Baitcaster For Under $100 2024
birdy reply :
Want to buy a bait caster. If I were going to purchase one that was under 100 dollars new, which would you buy and why? Or should I save my money and purchase a more expensive one when I can save up the cash?
[secondly what rod would go with the bait caster?
I’m on a limited budget until my kids are out of the house, say 4 years or so.
I normally fish from shore 75-85% of the time. Kayak/canoe the other 15-25%.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
Bps pro qualifier is 99.99 regular price and frequently on sale for 79.99. The bps carbon lite was on sale for 89.99 and a great reel for that price. I've been want to try academy's H2O line if reels also. I've heard great things about them and all are under 100. If you need a name brand it would be hard to beat t a pfluger trion in that price range.
As far as Rods go I'm on academys H2O ethos xpress train. Just got 2 of these rods and they perform awesomely
roadwarrior reply :
Citica matched up with an Avid AVC70MF makes a great "all around" rig.
If you are not in a hurry, both the rod and reel come up on our Flea Market
occasionally. This combination should run (gently used) +/- $175.
birdy reply :
On 1/16/2012 at 5:24 AM, roadwarrior said:Citica matched up with an Avid AVC70MF makes a great "all around" rig.
If you are not in a hurry, both the rod and reel come up on our Flea Market
occasionally. This combination should run (gently used) +/- $175.
Forgot to add gear ratio. Thanks for the tips. Like the advice. Will keep my eyes out for a nice combo on the flea market.
Hi Salenity reply :
Lew's speed spool is a good one to look at if you need it new . or look for a used Curado
Btw I have a couple Excellent condition reels for sale in the $110-130 range in the flea market or I'd bet you could find a Curado there.
LgMouthGambler reply :
Bass Pro has a Big Bass reel on sale for under 100. Pro Qualifier, Abu Garcia has one for 100. As for ratio, go with a 6.4:1, good all around. Rods, Berkley Lightning, or even the Shock version if you use braided. I use them, they are good priced for a great rod.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Find a used Citica 200e for sale. You'll use it forever unless you run over it with a car.
As far as a rod goes, that all depends on what your wallet is capable of handling. There are TONS of options in the 100 dollar market right now.
Brand0n reply :
academy's h2o express mettle for $49 all day long 6:3:1 ratio 10 bb. i picked up 4 used ones off ebay for $60 shipped 
JIGFISHERMAN. reply :
If buying new-BPS Pro Qualifier, or others in your price range.
Used however, opens up many options, and 100bucks should be able to buy you a pretty nice reel.
birdy reply :
I am certainly not ruling out a used one on this site. I'm keeping my eyes open. Thanks for all the advice.
new2BC4bass reply :
Many trees and/or bushes where you fish? If so a short rod would be better. Otherwise the longer the rod the greater the casting distance...all other things being equal. The rod to get depends on what technique(s) you fish the most, lure weights, and the type of cover. Answer those questions, and there are many on here who would be more than willing to offer their opinions on the rod you should be using. 
I personally like a 7' or longer rod, but have several 6'6" rods as well that get used on a regular basis. As far as brands go, I've read good reviews on all those mentioned. The Ethos in particular seems like an excellent buy for the price. Especially if you get one during their 'Rod Riot'. They just had one...$25 for the casting models. I wanted a spinning rod, but that model wasn't included in the sale.
Falcon Originals are a good choice, and can sometimes be found for less than $50.
I'd like to try one of the Academy model reels. They get good reviews. I bought a couple Trions after some research. Here is one place to read a few reviews. http://reviews.bassp...ews/reviews.htm
Got mine too late in the season to try out. Well, I could have, but had also gotten a Curado 51E and Patriarch XT, so they got used first.
Cabela's Prodigy is a $100 reel. It is made by Daiwa. I got the previous model for $60. I feel it is another excellent choice. They go on sale occasionally. When funds allow, get it cleaned, Carbontex drag and upgrade the bearings. You will have a reel that feels like a $180 reel. Smooth and solid.
Please use a larger text. My old eyes almost needed a magnifying glass.
EDIT: Clarified that I was referring to Academy reels in the one paragraph. Sorry.
birdy reply :
Sorry about the font size, I composed the message in Word first and was not paying attention.
Good advice on the rods. There are so many choices and I've always used spinning reels so I am trying to do a little background check prior to buying.
I usually bank fish with almost no cover or interferences. When I hit the river it is in a kayak and there is quite a bit of branches etc. So I'm leaning towards nothing over 7 feet.
catchnm reply :
I'll offer you a rod choice first. From what you posted it seems a 6'10" rod would be your best best bet for an all around rod for the type fishing you mentiioned. MH action with a slightly limber tip. Check the tip actions before you buy as there are many variations even in the MH ratings. There are quite a few that are under $100 and are powerful and sensitive. Abu garcia Vendetta (6'9"), Shimano Sellus, Team All Star, just to name a few.
As far as a reel goes the H20 Xpress reels are great and would fit right into your budget. Or a used Citica 200E like someone else said.
new2BC4bass reply :
I grew up on spinning gear. When I got back into fishing a couple years ago, I went to baitcasting gear. Haven't looked back since. You may find yourself feeling the same way.
I fished UL with spinning gear. Now I find myself preferring MH rods. I picked up 2 Falcon Originals (1 MH, 1 M) and a custom rod built on an All Star blank (I think) when I visited Florida last year. The three rods cost me $100 plus tax at a small mom-and-pop store. I like buying from this type of store when I can. Left them there because it is too expensive to ship rods back and forth. The custom will be used for moving baits only. The Falcons are much more sensitive.
Buying used can save you a fair chunk of change. Or if you can find an item on close out. TW sold out the Falcon Clark Wendlandl rods at $100, a $190 rod. I just bought a 6'6" Medium Daiwa V.I.P. Smallmouth rod from them for $50. This is a $125 rod. Previously I bought some Falcon Elites at $115 (including shipping) from a seller on ebay. These were $279 or $289 rods depending on length. Also got a $300 Cielo spinning rod for $75 shipped. That is my prettiest rod.
As you can see, some pretty good deals can be had if you aren't in a hurry, and keep an eye on the classifieds. There is a Cumara 7'2" MH XF that I want for my primary jig rod if I can find the money before it is sold. Asking price is about $100 less than what it goes for new.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Dale, I don't mean to nit-pick but want to distinguish between "custom" and "hand crafted" rods. A prebuilt one-off rod is hand crafted, a rod special built to your precise specs is "Custom". A lot of thought, planning and design goes into a truly custom rod and I didn't want to see anyone get confused.
To the OP, the Citica and PQ are good suggestions as are Revo S and Daiwa Exceler. As for a rod, a MH/F of the highest quality you can budget makes a good all around bass rod.
new2BC4bass reply :
Mike, I don't think I've heard the term "hand crafted" in relation to rod building since the last time I read about guys who built their own flyrods out of bamboo......many, many years ago. I don't read any forums pertaining to rod building. I'm sure rod building requires more talent than I have. It definitely would require time that I don't have.
I have no idea which of your definitions fits the "custom" rod I bought since I bought it used. I didn't notice anything special about it so maybe it was a "hand crafted" rod.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Hard to beat an Abu 5500 series reel.
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
Do you have a Dicks Sporting Goods near? I just got back and they have Curado 200E clearance $129.97 and 25% off that price. Same goes for rods that end with .93 or .97
thetank86 reply :
I no its a little more then $100 but for $133 you can get the Shimano curado 50e or 200e. I just purchesed the the 50e and itsa sick reel. Its on ohya.com $133 shipped!
Jim3h reply :
Right now at dicks sporting goods they're having a 25% off reels and the citica 200e was already on sale for 90 plus 25% off! It's a great reel for the price and if it's the floor model they take more off!
ChiCityBasser reply :
"Cabela's Prodigy is a $100 reel. It is made by Daiwa. I got the previous model for $60. I feel it is another excellent choice. They go on sale occasionally. When funds allow, get it cleaned, Carbontex drag and upgrade the bearings. You will have a reel that feels like a $180 reel. Smooth and solid."
I have a couple of the previous models as well that I purchased at the $60 price and they are great reels.
birdy reply :
All great advice and tips on who has sales. Thanks.
alienfishermen reply :
The new lews lazer Mg is 79.99 and it blow me away, I fish a lot of high end reels and this beat them all in casting, but the steez even then it was only 1 foot back, and smooth for a reel under $100,, thought it might be a fulk so bought one in the 5.4 to 1 and the same thang, for a $100 rod I'd say Falcon BooCoo 6.9 MH its a little bit light for a mh but very sensitive,,, That a very fine combo for less than $200
As always YMMV
The Guy reply :
The Pflueger Asaro is onsale on dick's website for 69.88 down from 129.99
iceintheveins reply :
The pro qualifier is bar none the very best for under $100, and its better than many reels costing twice as much.
Megastink reply :
Abu Garcia Orra SX. They come in 6.4:1 AND 7.1:1 (new this year). $99.99 price tag!
Megastink reply :
On 1/29/2012 at 10:52 AM, megastrike said:Abu Garcia Orra SX. They come in 6.4:1 AND 7.1:1 (new this year). $99.99 price tag!
Oh, save a little more and match it with a Powell Max rod. Wait until *** or Basstackledepot has them for 20% off. Their 7' or under rods should set you back around... $120 ish. The best value in bass fishing rods, IMHO...
tjstrong3 reply :
I love my lews speed spool. It casts better than my old curado.
0119 reply :
Like you I fish from a yak. How do you secure your rod on the yak? If you use a in the hull tube that places the reel close to the water it will get wet. It just happens. I found that the only reel that takes the partial dipping or splash isnt a low profile reel. Maybe if you enjoy taking your reels apart after every trip its o.k. Because Ive had to strip them down often the good old Abu 4600C3 was the best bet. $89 super easy to strip down, there isnt anything you cant repair yourself.
birdy reply :
On 1/30/2012 at 9:23 PM, 119 said:Like you I fish from a yak. How do you secure your rod on the yak? If you use a in the hull tube that places the reel close to the water it will get wet. It just happens. I found that the only reel that takes the partial dipping or splash isnt a low profile reel. Maybe if you enjoy taking your reels apart after every trip its o.k. Because Ive had to strip them down often the good old Abu 4600C3 was the best bet. $89 super easy to strip down, there isnt anything you cant repair yourself.
Good to know, I usually just take a couple of rods (all have been spinning up to this point) and keep then close at hand, usually strapped down to a small tackle box. Using a small sit on top yak until I get the kids out of the house and can afford to upgrade.
Hi Salenity reply :
I use the in hull tubes and my reels stay dry= dry enough I don't need to take them apart...
Reel_Kaotic reply :
Anyone have thoughts on the New Enigma vs the PQ? Which would you prefer for cranking?
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 3:39 AM, Reel_Kaotic said:Anyone have thoughts on the New Enigma vs the PQ? Which would you prefer for cranking?
probably the PQ for me. Its a proven quality reel. Something about the enigma reel just doesn't sit right with me. It just seems "gimmicky".
northern basser reply :
OKUMA CAYENNE $79.99 free shipping
Go to outdoor pro shop, go to the bottom of the page and click on Okuma.
This is a excellent reel at retail price let alone half off. After getting my first one I ordered 2 more. This reel has abec 5 bearings, aluminum handle side plate, a very nice smooth drag and palms very easily. My next BC is going to be a Okuma Komodo because of how impressed I am with these little reels.
nwibass reply :
Daiwa Aggrest -brand new ebay. $100
Reel_Kaotic reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 7:53 PM, Ima Bass Ninja said:probably the PQ for me. Its a proven quality reel. Something about the enigma reel just doesn't sit right with me. It just seems "gimmicky".
I wasn't sold on the Enigma. What's your thoughts on the PQ vs the new Citica? I like both, wondered if anyone used either.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 9:57 PM, Reel_Kaotic said:I wasn't sold on the Enigma. What's your thoughts on the PQ vs the new Citica? I like both, wondered if anyone used either.
Can't really say as far as the comparison because i have never used a citica. I know that Shimanos are highly respected among the members here but for me i was so impressed with the PQ line of reels i never bought any of the others.
Reel_Kaotic reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 10:04 PM, Ima Bass Ninja said:Can't really say as far as the comparison because i have never used a citica. I know that Shimanos are highly respected among the members here but for me i was so impressed with the PQ line of reels i never bought any of the others.
Both reels are highly respected, wondered if either one is slightly better than the other.
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 10:18 PM, Reel_Kaotic said:Both reels are highly respected, wondered if either one is slightly better than the other.
Probably not. Its really going to boil down to consumer confidence, aesthetics, and feel. At least it did for me. I liked the look of the PQ better and already had confidence in there product and when i palmed it just seemed to fit better in my hands than any of the others.
Reel_Kaotic reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 10:44 PM, Ima Bass Ninja said:Probably not. Its really going to boil down to consumer confidence, aesthetics, and feel. At least it did for me. I liked the look of the PQ better and already had confidence in there product and when i palmed it just seemed to fit better in my hands than any of the others.
May have to agree. Whichever reel is better feel or whichever reel is in stock when I go.
LgMouthGambler reply :
I own both the PQ and Citica. I am a Shimano man, but I think for what you are looking for is the PQ. Citica is good, but its not the Curado.
Reel_Kaotic reply :
On 1/31/2012 at 11:52 PM, LgMouthGambler said:I own both the PQ and Citica. I am a Shimano man, but I think for what you are looking for is the PQ. Citica is good, but its not the Curado.
Why you suggest the PQ? I want to pair either with a 6'8 Med/F Compre for Swallow /Med cranks and lipless cranks.
LgMouthGambler reply :
PQ is smoother, longer casts, built better in my opinion. If its gonna be a shimano its gonna be a Curado.
Reel_Kaotic reply :
On 2/1/2012 at 1:47 AM, LgMouthGambler said:PQ is smoother, longer casts, built better in my opinion. If its gonna be a shimano its gonna be a Curado.
In your opinion, do you the 7+1 bearings in PQ makes better at casting than the Citica with only 4? How do they both hold up to normal usage and abuse?
LgMouthGambler reply :
Bearings dont always mean smoother. My Revo SX has 11 bearings, and my Curado 200E7 has like 4 or 5. I can cast my Curado just as far, if not farther, and its smoother. The Citica is a good real too, but its nowhere near the E series Curado, maybe the G series. I like my G series Citica, but Im just saying I think you will like the PQ better for all around performance. My PQ is in my opinion my third best real I own, One being my E7, and the other my Revo SX. I am very happy with the bang for the buck on the PQ, and millions will tell you the same. Its the best reel that BPS has produced (even though it was made by another company for them). It will definately go down in history with the E7 for this generation of reels.
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