Best baitcaster under $100 2025
Luke Barnes reply :
I know I should spend atleast $150 but my budget is $100 max. Like super maximum.
I've looked at the Lews Xfinity, Abu Garcia Promax, and a few others as possible choices but have no experience with them.
I do own a Lews American Hero 7' MH and love it and an Abu Black Max 6'6 M and like it as well.
I'm looking for a 6'10 to 7'3 MH that I'm going to put fluorocarbon on.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
swhit140 reply :
I've been adding Daiwa Fuego CT reels to my arsenal, you can get them around $75-80 on average. I have 3 of them now and love them. I'd say it would be a great reel if you're looking for a great budget reel. I'd say save up a little as you go and you could get a pretty nice setup for rod/reel for $150.00. With Christmas coming up in a couple months you might be able to find some good deals. That's just an idea.
scaleface reply :
Are you looking for a reel or a combo ?
MN Fisher reply :
I'd second the Fuego and put it on an Aird-X rod. Go through Amazon and you can get the pair for around $120-$130.
Russ E reply :
My 2 choices for sub $100.00 reels are, diawa fuego and bass pro shops pro qualifier.
I have 2 pro qualifier reels I got on sale for $50.00. (they are usually $99.00).
So far I have been very impressed for a low cost reel.
Luke Barnes reply :
I'm looking for a combo. I'm sorry I didnt mention that before. I know for $150 I can get a Lews Mach II or an Abu Revo X combo and would love those. The budget though..... was given to me by my wife!!! So saving isnt the issue. I dont want to push my luck when I got the ok to get another one for one $50 more.
FryDog62 reply :
I’d spend the $100 on a Fuego myself... maybe get it Black Friday for $80. Better off putting money into the reel first and foremost.
Save the $20 until the next sale or when you have another $30 and buy a Berkley Vengeance rod.
Awesome combo and you won’t look back and wish you’d have bought a better reel.
Tizi reply :
get the SLX combo from American Legacy for $139.
PourMyOwn reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 12:18 AM, Russ E said:My 2 choices for sub $100.00 reels are, diawa fuego and bass pro shops pro qualifier.
I have 2 pro qualifier reels I got on sale for $50.00. (they are usually $99.00).
So far I have been very impressed for a low cost reel.
I also have both and think they are great reels. I prefer them to my Shimano SLX, which is sacrilegious according to many. Next spring when the PQ goes back on sale for 50 I plan on buying a few more.
Harold Scoggins reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 12:18 AM, Russ E said:I have 2 pro qualifier reels I got on sale for $50.00.
The BPS Pro Qualifier has always been a good reel. I wonder if they are still made out of that factory in Korea, (Pure Fishing) a lot of good reels came out of that factory. I see they sell a combo for 149.97, that could even drop to 99 during the holidays. (BPS use to do that between Black Friday and Xmas.) I started my boys out on those reels and it wasn't long until I started using them when they started chasing girls. They are a solid reel for sure. I don't think you can wrong with the Pro Qualifier @Luke Barnes.
Luke Barnes reply :
If I can get the reel for $50 then its definitely an option because I have $100 to spend on the whole combo. That's why I was thinking like a Lews Xfinity.
NYWayfarer reply :
Out of the ones you mentioned I like the Lew's Xfinity green and orange combos. They are like budget versions of the Mach 1 and Mach 2 combos. The green Xfinity combo is a budget Mach 1 and the orange Xfinity with the Winn grip knobs is a budget Mach 2
jmz313 reply :
Abu Pro Max combo is like $85 on the amazon. I picked one up last month and it has been good.
scaleface reply :
Academy had the cammo H20 rods for 23 dollars . I bought two of them . My local Farm store has Quantum Qx36 for thirty dollars , I like that rod . It handles well , bends in the right spot and light weight . Its in my starting lineup . Keep an eye out on rods , capable ones can be found inexpensively .
JWall14 reply :
Shimano SLX HANDS DOWN!!
Taylormade113 reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 1:32 AM, Tizi said:get the SLX combo from American Legacy for $139.
This right here is the best advice going! Check the couches for change, and save up the extra $39, best combo by far for the price!
greentrout reply :
KastKing Royale Legend Elite Ragin' Red ... 75.00 ... KastKing Perigee II 3 pc. 7' rod medium and medium heavy tips ... 59.99 ... or 1 pc. 49.99 ...
be using mine tomorrow ...
good fishing ...
JediAmoeba reply :
If you can't wait for the Holidays to try and get a better combo, just spend 50 or 60 on a Black max combo save the money not spent and get a better combo down the road.
Another option would be to look on the facebook marketplace for a used combo - I got a Tatula combo for 100 bucks off there that was only tried out once.
12poundbass reply :
I got the Kastking Crixus combo for Father’s Day. That was my first Kastking set up, it is really smooth.
The Abu Blackmax and Promax combos are great too!
ReedFish reply :
Hard to find a combo for $100, but the Quantum Throttle baitcast combo fits this perfect. $99 Comes in three different rod lengths. I have not used the rods, but have used the reel, it is surprisingly good for the price.
Shimano_1 reply :
The daiwa Fuego ct and Garcia revo x can be had for 75 or so. Can't beat for that money and in my opinion it's an investment. Buy a 75 dollar combo and the reel will likely not last years. The Fuego or revo likely will with a lil maintenance. I tried the new pro qualifier this spring and it lasted 4 trips before it crapped out. Still have an older qualifier I've had for 5 or 6 years that's still slick. I'd buy a fuego or revo x and look for a steal on a decent stick. Dicks had the skeet rods for 30 bucks a cple months ago and lews carbon fire rods for same. As stated already the slx combo is hard to beat if u can swing the 139 for the combo
JediAmoeba reply :
I think all these people telling you to go over your budget need to:
A. Spot you the extra dough
B. Ask their wives what they think of this! ????
But seriously everyone here is giving you solid advice and most if us have been down the road of buying cheap stuff only to regret it. It really can cut down on your enjoyment.
Look into the facebook marketplace because those people can meet locally sometimes.
Luke Barnes reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 8:30 AM, JediAmoeba said:I think all these people telling you to go over your budget need to:
A. Spot you the extra dough
B. Ask their wives what they think of this! ????
But seriously everyone here is giving you solid advice and most if us have been down the road of buying cheap stuff only to regret it. It really can cut down on your enjoyment.
Look into the facebook marketplace because those people can meet locally sometimes.
True. Story. Haha. I have 6 combos so it was hard to convince the wife to get a 7th so I'm not pressing my luck!!
Someone above said a Black Max. I already have one. I like it. But I dont want 2. Promax I am considering though.
But I'm really eyeing those Lews Xfinity combos hard. My American Hero combo has hauled in many many fish and not showing any signs of wear. I oil it and clean it every now and then and it's like new after a year.
I'm not serious enough of a fisherman to actually need or notice the difference in a Xfinity or a Tourament Pro Ti combo. I know the higher end ones will be smoother but so far my cheaper lews has held up well.
Brett's_daddy reply :
Get a Shimano Caenan 150 and a Daiwa Aird-X rod, should be able to find both for about $50 each. That would make a great budget friendly combo!
BaitFinesse reply :
I would try to avoid plastic frame reel and linear magnetic brakes.
Rod: Berkley Lightning Rod $40
You now have $60 to find an aluminum frame centrifugal or dual brake reel. A PQ for $50 would be great. A Bionic Plus for $59 on sale would be OK. Personally I think the SLX combi is what you should try and get.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 3:19 AM, BaitFinesse said:I would try to avoid plastic frame reel and linear magnetic brakes.
Rod: Berkley Lightning Rod $40
You now have $60 to find an aluminum frame centrifugal or dual brake reel. A PQ for $50 would be great. A Bionic Plus for $59 on sale would be OK. Personally I think the SLX combi is what you should try and get.
I like this idea.
My travel combo to Florida this year cost me under $100
Rod: Berkley Cherrywood $25
Reel: Lew's LFS (got it on sale for $70, marked down from $99)
Maggiesmaster reply :
I bought two Pro-Qualifers for $50 each. I also have a Lewis that cost $350. It fishes better than a Pro-Qualifier, but not 7 times as good.
Fishaholic7lbs reply :
Nothing wrong with an abu black max to get you goin.. as others have said you can get a good deal on a daiwa fuego On amazon i bought one not long ago for 65$..
For a rod try academy brand ethos micro, daiwa airdx, or a falcon HD all are really good rods less than 100$.
Your total setup is gonna run over 100$ though
jbsoonerfan reply :
If you already have 6 combos there is no sense in buying junk just to get another one. Seriously though, If money is that tight around your house, I'm sure it can be spent on better things. I wouldn't buy, just to be buying. I would save it and wait till I could afford quality gear. The Black Max and Pro Max are junk. I bought them a few years back to use for hybrid bass and they both fell apart (plastic parts don't last). Others have talked about the Fuego and that would be a great reel and you could get an Aird X and be a little bit over $100 which would be worth it in the long run.
Luke Barnes reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 8:30 AM, JediAmoeba said:
Well, I got the budget/new combo pulled out from me today. Me and the wife aren't doing too good and a new rod isnt priority I guess. I would LOVE a SLX combo. I want one so bad. But i was happy settling for a sub one hundred dollar combo. Well that's gone ifbbni value my marriage. So I guess I have to make my same old crap work.
jbsoonerfan reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 12:33 PM, Luke Barnes said:Well, I got the budget/new combo pulled out from me today. Me and the wife aren't doing too good and a new rod isnt priority I guess. I would LOVE a SLX combo. I want one so bad. But i was happy settling for a sub one hundred dollar combo. Well that's gone ifbbni value my marriage. So I guess I have to make my same old crap work.
You might should focus on what's important.
WRB reply :
Tell your wife her budget is $100 for a pair of shoes and purse.
Tom
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 12:33 PM, Luke Barnes said:Well, I got the budget/new combo pulled out from me today. Me and the wife aren't doing too good and a new rod isnt priority I guess. I would LOVE a SLX combo. I want one so bad. But i was happy settling for a sub one hundred dollar combo. Well that's gone ifbbni value my marriage. So I guess I have to make my same old crap work.
I am well aware of how it is to live pay check to pay check with little money for extras. Look for a part time job...provided it won't put too much stress on the rest of your family. Family is important and things will get better if you are smart with your money. Budget now. Enjoy its benefits down the road when finances are no longer as tight. At least you have some fishing gear to still be able to get out and enjoy your spare time. Work and no play isn't good for you either. We all deserve a little time for relaxation. I worked for 17 years without taking a week's vacation. Plus I spent more hours at work than even the shop's owner did. My daughter was the one that suffered for that. Be smarter with your time than I was.
endless reply :
I understand the budget and sometimes it can damper things...
but if can hold off and add more funds say in a month I would try too... I know I’m very impatient and a must have now attitude.
I almost bought a Lews laxer speed spool. I needed something with a low gear ratio.
I ended up not getting it.
I do need to get a reel as well so I can put my Curado back on my Crucial. Bought a new rod at the outdoor show and was giving it a try.
I’m holding off cause I want to have deep crank set up first and I don’t want to just settle for anything but who knows I might just get a good decent reel for the rod I purchased at the show.
I have an original PQ that crapped on me this year... I’m going to try and swap some parts from a Carbon Lite reel.
my wife has a Black Max BC. Decent cheap reel.
update: I just read about your marriage and hope everything is well...
new2BC4bass reply :
Consider buying used. I got a $250 reel for $65 last year. Reel is in very good condition. I have seen the OG Fuego for ridiculously low prices. A great reel highly under-rated by many. Purchasing cheap rods off the classifieds isn't usually a viable option unless you can pick up locally.
NOC 1 reply :
On 10/11/2019 at 8:43 AM, Luke Barnes said:True. Story. Haha. I have 6 combos so it was hard to convince the wife to get a 7th so I'm not pressing my luck!!
Someone above said a Black Max. I already have one. I like it. But I dont want 2. Promax I am considering though.
But I'm really eyeing those Lews Xfinity combos hard. My American Hero combo has hauled in many many fish and not showing any signs of wear. I oil it and clean it every now and then and it's like new after a year.
I'm not serious enough of a fisherman to actually need or notice the difference in a Xfinity or a Tourament Pro Ti combo. I know the higher end ones will be smoother but so far my cheaper lews has held up well.
I think that buying more cheap gear just to get the count up is a mistake (ask me how I know????). If you have $100 to spend, you would be better off picking out the best rod that you currently have and upgrading the reel to something a little better or upgrading the best reel you have with a better rod. Or buy a rod that covers a different need. Buy a ML rod, or a crank bait rod instead of the typical MH fast all-rounder.
6 Combos are enough to cover just about anything you want to do...as long as they aren't just the same setup x 6. (and when you are buying $100 combos they are probably very similar)
I have at least 35 combos in my racks, but when I go out I never take more than 8 and usually 5 of them are the same every time with one or two different ones thrown in..Oh for the record 10 of my 35 combos are $100 combos that I would sell if I could. I bought them before I realized that better quality gear is way more valuable and useful than is a mountain of cheap equipment.
I wish I had that money back or would have spent it on 2 or 3 decent rigs instead..
It's not too late for you. For the price of six $100 combos you could have two $300 combos that would be very nice. Nice enough that you would still be appreciative of them years from now. I promise that you would get more enjoyment from those 2 than you would from 12 cheap combos.
Brett's_daddy reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 12:33 PM, Luke Barnes said:Well, I got the budget/new combo pulled out from me today. Me and the wife aren't doing too good and a new rod isnt priority I guess. I would LOVE a SLX combo. I want one so bad. But i was happy settling for a sub one hundred dollar combo. Well that's gone ifbbni value my marriage. So I guess I have to make my same old crap work.
Dude, you have 6 combos already and probably more tackle than you'll ever use, no they aren't top of the line but the fish don't care how much you spent on your gear. Use what you have for now...at least you have something. Your focus needs to be on the priorities in your life, your marriage and how to better your financial situation! After that things will take care of themselves...there will always be nice rods and reels for sale whether it's now or 5 years from now etc. You have to reassess everything and see which category they fall into, a want or a need...for now it sounds like you best be focusing on your needs ;). Just my .02, you're of course free to do as you wish. Good luck!!!
JediAmoeba reply :
On 10/12/2019 at 12:33 PM, Luke Barnes said:Well, I got the budget/new combo pulled out from me today. Me and the wife aren't doing too good and a new rod isnt priority I guess. I would LOVE a SLX combo. I want one so bad. But i was happy settling for a sub one hundred dollar combo. Well that's gone ifbbni value my marriage. So I guess I have to make my same old crap work.
Dude, family matters most. And it's surely worth more than 100 bucks.
Anyway, you already have a few combos and you mentioned you have a black max combo - so you already have an equivalent best for the at or under 100 dollar budget. Anything else isn't going to be an improvement, just something equivalent.
I would urge you to look at saving money and getting a 150-250 dollar combo. If you can get it during a sale that's even better. For me the biggest improvement was going from those cheap 100 dollar combos up to those 150-250 dollar combos. And when I say combo, I don't necessarily mean SOLD as a combo but the price you would pay for a reel and rod. I think the biggest disappointment in fishing gear is when you go from a 200 dollar combo up to a 500 dollar combo...unless it is an ultra finesse combo it really isn't a noticeable upgrade.
These guys rarely steer you wrong:
r83srock reply :
On 10/13/2019 at 7:35 PM, Brett's_daddy said:Dude, you have 6 combos already and probably more tackle than you'll ever use, no they aren't top of the line but the fish don't care how much you spent on your gear. Use what you have for now...at least you have something. Your focus needs to be on the priorities in your life, your marriage and how to better your financial situation! After that things will take care of themselves...there will always be nice rods and reels for sale whether it's now or 5 years from now etc. You have to reassess everything and see which category they fall into, a want or a need...for now it sounds like you best be focusing on your needs ;). Just my .02, you're of course free to do as you wish. Good luck!!!
I feel this is very good advice. 6 setups is something I have in the boat for a tournament, 2 for the kayak, 1 for the shore. I’d be happy with just 2 or 3 setups, a lot less to take care of and spool line onto. Seriously, take care of your home life, it will be worth it. It’s cheaper to keep her.
Luke Barnes reply :
Thanks for the advice guys. My other other combos are a 6'6 diawa procaster spinning MH, a 7' Diawa Procaster spinning M, a cheapy H2O Express angler rod and Shakespeare reel and a fly rod. Which the fly rod may not count Haha. So I want to add 1 more baitcaster to the arsenal. But I can wait. I'll just have to retie my 2 I have more often if I want to switch lures.
YoTone reply :
since the season is winding down i would wait for the best black friday deal.
last year the revo x was $50 on amazon. im still kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on that.
Tizi reply :
Best bang for the buck is rod and reel for $200-250 range.
related Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
previous topic
most viewed Fishing Rods Reels Line Knots topic
© 2025 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.