Good Baitcaster For A Beginner? 2024
USMCKoontz reply :
I am usually using a Spinning Reel, and Zebo series reels... Its what I grew up on, and have always fished with it. Wanting to get into baitcasters, but dont want to break the bank and possibly not enjoy them. I have heard some people say they are not the easiest to learn. Any tips or techniques? Is their certain lures that you would not use on a baitcaster? Any cheaper one that is easy to learn on and get started with?
thanks
Mike2841 reply :
Look for the old green curados, I've seen them on sale for about 130 at dicks. I just picked up a daiwa tatula for 150 that I think fishes well above it's price range, however it has magnetic brakes and I feel that centrifugal brakes are more user friendly.
Tight lines and semper fi
new2BC4bass reply :
Welcome to the forum. I suggest reading a couple of the stickies that are dedicated to setting up and casting with a baitcast reel. There are plenty of threads on learning to cast with lots of suggestions for do's and don'ts. Search and read a few. A lot of it will be the same suggestions over and over again.
However, I'll make a few anyway. 
Don't try to throw hard. Do use a bait towards the high end of the rod's rating. Do use a compact bait at first or a practice plug. Don't use a lure that catches the wind easily. Timing will be way off from a spinning reel....so do start with a side arm cast or (preferred) a side arm roll cast. The roll cast will keep a load on the rod tip. It will also keep the cast from going far left (for a right hand caster) at the beginning of the learning stage. Do be smooth throughout the cast, but especially when the rod starts forward. A roll cast will help make the cast smoother. Do set up the reel as suggested in numerous posts. Don't spool with fluorocarbon line. Do start with a soft mono in 12#-15# such as Sufix Elite, Trilene XL or Sunline Super Natural. Braid isn't too bad to learn on either, and some people suggest using it instead of mono. It is rather expensive. Do use a line conditioner. Do practice, practice, practice.
A centrifugal or dual brake reel will probably be a better bet to learn on. Especially if you don't want to spend much at first. I can't comment on the Abu round reels in 3600 and 4600 sizes, but I have 3 Black Mack 1600 and 2 Morrums in the same size. Morrums will be too expensive for you, but the Black Max reels can be found for around $35 and are excellent reels to learn on. They not only handle light baits well, but strong winds too. And they palm easy, are easy to work on and can be upgraded for little money. Just a thought.
The cheapest rod I can recommend from personal experience is the Berkley Lightning or Lightning Shock. I also have one of the original black Field & Stream Tec Spec rods from Dick's Sproting Goods. They now offer the Tec Spec Elite for $20 more. Don't know about the Elite, but the older model is a very good rod for the money. If you don't mind spending $100 on a rod, the Quantum Escalade from DSG is a super light rod. Haven't used one yet, but was impressed handling them in the store. But if you are willing to spend $100 on a rod, there are several that are excellent rods in that range including *** Black and Fenwick HMG rods, or the HMX for a little less.
I've also read that the Ethos rods sold by Academy Sports are another excellent buy for the money. Can't really comment on other cheap house brand rods sold at places such as BPS. I did handle the Fenwick Eagle at Cabela's and like how it looked. I can recommend the Daiwa Jupiter rod made for Walmart. I like mine the little I have used it. It is $80 if I remember correctly.
sparky241 reply :
I got an old Abu Garcia 5000 I love. I got a bps baitcaster and I can't use it worth a hoot
Tywithay reply :
Daiwa Exceler are nice little reels. I especially like the old model, but the new ones are nice and on sale as well. If you can find the old model with MagZ and free floating spool, they've been about $50 recently. Great reel for that price and easy to cast.
roadwarrior reply :
Keep an eye on our Flea Market. Shimano Citica and Curado are VERY user friendly.
A gently used Citica should run +/- $75; Curado D series $125-$140.
Tony L. reply :
Bps Pro Qualifier or base model reels by Lews. They both perform at a level to hold their own reasonably well against more expensive reels and are at a great price point for some one starting out and isn't looking to tie up too much money on something they may not like. Both are priced at or below $100 brand new, and I have seen the Pro Qualifier go as low as $69 on sale.
Start out practicing with the cheapest line you can get away with that still has little to no memory. You WILL have a bird's nest or two because that is simply part of the learning process. Might as well save your money and throw out cheaper line as opposed to breaking the bank on expensive stuff that you will just be cutting off and discarding anyway.
Arv reply :
Bass pro pro qualifier on sale
Capt.Bob reply :
Steer clear of the really cheap reels, the easiest to cast are the better reels and the better reels are more money. I would never suggest a used reel to a beginner, it is to easy to buy someone elses problem child, and spend hours finding out it's the reel not you that has the problem. I would suggest a brand new Lew's Tournament, if you shop around can be had for around 125 bucks, maybe a little less, and I have never had another reel from any manufacturer that was as adjustable and well mannered for near the money!! Plus you can grow with it, as it has proven to take a beat'n and keep on runn'n they are very sssmmmoooooooooottthh, great resale value too!! 
iceintheveins reply :
BPS Pro Qualifier or Lew's Speed Spool.
Trent Wilson reply :
If you plan on sticking with it, hard to beat the Lew's BB1. If you're shopping for the rod and reel, Dick's Sporting has a Quantum Octane that runs about $70. Got lucky and nailed one for $40 when on sale. Bought it for my nephew to learn on. I was actually shocked to find that it wasn't complete trash. Listed as a medium heavy but feels more like a medium. I've since gone back and bought one just for a Carolina rig and I can feel every small limb or rock on the bottom. It will handle the large bass as well.
Penguino reply :
I also just started and I find that Lews Speed spool work the best. I have the Lews Laser MG speed spool. And it is a helluva beginner reel. The magnetic cast control is really easy to dial in. After 3 days of practice I can already throw t-rig worms decently far. I have tried the DBS reels (BPS reels) and I found them to be extremely hard to use, unless you have somebody to actually teach you how to use them
hatrix reply :
I would say a tatula since they are great reels and can be had for about $100 or maybe a lews tournament or something similar. You can always go cheaper to learn but to me those are not reels I would keep fishing.
Angry John reply :
You could grab a lightly used daiwa 153htsa for 40-50 bucks easy. They have a great mag brake system. Despite having some very high end gear I use mine still regularly for frogging. There a great tough as nails reel. Check TT for the full review. This was my first baitcaster.
mjseverson24 reply :
the easiest reels to learn on are centrifugal breaking systems as many of them are set it and forget it... I would look into the evercast horizon series they even have the red Marine Corps ones and can be found well under 50 bucks and are nice reels... look on ebay or amazon for them. I have 3 of them (all the NAVY model)...
Mitch
TorqueConverter reply :
On 5/15/2014 at 10:29 AM, USMCKoontz said:I am usually using a Spinning Reel, and Zebo series reels... Its what I grew up on, and have always fished with it. Wanting to get into baitcasters, but dont want to break the bank and possibly not enjoy them. I have heard some people say they are not the easiest to learn. Any tips or techniques? Is their certain lures that you would not use on a baitcaster? Any cheaper one that is easy to learn on and get started with?
thanks
These days you can pick up a 10 ball bearing, aluminum framed, centrifugal braking reel for $60. Pair it to a $40 Lightning rod and you've got yourself something really nice for $100. Stay away from plastic framed mag reels unless you can find one for next to nothing or for actually nothing.
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Nitro-Tournament-Z-Baitcast-Reel/product/1303270646333/
http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Aggressor-Baitcasting-Reel/product/1311080715241/
*Hootie reply :
On 5/15/2014 at 7:44 PM, Arv said:Bass pro pro qualifier on sale
On sale for $49.97 in a little less than 2 weeks. During the week long classic.
Hootie
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 11:19 AM, Penguino said:I also just started and I find that Lews Speed spool work the best. I have the Lews Laser MG speed spool. And it is a helluva beginner reel. The magnetic cast control is really easy to dial in. After 3 days of practice I can already throw t-rig worms decently far. I have tried the DBS reels (BPS reels) and I found them to be extremely hard to use, unless you have somebody to actually teach you how to use them
So how many reels did you use before coming to this conclusion?
OP: I bought a used Tatula for $85 in excellent condition. I can recommend it. I don't have the HTSA that John recommended, but do have quite a few other Daiwa models. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them. However, I think (can't be positive because I learned on magnetic only reels) that a centrifugal reel would be your best bet to learn on unless you can afford one of Daiwas Magforce 3D reels. As far as I am concerned this braking system is the ultimate currently available. You have to try hard to backlash it, and I doubt you could if you turn the brakes up high enough. Not that I will ever try to find out if that is the truth. 
I have to admit that I haven't used anywhere near all the reels that are available. However, I have used magnetic only reels from different companies, centrifugal only from different companies, dual brake reels from different companies along with 3 or 4 variations of Diawa brakes. I don't know what to call the brakes on my Abu round reels. Which reminds me. If you don't mind a round reel, I can also recommend Abu. My Black Max 1600C would make an excellent reel to learn on. Now that I know how to use a casting reel, I find that my old 5001 Ambassadeur is also an excellent caster.
roadwarrior reply :
Centrifugal brakes: Shimano Citica 200G is on sale for $120
Magnetic Brakes: http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/Pinnacle-Producer-LTE-review.html
masterbass reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 7:45 PM, *Hootie said:On sale for $49.97 in a little less than 2 weeks. During the week long classic.
Hootie
This deal can't be beat imo on a great reel.
Mike L reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 10:00 PM, eddieg said:Bps pro qualifier. Dual breaking and will last a life time.
Ditto
Mike
FishTank reply :
The Shimano Citica would be my suggestion. It is an easy to use, setup and get the job done type of reel.
Penguino reply :
On 1/24/2015 at 7:54 PM, new2BC4bass said:So how many reels did you use before coming to this conclusion?
OP: I bought a used Tatula for $85 in excellent condition. I can recommend it. I don't have the HTSA that John recommended, but do have quite a few other Daiwa models. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of them. However, I think (can't be positive because I learned on magnetic only reels) that a centrifugal reel would be your best bet to learn on unless you can afford one of Daiwas Magforce 3D reels. As far as I am concerned this braking system is the ultimate currently available. You have to try hard to backlash it, and I doubt you could if you turn the brakes up high enough. Not that I will ever try to find out if that is the truth.
I have to admit that I haven't used anywhere near all the reels that are available. However, I have used magnetic only reels from different companies, centrifugal only from different companies, dual brake reels from different companies along with 3 or 4 variations of Diawa brakes. I don't know what to call the brakes on my Abu round reels. Which reminds me. If you don't mind a round reel, I can also recommend Abu. My Black Max 1600C would make an excellent reel to learn on. Now that I know how to use a casting reel, I find that my old 5001 Ambassadeur is also an excellent caster.
I have the laser mg speed spool and have use a pro qualifier. I am not saying that the speed spool is better than the pq. All I am saying is that a single brake reel is much easier to learn on rather than a dual brake.
mjseverson24 reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 1:34 AM, Penguino said:I have the laser mg speed spool and have use a pro qualifier. I am not saying that the speed spool is better than the pq. All I am saying is that a single brake reel is much easier to learn on rather than a dual brake.
Not to be a jerk, but in all honesty a dual breaking system requires less talent to cast effectively than a single breaking system, as it has the ability to have a base setting (centrifugal) and on the fly fine tune adjustments (magnetic). on a system with only 1 type your thumb is what makes the fine tuned adjustments...
Mitch
roadwarrior reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 1:56 AM, mjseverson24 said:Not to be a jerk, but in all honesty a dual breaking system requires less talent to cast effectively than a single breaking system, as it has the ability to have a base setting (centrifugal) and on the fly fine tune adjustments (magnetic). on a system with only 1 type your thumb is what makes the fine tuned adjustments...
Mitch
I have centrifugal only, magnetic only and dual breaking systems. I find that the centrifugal is the
most "user friendly" by a large margin. For the most part, especially if the rig is used technique
specific, it's set it and forget it.
ABW reply :
If you really want a good baitcaster for your first one, I'd recommend that you save up some money and buy a little bit more expensive reel. There are a lot of great deals on 200+ dollar reels that you can find for a lot less. If you get a cheap reel, you will want to upgrade... trust me, I've went through this myself. Buy a great reel for your first one and you'll be satisfied. If not, there are good options in the 100 dollar range too, like others have posted.
Baitcasters are not too complicated to use. I would suggest throwing braid when you first start fishing with it, because I did and found it very easy to pull out backlashes.
Penguino reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 1:56 AM, mjseverson24 said:Not to be a jerk, but in all honesty a dual breaking system requires less talent to cast effectively than a single breaking system, as it has the ability to have a base setting (centrifugal) and on the fly fine tune adjustments (magnetic). on a system with only 1 type your thumb is what makes the fine tuned adjustments...
Mitch
What I am trying to say is that a dual breaking system is harder to set up than a magnetic or centrifugal breaking system. I agree; dual breaking systems are probably better overall, but a single breaking system is much easier to set up and tune for a beginner who knows nothing about baitcasters.
Angry John reply :
I don't know why one braking system would be so much better than another. Are we really saying shimano is better to learn on because of there braking system? I am not afraid to say I like daiwa, but learning how to tune the braking system you reel has is very important and takes a little experience. The cheap black max from wally world was easy to tune and worked OK after a little clean and lube. Facts and opinions are part of the game but should not be used interchangeably. The lews speed spool I used one time was so solid I did nothing to it all day and handed it back after the day was done. I don't have any but they seem very solid and easy to use.
Bass2124 reply :
On 5/15/2014 at 7:44 PM, Arv said:Bass pro pro qualifier on sale
X2. Great bait caster for the money and even better to learn on.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 1/25/2015 at 8:27 AM, Angry John said:I don't know why one braking system would be so much better than another. Are we really saying shimano is better to learn on because of there braking system? I am not afraid to say I like daiwa, but learning how to tune the braking system you reel has is very important and takes a little experience. The cheap black max from wally world was easy to tune and worked OK after a little clean and lube. Facts and opinions are part of the game but should not be used interchangeably. The lews speed spool I used one time was so solid I did nothing to it all day and handed it back after the day was done. I don't have any but they seem very solid and easy to use.
I have no trouble backlashing just about any of the braking systems. I've backlashed my Curado 51E and Chronarch 101A, but not the Chronarch100B. Nor have I backlashed a Tatula or Magforce 3D. However, the ones not backlashed haven't seen much use yet. Give me a little time, and I'm sure I'll succeed with these as well. I still maintain the Magforce 3D with the right settings would be nearly impossible to backlash unless you hook a tree limb at the beginning of the cast and don't thumb the spool right away.
I too like Daiwa. Slightly more than half my b/c reels are Daiwa. However, I don't consider myself a Daiwa fan boy. The 51E is right up there with my favorite Daiwas. The older Carbonlite and 1600C reels are surprisingly excellent casters given their price. I suppose it is my lack of expertise that keeps me from disliking just about any reel. My TD-S sees little use because it has a flipping switch and I much prefer a thumb bar. However, that doesn't keep it from being an excellent casting reel. It also has a tougher finish than a lot of my other Daiwas.
A Trion I received came with a light braid spooled. I thought it would work great casting unweighted worms since the spool spun so freely on its own when the clutch was disengaged. Turned out to be a backlashing machine. Mike Lawson cleaned it for me and suggested I use heavier line and heavier lures. I haven't backlashed this reel since putting his suggestions into use. All this to say that most reels can be trouble free if you set it up correctly and use weights within its preference range. The Trion doesn't make a good finesse reel any more than a Zillion would. My Zillion 50th is one of very few reels I can set and forget.....but I'm sure trying to throw 3/16 oz. on this reel would turn it into a backlash machine as well.
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