Getting a new bait caster.. Suggestions please 2024
Mikfree reply :
So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners.
cottny27 reply :
Any Lews $100 or more would be my vote. Big upgrade without dropping $300 on a reel you don't really need.
fishnkamp reply :
I really like the Diawa reels, look at the Diawa Tatula, Tatula CT and even a Diawa Exceler, all of these can be found online at some discount prices as well. A Diawa Tatula retails for $149 and can easily be purchased for around $110 or less. Look here http://stores.sheltonsclothing.com/daiwa-tatula-100h-baitcasting-reel-right-hand-6-3-1/
That reel retails for $149 but is available for $99. I fish 7 Diawas and love em. I own Tatulas, Excelers and Tatula Type Rs. Take a look at Lews and Diawa reel prices online so you do not overpay. I got two Excelers this spring along with 1 Tatula and 1 Tatula type R and all were discounted online.. The Exceler sells for $99 and I got it for $60. The Type R sells for $199 and I got it with free shipping for $119. Just have some prices written down so you can determine if it is worth just a little more to pick up and take home right then.
long island basser reply :
I would recommend and really enjoy using my Lews tournament MB's.
Mikfree reply :
Thanks for the replies & I will look at the diawa reels while I'm there I know they have them! If it makes any difference I'll be pairing this with either a custom speed stik or a Mojo rod
Onvacation reply :
I like my Tournament G but I own three BB1 Pros. The BB1 Pro is like an old pair of comfortable jeans. Nothing fancy but always does the job.
fishnkamp reply :
Makes no difference they will pair well. Just do yourself a favor put them on a rod. I have fairly big hands and I do not like to completely palm around my reels but some anglers like these really tiny reels. I suggest you look at all three Diawas and try them on a rod so you can see if it feels good. I personally love the reels. Some reels like a few of the Lews feel lost in my hand. The speed stick and the Mojo are nice rods. If they have them, check out Irod Genesis II and the Dobyns Fury and Sierra rods.. Also take notice of the Lews Tournament Performance TP1 Speed Sticks. If you have never had a Winn Grip in your hand you are missing out. They are terrific. I have been having a custom rod builder remove and replace the factory grips and reel seats on my IMX spinning rods. We have been putting on American Tackle comfort seats, and Winn Grips.. Another big advantage on the TP1 is the American Tackle Microwave guides. They are really special.They look weird at first but if you threw one you would like em. My buddy Tom Has been using now for a while on his custom and re engineered rods as he says.The Winn Grips have a bit of a tacky touch to them when they get wet. I fished Ned rigs on Dale Hollow this spring during the week just after the smallies spawned. We threw the on 1/10 heads in as deep of water as 20 foot over grass.The two modified G Loomis rods were terrific. At least make sure you play with one before deciding on a rod.
dsqui reply :
do not buy a tp1 speed stick they are garbage alot better options outhere for the price
fishnkamp reply :
What did you dislike about the rod? I like the components so was the rod blank a problem. I have held one but have not fished one yet.
Mikfree reply :
What did you not like about the speed stick? Also I was gonna look at the veritas 2.0 along with the mojo. Any other rods in the same price point worth a look?
Also so since I mainly use plastics what line should I consider? I'm new to bass fishing and have just been using CXX P line I do believe it's called.
JigMaster4 reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 4:03 AM, Mikfree said:So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners.
If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.
bassbassontherange reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 7:02 AM, Mikfree said:What did you not like about the speed stick? Also I was gonna look at the veritas 2.0 along with the mojo. Any other rods in the same price point worth a look?
Also so since I mainly use plastics what line should I consider? I'm new to bass fishing and have just been using CXX P line I do believe it's called.
If you're looking for a well priced, all purpose rod, a veritas mf will do you quite well. I own several rods in the 4-500 range, and the veritas rods are very good at their price point. They're rated lighter than they really are, so a M is going to be comparable to a MH in most brands.
Reel-wise, in your price range look at Shimano and Daiwa. Curado and Citica i's as well as tatulas are all within your budget and excellent. My money would be on a Citica I for value if purchasing new, but honestly I'd buy something used. Shimano and Daiwa make excellent reels and used are usually going to be perfect mechanically in newer reels, and even most older, well maintained reels.
Other brands are usually decent in your price range as well, but Shimano and Daiwa have a reputation for durability. I've owned pretty much all of them and those two stand alone in my opinion.
DogBone_384 reply :
Abu's Veritas is my favorite $99 rod. I own three casting and one spinning.
Heck, I own a grand total of eight Abu rods of various price points.
To me they're light, sensitive, and durable ... As long as you don't close your truck's tail gate on one like Me ... ?
The best way to find your rod is to handle them yourself. The subjective 'feeling' is a big part of your purchase.
As far as reels go, I like Shimano, Diawa, and one other brand.
Best of luck!
Mikfree reply :
Went to the store and played with some reels, including higher and lower than I'd want to pay. Even tho it's more expensive I think the curado I is what I'm gonna go with. As far as rods.. I liked the Mojo & they had a veritas that I liked also. Is it worth the extra $20 on the mojo? I liked them equally but kind of leaning towards the Abu rod.
Caliyak reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 4:03 AM, Mikfree said:So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners.
What's wrong with your Walmart reel?
If on a college budget, Black Max. If you are loaded like us old guys, Curado.
Mikfree reply :
It's actually a a black max that I got at Wally World for 39. Been through the ringer. Ive saved up for a new reel & rod and giving myself a budget of $300 total. I'm on a budget but have saved up some $.
Travis Gasper reply :
Check out the Lew's Mach 1 baitcaster combo if you can. I got mine last month and love it. I'll definitely be buying Lew's again. So much smoother than my Abu Garcia Pro Max and they were around the same price.
DogBone_384 reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 9:22 AM, Mikfree said:Went to the store and played with some reels, including higher and lower than I'd want to pay. Even tho it's more expensive I think the curado I is what I'm gonna go with. As far as rods.. I liked the Mojo & they had a veritas that I liked also. Is it worth the extra $20 on the mojo? I liked them equally but kind of leaning towards the Abu rod.
Which felt better in your hands, the Mojo or Veritas?
Also, were you able to mount a Curado on them?
Go with your gut feeling: it's YOUR setup.
Caliyak reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 9:31 AM, Mikfree said:It's actually a a black max that I got at Wally World for 39. Been through the ringer. Ive saved up for a new reel & rod and giving myself a budget of $300 total. I'm on a budget but have saved up some $.
Curado reel then. Great job in saving while in college. I couldn't save a penny if I had to. Frat parties were expensive. LOL
On 8/12/2016 at 10:45 AM, DogBone_384 said:Which felt better in your hands, the Mojo or Veritas?
Also, were you able to mount a Curado on them?
Go with your gut feeling: it's YOUR setup.
Great point; it's your set up.
S. Sass reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 7:24 AM, JigMaster4 said:If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.
^^^ Right now that is going to be near impossible to beat. I got my first Aetos today in the mail and I can say its a beauty.
As for a reel the Lew's Tournament edition is dang hard to beat for the money. I have my second one in the mail coming as I type this. Extremely reliable very smooth cast a mile and very comfortable to me and I have large hands.
I will agree its what feels best to you and works. But a 4.48 oz Aetos rod and a Lew's Tournament reel sure make a nice combo that definitely work. IMHO
Mikfree reply :
Out of the two I really really liked the mojo.. Not sure what one to go with tho. I mainly run plastics so I guess the plastics model? Or should I look at a different style one. Mainly looking for a 7 ft rod.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Croix has stellar customer service along with a awesome warranty/replacement option.
Check the balance point on the rod and reel together. Lower priced 7' rods tend to be nose heavy. Not exactly a problem but gets old Fishing 8 to 10 hour days..
Sounds like you like the croix..that would be my choice since you really, really like it, lol.
Good luck..
Advantage reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 4:03 AM, Mikfree said:So tomorrow I'm going to a local sportsmans with lots of fishing gear to get my hands on a couple reels. I've got my eye on a Lews speed spool tournament edition because it's on sale and a couple shimanos. Will be looking at reels under $150 (college kid on budget) . Any specific brands I should check out/ look up? Models Ect. This will be replacing my $39 Walmart caster. Anything will be an upgrade for me and would love people's input. Mainly running texas rigs or spinners.
I think the Lew's at $130 range and the one at $160 range are the 2 best bang for the bucks reels out there. I own several of them!
new2BC4bass reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 7:24 AM, JigMaster4 said:If you are also looking at getting a new rod, check out the Fenwick Aetos on Fenwick's site, you can get a $180 for $95.
Since you will primarily be fishing plastics and want a 7' rod, look at the 7' MH-XF Aetos. A very nice rod at $180 and a steal at $95. Highly doubt you will find a better rod at that price. http://www.fenwickfishing.com/fenwick-freshwater-rods-fenwick-aetos/fenwick-aetos-casting/1365054.html
Stuccu has the Tatula for less than $95. Don't know if shipping is free. They also have the Tatula Type R for $124. I've never dealt with that store so can't comment on their reliability. ebay has the Tatula for $94 with free shipping.
You can get a Lew's Tournament MB for less than $110. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lews-Tournament-MB-Speed-Spool-Right-Hand-Baitcast-Fishing-Reel-7-5-1-TS1SHMB/272281491063?_trksid=p2047675.c100623.m-1&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D37254%26meid%3Dfa2b11b171b8415fa4a28ab135f8e566%26pid%3D100623%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131420409532
Tournament MB has dual braking. I'd be hard pressed to chose between it and the Tatula. Luckily I don't have to. 
Raul reply :
In no particular order
- Daiwa
- Shimano
- Abu
I don't care about the rest, probably, the only reel I would purchase from any other brand just because it has proven ( not by me ) to be pretty much bullet proof would be the BPS ProQualifier.
Mark888 reply :
Recommend looking at a Daiwa Tatula CT, retails $129 and its my favourite reel as of right now, can't beat the price!
bholtzinger14 reply :
I was in the same boat as you. I found nice black rod on here and used my cabelas bucks on the new *** reel. It is suppose to be delivered today. I was going to get a lews reel, but figured I would match this one up with my rod.
fishnkamp reply :
You say you mainly fish plastics. Are you talking about weighted plastic worms jigs with plastic trailer and plastic creature baits then look at these two rods.
First the MJC68MHF This is a 6'8" medium heavy rod with a fast tip. Here is the description from St Croix's website: "MJC68MHF / JIG-N-WORM: Number one choice for jigs and worms. Abundant power to move fish from heavy cover"
The next rod is in the same basic category but is your true 7'1" Medium Heavy rod again here is St Croix's description: "MJC71MHF / JIGS & BAITS: A super versatile rod that’s perfect for searching open water with big spinnerbaits for active fish. It’s also ideal for jigs, worms and working heavy cover"
If you mean you fish unweighted Sencos, floating worms, tubes, grubs etc I would rather have a 6'8" to 6'10" Medium spinning rod with a fast or extra fast tip.
This is what lures they list for " The Plastics" Mojo casting rod. Read this description: "MJC71MF / PLASTICS: A great rod for fishing soft plastics including Senko®-style baits. Ideal for tubes, grubs, small worms, light jigs, small spinnerbaits and buzzbaits."
Based on these descriptions and my guess you meant fishing traditional worms, jigs and plastic creature baits with 1/4 to 1 ounce weights texas or carolina style ( and not finesse plastics ) then I would choose between the 6'8 MHF Jig and Worm rod and the 7'1" MHF Jigs and Baits rod. I fish both size rods in Powell's. My 683 Powell Max is my favorite & most versatile rod I own. I love it for pitchin around docks, lay downs any target fishing situation. It is just as good in more open water situations but I have another rod that is 7'1" so it gets more of those duties. I have 16 rods under my deck so I am in a different situation. The 7'1' would be a fine rod if that is what you prefer.
If you did mean the more finesse lure like the 'Plastics" rod described i would go to a spinning rod like this one instead: MJS68MXF / WACKY STYLE: This is the ultimate finesse rod with a focus of working Senko®-type baits wacky (weightless) style. Match this with a Pflueger president and go catch fish!
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blckshirt98 reply :
Shimano Curado I or a used Citica E!
thirtysixit reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 5:06 AM, cottny27 said:Any Lews $100 or more would be my vote. Big upgrade without dropping $300 on a reel you don't really need.
This is probably great advice. I'd also look at the quantum IconPT 119$. Its solid as a rick for its price point.
cottny27 reply :
I'm not against giving any brand a try if its around the $100 price point. Quantum gets a bad rap on this forum. I have not bought a Quantum reel for 10yrs, but it did just fine. I do have a couple Smoke rods and they are legit.
bowhunter63 reply :
Lews has some good reels around that price point,They are very dependable ,Light weight and fast.
WPCfishing reply :
Get the Lews Tournament MB and the Abu IKE 70-5 or the Villian 70-6 and don't look back.
Mikfree reply :
finally got access to a computer to get back on here.. I ended up with the lews speed spool tournament because I really liked the reel and just felt solid to me. I played with it for about an hour a half before I got it. also to go with it I ended up with a dobyns fury rod, 7' jig & texas rig version. took me about 3 hours to decide on a rod but this one was in the budget, had good reviews and just felt the best to me. used it about 4 days now total, and I love the setup. so far 6 fish with the combo and absolutely in love.
Hot Rod Johnson reply :
My only choice would be a Shimano Chronarch 150HG CI4+ Series Casting Reels, Retrieve Right Hand, with Gear Ratio 7.6:1, Weight 6.5 oz, Bearings 7S A-RB + 1S A-RB, Line Cap. (Test/Yd 12/110, 14/90, Price $269.99... You take care of this reel and it will take care of your fishing for a very long time. Since CI4+ does not contain any metal, it is impervious to rust, making the Chronorch CI4+ a great choice for fishing saltwater or brackish water. All of my reels have a TW Casting Reel Cover for only $2.99... This protects the reel from boat rash, dust, dirt and many other negetive materials.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Chronarch_150_CI4_Series_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCIF.html
sgibby88 reply :
I currently run a lews carbon fire I got from dicks for $60 bucks and a shimano curado 201hg and even though I haven used the curado much since I purchased it a few weeks ago because of work I really like it so far. I also picked up two typhons from another company for rather cheap. $144 for the two of them. Havent tried them out yet as I still haven't decided what rods I want to mount them to yet. They don't feel to bad but like I stated I haven't fished them yet. They will eventually became back ups though once my arsenal grows to the point I can get the more expensive reels that I do want. But I have no complaints about my curado 201hg
adrenalizd reply :
Another vote for the Daiwa Tatula! I own several of the type R'so. You can find them on a good deal right now. The regular Tatula is wonderful but I like the extra features of the type R. You can find them for under $130 right now. I don't think you will find a better real for that price.
new2BC4bass reply :
Mikfree made his decision and already bought a rod and reel. My "love" is spread out over several brands. I feel he made a good decision regardless of what would have been my first choice.
FrankN209 reply :
On 10/10/2016 at 3:17 AM, Hot Rod Johnson said:My only choice would be a Shimano Chronarch 150HG CI4+ Series Casting Reels, Retrieve Right Hand, with Gear Ratio 7.6:1, Weight 6.5 oz, Bearings 7S A-RB + 1S A-RB, Line Cap. (Test/Yd 12/110, 14/90, Price $269.99... You take care of this reel and it will take care of your fishing for a very long time. Since CI4+ does not contain any metal, it is impervious to rust, making the Chronorch CI4+ a great choice for fishing saltwater or brackish water. All of my reels have a TW Casting Reel Cover for only $2.99... This protects the reel from boat rash, dust, dirt and many other negetive materials.
http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Chronarch_150_CI4_Series_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCIF.html
@Hot Rod JohnsonThis might be my next reel.
The new Lew's Mach Speed Spool looks like a nice choice for 99.00. 11 bearing system, MCS.
Quotehttp://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Mach_Speed_Spool_MCS_Casting_Reel/descpage-LMC.html
Hot Rod Johnson reply :
On 10/11/2016 at 3:34 AM, FrankN209 said:@Hot Rod JohnsonThis might be my next reel.
The new Lew's Mach Speed Spool looks like a nice choice for 99.00. 11 bearing system, MCS.
Yes, @ $99.00 you can't beat that price for that quality of reel. The MS1SH, 7.5:1, would be my personal choice if I was to choose this reel.
WPCfishing reply :
After reading all the replies you're probably more confused than when you ask the question.
I have no idea which rod or reel you will like best, so buy what feels good to you and go fishing.
bigfruits reply :
if you can throw in another 30, i'll vote the Curado 70 or 71.
this reel is the perfect size IMO. has x-ship. id go HG version. XG for dedicated jig/plastic rod.
S. Sass reply :
Hey fellas go back about 8 posts ago and you can see the OP replied with his purchase.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 10/11/2016 at 3:22 AM, new2BC4bass said:Mikfree made his decision and already bought a rod and reel. My "love" is spread out over several brands. I feel he made a good decision regardless of what would have been my first choice.
On 10/13/2016 at 6:27 AM, S. Sass said:Hey fellas go back about 8 posts ago and you can see the OP replied with his purchase.
Since when did that ever slow down the advice? 
BradGinKC reply :
On 8/12/2016 at 9:31 AM, Mikfree said:It's actually a a black max that I got at Wally World for 39. Been through the ringer. Ive saved up for a new reel & rod and giving myself a budget of $300 total. I'm on a budget but have saved up some $.
I was in a similar situation a few years ago. I learned flipping and pitching using a similarly-priced Walmart reel. I've added los of reels to my collection since then, but I can confidently say that my Curado 200i is my favorite reel. And, last I checked, it's available on Amazon for $149. Helluva reel at that price. IMO, it's definitely one of the best values out there right now. I also have a 7ft MHF mojo rod that I got for about $120 from BPS early last year. Again, good value at that price.
If you get that setup, you'll have spent about $270, which leaves you room to spool your Curado with some good line. Trust me, you won't be disappointed with that rig. I've spent many hours on the water with that equipment and put a lot of fish in the boat...though not as many as I would've liked! 
Best of luck to you!
WPCfishing reply :
On 10/13/2016 at 6:27 AM, S. Sass said:Hey fellas go back about 8 posts ago and you can see the OP replied with his purchase.
That was the point of my second post. lol
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