Baitcasting Reel For Beginner

[throwback]

I've used Zebco and Spincast reels for years. I'm pretty good with a spinning reel. I can't use a baitcasting reel worth a flip. I'd like to get a beginning baitcasting setup that isn't e-cheapo, but isn't high end either. Really want some good ideas for an easy-to-use baitcasting reel from which to learn with. I've read the Shimano Cardiff is a good one. Any suggestions?

[MightyMichigan]

Depends on your budget... if you wanna stay cheap go with a basspro megacast if your willing to go midprice try a basspro enigma (around$70) the enigma is being advertised an almost backlash free reel mamking appealing to new bait cast learners.

[Flangler]

BPS extreme, and its on sale for 50-60 bucks. its a great reel!

[WdyCrankbait]

BPS extreme, and its on sale for 50-60 bucks. its a great reel!

Yeah, at that price range the extreme is a great deal! I havent had one, but I know a couple of people that use them and love them.

[SausageFingers]

The Pro Qualifier's come in around $80. You can get them cheaper on sale or if you participate in the trade in at a store. They're a very solid reel and would be excellent for a beginner.

[kikstand454]

there are many answers to this question and its really up to preference.

do you want to spend a bit of money and have a reel thats going to last you a long time...or do you want to spend next to nothing in the fear of just not being able to learn to do it and not wanting to waste the money.

personally... i think it should be in the middle.

its been my experience that upper end ($120+ list) reels are designed for people that know how to use them. can you learn on them? of course. but some can be very frustrating. these reels are designed for tournement anglers or hardcore weekenders and have the features and tolerences for the job. they are also designed to last alot longer and stand up to more because the targeted angler will probably take care of them.

i feel a mid level reel is a better bet for a beginner who fishes alot. they tend to be more forgiving all around in both price and performance. by mid level i mean a $70 to $130 list price reel. i say list price because many lower priced/ upper end reels can be found for huge discounts online and on sale. because of this id have to recomend the bps pro qualifier, the daiwa procaster 100h, the shimano citica and the quantum accurist pt.

all of these reels are great performers, can be found dirt cheap and will last for a good bunch of years if well maintained. on top of that they also are a bit more forgiving with their casting controls and tend to backlash less in the hands of novices. (im only ASSUMING that of the citica from the comments on here... i havent actually used one... but i own/ have owned the others.)

get one of those reels in a 6. something ratio and you will have a good all around reel that will be able to transition with you from beginner to novice to club tourney guy!

[NBR]

I'd suggest either a BPS or Cabella's combo. Buy a practise plug at the same time. Follow the reel directions fo setup. Practise in the yard or driveway not at the lake so you don't waste fishing time. The baitcasting learning curve is longer than spinning and spin casting but the rewards are great.

I've done this for over 60 years and still find a way for an ocassional backlash.

[throwback]

Thanks! Been looking at BPS combos. I have a BPS about 1 hr away.

[Sam]

Sent a PM.

Any name brand reel you purchase will be fine.

It is the balancing and other aspects of a baitcaster that you need to know about.

Once you become comfortable with a baitcaster, you can upgrade to a more expensive unit. But any of the above mentioned products will be acceptable.

[new2BC4bass]

You aren't going to find many people suggesting round reels. It seems to me that most people are using low profile reels. Myself included. However, from what little I have read about them, I would like to give round reels a shot. It seems that some are as equally capable as the low profiles. Some are built like tanks. Most hold more line if that is important to you. Some cast light lures as well or better than some low profile reels.

Take this reel for example. http://www.hookless.com/images/black_bass.jpg

I've read the old Abu 2600 and smaller reels make excellent light lure reels...provided you can find someone willing to give up there's!

I think the Cardiff 100 size would make a good reasonably priced reel to learn on. Then you could do a review for the rest of us. :lol:

[NorcalBassin]

Tough to beat the PQ at BPS. Best news is that it is a good enough performer that it will stay in your arsenal if you end up buying a number of other setups.

[Flangler]

The Pro Qualifier's come in around $80. You can get them cheaper on sale or if you participate in the trade in at a store. They're a very solid reel and would be excellent for a beginner.

I agree, they are great. That was the first BPS baitcaster I bought, I love it.

[roadwarrior]

Citica for $120 MSRP or ~$100 on our Flea Market occasionally.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200d.html

This is a reel you will always fish and will make the

learning process so much easier. Everyone I know that

owns one, loves it!

[Hyrule Bass]

one important thing i didnt see mentioned. is if the reel will be left handed or right handed. i would buy a reel that youre going to be comfortable reeling with. if youre used to holding the rod with your right hand and reeling with your left, buy a left handed reel and vice versa...

[webertime]

Citica for $120 MSRP or ~$100 on our Flea Market occasionally.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200d.html

This is a reel you will always fish and will make the

learning process so much easier. Everyone I know that

owns one, loves it!

Agreed that's what I did and what I've had a couple friends do. The instruction sheet that comes with it basically tells you everything you need to do in very easy to understand instructions. I'd go with a Citica or Caenon from Shimano. Set the weights to 3 in 3 out and then adjust the spool tension according to the instruction sheet and you'll be casting consistantly by the end of the day.

[hike4steel]

BPS Pro Qualifier - I really like the Dual braking on these reels. They will keep your leaning curve shorter. However, do purchase a line pick when your at BPS to assist in backlash removal. I made my own from a crochet hook.

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

keep it simple and cost effective, pflueger echelon is a great starting setup, that's what i started with and i gave it to my buddy for him to start with. great beginner setup

[Punkinseedfyretailz]

whatever you start with make sure your tension nob is not too loose or too tight, let if fall to the ground without thumbing to test it. keep your brakes on high for starting magnetic should be in the 6 or 7 range, centrifugal should have at least two shoes already set when you buy it. always remember with centrifugal if you lock or unlock one shoe you must do the same with the shoe on the opposing side, this is very important..

and a bps pro qualifier is definitely a great buy (edwin evers fishing a qualifier) if you decide to take that route. dual braking is great, you can nearly cast without thumbing. my brother has one and its great. i've got a pflueger summit and a carbonlite with dual brakes.

[throwback]

Thanks!

[Crestliner2008]

Well, I've been using Abu round reels for more years than a lot of folks have been alive. Bought my first one in the late '60's and still have one going strong from the mid-'70's. They are a lot more expensive now than they use to be, but you can still find them for around the $80.00 mark.

Best part is, you will be able to pass them down a couple of generations.