Baitcaster for St Croix LTB Rod

[NorcalBassin]

Hey fellas... really struggling to make up my mind on which reel to pick up for my LTBC70MF. I'll predominately be using the set up for 1/4-3/8 oz T-rigs and finesse jigs, so I need something that will handle those lighter baits pretty well.

I try to keep my rods/reels all different, so I am leaning towards going with something that I don't already have (Curado, Citica, Cardiff, and PQ... happy with all of these by the way). I've been reading a lot of reviews on the STX, SX, and Advantage-HSTA... but nothing is really standing out to me. Ideally, I'd like to stay below $200 for the sake of the marriage. Thanks for any recommendations!

[Gone_Phishin]

I vote for the Daiwa Sol.  It will do what you are looking for, should be within you budget, and has looks to kill.

[dodgeguy]

that's easy.get a pflueger patriarch.

[rubba bubba]

Get a Zillion. It'll take some work/time to get it under $200 but it's doable. Note, I only recommend it because you want something different (plus it's a great great reel). All of those reels you have listed, and the Patriarch, are all excellent.

[WanderLust]

Good suggestions here.

Lew's Tournament Pro Speed is a good option as well. The Curado 50E is a great reel for smaller baits but blue \ green is not a great color scheme.

Out of what's been listed the Advantage is great but has a fairly weak drag. 

[Fat-G]

Advantage is good for big baits, but it's a hoss and probably wouldn't be good for smaller baits.

I would get a Curado 50e.

[Chris at Tech]

Go with the STX.

[roadwarrior]

The Curado is a no-brainer, but if you want

something different: CH50MG.

This reel is very special to Shimano fans.

You can find one NIB for less than $200.

Better yet, "lightly used" for ~$150. Either

way, have the reel serviced if it has been

sitting around for awhile.

Personal rating: 10+

8-)

[northern basser]

Pflueger patriarch xt!  A superb reel and the blue will look sweet w/ the blue rod.  Less than $200 on ebay brand new.

[NorcalBassin]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. Dodge... I never would have guessed that you'd recommend the Pflueger!

I'd have to say that the Patriarch XT wins the beauty contest, but I don't know if I can spend that much for a reel that isn't a stand out at its price point according to many of the reviews I've come across. Lots of good ideas I hadn't considered, so looks like I'll be putting in some more time reading reviews on these other reels.

[repper]

Scorpion 1000xt, ebay. I just got one for $200.00. Awesome. If not the Scorpion go with a Cuardo 50E. Not as nice as the Scorpion which is the Japanese version of the 50e, but stille best for your purpose, for that amount of $$

[Hooligan]

The Curado is a no-brainer, but if you want

something different: CH50MG.

This reel is very special to Shimano fans.

You can find one NIB for less than $200.

Better yet, "lightly used" for ~$150. Either

way, have the reel serviced if it has been

sitting around for awhile.

Personal rating: 10+

8-)

Oh wow, didn't even come to ind until you mentioned it.  I wish I had a dozen of them.

[northern basser]

Thanks for all the advice fellas. Dodge... I never would have guessed that you'd recommend the Pflueger!

I'd have to say that the Patriarch XT wins the beauty contest, but I don't know if I can spend that much for a reel that isn't a stand out at its price point according to many of the reviews I've come across. Lots of good ideas I hadn't considered, so looks like I'll be putting in some more time reading reviews on these other reels.

As far as being a standout,  I think the xt is overlooked and under rated.  I haven't heard (or read) any bad reviews on it yet.  It shares a lot of the same parts as the revos and their are people out there that pick it over the highly touted revo premier.

Personally I don't think the core 50mg7 has much if anything on it and the xt is $130 cheaper.  Yes I've used both.  I was talked into buying one at cabelas last summer because I was in there to buy a revo premier and they were out of them.  I knew if I didn't like it I could bring it back.  However,  it shocked me,  its nice.  It palms easier than a revo also.