Baitcasting recommendation?

[lvfshn7]

Looking to buy a baitcasting reel. wanting to spend between 50 to 75 bucks. I owned one previosly and sold it because i had alot of problems with backlash. Could anyone recommend some tips on how to prevent this. I want to try againg because i feel like I should be able to learn how to operate one. Also what is a good line to use and what test weight. I was using 8 pound on my other one. Alot of querstions i know but I need all the help I can get. Thanks in advance

[deep]

#1. Look for a used (or Ebay) Shimano Citica or a new BPS pro qualifier on sale.

#2. I'd start with at least 10 lb test mono.

#3. Set the spool tension and the brakes as recommended in the manual.

#4. Practice with at least a 1/2 oz plug or lure .

[The one that got away]

Look for a used Citica 200D and put 10# Trilene XT on it. 

[The Rooster]

When using a baitcast reel, 10 pound line is as low as I'd ever go, and I've never actually done that.  I bottom out at 12 pound personally.  When I want lower than that I go with a spinning reel. 

The above advise is all good too.  For that money, getting a better quality used reel is better than getting a new reel for the same price.  Cheaper reels are harder to use because they simply don't function as smoothly or cast as well.  So they can be frustrating to try to learn with since they just don't cast as well as more expensive ones can. 

Using a heavier lure can make the learning curve easier as well.

[NorcalBassin]

Agree with everything DEEP mentioned. PQ definitely the best reel in your budget... spend time learning about the brakes, especially how to set them conservatively and slowly decreasing them as you get better. Also, get some KVD Line and Lure conditioner, which should maximize your shot at not backlashing. I'm still a novice baitcaster but can pretty much throw all day now without any backlashes. It's not as hard as it first seems. Good luck!

[hookingem]

Be prepared to pick out a few backlashes before you get the hang of it. Get an old weighted bobber or plastic plug and practice casting in your front yard.  As far as reel choice any of the options mentioned so far are good choices, but to add to that look in our flea market section as sometimes revo s's go for as low as 75 dollars. Good Luck and don't get too frustrated

[ChiCityBasser]

All the above mentioned advise is very good I agree as well. Try the Daiwa Exceler or the older model Quantum Accurist PT as well. It can be had for new $60 or less on ebay and is a very solid reel. It also has the flipping switch you won't need right now but maybe down the line.

[skunked_again]

a used abu 4600 C4 isnt the worst idea either. picking the right rod will affect backlashes as well.

[Mr SwimJig]

The BPS Pro Qualifier is on sale right now for $79 and the Bass Pro Carbonlite is on sale for $99, both of those reels would be good, especially at those prices.

If you don't mind buying used then I would definitely recommend looking in the flea market, you can really find some great deals in there.

SJ

[BASSclary]

Maybe i'm the in a minority, but I say go to your local wal-mart and pick up some 50# Power Pro braid for like, $10. IMO, it doesn't backlash, as often, as bad, and is much easier to clear, and the best part is, you can fish while learning to cast because when you backlash, you can undo the backlash, and dont really have to worry about pinching your line.

[deep]

Maybe i'm the in a minority, but I say go to your local wal-mart and pick up some 50# Power Pro braid for like, $10. IMO, it doesn't backlash, as often, as bad, and is much easier to clear, and the best part is, you can fish while learning to cast because when you backlash, you can undo the backlash, and dont really have to worry about pinching your line.

Huh? On half of the backlashes, the lure/ plug will fly off to a watery grave.

Maybe I'm in a minority here, but idk why some people think braid doesn't backlash as much as mono or fluoro.

[Stasher1]

Maybe i'm the in a minority, but I say go to your local wal-mart and pick up some 50# Power Pro braid for like, $10. IMO, it doesn't backlash, as often, as bad, and is much easier to clear, and the best part is, you can fish while learning to cast because when you backlash, you can undo the backlash, and dont really have to worry about pinching your line.

Huh? On half of the backlashes, the lure/ plug will fly off to a watery grave.

Maybe I'm in a minority here, but idk why some people think braid doesn't backlash as much as mono or fluoro.

Your backlashes must be a LOT more severe than mine. I've never broken off a lure on a backlash, ever.

I've also found braid to be less likely to birdnest, and if it does, it's usually easier to pick it out. But maybe that's just me...and BASSclary.  ;D

[deep]

Ha ha. Maybe I'm just leery of the shock strength of braids in general. I only ever lost one lure though. But that taught me to retie my knots if I get a backlash on a braid.

I'm not arguing that it's easier to untangle a backlash.

EDIT: I think you guys have a point. I typed before I thought. When I said braid, I meant Samurai; which is all I use, and which is very sleek, and probably more prone to backlashes than a rougher line like Power Pro.

Allow me to take back my comment on the backlash-proneness, or lack thereof, of braid.

[WanderLust]

This video helped me...

I find braid easier to work through but this is a good trick.

Line diameter, controlling your spool and an educated thumb are keys.

[fishingkidPA]

my first baitcaster was a field and stream verado 601 med 6"6' combo.(dicks sporting goods brand) I actually really liked it, its a got a nice rod and reel, very very light compared to my spinning setup. It was only 70 bucks i think and i think its a good deal, it was better than the abu garcia combo i saw there. good luck hope you find a good rod/reel