Buying my first baitcaster... 2024
EllisJuan reply :
I am looking at buying my first baitcaster. I like nice equipment and have always been a fan of Shimano spinning reels so that is the brand I have been looking at. When I was younger I used to lust over the beautiful Calcutta. My friends are steering me towards a Curado. This being my first move into baitcaster so do not have an established preference of round vs. low profile. I am also curious about the JDM market reels if there is a standout to be found there. The reel needs to be left-hand retrieve. I am heavily leaning towards Shimano, but that is not absolute. I would like to stay under $200, but that is not absolute either.
The reel will be going on a G Loomis E6X 6'6" Med-Heavy Fast that I got a good deal on.
Peide01 reply :
I just ordered a second curado i a few minutes ago for 139. Love my first one. I really want a chronarch 50e but haven't found one yet. I too have been. Looking at JDM shimano and I'm excited about the new scorpion that will be released soon. It supposed to be a 70 size.
Sorry it was 129 not 139.
5fishlimit reply :
If you can I would suggest taking your rod to a retailer and trying them out. Put different reels on the rod and see how they feel to you. In the price range you are looking for you will find really good products from all of the major players. You should look for the features that best fit your needs, and go from there.
You will get as many different answers from many different people on this. At the end of the day you should follow what feels good for you.
Oh, and to really maximize your dollars I would look for used reels in the flea market here. I've gotten some AMAZING reels for a fraction of the retail cost.
EllisJuan reply :
On 2/3/2016 at 5:31 AM, Peide01 said:I just ordered a second curado i a few minutes ago for 139. Love my first one. I really want a chronarch 50e but haven't found one yet. I too have been. Looking at JDM shimano and I'm excited about the new scorpion that will be released soon. It supposed to be a 70 size.
Sorry it was 129 not 139.
Wow, that is a good deal on the Curado. It was actually the '14 Scorpion that caught my eye.
On 2/3/2016 at 5:36 AM, 5fishlimit said:If you can I would suggest taking your rod to a retailer and trying them out. Put different reels on the rod and see how they feel to you. In the price range you are looking for you will find really good products from all of the major players. You should look for the features that best fit your needs, and go from there.
You will get as many different answers from many different people on this. At the end of the day you should follow what feels good for you.
Oh, and to really maximize your dollars I would look for used reels in the flea market here. I've gotten some AMAZING reels for a fraction of the retail cost.
I have handled most of what I am considering, but not on my rod. That is a good idea.
I still find myself drawn to the Calcutta. How do you think it compares to the Curado as far as smoothness, ease of use, and versatility. Do you think either of them would be a good mate for my rod?
DenhamBruce reply :
Get your hands on a Calcutta 200D and you won't regret it
cottny27 reply :
A Curado is more than enough reel to learn on. Ya'll got too much money to burn!!!
EllisJuan reply :
Alright...I Curado 201i it is. I am not sure how long I will be able to hold off this Calcutta lust though...
new2BC4bass reply :
Buy what interests you the most as long as you can afford it. You will be much more apt to pracitce with something you really wanted than a substitute that someone else talked you into. Also using something that floats your boat will bring you more pleasure. My brother-in-laws all make fun of how much I spend on a rod or reel. They catch as many or more with rods costing $25-$70. However, my gear is what keeps me hitting the water because fishng in my area sucks big-time..
Jrob78 reply :
If you like the Calcutta, check out the Conquest! The Curado I will be a great first baitcaster though. Check Ebay for prices, no need to pay MSRP.
Pondboss16 reply :
Abu garcia black or silver max
Puggz reply :
My first low profile BC was a Daiwa Tatula 100.
Don't get me wrong Shimano makes great reels but in my experience Shimano's lower end offerings aren't the best value and I find them a touch difficult to setup. If you were spending north of $300 I'd recommend a Ci4 or better without hesitation.
Round reels are another story. They are built more towards strength. I have a Calcutta 400d that I use for Muskie and light Salt Water.. For bass fishing, I'd start with learning how to master a low profile first and then move into round.
Fun times and good luck!
Jrob78 reply :
On 2/3/2016 at 10:43 AM, Puggz said:My first low profile BC was a Daiwa Tatula 100.
Don't get me wrong Shimano makes great reels but in my experience Shimano's lower end offerings aren't the best value and I find them a touch difficult to setup. If you were spending north of $300 I'd recommend a Ci4 or better without hesitation.
Round reels are another story. They are built more towards strength. I have a Calcutta 400d that I use for Muskie and light Salt Water.. For bass fishing, I'd start with learning how to master a low profile first and then move into round.
Fun times and good luck!
I don't see how a Curado would be harder to set up than a Chronarch CI4, I own both reels and haven't noticed any difference. They both have the same braking system.
EllisJuan reply :
On 2/3/2016 at 10:43 AM, Puggz said:My first low profile BC was a Daiwa Tatula 100.
Don't get me wrong Shimano makes great reels but in my experience Shimano's lower end offerings aren't the best value and I find them a touch difficult to setup. If you were spending north of $300 I'd recommend a Ci4 or better without hesitation.
Round reels are another story. They are built more towards strength. I have a Calcutta 400d that I use for Muskie and light Salt Water.. For bass fishing, I'd start with learning how to master a low profile first and then move into round.
Fun times and good luck!
Interesting. I have always heard such good things about the Curado...I don't think I had ever heard it was not far up enough in the Shimano line to be a good value. What would you have recommended over it for ~$140?
shackman reply :
My recommendation, find a used Curado/Citica E, although I do have a Curado I,I like it and its a good reel, I just prefer the E. But man, if its a Calcutta you want,then get one,I fished em for years and just saw a nice 100 sale for 80 bux a couple of days ago, it was either in the flea market here or someplace else. You choose what you want and what works best for you though,not others.
cottny27 reply :
BPS had the Curados for $99 last Spring Sale. I heard lines were wrapped around the building in St Charles.
WdyCrankbait reply :
Yeah, you are not going to go wrong with a Curado. But, if you are open to other suggestions, look at Lew's. But, for that $$ you are taking about spending, stick with a name brand, go with a reel that has the features you want and feels good on your Loomis.
You'll be fine with whatever you go with.
PS, since it is your first casting reel, I would recommend say 12 mono, and spool your reel up to about 80% capacity. Mono is not as expensive so, if you do birds nest it, not that much $$ lost. Also, reels seem to be more forgiving with lesser (not at max capacity) when getting familiar with a new reel.
cottny27 reply :
I agree with WdyCrankbait on the line. 12# seems like the sweet spot and buy a limp line.
EllisJuan reply :
Thanks for the advice guys. That is a good call on spooling it with some mono until I get more proficient with it. Hopefully I will be able to get the line wet towards the end of next week.
I am still going to keep an eye out for a Calcutta. I would love to scoop up a 100 series left retrieve...I may just post a wtb thread in the flea market.
dave reply :
I'd recommend buying good and inexpensive your first time. Maybe a H2O Mettle. Best inexpensive quality reel in it's class $60 not on sale. Or, maybe a BPS Pro Qualifier at the Spring Classic usually for around $65 with the trade it deal. These reels are fished by many here and there has never been a disatisfied user of either. Many, many a fisherman bought high and sold low after just not getting the hang of baitcasting reels. Learn and get good, then go higher dollar. My .02...
RB 77 reply :
I own several Curados and Calcuttas. I have more Curados than Calcuttas, but there is something about that "gold" Calcutta that is just plain sexy. The Curado will be lighter and the Calcutta will feel more "solid" from the all aluminum construction. Either one should serve you just fine. Like others have said I would go handle both of them in person and go from there.
ethan-333 reply :
i would also look at lews reels and the diawa tatula.
i have 3 of the tatula 100hsl and 1 lews that cost 100. all perform great.
if you do look at a tatula. amazon has them 50 dollars cheaper (new in box) than tackle warehouse
EllisJuan reply :
I broke down and ordered the Calcutta also. I am weak and have no willpower.
...and what would two hot new reels be without some fresh ABEC 7 bearings to go in them?
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/5/2016 at 7:32 AM, EllisJuan said:I broke down and ordered the Calcutta also. I am weak and have no willpower.
...and what would two hot new reels be without some fresh ABEC 7 bearings to go in them?
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo.............................you've met the Bait Monkey already. 
He is a good friend of mine. Daughter tells me my package with 3 new reels in it arrived today. Too bad it will be several months before I'll get a chance to baptize them.
EllisJuan reply :
On 2/5/2016 at 9:32 AM, new2BC4bass said:Sooooooooooooooooooooooooo.............................you've met the Bait Monkey already.
He is a good friend of mine. Daughter tells me my package with 3 new reels in it arrived today. Too bad it will be several months before I'll get a chance to baptize them.
I know how to pick expensive hobbies...lol. Of course this means I will need another rod...they are both to fine of reels to sit on my only extra caster...a Shimano Clarus.
I am going to wait and see how I like the Loomis E6x before I make any moves.
WdyCrankbait reply :
Expensive hobbies, yeah, I play guitar, love cars, tying flies, and am married. So, no $$ for this guy!
Bait Monkey is part of the dark side, but the part that lets you have cool stuff!
0119 reply :
On 2/3/2016 at 5:19 AM, EllisJuan said:I am looking at buying my first baitcaster.
When I was younger I used to lust over the beautiful Calcutta. My friends are steering me towards a Curado.
I went through every brand and every price point all the way up to the Calais. I was never happy until I went to and stayed with what I lusted for when I was younger. You could do a lot worse than a Calcutta. Round reels have a lot of plus' like all metal construction, ease of maintenance and an intrinsic feel of being more solid when using baits that retrieve with a lot of resistance. Either way, I was never content until I was using what I always dreamed of using.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/5/2016 at 11:37 AM, EllisJuan said:I know how to pick expensive hobbies...lol. Of course this means I will need another rod...they are both to fine of reels to sit on my only extra caster...a Shimano Clarus.
I am going to wait and see how I like the Loomis E6x before I make any moves.
I can't afford to spend what many enthusists spend per rod and reel, but have still managed to spend a few thousand the past 7 years on fishing gear. I have more than I'll ever need, yet keep looking. Especially at reels.
On 2/5/2016 at 8:29 PM, WdyCrankbait said:Expensive hobbies, yeah, I play guitar, love cars, tying flies, and am married. So, no $$ for this guy!
Bait Monkey is part of the dark side, but the part that lets you have cool stuff!
I like cars, but love motorcycles. Being married means neither are in the books for me as a hobby. Have always thought I would like to flyfish...and tie my own flies, naturally...but have to set some limits.
OP: If you think fishing is an expensive hobby, then don't get interested in acoustic guitars. Started taking lessons a year ago. Simply had to have an electric for my first guitar. Then bought an acoustic so I and my instructor could hear my mistakes. He plays along with me on an acoustic, and we don't use an amp. Discovered I love acoustic, and now have 3 and would love a dozen or two more. Go to acoustic guitar forum to learn how much these babies can cost. http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php Check out the classifieds where many guitars are sold at a fraction of their cost due to the economy, but are still way out of my budget.
cottny27 reply :
Is Taylor still considered the Mac Daddy of acoustics?
RB 77 reply :
On 2/5/2016 at 7:32 AM, EllisJuan said:I broke down and ordered the Calcutta also. I am weak and have no willpower.
...and what would two hot new reels be without some fresh ABEC 7 bearings to go in them?
Nice! You wont be disappointed.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 2/6/2016 at 4:32 AM, cottny27 said:Is Taylor still considered the Mac Daddy of acoustics?
Not sure what you mean by this, but Taylors are still very popular acoustic guitars. However, an all solid wood one is beyond my budget. I'm thinking an OM size Larrivee might be my next guitar. Nazareth (home of Martin Guitars) is just up the road from me, but they are also out of my budget for an all solid wood guitar. I just keep on dreamin'.
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