Recommend me a first baitcaster 2024
BigJohnny reply :
The cheaper the better, but my budget is flexible *cough* tax returns *cough*.
I don't really know anything about them, I've never used one before. I obviously want something that performs but I would also like to be able to figure out how to use it!
Any help is appreciated
uicdent11 reply :
Shimano Chronarch 51Mg on ***.com. If you can afford it, I can't think of a better real to learn on.
roadwarrior reply :
The Shimano Citica, new or used, would be a good reel to start with.
Everyone I know who has one, loves it! If you are patient, they pop
up in our Flea Market occasionally. For $60-$80 you should be able to
pick up a D, the E is $120 MSRP, but might show up on the Flea Market,
too.
http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca_200e.html
nateobot reply :
QuoteThe Shimano Citica, new or used, would be a good reel to start with.Everyone I know who has one, loves it! If you are patient, they pop
up in our Flea Market occasionally. For $60-$80 you should be able to
pick up a D, the E is $120 MSRP, but might show up on the Flea Market,
too.
http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca_200e.html
This is the one I just got. It is my first BC as well. Was patient on Ebay and got a new 201E for $90 shipped. I will let you know how it fares this weekend. 
adclem reply :
I agree the new Citica E or a older Citica D model would be a great reel to start with.
Later,
andamtoft reply :
as stated above the shimanos would be a good choice. you could also look into a revo s which would be a great alternative
bigfruits reply :
chronarch mg or curado e7
TrippyJai reply :
Citica E would be a great choice.
-HAWK- reply :
The Shimano Citica E is smooth as butter, VERY easy to learn with. The Variable Brake system is very helpful for a newbie to learn the basics to baitcasting. You will love the Citica 200E, I can almost guarantee it.
acmaul13 reply :
Another vote for the Citica 200.I picked up a combo from BPS this spring and have been amazed with the ease of use 8-)
I.rar reply :
citica d.
coolhandlala reply :
you don't need anything fancier than a citica whether it is a D or E they are great reels to start with. I bought 2, 2 years ago when first leaning to use a baitcaster and they are very easy to tune and cast without backlashes.
If you like the citicas then you can go ahead and spend the reel money on a chronarch, revo, zillion or some other sexy reel, but at first stick to the easy ones.
I would say listen to RW he will not steer you wrong.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Go big or go home i always say! Revo STX or SX. You might as well have the best right from the get go!
crankin09 reply :
REVO S SX STX It doesnt matter
S I G M A reply :
I vote Revo S
Cravin reply :
I agree with everyone! I would get a Citica or a Revo S, the Variable Braking System will reduce frustration on the learning curve and both reels are top notch new or used. If you decide you like them you can drop more money on their big brothers later. If you don't you can unload them here at the flea market and get some of your money back, You won't have a problem selling if you price them right.
Hatty reply :
Stick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels. I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.
Pirouge reply :
I got a Citica 200E as my first bait cast rig and so far, I am not having much fun with it. I get lots of backlash's towards the end of my casts. I adjust the cast control knob so that my bait falls very slowly when I release the clutch bar. I have four brake weights on and two off.
My casts don't go very far and if I'm not right on top of things with my thumb, I get a backlash. If I am heavy with the thumb, I get even less distance. What am I doing wrong?
The bass are getting off easy as I am spending so much time untangling the reel.
Cravin reply :
Set two brakes not four, and set you spool tension tighter, as a beginner I like to set it so that you have to bump the rod to get the bait to fall, when the bait falls 24 to 36 inches and stops you are set for casting. Once you get more familiar with the feel and the way it throws you can back off the tension and get more distance. Be very aware of wind, If you turn into the wind and cast you may be picking out another nest.
Cravin reply :
Maybe this will explain it better?
If your backlashing as soon as you cast or in the middle to almost end of casting your spool is releasing line faster than the weight and momentum of the lures traveling speed from the cast. remedy by tightening the spool tension knob.
If your get loose line or slight nets at the very end of you cast its in the Brake setting, magnetic or variable which ever you have. When a lure looses momentum that is when the brake setting takes effect.
ghost reply :
I'll agree w/ the Citica E or Revo S...but the Citca E is $10 less than the Revo S...I bought the Revo S when it first came out a 3 years ago for $100 new, not they are $130 & the body style or anything else about the reel is still the same.
I'd like to also throw in the 2009 BPS Pro Qualifier(PQ). I have both speeds in left hand & believe it or not, it's a very good reel. It has dual braking, so I see this as something easy for a beginner baitcaster to set & not get as many backlashes as a b/c reel w/ centrifugal braking or magnetic braking. The PQ has both those braking. The centrifugal braking for the initial cast & the mag braking for the end of the cast. It weighs as much as a Revo S & feels quite compact, not wide like the Citica E. Another reel to look at from BPS is the 2009 Rick Clunn model, it too has dual braking but weighs in about an ounce more. It has a blue non-slip paint job on it. Also these BPS model reels are on sale now & much less than the Citica E or Revo S. Another thing I like about either these 2 reels is it has a swept handle.
I really like the Citica 201E I have but the only complaint I have is it feels wide, almost feels as wide as the Daiwa Advantage I have. This isn't really a problem but it does not feel as compact to me. The BPS PQ or Rick Clunn feel more compact side wise, but are just a bit tall like a Revo S.
Simp reply :
I'm going to go a different way then these guys. Both the Citica and Revo's are great reels. What I'm going to recommend is usually a little bit lighter on the budget but my favorite real I've used. I personally like the KVD Quantum that Bass Pro shops has. Most people don't like signature series reels but this one is fantastic IMHO. I prefer the Centrifugal breaking system over magnetic brakes but I also wanted external adjustment to those brakes. The KVD fit that bill but I also wanted a slow 5.1 gear ratio. The KVD line offers that speed if you want it and a 6.3 or a 7.1 burner model. I got both those features for less then 80$ and neither the Revo S or Citica could offer that. What I also found out about the reel is it casts a mile, it's very smooth, and it can toss light cranks with ease. The spool tension knob is also light years ahead of other spool tension knobs out there. I know that sounds strange but you have to use it to understand. I know Procrafter actually bought several KVDs and was standardising his set up at the Roadtrip with them as well. So do some shopping, go to some stores and play with them before buying.Heck go fish with a friend that has some baitcasters. Try some out for a day and find out what you like and dislike about baitcasters. Then we can help guide you in the feature set you may like.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteStick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels. I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.
i agree. for a first timer id stay away from the STX and SX.
the OP might think about Abu 4600 series gear. the best learning gear i can think of.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteI'll agree w/ the Citica E or Revo S...but the Citca E is $10 less than the Revo S...I bought the Revo S when it first came out a 3 years ago for $100 new, now they are $130 & the body style or anything else about the reel is still the same.
While the $130 price is true for the S, that is list price. They can be had, new and shipped for $85-95 on ebay.
For the KVD reels, I believe those are only available in right hand last I checked but that was a year or so ago.
dmac14 reply :
QuoteFor the KVD reels, I believe those are only available in right hand last I checked but that was a year or so ago.
They just came out with the left handed version
21farms reply :
the shimano citica E or ABU garcia revo S would be your best choices. i totally disagree with recommendations for revo SXs and STXs for beginners...that's likely a recipe for disaster and frustration.
Muddy reply :
I JUST CHECKED, BPS STILL HAS A FEW MODELS IN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHTY OF THE OLDER EXTREME BC REELS FOR 40 BUCKS!!!!!!!!
THIS IS THE REEL I LEARNED ON, ALONG WITH THE PRODIGY FROM CABELAS. I STILL HAVE ONE I USE, COULDNT ASK FOR A MORE ECONMICAL, LONG LASTING AND EASY TO USE BRAKE SYSTEM, I HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU TRY ONE OF THESE, THEY SOLD FOR 99 AT ONE TIME
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
QuoteI JUST CHECKED, BPS STILL HAS A FEW MODELS IN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHTY OF THE OLDER EXTREME BC REELS FOR 40 BUCKS!!!!!!!!THIS IS THE REEL I LEARNED ON, ALONG WITH THE PRODIGY FROM CABELAS. I STILL HAVE ONE I USE, COULDNT ASK FOR A MORE ECONMICAL, LONG LASTING AND EASY TO USE BRAKE SYSTEM, I HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU TRY ONE OF THESE, THEY SOLD FOR 99 AT ONE TIME
definately an extreme...a quality reel at a great price
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteI JUST CHECKED, BPS STILL HAS A FEW MODELS IN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHTY OF THE OLDER EXTREME BC REELS FOR 40 BUCKS!!!!!!!!
Aside from the all-caps shoutfest, this is a good reel to learn on. It's much more forgiving than the $39 Tourney plus model. Unfortunately all of the lefty 6.4:1 have been taken so you are left with the high and low speed models.
Even at $59 for the '09's, it's a great reel to learn on for the price. I still use mine even though I have 4 Revo's.
Hatty reply :
For the person having problems with the Citica I think you should go for 6 brakes on instead of 2 or 4... this will prevent initial backlashes and then with the cast control feel free to loosen it up a bit or else when you reel in the bait the reel will feel very stiff.
Also, find a heavier bait, like a spinner bait to practice with before putting on the light stuff.
Having lots of brakes on will decrease casting distance, having the cast control loose will keep the reel smooth, stick to a heavy bait until you gain confidence, make sure you are using 10, 12 or 14 lb line, and make sure you rod isn't super stiff like a (heavy or extra heavy) I tell beginners to stick with Medium and a 6'6" to 7' rod.
I know people will tell you to put on less brakes but I think the key for you right now is to keep all 6 brakes on... I have used a Citica for a number of days out and I am sure you will get the hang of it.
I couldn't recommend the Citica or Curado more, but don't take my word for it... go to www.tackletour.com and check out the review and video. It's their "editors choice."
Good luck,
Hatty
ChiCityBasser reply :
QuoteTHIS IS THE REEL I LEARNED ON, ALONG WITH THE PRODIGY FROM CABELAS. I STILL HAVE ONE I USE, COULDNT ASK FOR A MORE ECONMICAL, LONG LASTING AND EASY TO USE BRAKE SYSTEM, I HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU TRY ONE OF THESE, THEY SOLD FOR 99 AT ONE TIME
I got the Prodigy as my first for what I thought was my first expensive baitbaster and learn to use it from a guy at a mom and pop tackle shop. Its's a great real and made for Cabelas by Daiwa and they often are on sell for $69-79 and normally around $100.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteI AM A DIABETIC AND AT WORK SOMETIMES I AM WORKING ON A SPLIT SCREEN SO THE WORDS ARE SMALL AND MY TYPING NOT GOOD.
Dude - this an internet message board; get some thicker skin as none of this really matters. If the words are too small on your, try reducing your screen resolution so you can see them.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
QuoteStick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels. I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.
So because you had a bad experience and/or could not figure out the brakes he should stay away from one of the best reels in the industry!?!
Hatty reply :
nope, I figured out the brakes just fine, I am recommending to a new baitcaster that they don't fiddle with magnetic brakes for their first baitcaster. My STX spool release broke on day two... yes I had a bad experience with REVO and yes I will stick with Shimano. I mean for $200 I should not have an issue...
Do you think differently?
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I would not know, i have yet to pay $200 for a Revo or have a problem with one either! It is obvious that you got a bad/defective reel which does not define the Revo line as a whole. Shimano has plenty products that are defective as do all other manufactures. Does this make all of them of lesser quality as well?
CSB reply :
Quotenope, I figured out the brakes just fine, I am recommending to a new baitcaster that they don't fiddle with magnetic brakes for their first baitcaster. My STX spool release broke on day two... yes I had a bad experience with REVO and yes I will stick with Shimano. I mean for $200 I should not have an issue...Do you think differently?
I do. I feel that baitcaiting newbies shouldnt be fooling with the braking system at all, but instead focusing on thumb control, so I dont think it matters what system a reel has. Second, there are going to be defective units any time there is mass production, regardless of price. Saying "I had a defective unit, dont buy one" doesnt make any sense because defective units arent the norm, they are just variance in the mass production process.
However, if the customer service in getting said defective unit replaced was poor, thats a great reason to avoid buying one.
FWIW I dont think the Shimano Curado can be beat as a first baitcaster. I prefer the feel of the 100D over the 200E's, but to each their own. Buy something that feels good in your hands.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteStick with Shimano Citica, Curado or MG... all great reels. I would stay away from the Revo, the quality control isn't as good had mine break on day two, BUT because the Revo SX and STX have magnetic brakes you will spend more time adjusting and less time fishing... if you have to have a REVO then go S it has non-magnetic brakes.So because you had a bad experience and/or could not figure out the brakes he should stay away from one of the best reels in the industry!?!
i think if you read between the lines hes saying theres many better choices for a first baitcaster on a budget.
The_Natural reply :
I've owned several Citica E's, and I think they are the best at their respective price point. However; for learning how to cast with a casting reel for the first time....externally adjustable brakes helped me out quite a bit. I would recommend a low-range daiwa. Don't forget that you cast control knob is equally important
dmac14 reply :
The Blue Tour Editions, have external breaks, and can be found for ~$120 on ebay. Easy to cast with and very smooth.
nateobot reply :
This weekend I took the Citica out. This is my first baitcaster, and I was prepared to deal with birdsnests all weekend long.
I set the brakes to 4 on, 2 off and made sure the cast control was locked down enough that I had to give my bait a little nudge to get it to drop. First cast, line drive right into the lake and a birdsnest (nothing major though)... Fix that, toss again, same result. It took me a good hour to get casting direction down. This is much different than a spinning reel. After that first hour, things really improved. I started getting the thumb control down and was feeling pretty comfortable. It was getting late, so I packed it up for the night.
Next morning, I tried again. Control was improving, and I realized at this time I need to use both hands to cast. One to worry about the reel, one to steer the rod. I decide to take it out in my F-I-L's little boat. Everything was going well, rarely a birdsnest and if there was one, it was minor. Then I made a big mistake, I got overconfident. I didn't go through my routine, and jerked the bait back and jerked it forward...MAJOR BIRDSNEST I was done for the day with that rod. Had to bring the rig into the house and spend an hour cleaning that up. Note to other rookies -- like golf, make sure to have a smooth transition between your backswing and forward swing.
I would say that the reel performed amazing and other than me being an idiot once, it cause little backlash. The other times that it did, were my fault for not controlling the reel with my thumb properly. I suppose turning on all the brakes might have prevented those problems as well, but I like a challenge.
MarauderYak reply :
Nate, a few thoughts...
I think you've figured this one out, but when first learning to cast a bc reel, jerky motion is bad. Smooooth is the way to go. You can cast with some force, but don't start the cast with a jerky motion. You want the rod to be under load to propel the lure when you let the spool release. A jerky motion will cause the rod to release quickly & then you're just relying on the forward motion of the lure for the cast. When this happens, the lure flies till it reaches the end of the loose line, then it jerks the spool, the lure immediately slows down & is pulled back, and poof you've got a big backlash. So start smooth, and make sure you're still moving the rod forward as you release the spool.
Also, as you take some of the tension off the spool it may be necessary to feather the spool when you cast. You'll want to learn how to very lightly touch the spool/line during the cast.
Finally, It makes casting much easier if you're holding the rod/reel sideways. In other words, when you point the rod directly out in front of you, the axis of the spool should be pointing striaght up at the sky & down at the ground/water.
Keep working on it.
zbigbadaaron reply :
try a pflueger trion $100 it is a great reel for the price
bigtimfish reply :
daiwa exelor $80 at academy. shimano citica. revo s. my buddy fishes pinnacles all of the time, he loves those. dont be afraid to look at bass pro or cabelas look at the reviews on there. do your research you will find one.
NBR reply :
While the Shimano suggestions are probably the best there are many combo's available at BPS or Cabela's in the $125 to $150 that will do an adequate job. If you don't practice it doen't matter what you have you are going to backlash and probably hate bait castingt.
A dear friend bought a medium level outfit and didn't practice so he hated it. He knew he wanted to use a bait caster so he bought a Curado wen the new ones were $200 and an up scale St. Croix rod. He didn't practice with that rig either. We have fished together a total of 28 days since he bought the latest and I bet he hasn't used the Curado/St. Croix rig a total of 2 hours.
If you are not willing to put in the time stick with your spinning gear. If you put n the time I'll bet you are shortly using the bait caster more than the spining gear.
Micro reply :
Quotethe shimano citica E or ABU garcia revo S would be your best choices. i totally disagree with recommendations for revo SXs and STXs for beginners...that's likely a recipe for disaster and frustration.
Beginners are the ones that learn to use them right. It's the people that get used to some Shimano or some other brand that moved to the Revo STX (or other higher end magnetic brake reel) that thinks they know what they are doing and thinks the reel ought to cast exactly like whatever it is they learned on. It's those people that seem to have the most problems.
Dan: reply :
I would also recommend the Citica E. I also believe it is the best value in that price range. The spool access is large so beginners have plenty of room to untangle bird nests. It is also light, smooth, and well built. It is very forgiving to learn with. I learned on the Citica D which was great but I think the E is much easier to manage. The internal brake system might be a little tricky at first but read up on it and you will get the hang of how it works. I normally set two brakes on and keep the spool tension pretty loose. When you start, make sure you are casting fluidly. It is harder to manage spool speed if you really whip the bait.
skno reply :
I agree with micro. FYI a larger line diameter can be easier to untangle for the very first few casts. my .00002 of a cent
bigtimfish reply :
a good beginner reel. learn like i did. abu garcia c3 4600 or c4 4600. not a lot of knobs and gadgets. just a brake and drag. simple to use, all thumb control. a classic still in production. and for a good reason.
MitchIsFishin reply :
Quotea good beginner reel. learn like i did. abu garcia c3 4600 or c4 4600
x2. Didn't realize how sweet a reel could be until I started playing with the C3.
fivesixone reply :
I'm drooling over the 4601 C3... Saving money now. Time to learn baitcasting. :-/
Are they salt-water proof?
Linewinder reply :
QuoteQuoteI JUST CHECKED, BPS STILL HAS A FEW MODELS IN BOTH LEFT AND RIGHTY OF THE OLDER EXTREME BC REELS FOR 40 BUCKS!!!!!!!!THIS IS THE REEL I LEARNED ON, ALONG WITH THE PRODIGY FROM CABELAS. I STILL HAVE ONE I USE, COULDNT ASK FOR A MORE ECONMICAL, LONG LASTING AND EASY TO USE BRAKE SYSTEM, I HIGHLY RECOMEND YOU TRY ONE OF THESE, THEY SOLD FOR 99 AT ONE TIME
definately an extreme...a quality reel at a great price
As an old-time here -- I still use my Ryobi reels which are mostly identical to the Lew's reels but without all the ballbearings (for the younguns here, that means 25+ years) -- I have to say that for a beginner, price should be a component into choice.
Worst thing to happen is that you don't get your technique down and had spent $120 or $220 on a reel that now you hate. Now you hate yourself and go kick the dog. I haven't found a baitcaster that I can't cast (of course not, I haven't tried them all), but having said that I know there are good ones and bad ones -- just can't get the bad ones to cast as far, or need more thumb control, or like my old Ryobi's are rough when reeling, or break easily (no, not the Ryobi's -- that's why I still use them -- they just work).
For instance, my father was given a Pinnacle as a retirement gift (with rod). Generally it is a good setup for Florida fishing (bass; light salt) with enough bearings for smoothness, and instant anti-reverse. I generally like it, and it casts easily and far, and with its friction brakes. But the dang plastic gear that makes the wormgear run the line oscillator (I have no idea what it is called) broke. So now it is good with low amount of line or shorter casts as the line bunches in retrieve. It is more prone to backlashing now and when it does, that ends the fishing for a while and possibly the line. No parts available.
Also, I have noticed that the $40 reels at BPS, Gander and Cabela's sometimes appear to be the same. I know that there are manufacturers out there that will put any label on their reels, possibly putting several store-brand names on the same reel?
So, long story finished, are there reels out there in the $40-60 range for extreme budget-necessary fishers who do not need a reel to carry them but need a dependable reel without plastic gears? Some plastic parts seem to be OK, but not in gears. What is today's equivalent of yesteryear's Ryobi?
Thanks for reading and thanks for discussing.
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