Looking For First Baitcaster 2025
hunterduke reply :
Ive been looking at this site for a couple of weeks but decided to join tonight. Ive always used spinning reels since i was little. Im almost 31 now and looking for first baitcaster. I know i want an aluminum frame. I first started looking at the abu garcia silver max or pro max but have changed my mind and now im debating between the bass pro qualifier or the lew's speed spool. Ive been looking at dunham's sports bc of giftcard but neither are there of course. I went to a local rod and reel shop in town. Its a small business and i went in and told the older man/owner that i was looking for my first baitcaster. He said fornthe money and ability to throw almost any kind of bait i wanted he suggested the lew's speed spool. He has them in stock and he said when im ready tonbuy he will take me outside and help me set it up and let me cast it. Sonthen i asked him what rod he suggested and he showed me a daiwa laguna i believe it was which was $29.99. He said a 6'6" and i think he said medium or medium heavy rod. He said since we were about the same height 5'7" he thinks a 6'6" rod is good for starting out. He said ive got more expensive rods but this is a good one. What do you guys think and i could use your help too. I want to start fishing more for bass. I use spinner baits, buzzbaits, senkos, worms with bullet weights.
jbsoonerfan reply :
I haven't ever used a Lew's reel, but I have a friend who loves them. As far as the rod goes, a 6'6" MH is a pretty good all around rod, especially if you are bank fishing. It seems as though the guy really wants to get you set up and learning, so I would lean toward going through him to help get you set up.
iceintheveins reply :
BPS PQ or Lew's can't go wrong, rarely hear anything bad about either. If it's on sale go with the PQ.
Cgrinder reply :
Welcome to the site. Go check out the Show Off Your Stuff thread and prepare to surrender your wallet.
BPS Pro Qualifier is on sale online for $70. It's a good buy at that price.
That said, I vote for buying the speed spool and establishing a rapport with the guy at the tackle shop. He seems like a good dude.
hunterduke reply :
Yeah he's an older man but he really was helpful. He didn't try to sell me something really expensive to start out with. Anybody know about the rod he was talking about? Before I went in to his shop I had been looking at the Berkley lightning rod (orange rod) or the Shimano Sellus.
masterbass reply :
Buy a speed spool from the local guy. The pq is also a great reel, but I slightly prefer the way my speed spool casts. If you are fishing from shore I'd go for a 7' rod for more casting distance and a medium heavy for versatility. I have never seen laguna.
SpencerLittle reply :
I'd suggest overall the PQ but the lews is definitely a good reel as well. It would be worth getting the lews local just to get the help from the store guy. I'd also go with a 7 foot rod. It will help with distance and overall fighting power IMO. Aedium heavy is a great do all type rod as well. I'm not sure about the two individual rods listed but the berkley lightning shock rod you mentioned is a good one. As many rods as I have now one still stays on my deck.
Xyndifor reply :
The rod size depends on where you plan to fish. If you will be fishing the shorelines around a lot of trees I'd go with the 6'6". Otherwise I'd go with the 7'0". I have 2 Shimano Sellus rods. They are very good for the money. You can get them shipped site to store at Walmart for $40-$45 vs. the 49.99 to 59.99 regular price. I'd probably go with a MH fast action for your first baitcaster since they are a little more versatile for example you can get a medium heavy fast action regardless which application the rod says its for and use it for plastic worms jigs and spinnerbaits.
As far as the reel goes I own 3 pro qualifiers an they are the reel that got me into baitcasting. The centrifugal break is what helped me learn how to cast the reel. That being said I've heard nothing but good things about the Lews Speed Spool as well (make sure it's not the lazer speed spool) and am planning on getting a Lews Tournament Pro for my next reel. I just got a Abu Garcia Revo S and with limited testing on the water I like that one as well. Either way you're going to get a good reel. I'm just leery of the magnetic brake systems on cheaper reels since my first experiences when I first started out weren't that good. The only time I have ever backlashed my pro qualifier was when I was making a cast and my lure hit a tree near the shoreline. It came preset with 4 centrifugal brakes on from the factory but as you learn how to use it you can turn them off. I only use 1 brake now most times even when it's windy have no issues.
hunterduke reply :
I'm not sure if its the lazer speed spool or not. I know its $99.99. When I go back in there again I may look at a couple more different rods. I told him that I'm used to spinning reels that I cast with my right arm and retrieve with my left. So I asked him if I should get a left handed model. He said if I did that then I would have to cast with my left? Not really understanding that but he went on to say that what he does is cast with his right and then switch hands and reel with his right. Which that is what my buddy does when I go with him fishing on his boat. If I don't go with him fishing then most or all the rest of the time I will be fishing from the bank.
Xyndifor reply :
On 3/18/2014 at 9:22 PM, hunterduke said:I'm not sure if its the lazer speed spool or not. I know its $99.99. When I go back in there again I may look at a couple more different rods. I told him that I'm used to spinning reels that I cast with my right arm and retrieve with my left. So I asked him if I should get a left handed model. He said if I did that then I would have to cast with my left? Not really understanding that but he went on to say that what he does is cast with his right and then switch hands and reel with his right. Which that is what my buddy does when I go with him fishing on his boat. If I don't go with him fishing then most or all the rest of the time I will be fishing from the bank.
If it's 99.99 it's probably the next step up but make sure before you buy it. I'd say hold the reel in your hand and see how it feels. It may feel more natural for you to reel left handed than right if you have been reeling left handed on spinning tackle all your life. It's what I do. I'm a righty who has always used my left hand to reel so learning right handed was awkward so I just stuck with a left handed retrieve and hold the rod in my right hand. It's all about feeling comfortable when you're fishing. There are less models available for us lefties but you can always find a lefty in the retrieve speed you are looking for in some reel. For a beginner I'd probably go with a 6.4:1 ish or faster retrieve. 6.4:1 or in that ballpark is good for all-around fishing.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/18/2014 at 9:22 PM, hunterduke said:I'm not sure if its the lazer speed spool or not. I know its $99.99. When I go back in there again I may look at a couple more different rods. I told him that I'm used to spinning reels that I cast with my right arm and retrieve with my left. So I asked him if I should get a left handed model. He said if I did that then I would have to cast with my left? Not really understanding that but he went on to say that what he does is cast with his right and then switch hands and reel with his right. Which that is what my buddy does when I go with him fishing on his boat. If I don't go with him fishing then most or all the rest of the time I will be fishing from the bank.
Bull. You can cast with the right hand regardless of which hand the reel is. I would definitely go with a LH reel for my first one. I grew up like you crankng LH with spinning reels. I own and use both hand baitcast reels, but still prefer a LH crank. Not familiar with that rod. It seems to be a good price as Cabela's wants $39.99 for it.
EDIT: I would definitely go with a MHF for those lures.
B@ssCrzy reply :
Lew's Speed Spool is a good beginner reel. Actually talked my father into buying one for his first baitcaster and he loves it. I have tried it out and do like it. As far as the rod is concerned if you can afford another $40-$50 a Powell Diesel or Shimano Sellus would be good rods to pair with it. Like the others said I would go with at least a 7'. Also, if you crank (retrieve) with your left hand make sure you get the baitcaster that allows you to also crank with your left hand. Don't let him talk you into switching hands. It is not necessary to do that. Yeah you can get used to it, but there is no reason for it. At least in my opinion. Sounds like your on the right track with getting started. I would suggest spooling it up with braid and then using a leader of mono of fluoro depending on the situation you are fishing. If you do that you will be able to use that rig for all the applications you mentioned and then some. Good luck.
hunterduke reply :
I thought I read on here that a beginner should start out with Mono fishing line.
buzzed bait reply :
for the post exactly as you described, i'd go with either a 6'6" or 7' MH rod. I'd get the speed spool and as stated make sure it's the $99 speed spool NOT the Laser MG version that retails for $79. As for the line, you can get away with 12lb mono for the baits you described (spinner, buzz, senko and weighted worm)
the above set up will have you fishing in no time. I'd second the guy setting it up for you and then the next step is you MUST watch glenn's youtube video on how to setup a baitcaster
tholmes reply :
On 3/18/2014 at 11:12 PM, hunterduke said:I thought I read on here that a beginner should start out with Mono fishing line.
That's not a bad idea, IMO. When you're learning, you WILL backlash your reel. If you have to cut it out, mono is way cheaper to replace than braid or flouro.
Pick up a spool of 12 lb. Trilene Big Game. At <$10.00, it will fill your reel several times and it will make great backing line if and when you decide to switch to braid.
Tom
new2BC4bass reply :
I do caution you. Baitcast reels are a joy to use. The Bait Monkey can empty your pockets in a hurry! 
I think my B/C reel count is up to 39 now. Like I really need that many. 
MCS reply :
I will throw my two cents in about the lefty versus righty. I grew up throwing spinning gear, I am 32 and 8 months ago started throwing a BC. It is not abig deal and you will get used to it. Use it as much as you can, I cast switch hands while lure is mid flight and thumb with the left. If your going to learn from this guy, he is teaching you the old school way, then go righty. It is uncomfortable at first but with time is as comfotable to me as cranking my spinning rod with my left. Just work at it and you will be rewarded. Also more reel options with righty etc. I learned on mono, while it is cheap and basically disposable, braid is much easier to pick out backlashes. Don't cast hard smooth fluid motions and you can limit backlashes. That rod is as good as any other 30-40 rod, berkley, shimano etc. it is a beginner rod. If you beating the bank a 6-6 or even 6 is fine, most the time the areas you will be fishing will be around shore and near cover. 7 adds distance but isn't always useful from the bank.
new2BC4bass reply :
Along with being comfortable reeling with either hand, you also have to become comfortable with workiing the rod with either hand. Some people are only comfortable holding the rod in their dominant hand. However, I think the vast majority of people are capable of using both once they get past the "I can't" attitude.
bassin is addicting reply :
don't be aftraid of the righthand reel. i had used spinning reels (left hand) for over 30 years and bought my 1st baitcast last year. right hand reel. it just didn't feel right to reel it right handed. something about the motion didn't feel right reeling a baitcaster left handed.
at your height, i would go with the 6'6". nothing wrong with that at all. imo.
on the line...get some chaep mono to start with. walk out about 40 yards of line, put a piece of white medical tape across the spool. this will keep the backlashes from getting too deep.
Weekend-warrior17 reply :
Shimano Caius's are nice smooth reels would recommend it for your first.Tight lines
stk reply :
I think people have said this before, but you should try them out first hand before making a decision. For me, I feel way more comfortable with a left hand retrieve reel. I have 2 BPS PQ's and the lews speed spool. The PQ's have the dual braking system which helps but nothing is going to help you more than a well trained thumb. With that said, the lews speed spool just has the magnetic brakes, it's pretty light and it has a lower profile. Both reels are very smooth and if you can get one of them on sale, even better. Also figure that since the old man is helping you out, even if you pay full price, his advice and mentoring is well worth it.
Good luck, you can't go wrong with either reel.
Hogsticker reply :
For a new to baitcaster person I would want a forgiving reliable reel and system. I think your two best bets would be a Shimano Citica E, and a Less tournament mg. Two different braking systems but both dependable and user friendly. Both can be had for around 100 bucks and are better reels than the two you mention IMO
masterbass reply :
Hunterduke, are you more confused now, lol? Lots of good advice by a lot of good people who are passionate about fishing and want to help. However, everyone has their own opinions. You can't go wrong with the amount of good equipment out there. I bought my first baitcaster a couple of years ago and it was a right-handed revo sx. I never felt comfortable holding the rod with my left hand so I got some lefties and never looked back. I'm going to sell the righty to my buddy. Mono vs others? Maybe, but when I started I backlashed a lot and trying to pick out tangles was time consuming and I almost gave up baitcasting. Then I switched to mono backing with braid w/ leader. I still get the occasional back lash, but I can pick them out and pull them free easier. Remember that there are no knots in backlashes and no need to cut. Don't whip the cast, just use a smooth motion after the lure loads. After lots of practice you can get more adventurous and start pitching and skipping. Using baitcasters are fun, I enjoy the activity of casting.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 3/19/2014 at 11:42 PM, masterbass said:Using baitcasters are fun, I enjoy the activity of casting.
This is the primary reason I haven't given up fishing locally.....again. Last summer that is all I did. I caught a few fish.....accidentily, but only went to try out new combos and practice my casting.
hunterduke reply :
Yeah I'm really having a hard time deciding if I want to go lefty or not. A guy here at work said he uses a righty but uses left retrieve for spinning reels. He accidently bought a lefty last week and he said he is interested in seeing how he likes it. I told him to let me know which he prefers. I'm don't quite understand leaders and all that. I've always used the same type of line from beginning of the spool to the lure.
Xyndifor reply :
On 3/20/2014 at 1:22 AM, hunterduke said:Yeah I'm really having a hard time deciding if I want to go lefty or not. A guy here at work said he uses a righty but uses left retrieve for spinning reels. He accidently bought a lefty last week and he said he is interested in seeing how he likes it. I told him to let me know which he prefers. I'm don't quite understand leaders and all that. I've always used the same type of line from beginning of the spool to the lure.
Do what feels comfortable to you. When it comes to buying the right reel make sure you do your own research and make the decision that you feel is best for you. Everyone is going to tell you this reel is the best or that one is. All fishing reels or rods have their pros and cons. If you stick with reels you read up on that have good reviews and have been around for a while well then there is a reason for that. Go to the store and play with them all and see how they feel in your hand. I always like to do that. If I can't touch something first I won't even consider purchasing it. Do your homework by reading different articles you see on the site. Decide what you want to do with a fishing rod (techniques you want to use the rod/reel for) then play around and decide what works best for you. It's all about doing stuff for yourself where you figure out what works best. Some people like a fast or extra fast actions on afishing rod for doing something you may decide you like medium fast for example) Happy fishing.
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