1st Baitcasting Reel Help Please - Budget $150-$200 2025
Chonch12 reply :
Hello,
I posted a little while back about getting a baitcasting set up, got some great advice. Well I was very fortunate and traded some stuff for a custom made rod (just got it). Asked for it to be more versatile as I am a bank fisherman. I plan on using it for Jigs, underspins, paddle tails, light cranks and some light top water It is 7’ rated for 3/8oz – 3/4 oz.
So now I need a good reel to pair with it, and my price point was anywhere from $150 - $200 now for the reel only. I know there are some solid black Friday deals upcoming (think Tackle Warehouse is usually 20% off) so I wanted to be prepared for that. I was looking into the Shimano SLX DC as the DC feature is rather appealing being new to baitcasting. What would you recommend based on everything I list, happy to give additional info as well.
Thanks!
jbsoonerfan reply :
You are going to hear a lot of Tatula, Curado, SLX, Lew's tmb, etc. The advice you receive will be solid advice, but it will also be opinion and personal preference. I am a Shimano guy but I have never held an SLX so I can't recommend one based on personal experience. There are a TON of great reels in that price range and I would doubt seriously that you would be disappointed in any of the recommendations you will receive. My advice, as well as what many others will say is to go out and handle as many as you can in the store to get a feel for what you like and go from there.
Chonch12 reply :
On 11/8/2019 at 11:32 PM, jbsoonerfan said:You are going to hear a lot of Tatula, Curado, SLX, Lew's tmb, etc. The advice you receive will be solid advice, but it will also be opinion and personal preference. I am a Shimano guy but I have never held an SLX so I can't recommend one based on personal experience. There are a TON of great reels in that price range and I would doubt seriously that you would be disappointed in any of the recommendations you will receive. My advice, as well as what many others will say is to go out and handle as many as you can in the store to get a feel for what you like and go from there.
Thank you, that is great advice. I have a Cabelas close by so I can go feel a lot of them in my hands.
I know there is a lot of personal preference, however for someone new to Baitcasting should I be looking for something like the DC series, also are there other companies like the Daiwa Tatula series that has a similar system for those new to baitcasting?
jbsoonerfan reply :
The DC is nice to have but certainly not necessary even for someone new to baitcasting. In fact, I would almost recommend learning on one without the DC unless you plan to only use DC reels moving forward. A trained thumb is something that will benefit you in the long run. Baitcasters aren't that hard to use if you start out slow and work your way into it. Now, if you take all the brakes off, set it on 1 and go to flinging a spinnerbait into the wind then you will wish you had a DC lol. There are a lot of great choices and with patience and practice you will get the hang of it.
Angry John reply :
I would recommend one of the zillions for that money and a sv103 if you can find one. You also may be able to slide into a steez if your really looking.
dodgeguy reply :
139$ for a Lews Tournament Pro at Sportmans Outfitters. IMHO nobody builds a reel close to it for that price. 20 lb carbon drag . externally adjustable 27 position centrifugal brake. Almost thumb free operation with great distance. And it's smooth as butter with brass gears.94 mm carbon handle. And you have money left over for line.
https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/lews-tournament-pro-lfs-speed-spool-baitcast-fishing-reels
dodgeguy reply :
On 11/9/2019 at 3:08 AM, dodgeguy said:139$ for a Lews Tournament Pro at Sportmans Outfitters. IMHO nobody builds a reel close to it for that price. 20 lb carbon drag . externally adjustable 27 position centrifugal brake. Almost thumb free operation with great distance. And it's smooth as butter with brass gears.95 mm carbon handle. And you have money left over for line.
https://www.sportsmansoutfitters.com/products/lews-tournament-pro-lfs-speed-spool-baitcast-fishing-reels
FishTank reply :
First choice for me would be the Curado K and second the Tatula SV TW. Either reel would be great. There really isn't a "Ones better than the other". I think it would be just a personal preference. Both would serve as a sort of frustration free, first time user, and going to last you a long time... baitcaster.
NorcalBassin reply :
I'd also recommend the Curado in that price range, and if you really want a DC I'd consider stepping up to the Curado DC that will be right at $200 with the 20% off sales coming up. If you prefer the color scheme on the SLX you'll probably love the reel, but outside of that reason I'd step up to the Curado.
WRB reply :
You will only be new to baitcasting the 1st few weeks it takes to master your casting skills. As suggested purchase a reel that feels perfect to you on your rod. Daiwa and Shimano are 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 1st depending on who you ask, Lew's a distant 3rd.
Get the best quality you can afford within your budget.
Tom
Catt reply :
Lew's Tournament MB Speed $119.99 at Tackle Warehouse
swhit140 reply :
I'd go with Daiwa or Shimano. I've used both brands and have never had a problem with either. I would also recommend visiting the nearest tackle/fishing store with your rod and mount some of the reels you are looking at. Get a feel for each reel and decide which one fits your hands the best. Also take advantage of upcoming holiday sales.
CrankFate reply :
I’d go with the reel that fits your hand best and balances the rod it’ll be on best. The other features are less important.
Shimano_1 reply :
As already stated it's going to be suggested that shimano and daiwa are it. Yes they both make fine reels and you really can't go wrong with any reel in that price range. Pick some u like and research them and if there are problems you're sure to find them online. I agree with the above that the lews tournament pro for 139 is unbeatable at that price point. I have 3 and they're awesome. Go to a store and handle several and I'm sure some will feel better than others for you. Good luck
stratoliner92 reply :
On 11/9/2019 at 3:08 AM, dodgeguy said:139$ for a Lews Tournament Pro at Sportmans Outfitters
X2 good reel for money.
If you want a DC reel I'd step up to Curado as NorcalBassin stated.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/9/2019 at 9:23 AM, Catt said:Lew's Tournament MB Speed $119.99 at Tackle Warehouse
Currently $109.97 at Sportsman's Warehouse. 
https://www.sportsmans.com/fishing-gear-supplies/fishing-reels/casting-reels/lews-tournament-mb-speed-spool-lfs-casting-reel/p/1401739?channel=shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkK3vprne5QIVBm6GCh2ICgF3EAQYASABEgL2GvD_BwE
What I paid for mine a few years ago. Nice reel. 
Catt reply :
On 11/10/2019 at 9:05 AM, new2BC4bass said:
What I paid for mine a few years ago
That's what I paid for mine from Tackle Warehouse 2 months ago, it was $119 & drop to $109 at checkout.
Burke reply :
If you like small profile, check out the Curado 70
NHBull reply :
Look for a used cronarch MGL or a new one on black Friday, that said, my son is a very partime angler and a DC for him makes the days far more enjoyable
Finessegenics reply :
The SLX is a great reel for the price. Currently using it for throwing my moving baits (crankbaits, spinnerbaits, small swimbaits, smaller topwaters) as i need to be as versatile as possible too since I'm mostly on the bank. I've never fished the DC model of the SLX but Im sure its a great reel. The only thing i would wanna point out is that for the price of the SLX DC ($190), I would honestly just spend the extra $60 and get the Curado DC, especially if youre going to wait until Black Friday. The Curado DC should be at $200 on Tackle Warehouse. I dont personally own the Curado DC but I've fished my buddy's one before and it does live up to the hype. Casting super light crankbaits into the wind on a MH rod never seemed easier. Then again, the Curados seem a lot bulkier than the SLX and I've heard many people complain about that.
NOC 1 reply :
On 11/9/2019 at 3:02 AM, Angry John said:I would recommend one of the zillions for that money and a sv103 if you can find one. You also may be able to slide into a steez if your really looking.
I love STEEZ reels, but they might not be a great choice to learn on. They can go from amazingly wonderfull, to a birds nest that is unfix-able in about 1 second flat.
But then mine are all the OG STEEZ and maybe the newer version is tamer? I know that putting SV spools on mine helped quite a bit.
I mention it because if the OP is buying a STEEZ for $200-$300 it is probably going to be the original version (OG) and they are a pretty wild reel.
On 11/9/2019 at 8:31 AM, FishTank said:First choice for me would be the Curado K and second the Tatula SV TW. Either reel would be great. There really isn't a "Ones better than the other". I think it would be just a personal preference. Both would serve as a sort of frustration free, first time user, and going to last you a long time... baitcaster.
I can vouch for the Tatula SV-TW. It's very easy to cast even for a beginner. It's very forgiving but still manages to do just about anything 1/4 and over very well.
Angry John reply :
On 11/21/2019 at 10:40 AM, NOC 1 said:I love STEEZ reels, but they might not be a great choice to learn on. They can go from amazingly wonderfull, to a birds nest that is unfix-able in about 1 second flat.
But then mine are all the OG STEEZ and maybe the newer version is tamer? I know that putting SV spools on mine helped quite a bit.
I mention it because if the OP is buying a STEEZ for $200-$300 it is probably going to be the original version (OG) and they are a pretty wild reel.
I can vouch for the Tatula SV-TW. It's very easy to cast even for a beginner. It's very forgiving but still manages to do just about anything 1/4 and over very well.
The 103 was wild the 100 not so much. A little Jeckle and Hyde
new2BC4bass reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 12:13 PM, Angry John said:The 103 was wild the 100 not so much. A little Jeckle and Hyde
Everything I've every read on the 103 verifies this statement. I was able to pick up a 100 last year. No problem casting. Love the reel. 
Hook2Jaw reply :
On 11/8/2019 at 11:32 PM, jbsoonerfan said:You are going to hear a lot of Tatula, Curado, SLX, Lew's tmb, etc. The advice you receive will be solid advice, but it will also be opinion and personal preference. I am a Shimano guy but I have never held an SLX so I can't recommend one based on personal experience. There are a TON of great reels in that price range and I would doubt seriously that you would be disappointed in any of the recommendations you will receive. My advice, as well as what many others will say is to go out and handle as many as you can in the store to get a feel for what you like and go from there.
This. Handle them. Handle them again with your eyes closed and really focus on it. Bring your rod, put them on, get a feel for how they are on your gear. Then, pick the ones you like to look at best. You can't go wrong with many reels in that price range.
NOC 1 reply :
On 11/22/2019 at 12:13 PM, Angry John said:The 103 was wild the 100 not so much. A little Jeckle and Hyde
Well that probably explains it then. All of mine are 103's. I put a ZPI "M" on one, a ZPI "PG" on one, an SS SV spool on another and left one stock just in case I ever get good enough to actually use it.
Replacing the spools tames them.
bunz559 reply :
The Curado K would be the reel I'd pickup for that price range. While I haven't tried every reel in that price range, I stick to what I know and have. The K is plenty strong and very smooth.
jbsoonerfan reply :
I will just throw this out there. I have a few reels I would be willing to sell if you are interested. They are all MINT condition inside and out. I have a 16 Scorpion 70xg that I would sell for $180, a Scorpion MGL xg that I would sell for $190 or a Scorpion DC hg that I would let go for $200. I can text pics if you are interested, you can PM me. I was thinking about listing them here but haven't decided for sure yet if I want to sell them all but they are in your price range.
Tizi reply :
I agree, stick to mid to higher end Daiwa or Shimano reels and you will be good to go. I really like the price/performance of Daiwa products personally. For the price, the Tatula SV TW is a fantastic reel. It can be purchased for around $150 if you look hard enough.
Mikeltee reply :
Curado K, tatula sv, Lews tournament pro all are excellent performers for $150 and if you were blindfolded you would be hard pressed to tell a difference in performance. For $100 the SLX is hard to beat. DCs are trainers. I would recommend them for kids or for someone with money to burn and learn how to skip with which is what my Curado DC was used for after I learned that the cpu takes away performance from my cast. Now it sits in a box awaiting my daughter to get interested in BCs. For a $200 budget I'd get the SLX and invest that extra $100 into your rod budget. The rod is what makes the difference and there is more separation between a 200 to 300 rod than there is a 100 to 200 reel imho.
new2BC4bass reply :
The only DC reel I have any experience with is an older Excense, and that is very limited. No thumb was needed as long as I didn't start going below MAX. Have to say I really enjoyed the reel the little I got to use it. BUT...I personally feel learning good thumb control is a must. You will never regret that. Besides...it gives you an excuse to get out more. You need the practice. 
It seems you prefer Shimano. My only experience with Shimanos is with older models with the exception of a Scorpion 70 I bought about a year ago. I felt it wasn't as easy to dial in as the others had been. The SLX has been getting excellent marks. I may be forced to buy one myself. The Bait Monkey is one strong dude. 
My advice is always to buy the reel that interests you the most. Most likely you will regret it if you don't. And then buy one anyway.
Angry John reply :
If your a shimano only kind of guy hunt down an older core.
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