Buying a first all-purpose baitcaster rod/reel.....opinions? 2025

rancocasrich reply :

Folks, I am new to this forum and look forward to sharing and learning. I am pretty much exclusively a spinning gear fisherman. I was given a new baitcaster many years ago but never got totally comfortable with it. Now, I want to buy a baitcaster rod/reel to expand my fishing opportunities and experiences. I would like to spend about $200.00. I have been advised to consider waiting for a while until the spring sales start. I am open to any brands etc.

Also, regarding the rod - 1 piece or 2 piece?

All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

midnighthrasher reply :

Your best buy will be off the fishing flea market on this site. Check it out everyday and you will find a great deal. Might be a bit used but you could get a rod reel combo for half price. So either buy a 200$ combo new or buy a 400$ combo off the flea market slightly used for 200$. You will get a much better combo for the money than buying it new. I would wait and check the flea market

NHfroggin reply :

Shimano Compre 6'6" MH

Shimano Citica E

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SCRE.html

-matt-

BrianinMD reply :

you will find a wide variety or answers for this question but here goes:

Rod - 7ft M or MH:

Vendetta 7ft M or MH

Bucco

BPS Carbonlite or Extreme

Reels:

BPS Extreme

Revo S

Shimano Citica

Any combination of these will work well for you. Some people have their likes/dislikes for some of them but they will serve you well.

With modern 2 piece rods there is not enough difference for a weekend angler to notice, go with what feels good to you at a decent price.

supreme reply :

Dude I was in the same boat as you are just 4 months ago buying my first bait caster. Just know that the learning process will take some extreme patience on your part & by buying really nice gear you can always sell it to another member if you choose to throw in the towel after one frustrating season. Look into a reel with dual brakes.

JigMe reply :

I am shopping for an all purpose rod for a family member as well. This combo is over your budget, but you are getting a very nice setup.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102964_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1

ghost_207 reply :

You get 10% off at ***.com.

http://www.***.com/malone/

scrutch reply :

Quote
I am shopping for an all purpose rod for a family member as well. This combo is over your budget, but you are getting a very nice setup.

which one do u think is best for crankbaits? I see they're all fast or xfast action...Isnt it better to have a slightly slower action for crankin'?

JigMe reply :

Quote

Quote
I am shopping for an all purpose rod for a family member as well. This combo is over your budget, but you are getting a very nice setup.

which one do u think is best for crankbaits? I see they're all fast or xfast action...Isnt it better to have a slightly slower action for crankin'?

I am sure one of the other guys are more qualify to answer the question for you. I am still a newbee as well. ^^

Goose52 reply :

I'd be patient and wait a month until the BPS spring sale. Then, I'd get a BPS Pro Qualifier reel (hopefully they will be on sale for $80 then). I mention this specific reel as it is the cheapest, QUALITY reel that has dual-braking (both magnetic and centrifugal brakes - usually making it easier to learn with less backlashes than single-brake system reels). Then, use the remaining $120 to try to get the best deal you can on a 6'6" or 7', medium or medium-heavy rod (medium will do if you fish mainly open water and lighter baits, medium-heavy if you fish more around trash and timber and/or use heavier baits). Lots of good rods in the $120 range and hopefully some of the more expensive rods will be on sale. Shimano, St. Croix, and lots of others...

JigMe reply :

The sale usually happen in March right?

Goose52 reply :

Quote
The sale usually happen in March right?

If you're talking about the BPS Spring Classic - it's February 26 to March 14.

JigMe reply :

Quote

Quote
The sale usually happen in March right?

If you're talking about the BPS Spring Classic - it's February 26 to March 14.

Thanks, I will mark my calender... ;D

WdyCrankbait reply :

Quote
Shimano Compre 6'6" MH
Shimano Citica E

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SCRE.html

-matt-

I like the suggestion of that reel. Shimano makes great stuff! I would look for a rod at least 6'-6" M to MH and try to get an IM7 graphite rod if you can.

rancocasrich reply :

Folks, Thanks for all of the suggestions. I have written down the various rods and reels and plan to go out and try them at the stores. I may just wait for the Bass pro sales, unless I see what I want at one of the small shops, where i prefer to "invest" my money!

Please be encouraged to add more ideas for me. This is a great activity during "cabin fever" season! Thanks

zero limit reply :

check cabelas site they are having a rod sale up to 70% off some rods, some great deals

barroncooper reply :

Quote
Shimano Compre 6'6" MH
Shimano Citica E

http://www.***.com/descpageRDCSHIMANO-SCCR.html

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SCRE.html

-matt-

I second that

santacruz reply :

Name brands were not my first thing i look at when buying rods&reels.Number of bearings five or more if you want it to last rods i always go with graphite rods although you can get away with glass rods when crankbaiting.But number of bearnings and gear ratio are what i look at first when buying baitcasters.So with that being said a reel with five or more bearings for first baitcaster i'd go with a ratio of 6.1 or better.Rod 6'6" MH graphite rod.

NHfroggin reply :

Quote
Name brands were not my first thing i look at when buying rods&reels.Number of bearings five or more if you want it to last rods i always go with graphite rods although you can get away with glass rods when crankbaiting.But number of bearnings and gear ratio are what i look at first when buying baitcasters.So with that being said a reel with five or more bearings for first baitcaster i'd go with a ratio of 6.1 or better.Rod 6'6" MH graphite rod.

Quality not Quantity

-matt-

NewKidInTown reply :

Quote
Folks, I am new to this forum and look forward to sharing and learning. I am pretty much exclusively a spinning gear fisherman. I was given a new baitcaster many years ago but never got totally comfortable with it. Now, I want to buy a baitcaster rod/reel to expand my fishing opportunities and experiences. I would like to spend about $200.00. I have been advised to consider waiting for a while until the spring sales start. I am open to any brands etc.
Also, regarding the rod - 1 piece or 2 piece?

All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

I don't know anyone who uses 2 piece rods. Now as far as a reel? The trouble with buying something like a Citica,is that it will not be able to throw light baits. If you are going to only be throwing baits that are fairly heavy,then fine. Just don't expect to be able to throw a weightless fluke,or finesse jig that weighs 3/16oz. If you intend to throw light stuff,you need a reel with a much lighter spool,which unfortunately will lighten your wallet.

chasiubao73 reply :

Powell 683CEF and either Shimano Citica 200/201E or Daiwa Fuego. Good luck.

JigMe reply :

Quote

Quote
Folks, I am new to this forum and look forward to sharing and learning. I am pretty much exclusively a spinning gear fisherman. I was given a new baitcaster many years ago but never got totally comfortable with it. Now, I want to buy a baitcaster rod/reel to expand my fishing opportunities and experiences. I would like to spend about $200.00. I have been advised to consider waiting for a while until the spring sales start. I am open to any brands etc.
Also, regarding the rod - 1 piece or 2 piece?

All opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

I don't know anyone who uses 2 piece rods. Now as far as a reel? The trouble with buying something like a Citica,is that it will not be able to throw light baits. If you are going to only be throwing baits that are fairly heavy,then fine. Just don't expect to be able to throw a weightless fluke,or finesse jig that weighs 3/16oz. If you intend to throw light stuff,you need a reel with a much lighter spool,which unfortunately will lighten your wallet.

I am using a Citica 200 right now on a 7' MH rod for all single hook, and sometime I will throw some light stuff, but never had a big problems with it. I do agree that a high end reel might work better on light lures, but you shouldn't experience too many problems.

Goose52 reply :

Quote
I don't know anyone who uses 2 piece rods.....

I do, so do lots of folks. The bass on my avatar was caught on a 2-piece rod. There have been lots of threads about 1- vs 2-piece rods so that's already been discussed elsewhere and can be found with a search. My advice to the original poster is to consider your transport/travel needs. If you will always be able to take along a 6 1/2' or 7' rod (you drive a truck or whatever) go with the 1-piece rod. If you only have a sedan or occasionally leave the truck at home and drive another car, I'd sure rather have a 2-piece rod with me than have a 1-piece rod at home :

I drive a sedan with fold-down rear seats. I can take 7 1/2' 1-piece rods with me with the seats folded down - the rods extend from the trunk area, through the back seat area, then between the front bucket seats, and the tips end up in the front seat area. But when I'm on a trip, and don't want 3 or 4 rods sticking through the car, I've got my 2-piece rods in the trunk... 8-) (Actually - I ALWAYS have a 5-piece pack rod and spinning reel in the trunk - you never know when you might be driving around and see some good water... ;D)

zach t reply :

For a crankbait rod, I would NEVER use anything but a fiberglass rod. You just miss too many fish or have them shake off. The load up that a glass rod offers at the point of attack is unbeatable.

However, to really answer your question: 200 dollars isn't going to buy you happiness in a multipurpose combo.

Spend a little extra and get at LEAST a St. Croix Triumph, 6'6'' Med HVY/ FAST with a Citica E. I would venture to go ahead and get a 7' and relearn.

Problem with that is, compared to my custom rods with the same reel....well....there is no comparison. Especially in price. :'(

roadwarrior reply :

Well, he's not looking for a crankbait rod.

An "all-around" rod would be 6 1/2' or 7'

Medium Heavy Power/ Fast Action. The

Abu Garcia Vendetta has been getting

good reviews:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast09rodsabugarcia.html

Match this up with a Shimano Citica and you

are good to go for around $200.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html

8-)

zach t reply :

Quote
For a crankbait rod, I would NEVER use anything but a fiberglass rod. You just miss too many fish or have them shake off. The load up that a glass rod offers at the point of attack is unbeatable.
However, to really answer your question: 200 dollars isn't going to buy you happiness in a multipurpose combo.

Spend a little extra and get at LEAST a St. Croix Triumph, 6'6'' Med HVY/ FAST with a Citica E. I would venture to go ahead and get a 7' and relearn.

Problem with that is, compared to my custom rods with the same reel....well....there is no comparison. Especially in price. :'(

LOL. Yeah. He asked about using a multi-purpose rod with crankbaits. I said I would never do that. Then I explained what I would use for a multi purpose.

Just giving him a few more data points is all.

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Buying a first all-purpose baitcaster rod/reel.....opinions? 2025

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