First Baitcaster?

[dgretz]

I have never fished baitcasters but have decided to commit some time this summer for learning how. I have been researching, etc., and narrowed my choices to a Citica 200e or a Lew's Tournament SS. The Shimano has only centrifugal brakes while the Lew's has centrifugal and magnetic. Would one or the other of these be easier to learn on?

thanks!

[new2BC4bass]

Haven't used either. Logic says to go with the SS because of its breaking system. One helps at the beginning of the cast, the other at the end of the cast which should lead to less backlashes. However, I will have to leave it to those who have used reels containing both systems as to whether or not it does.

[Phranchise1213]

I love my citica 200e's. Have 3 of them. The VBS system that they have is amazing in terms of decreasing backlashes. It is a very consistent system. For a beginner, pop out 4 breaks, set the spool tension knob so your lure falls at a slow rate when the clutch is depressed, and you will be able to cast without even using your thumb. Performance is great as well and if you take care of them, you can't beat shimano's durability.

[tomustang]

What would be easier to learn with would benefit with a thicker line and a heavier bait or practice plug, I started on the Curado which is similar to the citica but a little easier to use since its smoother. The VBS is easy to adjust and would be less complicated than fine tuning two brakes for a beginner

[LgMouthGambler]

Citica and a 17# dia line should be a good start. Shimanos braking system is a cut above the rest for simplicity and function.

[endless]

Like the few say my first baitcaister for Bass fishing was BPS PQ but I also have a Curado that I have no problem with 10# flouro. I never used the Lews SS but cannot see you having much problem with either to tell you the truth. Just get you a plug and practice in your yard. If make several different weighted plugs I would get those 3/8, 1/2 or what ever you plan on tossing size. Me I actually just use casting sinkers to serve as my plug.

This might help and he is a member here as well.

[roadwarrior]

The Citica is an outanding reel and VERY user friendly.

[Trickerie]

My vote is for the Lews. I use Lews myself and they are by far the best reel ive thrown. For the money, I'd just upgrade to the Tourney Pro from eBay instead of a regular tourney

[smalljaw67]

My first casting reel was an Abu Garcia 4300C I believe and all you had was a spool tension control and your thumb, that is what I learned on. My first "low profile" casting reel was a Shimano Bantam and it had a very primitve magnetic set up that didn't do too much so I used my thumb. With that said, any of those reels, the Lews Tourney speed spool or the Shimano Citica should be relatively easy to learn on, just spend 4 or 5 hours practicing in the yard or where ever to get a good handle on casting it, the last thing you want to do, and one of the reasons some give up on it, is be on the water when a good bite is on and you end up spending an hour picking out a backlash.

[yfz 450]

i got a bass pro PQ as my first casting reel. it was very easy to learn on and a great reel. i use it just as much as my abu's and shimanos. you can find it on sale for a goot price too