Best Starter Baitcaster 2024
DDoksa reply :
Hi all.
Avid bass fisherman here, but I've exclusively used spinning reels my whole life.
I've recently been looking into buying a Baitcaster. I've never tried one before, so I'm not looking to go real expensive until I get the feel of it and decide whether or not I like it.
Any suggestions on a good starter combo or reel and rod totalling somewhere in the $100 range?
12poundbass reply :
Abu Garcia Black Max or Pro Max will serve you very well. I have several of both and am very happy.
bowhunter63 reply :
Lews Lazer or ABU black maxx.There both pretty good and good for the money.
DDoksa reply :
Anyone have an opinion on the Lew's American Hero?
bowhunter63 reply :
Yes a Buddy of mine got one and loves it.Held up well so far.
Stasher1 reply :
On 7/1/2017 at 11:28 PM, 12poundbass said:Abu Garcia Black Max or Pro Max will serve you very well. I have several of both and am very happy.
As I posted a couple threads down, the Abu Black Max is available from Walmart's site for about $26 if you select store pickup during the checkout process.
fishnkamp reply :
Here is where I really dislike suggesting "beginner" gear because "good enough to get started with" means you will most likely end up wasting money and hurting your learning curve. Let me compare it to a spinning reel since you are most familiar with them. When asked for a starter reel I always suggest the most affordable but most reliable reel on the market and that means a Pflueger President. It costs $50 to $60 and will last decades. There are many reels that cost more and certainly are worth their cost, but that reel will always be a great value and not need to be upgraded.
A Black Max is not a bad reel, but you will want to upgrade from it if you ever put a better reel in your hands.
Just help yourself out upfront. Go get a Daiwa Tatula CT. That will run you around $99 from ABCD sales on Amazon. I can assure you that they are awesome reels, durable, very easy to cast a good distance and learn to adjust properly. The braking system is terrific. Presently out of my 12 baitcasting rigs there are 7 Daiwa Tatula, Tatula Type Rs, and Tatula CTs. As for dealing with ABCD on Amazon I have purchased 3 reels separately from them and had no issues. They are good to deal with.
new2BC4bass reply :
Look for a used T3 (any model). These reels have the MagForce 3D braking system. Nearly impossible to backlash. You will have a quality reel that should last a lot longer than any $50 reel. A dual brake reel can be set up to be almost backlash proof as well. A centrifugal brake reel that has proved to be even better than a Shimano (for me) as a set-and-forget reel has been a Pinnacle Primmus. Not cheap...guess it would be called a mid-range price reel...but well worth the money AFAIC. Especially considering I bought 2 for less than 50% what stores get for them (putting them in the "cheap" price range). Unfortunately no such deal is available anymore.
I suppose I should qualify my statement by saying any reel could be backlash proof if you tighten down the spool tension enough along with a high brake setting. Of course you wouldn't like it very well for fishing. Maybe as a paperweight? 
DDoksa reply :
Sorry for all the questions, guys. But, like I said...total baitcasting noob!
There is a Piscifun low profile 13 +1 bearing, 6.3:1 reel on sale on Amazon for $36. Normally $70.
Any opinions?
XpressJeff reply :
I would say the best for you is one you can borrow.
Get a friend you fish with to loan you a decent quality rod and reel.
I say this because the purchase of what most of us would call a decent rod and reel to learn on would be $150 or so. If you buy a cheapy, and a cheapy rod you will just get passed off and be disappointed.
If you fish regularly you surely have a bud who will give you a 20 minute tutorial and loan you a rig. You will know in a day whether or not it's for you.
No money lost if you don't dig it, and if you like it you go spend $300 at Academy and everybody is happy.
Get that $300 ready!
NYWayfarer reply :
Kastking Stealth.
If I had started with this reel when learning bait casting I would have never went back to spinning reels. Great reel at a great price.
Columbia Craw reply :
I have to be objective here. My buddy is a helluvva fisherman and does not like to spend much on his rods and reels. He bought a Kastking Assassin baitcaster. I't's not for me but at under 60 bucks, it was surprisingly tight. I don't expect it will have the longevity if an aluminum framed reel but it was a good casting reel. That might be an option. I myself would spend the extra dollars and grab a Diawa Tatula CT.
new2BC4bass reply :
Never heard of Piscifun. I can guarantee that free shipping is for Prime members only. A search turned up this. Quote "...a line capacity of 12lbs – 100yds: maximum drag: 12lbs. Weighing 7.37ozs and manufactured in fiber glass and brass," Definitely look elsewhere. I am not aware of any other reel being made from fiberglass.
Kasking is a sponsor and has reels in that price range. Directly from Abu...Black Max/ 6'6" M combo for $69.99. And...no...I have no experience with either. http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-combos-baitcast-combos/abu-garcia-black-max-combo/1371162.html?utm_source=Mercent&utm_medium=PLA&utm_campaign=GoogleShopping&mr:trackingCode=50E04602-222A-E511-80F6-0050569437F6&mr:referralID=NA&mr:device=c&mr:adType=plaonline&mr:ad=83433569107&mr:keyword=&mr:match=&mr:tid=pla-18283950120&mr:ploc=9006935&mr:iloc=&mr:store=&mr:filter=18283950120&jt=1&jap=1o2&js=1&jsid=38039&jcpid=8a8ae4cd4f1f3d21014f445d90b276c5&jtid=gcp:se_38039:pp_18283950120:ag_19617211147:cp_322685467:n_g:d_c:cr_83433569107&gclid=CLzy54_p6NQCFVJLDQod1eQFsQ
Alternatively I would suggest a Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock for an inexpensive rod. That and a Black Max can be found for your $100 limit. There are other possible options if you keep an eye open for sales.
fishnkamp reply :
Forget the Kast Kings and Piscifun. Stick with the Daiwa Tatula you will be better off and the cost is not that much more.
hzzhangc reply :
On 7/2/2017 at 4:38 AM, fishnkamp said:Forget the Kast Kings and Piscifun. Stick with the Daiwa Tatula you will be better off and the cost is not that much more.
This. If you end up not like it you can easily resell it and probable lose $20.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 7/2/2017 at 4:38 AM, fishnkamp said:Forget the Kast Kings and Piscifun. Stick with the Daiwa Tatula you will be better off and the cost is not that much more.
OP, I agree with this. Jet.com has the CT 100HL for $99.28 with free shipping. This is a left hand 6.3:1 ratio reel. Having used spinning reels exclusively, there is a good chance you were reeling with your left hand so this will be no problem for you.
Unfortunately 72 cents is not going to buy you much of a rod with your $100 budget. 
Now if we can just talk you into the $100-$110 range for each then you have several choices that would make an excellent combo. One you would enjoy for years to come. However, I always hesitate to suggest a $200-$220 combo to someone with a $100 budget.....no matter what my personal opinion is. You are talking to a bunch of guys that do very little rod and reel shopping at a local Walmart. Guys not afraid to spend $100 on either a rod or reel. Some are willing to spend many times that on each item. I would too if I could afford it. 
Increase your budget to $220 and fishnkamp (and others) can give you some excellent recommendations for a first combo.
Quarry Man reply :
On 7/1/2017 at 11:49 PM, fishnkamp said:Go get a Daiwa Tatula CT. That will run you around $99 from ABCD sales on Amazon. I can assure you that they are awesome reels, durable, very easy to cast a good distance and learn to adjust properly. The braking system is terrific. Presently out of my 12 baitcasting rigs there are 7 Daiwa Tatula, Tatula Type Rs, and Tatula CTs. As for dealing with ABCD on Amazon I have purchased 3 reels separately from them and had no issues. They are good to deal with.
I second the Daiwa Tatula CT Suggestion. I am currently in the process of upgrading away from rods that don't fit my needs well. Instead, i am getting 3 casting and 3 spinning rods.
Yudo1 reply :
The worst thing you as a beginner can do is get a reel that is not dependable or is finicky. Don't set yourself up for failure and frustration. Buy a reel made from a company with a history and reputation for making quality reels backed by the best customer service My favorites are shimano and daiwa. In your price range the tatula ct is a no-brainer.
I fished with my buddy last week and I noticed he was constantly pulling out back lash after back lash and I was consistently outcasting him. He doesn't own a single shimano or daiwa. I spent my time fishing.
greentrout reply :
Well, the KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel is a best seller on Amazon with 4.5 rating over 500 reviews for 39.98. Sounds good. I've never been a reel snob.
fishnkamp reply :
If you need to stick to your $100 budget then do this. Walk into your local Dicks Sporting Goods store.
Purchase a jig, a pack of gum, anything cheap. i usually buy a Jawbone brand skirted jig for $2.99. Believe it or not they are pretty decent jigs, they are the Dicks brand. Now you have a receipt. Go home and go online . Find the address on the back of your receipt and fill out their online "customer satisfaction survey". Print out your $10 off coupon when you are done.
Now return to the store and pick up a Lews Mach 1 baitcasting combo. It runs $129.99 regularly, but now use your $10 off coupon. That makes the combo $119.99. Add some line and you have a good combo for as close to your targeted budget. That is about as close as I can suggest with quality equipment.
By the way always use that "survey" trick anytime Dicks is selling something you are interested. There is no maximum times you can do it. It just takes a fresh receipt. So the receipt for the rod and reel combo can get you your next $10 off coupon. They do have an expiration date though.
DDoksa reply :
Does the Daiwa CT come in a combo?
Or is the price you guys are mentioning just for the reel?
Boomstick reply :
I got my oldest son an Abu Garcia Black Max for his first decent rod and first casting rod. The reel is actually pretty good and really smooth but the rod in the Black Max combo isn't nearly as good as the reel, but if you are happy with it that's okay. The Abu Garcia Vengeance rod is much better, but I would probably get a Berkley Cherrywood or Shock rod to pair with the Black Max myself, those are both great for the price.
Alternatively, I would look at what fishnkamp said and get a Lews Mach 1 casting combo, either on Dick's using the $10 off coupon or on Amazon, which will end up costing the same and have a quality rod.
On 7/2/2017 at 10:56 AM, DDoksa said:Does the Daiwa CT come in a combo?
Or is the price you guys are mentioning just for the reel?
The Daiwa Tatula CT does not come in a combo. You might be able to get a Tatula rod for a little over $100 and a reel for the same, but you will exceed your budget. I use a Tatula SV reel with a 6'10" MH fast action Tatula rod myself, it's certainly not a bad setup.
hunterPRO1 reply :
black max for 40 bucks at academy, easy to cast, and have a solid drag, and 6.4 is a good all around speed. perfect beginning bait caster.
LxVE Bassin reply :
Don't get the Abu Garcia Silver Max what ever you do. Lews Carbonfire is a good choice but it's only sold at Dicks if you have one in your area.
Catt reply :
On 7/1/2017 at 11:34 PM, DDoksa said:Anyone have an opinion on the Lew's American Hero?
Bought my youngest son one for a wedding present; smooth casting, great drag, 7.1:1 gear ratio.
Bought the American Hero 6'10" MH Baitcast Rod & Reel Combo from Academy for $79.99.
GrumpyOlPhartte reply :
As a purely recreational fisherman, I would make a suggestion - I would refrain from making a reel purchase online unless I had actually held the reel and played with it. All the good advice in the world doesn't help if the reel you get is a lemon or just doesn't "feel right" in your hands. I happen to disagree with some of the highly-touted reels mentioned here based on an unpleasant experience with the brand, but while I would never buy the brand, I would not argue with anyone about the merits or disadvantages of any reel. When I went to the local Dick's I was able to see, touch, and play with several reels in my price range. True, I couldn't check out the drag, but I could check out the play in the handles, the overall construction, the cast control features, and the feel of the reel in my hand. Some of the brands I looked at were Abu Garcia, Okuma, Lew's, and a couple of others. Again, as a recreational fisherman, I found several possibilities that would serve me well. I happened to choose Lew's simply because I found the reel to "work" for me and their customer service to be very responsive to my questions. The reel has served me well for two years, but, to be honest, I think some of the others would have served just as well. In the end, it's about your budget and fishing habits. Good luck!
Catt reply :
@GrumpyOlPhartte
Exactly my sentiments!
I can not bring myself to buy anything I haven held in my hands, not just because it could be a lemon but because I might not like how it feels in my hand.
Example: a few years back my wife bought me a Shimano Chronarch for my birthday, she gave it to me on Friday before I left to go to the lake. Beautiful little reel, smooth casting, strong drag, everything one would want in a reel...absolutely hated how it felt in my hand. Now she doesn't buy me tackle & I don't buy her jewelry!
NHBull reply :
Look to the "used" market and get more for your buck.
On that note, I am not a fan on trying to do so on the cheap.
My first experience was with a ci4 and make the experience thrilling and easy.
My buddy went another route to "try" it, and hated it. Now I know that techniques are more important than gear, but today's gear is so user friendly it is hard to ignore the difference.
I know tons for guys that have gone from spinning to casting gear, and only a handful that have gone the other way and those that have, own top shelf spinning gear
Deeare reply :
Looks like tackle warehouse is having a sale on abu Garcia. And **** is also having a sale. You should be able to hit a July 4th sale and get a solid discount. Id
also try BPS and see if you can get the carbonlite for
$50. I hate BPS but that's a good reel for the money
chattooga_ basser reply :
I bought my first baitcasters a year ago after using spinning gear for 25 years.Lots of good suggestions already, one suggestion Id make would be try and find a good deal on one with a solid aluminum frame. a bit more pricey but more durable in the long run. The Lews LFS series, Daiwa Exceller and the Academy house brand are all solid choices. If your firm on your budget, then take a look at a Daiwa Aird on eBay and use the change on an All Star 6'8" MH casting rod. Good luck in your search !
Further North reply :
On 7/1/2017 at 11:49 PM, fishnkamp said:Here is where I really dislike suggesting "beginner" gear because "good enough to get started with" means you will most likely end up wasting money and hurting your learning curve. Let me compare it to a spinning reel since you are most familiar with them. When asked for a starter reel I always suggest the most affordable but most reliable reel on the market and that means a Pflueger President. It costs $50 to $60 and will last decades. There are many reels that cost more and certainly are worth their cost, but that reel will always be a great value and not need to be upgraded.
A Black Max is not a bad reel, but you will want to upgrade from it if you ever put a better reel in your hands.
Just help yourself out upfront. Go get a Daiwa Tatula CT. That will run you around $99 from ABCD sales on Amazon. I can assure you that they are awesome reels, durable, very easy to cast a good distance and learn to adjust properly. The braking system is terrific. Presently out of my 12 baitcasting rigs there are 7 Daiwa Tatula, Tatula Type Rs, and Tatula CTs. As for dealing with ABCD on Amazon I have purchased 3 reels separately from them and had no issues. They are good to deal with.
I agree here - going to a reel with a good braking system is critical to a good learning curve and to cutting down on your frustration as you learn.
I'd agree with Tatula CT, and would add in the Abu Garcia SX (was $99 at Cabela's last time I looked) and the Shimano Curado. I can recommend those because I've used them, I am sure there are others from Lew's, Quantum or other brands that will work just as well...but I'd strongly recommend getting in a slightly higher price point to get a better braking system.
One to the first reels I bought when I got back into fishing was the Shimano Calais DC. Don't look at the price, it's not for the faint of heart...but with that reel and its braking system I was able to to get back up to speed with little frustration pretty quickly. These days, I've got that reel dialed way back, and it gets used for bigger pike and musky baits...but it sure was a confidence builder when I jumped back in.
offsidewing reply :
If you are already a dedicated fisherman, Buy the best you can afford. Buy once, cry once.
Andy007 reply :
Lots of good info has been give and thought I should add to the mix?
I started to make the switch to baitcasters last year. I mostly fish 10lb braid and many people complained about light braid digging into its self, so I couldn’t see spending a 100 or more and finding out the line I like won’t work.
So I turned to eBay and bought a few reels that have a good quality reputation on these forums. Abu Garcia pro max 1600 &3600, Abu Garcia 4600c, and a couple Bass Pro Qualifiers. The most expensive one was around 31 bucks. (Lots of other good brands and models made, this is just where I stated.) Most had to be cleaned and one pawl replaced, other than that they’re in great mechanical shape.
Out of those reels I prefer the 4600c and pro qualifier with the pro qualifier being a little easier casting into the wind.
Long story short, and as mentioned before there can be good value in buying used! And through these forums the pro qualifier keeps coming up as one of the best reels for the money. The down side of used is you’ll probably have some maintenance. If you have a little time they are pretty simple to work on. But a quality easy casting reel for $30 might be a good start.
Many choices, Good luck!
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