx71]

Dicks last Daiwa exclusive the orange Capricorn was a pretty good reel for the money(got mine for $58)-based off Procasters with a couple extra bearings and ported spool-if the new one is based off the Exceler get it.

[MNAngler]

Thanx, all, for your advice.

To answer your question, BeaverIslander, yes, I have a gift card. $100 worth.  I will look closely at the Citica.  I did see that model at my local Dick's.

My only problem is that I didn't want to spend more than an extra $50 over my gift card and I've got my eye on a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod for $100.

I'll take all this advice under consideration.  Thanx again for taking the time to reply.

[MNAngler]

I did some research on the Citica.  It only has 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing.  I've heard from talking to friends that more bearings is better.  I find it odd that the Citica has 2-3 less bearings than comparably priced reels.  Is that a concern?

[skunked_again]

the right bearings in the right place mean everything. i have a BPS reel with 10 bearings and i think its a piece of crap.

the Citica is a good pice.

[burleytog]

I did some research on the Citica. It only has 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing. I've heard from talking to friends that more bearings is better. I find it odd that the Citica has 2-3 less bearings than comparably priced reels. Is that a concern?

More bearings does not a great reel make.  As stated above, quality bearings in the right places make a great reel.

[Stasher1]

Thanx, all, for your advice.

To answer your question, BeaverIslander, yes, I have a gift card. $100 worth. I will look closely at the Citica. I did see that model at my local Dick's.

My only problem is that I didn't want to spend more than an extra $50 over my gift card and I've got my eye on a St. Croix Mojo Bass rod for $100.

I'll take all this advice under consideration. Thanx again for taking the time to reply.

Simple solution, get the Citica and a St. Croix Triumph. It's the same blank as the Mojo, built in the same factory with the same warranty but doesn't have the split grip or fancy purple paint. It'll set you back about $60-70 or so and Dick's has them in stock.

In any case, pass on the cheaper baitcasters. With few exceptions, they're more of a hassle than they're worth.