MyFishFinder Forum
MyFishFinder Tips and Techniques => Fishing Equipment => Topic started by: Proud Papa on Jun 12, 2013, 06:35 PM
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I'm 53 years old and have been fishing my entire life, but I've never used a baitcasting reel. In short, I know next to nothing about them.
I've been told they're great for big fish and see serious anglers using them quite a bit; therefore, I figure they're worth looking into.
I know they're prone to backlash in the hands of an inexperienced angler, but I've also been told if you buy a quality reel they're far less prone to do that. A friend recommended the Revo but it's way too pricey for a first time baitcaster - at least until I figure out if I like them.
Any chance someone can recommend a decent baitcaster that won't break the bank?
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look at bass pro shop catalog or on line theres lots of different baitcast reels of all prices remember you get what you pay for
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The bass pro shop pro qualifier is a solid started reel or the shimano caenan. Mr tip up is right you do get what you pay for. How much of a budget do you have?
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The bass pro shop pro qualifier is a solid started reel or the shimano caenan. Mr tip up is right you do get what you pay for. How much of a budget do you have?
I have a $300 Bass Pro gift card, but but would rather not spend it all on a reel.
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I would be looking at low profile style reels, with a magnetic dial type casting drag (easiest to control). And wouldn't you know it, they happen to be on sale right now
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/11092105011121/ (http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Extreme-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/11092105011121/)
I would also recommend getting a reel with a handle on the same side as you use with a spinning reel.
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I would also consider the bps Johnny Morris carbonlite. They have it on sale for $109. The reel cast a mile and is pretty easy to dial in. I'd get a reel in a 6.3:1 ratio they are fairly well rounded
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American Legacy Fishing has Daiwa Megaforce THS for 49.95(1/2price), free shipping.
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American Legacy Fishing has Daiwa Megaforce THS for 49.95(1/2price), free shipping.
On the whole, Diawa's casting reels are good, but graphite framed casting reels by any manufacturer are a complete no go for me. I've broken too many graphite casting reel frames. Friend of mine almost lost some teeth when one broke on him. they also flex when under a HEAVY load (big fish/braided line)
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If possible go to a real tackle shop - being able to hold a couple of models + ask questions(to people who know the products-not sales clerks) is well worth the little bit higher price tag(not always). We often put a package deal together at the shop I used to work at rod, reel + line at less than all three on their own. The second piece of advise is after you make your purchase is go to a ballfield and practice. Once your thumb gets educated to throwing a couple of different weights(without readjusting the reel every time) you're good to go. (We also took our customers out in the parking lot for a little one on one.) I learned in the old days when you cast with your Rt hand then switched over to holding with your Lt hand reeling with the Rt.(the right way ;D) I still get the dreaded birdsnest on occasion so don't give up.
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I know the bps by me has lined reels you can test out. Cast away with them and get em all backlashed up and walk away. Haha
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i jUST GOT A NEW BIONIC BLADE WITH A LIGUNA REEL. 7'mh. GREAT SET UP. GOING TO BUY A SECOND SETUP JUST LIKE IT.30LB BRAID .Can cast the lures a country mile. Great price too.I would recomend it to pro or beginner.GOOD LUCK.BROTHER.
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SHIMANO CALLISTO is the best price and the best beginner reel I have ever used .... it has a dial on the side that goes from 1 to 10 where 1 is like almost free spool and 10 is full break ..
when you get your lure weight set you start at 10 and go lower till you can cast it at a good distance but you don't get the backlash.... sure you still get them now and again but for under 100 bucks for a rod reel combo you wont be as mad when you have to pull it out as you would with a 200 dollar reel
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The dial on the sideplate should be your magnetic brakes. The one to loosen the spool should be a small knob above the star drag.
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If you are used to using a spinning reel and are right handed try a left handed bait casting reel out. It just seems real dumb to me to have to cast out and have to switch hands to reel in.
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Left handed is the way to go ;D
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+1 on the lefy reel. The right handed reels are for us leftys and those righties who are so hopelessly right handed that they have to cast right and crank right too. ;D
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I regret getting my daiwa in right hand retrieve
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90% of them are right hand retrieves and it seems crazy to me. Lucky for me, the first one I bought I was stubborn and insisted on left hand.
I will tell you that the Bass Pro Shop reels are very reasonable and as good as most of us mere mortals need. $130 and it will be a very, very nice baitcasting reel. Do not submit to your temptation to get a cheap bait cast reel! An inexpensive spinning reel is something you can get away with, but a baitcaster is a different animal with the internal brake system. You will regret it if you buy a cheapo!
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Got my Johnny Morris carbonlite on sale for $109 (normally $130) and its cast every bit as far as my $250 daiwa. With that being said the daiwa is still a lot better quality than the $130 bps reel