New Bait Caster 2024
Bassyaker319 reply :
Hello everyone, I am a new member of this site but I have been fishing for a while. I usually only use spinning reels when fishing. I have wanted to get a bait caster for a while and this weekend I am going to buy one. I want to stay under one hundred dollars for my first one. I have been looking at the Abu Garcia Silver Max and I was wondering if it seems like a decent rod and reel combo? Also what type of line should I use? I was talking to a guy at a fishing show and he said Fluorocarbon instead of mono or braid. What is better the 6 1/2 foot rod, or the 7 foot rod?
Any tips or insight would be appreciated. Thanks. Tight Lines!!
fishnkamp reply :
Let's start this way. You said you want to stay under one hundred dollars. So to start with look at a Daiwa Exceler reel. This reel sold for $99 just a few months ago now it is $70 from tackle Warehouse. They are very well made and easy to learn on.
A couple of friends and I use them for bass, stripers, and even big snakeheads.
For a rod look at a Berkley lightning shock rod. They run around $45. Some times you can find them on sale for $25. A nice 6'6" or 7' should work. The medium moderates work real nice for spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rattle traps etc. The mh ones are better for bottom bouncing baits like jigs but a medium moderate will work for an all around use. I personally fish two of the 6'6" medium moderates for rattle traps to catch stripers.
There are other options but these paired will work well and it will be close to $120, just over your budget. I do not like to encourage people to buy gear that they will end up upgrading from.
Bassyaker319 reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:51 AM, fishnkamp said:Let's start this way. You said you want to stay under one hundred dollars. So to start with look at a Daiwa Exceler reel. This reel sold for $99 just a few months ago now it is $70 from tackle Warehouse. They are very well made and easy to learn on.
A couple of friends and I use them for bass, stripers, and even big snakeheads.
For a rod look at a Berkley lightning shock rod. They run around $45. Some times you can find them on sale for $25. A nice 6'6" or 7' should work. The medium moderates work real nice for spinnerbaits, crankbaits, rattle traps etc. The mh ones are better for bottom bouncing baits like jigs but a medium moderate will work for an all around use. I personally fish two of the 6'6" medium moderates for rattle traps to catch stripers.
There are other options but these paired will work well and it will be close to $120, just over your budget. I do not like to encourage people to buy gear that they will end up upgrading from.
Thank you for your help. I want to make sure I will like a bait caster before making a huge purchase. That being said I definitely want a reliable set up. I will check out that rod and reel. Thanks again!
fishnkamp reply :
The cheaper baitcasters run around $50. Some work better than others for a few more dollars the Diawa is well worth the little extra money. There is a post on here where one of our members found these rods on sale at Walmart for less than $10 on clearance.So I would check your local Wally World.
mllrtm79 reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:57 AM, Bassyaker319 said:I want to make sure I will like a bait caster before making a huge purchase.
One thing that helped me was to use a right and a left hand retrieve back to back out on the water one afternoon. It gave me an idea of which one I found most comfortable or natural.
I have a Berkley Lightning Shock 7' MH and really like it (probably will make it my topwater rod next summer), I also have one of their spinning rods (6' M). I haven't used them enough to know how the sensitivity compares to my Abu's (vendetta and vengeance) . For general work they seem to be adequate.
12poundbass reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:24 AM, Bassyaker319 said:Hello everyone, I am a new member of this site but I have been fishing for a while. I usually only use spinning reels when fishing. I have wanted to get a bait caster for a while and this weekend I am going to buy one. I want to stay under one hundred dollars for my first one. I have been looking at the Abu Garcia Silver Max and I was wondering if it seems like a decent rod and reel combo? Also what type of line should I use? I was talking to a guy at a fishing show and he said Fluorocarbon instead of mono or braid. What is better the 6 1/2 foot rod, or the 7 foot rod?
Any tips or insight would be appreciated. Thanks. Tight Lines!!
You wouldn't be disappointed with the Abu Garcia Black Max,Silver Max, or Pro Max. I have several of each. All are under your budget and all are easy to learn on. I wish I had gotten one to learn with. I went cheaper than these and almost gave up on baitcasters. I've never personally used the Diawa but several on here have and they sound pretty nice. If you go with either of these you won't be disappointed.Fluorocarbon line would work just fine (as long as you're not using top water) braid wouldn't be bad either. Good luck and enjoy your new baitcaster.
Darren. reply :
Welcome aboard, @Bassyaker319!
I'm going to second @fishnkamp's suggestion of the
Daiwa Exceler. I used a Daiwa Lexa and found it to
be a fantastic reel for beginners (sons). I have given
it to one of my boys, in fact. The Exceler is basically
the same reel save some bearings, I think, as the
Lexa.
I've used cheap combos (Bass Pro's Tourney combo)
for casting - and as a gift for another son - and it was
a disaster! Needless to say, returned to BPS!
So IMHO, it is hard to go wrong with an Exceler and
at $70, a steal.
Yudo1 reply :
My advice is to buy a quality, aluminum reel. You can get a daiwa tatula ct for under $100. If you're used to spinning reels with a left hand retrieve then get a lefty bait caster.
Bassyaker319 reply :
Thanks @Darren.!! I have viewed dozens of articles on this site and I figured it was time to join. I am definitely going to check that reel out.
A-Jay reply :
Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
Whatever reel you choose - There is a learning curve to using revolving spool gear.
During the process some line may be sacrificed.
MONO may be a better choice during the "I'm learning to cast" phase, just because it's less expensive. 15lb Trilene Big Game is a decent choice here. Once you've got a handle on that, re-spooling with something else may not be entirely necessary but is certainly an option.
Besides all the info offered by the BR Forums, the Articles section can be just as useful ~ Here's one of many.
http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/how-to-use-baitcaster.html
Good Luck
A-Jay
lmbfisherman reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 4:06 AM, 12poundbass said:You wouldn't be disappointed with the Abu Garcia Black Max,Silver Max, or Pro Max. I have several of each. All are under your budget and all are easy to learn on. I wish I had gotten one to learn with. I went cheaper than these and almost gave up on baitcasters. I've never personally used the Diawa but several on here have and they sound pretty nice. If you go with either of these you won't be disappointed.Fluorocarbon line would work just fine (as long as you're not using top water) braid wouldn't be bad either. Good luck and enjoy your new baitcaster.
12poundbass is right, don't go cheaper or go with anything that isn't mainstream. Like I mean don't go buy a reel made by X manufacturer that goes with a 49 dollar combo. I did this and it put me off on baitcasters for years. I gave it a shot again but using a bit higher end, it was night and day. Don't go to cheap on the reel!
I would also start off with mono, not floro or braid. Go buy a big spool of Big Game, so when you back lash you don't lose out on the expensive line! If you do go floro, do not cheapen out on that either.
12poundbass reply :
Tip: read the instructions or watch videos on how to best set it up (brake/tension)
Tip: take a 1/4 3/8oz jig or weight and practice in your yard, by spring you'll be good to go, that's what I did anyways. Worked for me.
Bassyaker319 reply :
@A-Jay Thanks for the advice. I am a little nervous with trying a caster but I hope that it will make me a better fisherman!
12poundbass reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 4:24 AM, lmbfisherman said:12poundbass is right, don't go cheaper or go with anything that isn't mainstream. Like I mean don't go buy a reel made by X manufacturer that goes with a 49 dollar combo. I did this and it put me off on baitcasters for years. I gave it a shot again but using a bit higher end, it was night and day. Don't go to cheap on the reel!
I would also start off with mono, not floro or braid. Go buy a big spool of Big Game, so when you back lash you don't lose out on the expensive line! If you do go floro, do not cheapen out on that either.
Rhino was my first caster, $30 I think. Biggest piece of junk I ever bought! Lol
mllrtm79 reply :
being local to me, if you want to check out before you buy i can throw some mono onto one of my black max's (LH) or my Quantum Burner(RH). Both are lower end reels, but would give you an idea, it wouldn't cost anything but time really... I am pulling one of the two off of a 7' vendetta this weekend, just about time to re-spool for the season anyway.
PM me if you want to, we can set something up.
Edited by mllrtm79forgot which reel I was talking about
Bassyaker319 reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 4:27 AM, 12poundbass said:Rhino was my first caster, $30 I think. Biggest piece of junk I ever bought! Lol
Yeah I almost bought a used reel but I didn't want to buy a trashy reel. I figured it would turn me off of casters forever haha.
12poundbass reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 4:22 AM, A-Jay said:Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
Whatever reel you choose - There is a learning curve to using revolving spool gear.
During the process some line may be sacrificed.
MONO may be a better choice during the "I'm learning to cast" phase, just because it's less expensive. 15lb Trilene Big Game is a decent choice here. Once you've got a handle on that, re-spooling with something else may not be entirely necessary but is certainly an option.
Besides all the info offered by the BR Forums, the Articles section can be just as useful ~ Here's one of many.
http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/how-to-use-baitcaster.html
Good Luck
A-Jay
Good call A-Jay with the mono didn't think about losing line to backlash. Which reminds me I have a giant backlash I have to cut out sometime before the ice melts. Thanks for the reminder!
On 2/2/2017 at 4:32 AM, Bassyaker319 said:Yeah I almost bought a used reel but I didn't want to buy a trashy reel. I figured it would turn me off of casters forever haha.
That thing almost turned me off to them. Now I rarely ever use spinning gear. Thinking about finesse fishing this year so I just might use spinning gear again. I need to find some patience first.
WTnPuddleJumper reply :
there is nothing wrong with a Silver Max, I have been using them for years and for the money you cant beat em. I have had some that has lasted me 3 years. I fish a lot, a whole lot, and I am rough on tackle. Ive tried the more expensive options but the long term results were close to the same. I use 65# braid on my chatterbait and jig rods and 17 # mono on the rest of them. As far as rod length it depends on what is comfortable for you. 6'6" are good for a broad range of baits and probably a good length for the beginner. Academy Sports usually has some good deals on rods. They have a allstar reg priced for $49 and will on sale it for $29. Its actually a good solid rod. Hope this helps
new2BC4bass reply :
Like a couple have already mentioned..................DO NOT learn using fluorocarbon. It will break easy where it gets kinked from a backlash........and you will backlash while learning.
roadwarrior reply :
fishnkamp reply :
If you want a nicer rod, I have a perfectly good St Croix Premier 6' medium action rod for sale. The rod new sells for $140. I would sell it to you for $50.
I also have a Bass Pro Shops Tourney Special that is almost mint, That rod is a 6'6" MH fast action rod. They sold for around $100. I would sell that for $25. I was taking them, along with a few others, to the Middle River Bass flea market in March. If either one meets your needs I would be happy to work out a meeting spot. Maybe somewhere like Kent Narrows or Denton. Or even Bass Pro in Baltimore, depending on your availability. I will bring along a few reels for you to play with to get an idea what you may want to match it up with.
MDbassin reply :
If it's your first casting setup head up the road to Cabelas and look at there combos they have. I was there 2 nights ago and they have the black max, silver max, and pro max combos up there.
I was in the same situation as you a couple years ago and I bought the lews laser combo for $80 cause I fished all spinning gear and wanted to try baitcasters and now I hardly touch my spinning gear unless I have to. Even the budget lews rods and reels aren't bad for the newcomer
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
Generally speaking I'm not a fan of the combos. You're usually paying for one halfway decent component with some cheap give away attached. Not always but often enough. The exceller or maybe one of the new kastking reels matched to a lightning shock as suggested. Learn on a soft mono like trilene xl
MDbassin reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:24 AM, Bassyaker319 said:Also what type of line should I use? I was talking to a guy at a fishing show and he said Fluorocarbon instead of mono or braid. What is better the 6 1/2 foot rod, or the 7 foot rod?
Any tips or insight would be appreciated. Thanks. Tight Lines!!
I assume you also fish at unicorn? I use straight braid at unicorn and have success
your mono and flouro will get memory making it easier to get a backlash with the braid if you get a backlash and the line suddenly stops mid cast you have a much smaller chance of a break off and losing whatever nice shiny expensive lure you have tied on the other end
As stated before you will get a backlash but don't get discouraged there are plenty of videos to show how to deal with a backlash it's not as bad as the nightmare some people make it out to be.
Fishing with a baitcaster better IMO since while I fish I can keep my pointer finger on my non reeling hand on the line while I work the bait and it helps me detect every little bite, rock, twig, etc. can't do that with spinning gear.
as for length the 7ft will work just fine unless your a bank angler and have low trees over head
Jon Morris reply :
Abu Garcia blackmax.
Nuff said if you're dipping your toes into the baitcasting world.
You can get a rod/reel combo from Walmart for under $60.
If you decide you like baitcasters then move up from there, at least then you'll have a backup reel for either another pole or in case your upgraded on breaks.
As long as you're not pulling 15lb bass out of the thickest vegetation there's nothing that you can't do with this reel and honestly I would consider it stupid to spend any more without knowing if baitcasters are for you.
My buddy who actually got me into bass fishing is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced anglers I know and he won't touch a baitcaster........Me? I picked up my first blackmax combo and haven't thrown a spinning rod since.
So spend the >$60 for both rod/reel instead of investing $90 on the reel and $50-70 more dollars on the rod of a setup you may use one day and decide that you never want to touch it again.
mllrtm79 reply :
One of the things that I like about the black Max is the ability to change the brake setting easily, just a dial on the side. As you get warmed up you can dial it back... Or if you change to a lighter lure
snake95 reply :
On 2/2/2017 at 1:24 AM, Bassyaker319 said:I have been looking at the Abu Garcia Silver Max and I was wondering if it seems like a decent rod and reel combo? Also what type of line should I use?
I'll throw my 2c in here as a guy who switched over to complimenting spinning gear with baitcasters about 1.5 years ago - recently enough to really relate, but with a little experience too. I don't have anyone to teach me - just Youtube and Bassresource. As a little background, I started out very frugally - at the time I couldn't imagine spending a penny more than $100 on a rod and reel combo, and was very concerned I might not like it.
My experience is in agreement with all of the above - note that the guys who have commented already are avid fishermen and experts that you can rely on - I have listened to their advice and it has paid dividends. To mostly echo what they have said:
- You probably won't actually get a better value from a pre-made combo than by putting one together yourself
- I started with the Abu Promax. I soon upgraded to more expensive Abus and Daiwas. I learned on it and I became a better fisherman because of it, and got much more into bass fishing. These lower-priced max series reels are liked by many, and DO work fine, but I agree that you can get a better value by spending just a little more, e.g. the suggestions posted above
- There are reasonable rods under $50 as mentioned. The idea to check out your local Walmart is a great one. It is clearance time, and you can always ask a manager if they can reduce the price further. I have great KVD and Falcon rods I got for $15-20 each there.
- I gravitated to a lefty since I spin left like most. If you can try both, that's a good idea.
Its not likely you will regret picking up a baitcaster. If you can go over $100 a bit you won't regret it. But you'll be fishing just fine if you can't make it above that level, too.
Oh yeah - use mono appropriately sized for the rod ratings. Lots of opinions on that one but Big Game is a super choice; Berkley XL is what I use mostly too.
roadwarrior reply :
A higher quality reel reduces the "learning curve" dramatically. Buy a "better" reel and it will last for years, maybe decades.
On sale or gently used you can buy an outstanding reel for under $100.
Nscheele reply :
I startes out with the Abu garcia Promax combo with a 7' Med fast rod. It's been an excellent setup. I have upgraded and now have 7 casting combos and three higher end spinning combos but still use the Promax, and it performs really well. I feel the rod is very sensitive for the money, and haven't had any issue with the reel to speak of. I did as others have said and practiced in the yard with a nut or just piece of lead tied on to learn. There's nothing wrong with making 1000 25 yard casts to get the feel of it, in fact it'll probably take that many. I clean and re-lubricate the reel twice per year or if it is dropped in the water or sand. It's been a great setup and I don't think you would go wrong with it.
fluna reply :
If you have a Bass Pro near by, wait until they start their fishing classic, rumor has rthe Pro Qualifer will be around $60.00 and Berkley shock rods usually around $30.00. Good starter combo and wont break the bank. They also offer trade in of /rods/reels for coupons towards new rods/reels. I started off with mono while learning, a lot cheaper when I would have to cut out line because I backlashed so bad a few times, now it rarely happens. (only when I am rushing or not paying attention)
CTBassin860 reply :
Definitely recommend starting with mono like the others have said.I learned on the silver max combo myself and its not amazing but its not a bad combo.It took me a good 3 days to get the hang of it but im glad i stuck with it.I hated it for a couple of those days,but once i got it i loved it.
MDbassin reply :
On 2/6/2017 at 2:02 AM, fluna said:If you have a Bass Pro near by, wait until they start their fishing classic, rumor has rthe Pro Qualifer will be around $60.00 and Berkley shock rods usually around $30.00. Good starter combo and wont break the bank. They also offer trade in of /rods/reels for coupons towards new rods/reels. I started off with mono while learning, a lot cheaper when I would have to cut out line because I backlashed so bad a few times, now it rarely happens. (only when I am rushing or not paying attention)
That's not a bad idea. The pro qualifiers are really nice reels.
Edwin Evers won the classic last year on Carbonlite rods and pro qualifier reels neither of which will break the bank
CTBassin860 reply :
On 2/6/2017 at 2:06 AM, MassBassin508 said:Definitely recommend starting with mono like the others have said.I learned on the silver max combo myself and its not amazing but its not a bad combo.It took me a good 3 days to get the hang of it but im glad i stuck with it.I hated it for a couple of those days,but once i got it i loved it.
Ive heard the same.50-60 bucks so the can get the PQ2 on the shelves.That is a complete steal.Id grab 2 at that price.I love my PQ,not as light as my others but not a big deal at all.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
My .02 cent start with a better and easy to resale reel is better than cheap combo. If you dont like it you can resale it easier or in case you wanna upgrade the reel you still can sell it at much more value. there are plenty of quality under 100 reels that already mention. I dont think you can sell cheap combo for more than half the price you paid but with let say daiwa tatula you might be able to get back 70%.
Cheap but not bad quality rod as other mention lightning rod is the way to go light enough and sensitive enough. I still have one or two laying aroud and ready to use from 10 years ago. Purefishing outlet is also good online source to buy rod and reel.
btw ask those who got cheap combo how fast they upgrade their for a better one. If you start with already better you might not even have to upgrade yours for a long long time.
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