Shore angler looking for a casting setup 2025

gates52 reply :

I've been doing a lot of reading but I still need some help. I mainly fish small ponds for bass and I'm looking at a 6'6'' M or MH (i can't decide between the two) and a fast action rod. This will be my first casting rod so for the time being I want this to be as multi purpose as possible.

For the reels I'm looking at Daiwa exceler, Revo S, BPS Pro Qualifer, and the Cita.

Price is a huge factor, at a local store I found the Exceler with an all star rod for $110 and the Revo S with an all star rod for $150. Are both of those really good deals?

I'm also deciding on which line to purchase, I think i'm going either PP braid or fireline braid (seems its all about preference) in whatever is 10 or 12 lb mono equivalent.

Let me know if you have any suggestions. Thanks

bwell reply :

Being your first baitcasting reel I would go with the Pro Qualifier, its a great all around reel with DBS to help you out being a beginner. I would just purchase a combo through BPS, either a M or MH with a fast tip will serve you well...

bwell reply :

I would also go with braided line (50-65#) because it is a lot easier to pick out if you backlash.

FishFocker reply :

Having just been in your position a few months ago(bank fishing/looking for a good all around setup), I would definitely go with a BPS Pro Qualifier combo 6.4:1/MH Fast.

I have used power pro braid(50lb) but I just got some spiderwire camo braid(50lb) and IMO it casts better and the alternating colors really help to see my line especially with applications where you have to line watch.

adclem reply :

The Pro Qualifier combo would be good and so would the Carbonlite combo.

For line, I would suggest either Yo-Zuri hybrid or P-Line CX or CXX. In 12 to 15lbs test.

With this being your first BC I would use one of the lines mentioned above. They are quite a bit cheaper then braid and you can spool your reel a couple times from each.

Later,

bwell reply :

Quote
The Pro Qualifier combo would be good and so would the Carbonlite combo.
For line, I would suggest either Yo-Zuri hybrid or P-Line CX or CXX. In 12 to 15lbs test.

With this being your first BC I would use one of the lines mentioned above. They are quite a bit cheaper then braid and you can spool your reel a couple times from each.

Later,

Thats very true, the lines you mentioned are a lot cheaper but not nearly as easy to pick out... I dont think I have ever had to cut my braided line out from a backlash... Just my 2 cents....

SoFlaBassAddict reply :

Yes braid is easier to pick out. But I think you're setting somebody up for failure if you say to use braid on the first casting reel they own. Braid casts exceedingly easy. If they ever want to use mono, fluoro, or co-poly they're going to hate life after using braid. Learn how to cast on a cheaper line. Once you get comfortable with it, then move up to something else.

As far as set ups go, the PQ reel is a fantastic reel. The Carbonlite is basically the same reel, just has a different handle material and the main gear is made up of a lighter material than the PQ. Carbonlite rods are great, especially at the 100 dollar price point. I believe Bass Pro has the Pro Qualifier combos on sale right now for like 140 bucks. Good deal. I've never used the PQ rods, but from what I hear they aren't bad at all.

NateFollmer reply :

I would even argue braid is a must to learn how to use a baitcaster. If you throw mono, flouro, or copolymer during your learning phase, you'll spend more time cutting line off than you will be learning to cast. Braid is simple to clear when it backlashes.

I throw 20lb. Spiderwire braid almost all the time, it has just enough 'teeth' to keep itself from slipping on the reel, yet it's still pretty smooth.

As far as the actual rod and reel goes, I'd go with the Daiwa or the BPS. You didn't list it but the Quantum Bill Dance combo is my pick I learned on it and am still using them today.

gates52 reply :

Do you guys think the BPS PQ combo is a better setup than the revo s + all star rod for about the same price?

Also whats the difference between Medium and Medium Heavy?

bwell reply :

I do yes...

Northern Strain reply :

I too am adding to my baitcaster collection, I am looking at the same reels as you, i have seen the revo s with the allstar rod at dick's sporting goods, I was completely unimpressed with the rod, I am leaning tword the citica, but am not sure what rod to pair it with yet, I did play around with the revo, but from first impressions I don't think it is the same shimano quality, how ever I have not used either the citica or revo on the water.

gates52 reply :

Okay, but Its the 140 BPS Combo sale price an in store only deal? The only one I can find online is $190 it has the PQ rod and PQ reel.

The nearest BPS is 5+ hours from my house so if it's in store only that sucks, unless I buy the reel separate for $80 then find another rod.

NateFollmer reply :

Medium vs. Medium Heavy is the action of the rod. I usually use a Medium because I'm using braid about 90% of the time. The lighter action is good because the braid has no stretch. It puts a little more, 'give' in the whole set up.

I would only use Medium Heavy for throwing really big lures like hard swimbaits or hefty jigs.

J Francho reply :

Power of the rod is generally described in terms of light, medium, heavy, etc.

Taper, or action is described in terms of speed, like fast, moderate, slow.

FishFocker reply :

Quote
Okay, but Its the 140 BPS Combo sale price an in store only deal? The only one I can find online is $190 it has the PQ rod and PQ reel.
The nearest BPS is 5+ hours from my house so if it's in store only that sucks, unless I buy the reel separate for $80 then find another rod.

pretty sure it is in store only

gates52 reply :

Thanks for the information so far. If anyone has anything else to add that would be great, especially pertaining to why I should choose either medium or medium/heavy power on my rod.

s13john reply :

citica e

http://www.***.com/Shimano_Citica_200_E_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCRE.html

Clarus rod mh extra fast or m extra fast in the 6.6

http://www.***.com/Shimano_Clarus_Casting_Rods/descpage-SHCLCR.html

i think that would be a pretty good set up ...

LAO162 reply :

When choosing your first casting reel, consider which hand you want to use for cranking (retrieve). Traditionally, for baitcasting the Right Hand (RH) retrieve is the standard. Cast with the right had, then swap to left hand and crank with the right hand. Left Hand (LH) retrieve keeps the rod in the right hand, and the retrieve (cranking) is does with the left hand. LH retrieve is consistent with most spinning outfits. I couldn't get used to cranking with my left hand, so I sold my RH retrieve, and bought a bunch of LH retrieve reels. However, there are usually fewer models of LH retrieve available, i.e. the Carbonlite is not available in LH retrieve YET.

Medium power will probably load better (cast further) with lighter lures, but may not have enough strength to haul a hawg through heavy cover or may be stressed with large lures. The best rule of thumb I've heard is medium for lighter cover and MH for heavier cover. Fishing from shore, I imagine you may through some lighter lures and want the ability to cast lighter lures (medium). A 7' rod will provide greater tip speed for longer casts, but a shorter rod will be easier to maneuver around brush on the bank.

Save yourself some aggravation and go for a Duel Braking System reel. If you go with the Pro Qualifier get a spool of 12 lb XPS mono at the same time. It's cheap enough for practicing on the lawn, but still decent enough for fishing. After one or two practice spools, then invest in good CoPoly line (Gamma/McCoy)

On Sale, the Cabelas XML rods are a fantastic deal

gates52 reply :

Thanks a lot LAO162! Yeah I want to use my LH to retrieve, i was playing around with RH retrieve at the store and I just can't hold the rod in my left hand, it feels unnatural.

Why will the Duel braking system help me?

s13john:

do you like the clarus over the st croix triumph rods? they are about the same price.

bwell reply :

Dual braking lets your adjust your reel a lot easier. With the Pro Qualifier you can have two centrifugal brakes on and forget about it, and then just use your mag brakes for the lighter/heavier baits you use. If you have a centrifugal braking system you have to take the cover off the reel and tinker with that till you can cast it comfortable. A reel that has mag braking system you turn the dial on the side to compensate for the lighter/heavier brakes.

I don't like the mag brakes as much as I do the centrifugal, I just think the centrifugal do a much better job.

I have a cheap Revo silver max that has just mag brakes, a couple Citicas that have centrifugal, and Pro Qualifier and Revo STX that have DBS. PQ and STX are much easier to adjust for certain situations and are much easier for a beginner to learn on IMHO...

gates52 reply :

Thanks bwell, yeah the BPS PQ baitcaster gets a lot of good reviews here, i just wish I had a store close to me. Maybe i'll wait till I go to florida in a month to try out the BPS PQ baitcaster

LAO162 reply :

The experts can correct me if I'm wrong... )

Centrifugal brakes tend to control the speed of the spool earlier in the cast. Magnetic brakes have more impact towards the end of the cast. Spool tension impacts rotation throughout the cast.

DBS has both centrifugal brakes and magnetic brakes. When learning with DBS, start with half the brakes (3) on. Also, start with the magnetic brakes at the half-way point (5). If you are getting a lot of backlashes, increase the breaks, and/or the spool tension. (I'm assuming you've looked at general articles about setting up BC gear). If your are getting backlash early in the cast, the centrifugal brake settings are more important. Regardless, you should be able to keep slight thumb pressure on the spool until you have a lot of experience.

My casting technique is still pretty inconsistent, but I find that my DBS reels are more reliable (for ME ) than my centrifugal reels that retail for more than twice as much.

Leon

bwell reply :

Quote
The experts can correct me if I'm wrong... )
Centrifugal brakes tend to control the speed of the spool earlier in the cast. Magnetic brakes have more impact towards the end of the cast. Spool tension impacts rotation throughout the cast.

DBS has both centrifugal brakes and magnetic brakes. When learning with DBS, start with half the brakes (3) on. Also, start with the magnetic brakes at the half-way point (5). If you are getting a lot of backlashes, increase the breaks, and/or the spool tension. (I'm assuming you've looked at general articles about setting up BC gear). If your are getting backlash early in the cast, the centrifugal brake settings are more important. Regardless, you should be able to keep slight thumb pressure on the spool until you have a lot of experience.

My casting technique is still pretty inconsistent, but I find that my DBS reels are more reliable (for ME ) than my centrifugal reels that retail for more than twice as much.

Leon

Well said... Most of my backlashes happen at the beginning of the cast so centrifugal breaks work best for me, but it all depends on the persons casting style I guess. But with a DBS reel you get the best of both worlds!

DRhodes reply :

Quote
Thanks a lot LAO162! Yeah I want to use my LH to retrieve, i was playing around with RH retrieve at the store and I just can't hold the rod in my left hand, it feels unnatural.
Why will the Duel braking system help me?

s13john:

do you like the clarus over the st croix triumph rods? they are about the same price.

Gates, I'm a St Croix guy so I'm a little bias but I would much rather have the triumph over the clarus. However I would suggest the BPS PQ as it would be a little cheaper on you.

gates52 reply :

Thanks for all the answers so far, gives me some things to think about. Just have to decide on medium or medium heavy rod.

DRhodes reply :

If I could only have 1 rod, I would choose a 7'0 Medium Fast action. You could use it for a lot of different lures.

5657

Shore angler looking for a casting setup 2025

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