I Need Help Picking A Baitcasting Reel For $200 Or Under 2024

okbassguy reply :

Whats the best baitcaster on the market for $200 I have $200 to spend and need help theres so many good reels its overwhelming

smallies24/7 reply :

Lews Tournament Pro! Just got one yesterday, blows away my $200 Abus and Daiwas

rippin-lips reply :

Any of the top companies will have good choices at that price point. You just have to decide what features you are looking for in a reel and find one that feels the best to you. Daiwa Tatula Shimano curado i Lews tournanent pro

bootytrain reply :

Curado I, it can do it all.

BasshunterJGH reply :

On 11/14/2014 at 12:34 PM, rippin-lips said:
Any of the top companies will have good choices at that price point. You just have to decide what features you are looking for in a reel and find one that feels the best to you. Daiwa Tatula Shimano curado i Lews tournanent pro

X2. Exactly. Curado I, tatula, tp are all great reels can't go wrong with either of them. Tatula gets my vote though for features @ best price. $100 @ amazon you just can't beat that.

Alonerankin2 reply :

Curado I, Jdm Scorp, Lots of love for Tatulas & Lews, I believe you should study braking systems and see what appeals to you & handle as many as possible before you decide, ideally if you have a diverse dealership around, you could possibly even mount these reels helping you to further isolate your choice.

*Hank reply :

I personally really like the diawa tatula type R. You can get one of amazon for $150 with tax and shipping.

Hogsticker reply :

Any 50/51 size Shimano gets my vote. Just choose if you like red, white, or green. Simple to use, versatile, comfortable, and will last.

John G reply :

On 11/14/2014 at 5:32 PM, Hogsticker said:
Any 50/51 size Shimano gets my vote. Just choose if you like red, white, or green. Simple to use, versatile, comfortable, and will last.

Jaderose reply :

On 11/14/2014 at 1:28 PM, Alonerankin2 said:
Curado I, Jdm Scorp, Lots of love for Tatulas & Lews, I believe you should study braking systems and see what appeals to you & handle as many as possible before you decide, ideally if you have a diverse dealership around, you could possibly even mount these reels helping you to further isolate your choice.

This!! At that price point, find the one you like and feels best to you and buy it. You would be hard pressed to find a bad one. I personally use PQ's from Bass Pro (which are a lot cheaper than what you are looking at) and love them BUT I'm not going to recommend them because they may not be what you want.

illinifan4152 reply :

Shimano Curado I or Chronarch 200E

HoosierHawgs reply :

Depends on what you need it for. Are you looking for all around, or for a specific purpose?

Catch and Grease reply :

The Diawa Tatula is a very good real at a very good price...

new2BC4bass reply :

Have a Lews Tournament Pro, but haven't used it much as a grandson grabbed it, but I like it the little I have used it. The Tatula Type R is a black beauty. Got mine from Upland Gifts for just under $131 shipped. Used for about 10 minutes, so I can't really comment on its abilities. The Curado 50/51E is a pleasure to use. If you can use a LH reel, TW still has a couple of the T3 1016 reels for less than $200. Really like mine so far. Only reel I have ever been able to cast with all brakes off and not get a professional backlash. My Chronarchs are older ones, but also very nice reels to use.

Have to agree that you need to decide what type of braking you prefer. Handle a few to see which one(s) feel the best in hand. Tough to get a bad reel at that price.

AK-Jax86 reply :

Drop an extra $20 an grab you a Quantum Smoke Inshore (its built for salt water and freshwater my favorite reel out of all the ones I own). But if that extra $20 is breaking the bank then go with the regular Quantum Smoke.

Don't listen to the Quantum haters they exist lol

OntarioFishingGuy reply :

On 11/14/2014 at 5:32 PM, Hogsticker said:
Any 50/51 size Shimano gets my vote. Just choose if you like red, white, or green. Simple to use, versatile, comfortable, and will last.

Inflatable Raft Bum reply :

I'm a simpleton i suppose. I see no need to spend over $75 on any bait-casting reel for bass fishing.

I had to slash my bass fishing budget years back (2008 ) and i didn't catch any fewer fish, i just spent less money. (Leaves money for a nice sit down meal on the drive home)

gulfcaptain reply :

You will find a lot of people will suggest Shimano, Diawa, Lews, Quantum, ABU...etc....I'll throw in Fishing 13 just becaue they impressed me and now have 2 of theirs as well as some Quantums, Diawas, and a Shimano. Bottom line, look to see what you want. I use a lot of BPS Carbonlite's simply because they are nicely made, work well, and are light, not to mention priced well. Hit up a few stores, BPS, Gander Moutain, Acadamey, Cabelas, Dicks, etc and pick up the reels, hold them, put them on a rod in the store if you can so you can see how they feel. Asking that question you're going to get a lot of different answers. You are the one that's going to be fishing it, so you need to find what works best for you and any reel honestly between $130-200 is going to be a quality reel. You just need to decide which fits best for you. Also can fnd plenty of nice reels in the $80-120 range that are also quality, but most will come in with a weight of about 7.5oz on the lighter side and avg around 8.2oz compared to the upper range of what you're looking for that avg between 6.5oz to 7.5oz.

bass raider reply :

as said in earlier posts you really cant go wrong in this price range.if you like magnetic brakes go for a daiwa tatula or type R tatula or a lews tournament pro MG.i believe the lews TP is hands down the smoothest reel I've ever used.if you like centrifugal brakes go for a shimano curado I or the chronarch E...a.k.a. white curado E.

WIGuide reply :

If you're looking for a reel $200 and under you're going to have a lot of great choices. I'd check out any of the Abu Revo's or some of the Bass Pro reels. I've had great luck with them.

Glenn reply :

Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly. Not because they're a sponsor, seriously. But those on the forum that know me, know that I don't BS and hold back anything. I own a fleet of Revo's, and have been using Abu since I was a teenager. But the new line of Pinnacle reels seriously blew me away. I mean, after using several different models - including the 89.99 model - I'm seriously questioning why I spent close to $500 on top-of-the-line Revos, when these reels perform just as well.

I know Pinnacle isn't a brand that comes to mind in these conversations, but whenever I take someone fishing, I just hand them a Pinnacle rod and reel combo, and they're seriously surprised. My longtime friend Larry (some of you met him at the Kentucky roadtrip), buys only BPS reels due to price, freaked when I told him the Producer was only 89.99 after I let him try it out. He thought it was 3x that amount!

So try it out. You might...no wait...WILL be surprised!

iceintheveins reply :

On 11/14/2014 at 10:01 PM, illinifan4152 said:
Shimano Curado I or Chronarch 200E

new2BC4bass reply :

On 11/15/2014 at 12:46 PM, Glenn said:

Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly. Not because they're a sponsor, seriously. But those on the forum that know me, know that I don't BS and hold back anything. I own a fleet of Revo's, and have been using Abu since I was a teenager. But the new line of Pinnacle reels seriously blew me away. I mean, after using several different models - including the 89.99 model - I'm seriously questioning why I spent close to $500 on top-of-the-line Revos, when these reels perform just as well.

I know Pinnacle isn't a brand that comes to mind in these conversations, but whenever I take someone fishing, I just hand them a Pinnacle rod and reel combo, and they're seriously surprised. My longtime friend Larry (some of you met him at the Kentucky roadtrip), buys only BPS reels due to price, freaked when I told him the Producer was only 89.99 after I let him try it out. He thought it was 3x that amount!

So try it out. You might...no wait...WILL be surprised!

Too bad Pinnacle gets so little exposure. Every review/article I have read on Pinnacle has been very favorable. I must admit that when I am looking for another reel Pinnacle doesn't come to mind......literally. If Pinnacle did, I'd probably have one by now. I will try to keep Pinnacle in mind for the next time. Thanks for the reminder. Does Pinnacle put their rods and reels on sale during Black Friday?

ColdSVT reply :

Curado i

chronarch 200e

Lews Tourny pro

Lews BB1 pro

13 ***

All are awesome!!

new2BC4bass reply :

On 11/15/2014 at 12:01 AM, Intex Raft Bum said:

I'm a simpleton i suppose. I see no need to spend over $75 on any bait-casting reel for bass fishing.

I had to slash my bass fishing budget years back (2008 ) and i didn't catch any fewer fish, i just spent less money. (Leaves money for a nice sit down meal on the drive home)

Simpleton, no. Frugal, yes. I took a 25% cut that year. Got 12% back, but have lost my part-time job since then, so probably back to making 25% less than in 2007. Have spent more than I should on fishing. I would be better off taking your route.

DogBone_384 reply :

Let me throw this one out there: In 2013 I bought a Abu Revo SX for $159. During the winter I sent it to Mike down @ DVT for a super tuning and, at his recommendation, a bearing upgrade. When Spring came around I took it out and was amazed at how much better it cast. I just sent out my Pro Qualifiers and *** for the same work.

Long story, longer, consider contacting him and purchasing a less expensive reel that reacts to tuning in a way to get a $200+ performing reel for much less.

If that doesn't work, my ***, Diawa T3, and Lews Team Pro Speed Spool are in your price range and are, IMO, great reels.

QUAKEnSHAKE reply :

On 11/15/2014 at 12:46 PM, Glenn said:

Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly. Not because they're a sponsor, seriously. But those on the forum that know me, know that I don't BS and hold back anything. I own a fleet of Revo's, and have been using Abu since I was a teenager. But the new line of Pinnacle reels seriously blew me away. I mean, after using several different models - including the 89.99 model - I'm seriously questioning why I spent close to $500 on top-of-the-line Revos, when these reels perform just as well.

I know Pinnacle isn't a brand that comes to mind in these conversations, but whenever I take someone fishing, I just hand them a Pinnacle rod and reel combo, and they're seriously surprised. My longtime friend Larry (some of you met him at the Kentucky roadtrip), buys only BPS reels due to price, freaked when I told him the Producer was only 89.99 after I let him try it out. He thought it was 3x that amount!

So try it out. You might...no wait...WILL be surprised!

Well Im still impressed with my $70 Pinnacle reel I bought in 2003. The thing will cast a little bitsy minnow 35-40 feet and shame my 50E with 3/4oz spoon. The thing has been a tank as well. I left it on the top of my vehicle and drove away heard sliding noise from top of my car look in rearview mirror see my pinnacle reel sliding across the road 45mph into the curb. Aside from a rather nice scuff mark no damage done.

desmobob reply :

On 11/15/2014 at 12:46 PM, Glenn said:
Check out Pinnacle reels - honestly.

I wish they made left-hand retrieve models. If so, I'd probably try one.

Tight lines,

Bob

zell_pop1 reply :

Nothing against Pinnacle, but when I can buy a Daiwa Tatula for $100 @Walmart.Com and have it shipped for free to my local store, or the nearest Gander mountain stores still have Shimano Citica Es for $80, it's hard to try an unknown. Plus there are plenty of upgrades available for Daiwa and Shimano.

timsford reply :

Its hard to buy a bad reel for 200 bones. I agree with the above posts in that a lot of the decision should come down to what braking system you prefer. Another thing to consider is what type of rod you are putting it on and whether you need a heavier or lighter reel to balance it out. Also there are some great reels on clearance and below retail right now and most places have black friday sales going on soon so you can save even more money. Right now at tackle warehouse you can get a daiwa zillion or lews team gold or shimano chronarch ci4 for not much more than 200 and on black friday they would all be in your price range. Sometimes they have exclusions on the website for certain manufacturers like daiwa and shimano but if you call in your order they will honor the sale price anyway

Jon G reply :

curado i

desmobob reply :

I just ordered my second Daiwa Tatula (~$93 if you look around). You could buy TWO of these wonderful reels and still be under budget!

Tight lines,

Bob

masterbass reply :

All great options. For new reels the $200 price range is a quality reel you can't lose with. For me, I'm looking on the flea market and other forums for a used shimano or daiwa. You can get a $400 reel for $200 that sometimes comes with upgraded bearings, drag and handles.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 11/17/2014 at 10:05 PM, masterbass said:
All great options. For new reels the $200 price range is a quality reel you can't lose with. For me, I'm looking on the flea market and other forums for a used shimano or daiwa. You can get a $400 reel for $200 that sometimes comes with upgraded bearings, drag and handles.

X2. Only time I buy new is when a reel is being closed out. Some very nice reels can be gotten off the classifieds for about half original price in many cases.

5fishlimit reply :

On 11/17/2014 at 10:26 PM, new2BC4bass said:
X2. Only time I buy new is when a reel is being closed out. Some very nice reels can be gotten off the classifieds for about half original price in many cases.

I completely agree about being able to get a great reel on the flea market if you're willing to go with a used one.

desmobob reply :

I'm surprised there isn't more love here for the Quantum Smoke. TackleTour gave it their esteemed "editors choice" rating when they tested it. I'm tempted to try one....

Tight lines,

Bob

Jaheff reply :

On 11/18/2014 at 8:20 AM, desmobob said:

I'm surprised there isn't more love here for the Quantum Smoke. TackleTour gave it their esteemed "editors choice" rating when they tested it. I'm tempted to try one....

Tight lines,

Bob

I've really enjoyed my smoke I got for $99. My only complaint is what quantum fixed on the new smoke. It does need a little more cast adjustment.

I don't understand why they would make the new smoke heavier tho.

Angry John reply :

Your money can go a long way if you really look. I got a brand new in the box zillion 7.1 left for 170 off flea bay three days ago. If you spend 300 you can get a steez ex like i did. If your not in a hurry to pull the trigger and spend the time and effort in finding the deal there are lots of good options. I have bought very few things at retail and had a lot of great deal at 50 percent or more off. Be careful of getting used stuff from japan because you can get new stuff cheaper.

PitchinJigz reply :

I'm a huge Lew's guy, and I'd have to say any of the lew's reels from 100-200 are amazing. At $140, the new Tournament MB is going to be unbelievable for the price. The Tournament Lite is $180, and weighs less than 6oz.. The BB1 Pro is also great! It's hard to choose because lews makes so many great reels. The Shimano Curado I is supposed to be amazing, too.

J Francho reply :

Two that I own, and aren't often mentioned are the Pinnacle Primmus (a little over the $200 mark) and the Okuma Helios. These reels were eye openers for this Daiwa/Shimano snob. I'd say, operation and construction/feel wise, if you lean toward Daiwa, I'd look at the Okuma. For the Shimano fan, the Primmus is worth a look.

Here's my reviews, and look for another featuring the Primmus soon:

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/mat-daddy-helios-review.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/primmus-reel-dhc-7-rod-review.html

Senko lover reply :

SO many of the pros use the Shimano Cronarch. I know someone who has 32 of them. It's gotta be a beast of a reel if it's so popular.

Kyle46N reply :

I say go with a Lews Tournament Pro. Incredible reel.....like already mentioned the smoothest I have used. And it's tough.....handled big reds and jack crevalle in the salt. With that said, if you do go with a Lews TP......don't pay the retail of 199.99. Go to EBAY and get it brand new for 150. There are at least two ebay stores that sell a bunch of them at that price point.

ThomasFengler reply :

I have the bass pro shops offshore angler bait caster, it's $120 and built for saltwater so it can tackle everything, it's very smooth and holds a lot of line, I use it from snook fishing to bass fishing, just an overall great reel

ThomasFengler reply :

DogBone_384 reply :

Got an email from Gander today with a nice discount if you spend a certain amount. Sounds like a 'free' upgrade to me...

Texas bassman reply :

Best bang for your buck curado I and the tatula. Best $200 reel revo stx. The tatula casts like a dream and is super smooth. Feels Alot higher end then $150. Curado I cast like dream and is solid. Workhorse reel that won't break. I work at Bps And I Rarely Get Any Shimano Back For Repair OR Exchange. If I wanted to spend the whole $200 I'd get the stx. Super smooth, very hard to backlash, cast a mile, 20lb drag and it's the lightest of the bunch. Plus you get a free hoodie from abu when u send it the rebate.

PNWdude reply :

If you're looking for a LH high speed reel, for just $20 more you can get a brand new Chronarch ci4+ 151 HG off eBay right now. I just picked one up tonight for $219.99 shipped.

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