good baitcaster for beginner? 2024
Bass Tracker 20 reply :
im looking to purchase my 1st baitcaster. I am looking for a nice rod and reel combo that isnt very exspensive. around 100$ preferably a little bit cheaper. what kind of line would you guys recommend also.
steezy reply :
For $99 its hard to beat the Bass Pro Shop Pro Qualifer. It has their dual braking system that uses both Magnetic and Centrifugal brakes for very precise control. I bought one for my 15 yr old and he was able to cast ok without a backlash after 30 min of practice.
He decided he doesnt care for fishing anymore so I'm probably going to sell the reel, it works so well I keep it around for a backup. It is available in 7.1 and 6.4 ratio. Its more than you said you want to spend but its an easy baitcaster to learn on.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102287_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1?ordProd=Y&CMID=TOP_selectitems#itemDetail
Big Tom reply :
It is going to be almost impossible to find a quality rod and reel combo for ~$100.
There are decent baitcasting rods to be had for that price and decent baitcasting reels in this range as well but $100 is close to what you should be expecting to pay for each.
Bass Pro sells some house brand combo's that are just fine for a beginner and they won't completely break the bank either.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_103927_100003001_100000000_100003000_100-3-1
I would recommend saving until you can put roughly $200.00 toward a combo. You can get much more for your money in that range.
Big Tom reply :
Also, watch the flea market section of this site closely. The guys on here offer some unbeatable deals sometimes.
sweet daddy reply :
Stay away from the BPS dual brake reels. Get a wal mart or pawn shop combo to save some money then decide which style of brake you are more comfortable with.
Catt reply :
Abu Garcia Black Max $49.99 matched with either a Berkley, CastAway, or AllStar rod $49.99
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
QuoteStay away from the BPS dual brake reels. Get a wal mart or pawn shop combo to save some money then decide which style of brake you are more comfortable with.
Huh. :-? ...... What's wrong with a dual braking system? It's great for beginners. It allows having a set cent brake with the extra adjustability and refinement with the mag. I really don't wanna hear the added weight or if you're good you don't need it. I would say dual braking is the way to go for a beginner. As for a combo for around $100, the bps extreme combos are good, right now the daiwa black widow is on sale at ***. You match that up with a new abu vengence, you're looking at 120 or so.
The Rooster reply :
I also say that Bass Pro brand reels are great. Keep watching, usually this time of year for fall or around Christmas time you'll see the Extreme combo go on sale for $99. I've got 5 of the Extreme reels cause I think they are just awesome reels and are very affordable. I didn't care for the rod so much so I just got my own that I liked for them to go on, however if you need a budget combo, the Extreme is going to be very hard to beat.
Now this next part is just my opinion and there's probably going to be some people who disagree, and that's fine too. This is just how I see it based on my experiences.
I don't think there's any such thing as a baitcast reel for beginners. You can get a cheap one and learn to cast with it and then when you upgrade it's going to be like starting over again cause the better reels don't cast anything like the cheaper ones do. The spools are more free spinning and therefore can backlash much easier if you don't watch out. Use a cheap reel and get used to thumbing it the way it casts and then the better reel will spin a lot faster and you won't be ready. So I say just get as good as you can afford and learn to use it no matter it's difficulty level. I started out on a $45 Quantum with 2 bearings and it took a significant amount of weight in the lure to make it cast. I got used to it, then moved up to a Abu Garcia 5600C4 and basically had to relearn to cast again cause it was so much more free spooling. Then when I went to the Extreme I also had to teach myself to be better again. I say get a good one and if you aren't used to using it you can turn the cast control knob up a good bit tighter so it's less likely to backlash. That will cut down on distance of the cast but it will be less frustrating with all the backlashes you save yourself until you think you're ready to loosen it up some. And that way you don't have to go through two or three reels to learn them. You can put all that money into one good one right now.
Again that's just my opinion. I just don't see paying $50 for a cheap one now and then when you later spend $100 or more on a better one it'll be like you never even knew how to cast. That was my experience anyway.
Also, to me what makes a good one is.......for starters it MUST have an aluminum frame or some other metal. No graphite or plastic for the frame. I'm not sure why this is the case cause the spool should never even contact the frame, but I've seen it time and again with my reels and with friends who have them. A graphite framed reel will not cast nearly as easily or as far as a aluminum framed reel does. It's just a fact. Other than that, to judge the quality and see if it's right for you, you just have to look at them, spin the handle, feel the smoothness of the reel, press the button and watch the spool speed to see if it's a super free spool. See how it fits in your hand if it's comfortable or not. But if it doesn't have that aluminum frame.......well, as for me, I'd leave it in the store! 
Muddy reply :
QuoteStay away from the BPS dual brake reels. Get a wal mart or pawn shop combo to save some money then decide which style of brake you are more comfortable with.
What a naysayer this guy is, he is always looking to mix it up , I can tell you from first hand experience these reels are an excellent way to learn. I have used these, the old Extremes and one Johnny Morris, all worked flawlessly, First off I learned how to bait cast on BPS Extremes, the older DUAL BRAKING MODEL. Secondly these reels are all several years old and still working for the folks I gave them to.
These are highly dependable reels for their money class, and they are easy to learn on. BOTTOM LINE YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR THUMB EDUCATED, there is no getting away from that.
When I started my learning process, many here recommending these BPS reels and they were definitely the way to go. Good luck !
JohnMac reply :
QuoteAbu Garcia Black Max $49.99 matched with either a Berkley, CastAway, or AllStar rod $49.99
x2 this is a geat first rod and reel option
championmayday reply :
i would get the abu garcia silvermax and pair it with a bionic blade, lightning rod shock or amp rod.
grimlin reply :
I'm with rooster on this one.
I learned on a bass pro shop extreme combo....Paid $99 plus tax.Right around Christmas time.
catchbig0bass reply :
I have been pretty happy with my Pinnacle solene reel at wallmart for 50$. Fished all season and learned on it and I would say its pretty nice for the price point. Possible next yr will be a revo stx or the like but this works for now. The berkley lightning rod by far is the best for the money. I have purchased several under 50$ rods and the lightning I was thoroughly impressed with. I use braid with it no problems even tho the shock series is meant for braid fishing for a little more money.
sweet daddy reply :
Since someone went and complained to a mod about my post I will explain why I don't recommend the bps dual brake reels. A family member gave me a jhonny morris signature reel for xmas a couple of years ago, first trip out up until about the fifteenth cast it worked great then the centrifugal weights would pop off the spool after almost every cast. I would have to take the side plate off before every cast to make sure all the weights were pushed in which made it very frustrating to say the least. I took it back tried a new one same model, same problems. I took super glue and glued all the weights to the spool now the reel works just fine. I was at bps a few months ago when the new pro qualifier with dbs came out, I loved the way it palmed, and it looked like a great burner reel for the price. I told the guy at the counter about the trouble I had with the morris and he told me that they worked that issue out so i picked one up. Took it out the next day and had the same problem so I broke out the crazy glue. If the bps dbs reels had centrifugal system like abu, or shimano vbs they would be some of the best reels on the market. Thats why I don't recommend them, it has nothing to do with being condescending or trying to pick a fight. I'm sure somebody will find this offensive so I'll be waiting for another pm from the mods.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteSince someone went and complained to a mod about my post I will explain why I don't recommend the bps dual brake reels. A family member gave me a jhonny morris signature reel for xmas a couple of years ago, first trip out up until about the fifteenth cast it worked great then the centrifugal weights would pop off the spool after almost every cast. I would have to take the side plate off before every cast to make sure all the weights were pushed in which made it very frustrating to say the least. I took it back tried a new one same model, same problems. I took super glue and glued all the weights to the spool now the reel works just fine. I was at bps a few months ago when the new pro qualifier with dbs came out, I loved the way it palmed, and it looked like a great burner reel for the price. I told the guy at the counter about the trouble I had with the morris and he told me that they worked that issue out so i picked one up. Took it out the next day and had the same problem so I broke out the crazy glue. If the bps dbs reels had centrifugal system like abu, or shimano vbs they would be some of the best reels on the market. Thats why I don't recommend them, it has nothing to do with being condescending or trying to pick a fight. I'm sure somebody will find this offensive so I'll be waiting for another pm from the mods.
that sounds really odd. why not just return the reel?
.RM. reply :
sweet daddy,
Great explanation of your stance on the reels. I agree with you 100% but for another reason..
Most of the beginners I have run across have a hard enough time understanding the differences between the cast control and the spool breaks anyway, so why confuse them with a duel breaking system. I would say pick one style and fish/learn that style of setup then if still curious about the other try it....
Just my old school .02¢
Tight Lines All!!!
grimlin reply :
I'm just curious now,was there something wrong with the break caps or the things that hold the caps in place? That would suck casting and the break caps come popping off.I'd imagine the caps getting suck and you not being able to reel in.
Muddy reply :
I use ABU's now mostly. I learned on the reels you are talking about and I have many friends who currently use them> For the most part happy , customers. I have NEVER seen the issue you are referring to, and if you had so much problems, because everyone including Shimano makes a bad reel once in a while, : Why didn't you return it or switch it out, BPS has excellent customer service and would have obliged you?
I have a lot of experience, many hours of use by myself and a lot of my frineds and club members, and not one of us has experienced anything close to this problem, not one of us!
Seems odd that a person, as knowledgeable as your self about tackle; would have gone to crazy glue , rather than customer service.
Reel Mech: You do not service this brand of reel, however those who do have a good understanding of their operations and the hybrid brakes are really not that much different in feel than either the pure magnetic or mechanical brakes . I just bought a Patriarch with the same system and I do not see the problem with these brakes , not one bit of a problem.
Dan: reply :
QuoteIf the bps dbs reels had centrifugal system like abu, or shimano vbs they would be some of the best reels on the market.
You mean those silly "six-pins"?!? Gasp!
fish-fighting-illini reply :
BPS a problem but Wallyworld = less frustration?
I couldn't disagree more. Go cheap on a BC and forget it you can guarantee frustration with a baitcaster. At which point you will not find out anything and give them up. An Extreme might be the way to go. I think I saw they are on sale again the other day new for $59. I see they are not now but frequently are. Or check E-bay for a better deal but make sure the model is relatively current not 5 years ago.
Another option is a last year's model Shimano Citica. It changed my outlook on BC all by itself. They can be had used for probably $40 - $60; do your E-bay homework of course. Once you get the reel then buy a rod maybe a lower end Shimano to get you bye if you can afford it. If you need cheaper then buy what you can find and upgrade later. I've used a Shakesphere Excursion rod for $15 from Wallyworld and it seems ok for the $.
endless reply :
sweet daddy,
sorry to hear about the trouble. i have the pro qualifier and used it so far probably 6 trips for over 8 hours each and mine is fine so far. no problems at all. dont have to adjust the tension knob much either, i have mine lined with 30 lb braid too.
maybe a bad reel but like your post on extreme 2 occasions i can understand the frustration. i never used the reel and thought about it before the qualifier but if i had the same problems on 2 or more occasions i probably be turned off too.
mphenry reply :
Almost any name brand rod and reel is going to be ok to learn on. Just don't buy the reels that retail for under $35 new, they are usually pretty cheaply built reels. Check out buying a used combo from someone.
Learn using a limp mono line like trilene XL wouuld be my opinion
KingBass reply :
Combo.... hmmm...
I know a guy that likes the Abu Silver max reel, and Berkly lighting rod combos. I think they're like 80 bucks, but I'm not sure, I do know that you get a 20$ rebate on it though. I'd get that1
DINK WHISPERER reply :
Revo S
rubba bubba reply :
I'm with Muddy on the BPS reliability - I have a Pro Qualifier Extreme that I bought as a combo for $69. The rod is mediocre but I have thousands of casts on that reel, with centrifugal brakes, and no problems. I'd be amazed if anyone could go into Bpro and grab any 3 of Johnny Morris' or Pro Qualifiers and get 3 with brake issues; let alone pins falling off. I'm not buying it.
steezy reply :
I bet Ive cast my sons BPS pro qualifier a 100 times and I know hes cast it a 1000 times and we have never had a problem with that reel. The dual braking system is sweet and when its dialed in right it cast as smooth as silk. Id recommend it anyday for a beginner.
If the brake pins are falling off (never had a reel do that) then its either a bad reel or the pins are not set properly. I just looked at my sons reel and if you pull the pins all the way to the end of their shafts and past the plastic catch that holds them on then they will fall off.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteCombo.... hmmm...I know a guy that likes the Abu Silver max reel, and Berkly lighting rod combos. I think they're like 80 bucks, but I'm not sure, I do know that you get a 20$ rebate on it though. I'd get that1
What do you get a $20 rebate on? Must be the rod, because the Abu rebate is for reels over $109.
Silly Bassboss.... ;D
sweet daddy reply :
The brakes didn't pop off the spool, they disengaged. I can take some stupidity, but when you say stuff like that it smells of inexperience. When I get out of bed every morning I look outside and pick a pattern, go to work for a couple of hours while thinking about a pattern, then go back to the house load the cooler grab the boat keys and go. Most of the posters on here sound like part time/weekend fishing pro's, I live on a lake, fish everyday, and when I say something critical about the stuff you blindly worship as the end all be all you can rest assured I have tried, and tested it. And whats with the hate on the six pin thing? Is six pin a bad word nowadays?
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteThe brakes didn't pop off the spool, they disengaged. I can take some stupidity, but when you say stuff like that it smells of inexperience. When I get out of bed every morning I look outside and pick a pattern, go to work for a couple of hours while thinking about a pattern, then go back to the house load the cooler grab the boat keys and go. Most of the posters on here sound like part time/weekend fishing pro's, I live on a lake, fish everyday, and when I say something critical about the stuff you blindly worship as the end all be all you can rest assured I have tried, and tested it. And whats with the hate on the six pin thing? Is six pin a bad word nowadays?
I have read every post you have made on this forum.
Your credibility is often questionable. Although we have
many members just getting started, we have many others
that were accomplished anglers long before you got out of
diapers.
Going forward, if you have something to add,
do so in a courteous way or it will be deleted.
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
Global Moderator
Muddy reply :
QuoteThe brakes didn't pop off the spool, they disengaged. I can take some stupidity, but when you say stuff like that it smells of inexperience. When I get out of bed every morning I look outside and pick a pattern, go to work for a couple of hours while thinking about a pattern, then go back to the house load the cooler grab the boat keys and go. Most of the posters on here sound like part time/weekend fishing pro's, I live on a lake, fish everyday, and when I say something critical about the stuff you blindly worship as the end all be all you can rest assured I have tried, and tested it. And whats with the hate on the six pin thing? Is six pin a bad word nowadays?
I have been fishing for 42 years, and have lived on water in Louisiana , that does not give me the right to talk down to everyone else who does not have this experience. I use six pin brakes mostly, because I prefer them. I have a new Patriarch with the hybrid and cant wait to useit.
My experience, with many hours of use with the BPS reels has been VERY DIFFERENT FROM YOURS, so have many here, who I have fished with and had work on my reels, so have they acted differently for fellas in my club , and I still do not understand the crazy glue thing, which experience would tell you would defeat the ability of the centrifugal brakes to work properly
It is your condescending tone to everyone that is uncalled for, and the dubious believability of your justifications that seem at odds
Come to Pickwick with us this year, if you are all that bad , let's see what you got.
Stupidity, and weekend warrior labels just plain suck
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteThe brakes didn't pop off the spool, they disengaged. I can take some stupidity, but when you say stuff like that it smells of inexperience. When I get out of bed every morning I look outside and pick a pattern, go to work for a couple of hours while thinking about a pattern, then go back to the house load the cooler grab the boat keys and go. Most of the posters on here sound like part time/weekend fishing pro's, I live on a lake, fish everyday, and when I say something critical about the stuff you blindly worship as the end all be all you can rest assured I have tried, and tested it. And whats with the hate on the six pin thing? Is six pin a bad word nowadays?
Someone put their underwear on backwards today and then grew computer muscles.... :
You're right, most on here are weekend warriors. What's so bad about that?
Muddy reply :
Unless it's raining; what's so bad about that?
.RM. reply :
Muddy,QuoteReel Mech: You do not service this brand of reel, however those who do have a good understanding of their operations and the hybrid brakes are really not that much different in feel than either the pure magnetic or mechanical brakes . I just bought a Patriarch with the same system and I do not see the problem with these brakes , not one bit of a problem.
I guess just because I backed the explanation this guy gave that I am on everyone's crap list and now going to question any answers I reply with....
I don't remember saying there was anything wrong with the breaking system.....
I believe this was my quote
That's all....QuoteMost of the beginners I have run across have a hard enough time understanding the differences between the cast control and the spool breaks anyway, so why confuse them with a duel breaking system. I would say pick one style and fish/learn that style of setup then if still curious about the other try it....
But hay the users here are the experts on these reels so i'll back out....
8-)
Muddy reply :
HEY DAVE : I was upset about another posters response and I was out of line and now that I re read this post I was wrong and was way too strong with you. I was out of line and wrong and I apologize
.RM. reply :
........ :'(..........
Dan: reply :
QuoteAnd whats with the hate on the six pin thing? Is six pin a bad word nowadays?
Don't be coy. You know you've been badmouthing centrifugal brakes since you got here with all the "it's just a six-pin reel" comments. It's evident that you really DON'T know as much about tackle as you think you do. And nobody here "worships stuff blindly." We find stuff we like, sometimes at the recommendations of others.
I think a lot of us are getting really tired of you posting on threads like you are some sort of higher authority (while at the same time making it apparent that you don't know as much as you think ie: Mojo rods are just like a Steez :). It's not that your suggestions aren't helpful sometimes, it's just that you say them like an arrogant jackass.
ChiCityBasser reply :
I think the Cabelas Prodigy is a pretty good B/C for a beginner and its on sale now for I believe around $70. It's made by Daiwa and I pretty much learned with this one and still have it in my setups. It gets less use than my Quantum reels but is still a pretty good reel and backed by the Cabelas warranty.
Lucky Craft Man reply :
I sense Irene is coming.
Muddy reply :
Hey ChiCity Basser; how do the newer ones made by Diawa, stand up next to the older ones made by Pinnacle?
Big Tom reply :
I'm just wondering if the poor thread starter ever picked out a good combo...
J Francho reply :
QuoteHey ChiCity Basser; how do the newer ones made by Diawa, stand up next to the older ones made by Pinnacle?
The Daiwa is of MUCH better construction. Its really no contest. If you had the two taken apart next to each other, you'd laugh out at the Pinnacle. Seriously.
ChiCityBasser reply :
QuoteHey ChiCity Basser; how do the newer ones made by Diawa, stand up next to the older ones made by Pinnacle?
I can't comment from personal use of one of the older ones made by Pinnacle but there was a thread going around a while back and just from that post the ones made by Daiwa are a big improvement over the Pinnacle models. It has held up well with no problems at all after a year of use I haven't tried to cast too light a crank on it since I have another B/C that is better suited for that purpose but sure I could do it now without a backlash. They are usually on sale so not that big of a investment if you decide a B/C is not for you..
steezy reply :
sweet daddy has lost his mind, a mojo rod isn't even in the same universe as a steez. Has he ever seen or touched a steez?
Muddy reply :
Quotesweet daddy has lost his mind, a mojo rod isn't even in the same universe as a steez. Has he ever seen or touched a steez?
If you show him yours I am sure he will show you his
Watch it Steetzy; he lives on a lake and you only own Steez Rods. :
Muddy reply :
QuoteQuoteHey ChiCity Basser; how do the newer ones made by Diawa, stand up next to the older ones made by Pinnacle?The Daiwa is of MUCH better construction. Its really no contest. If you had the two taken apart next to each other, you'd laugh out at the Pinnacle. Seriously.
That's good enoungh for me, Thanks!
roadwarrior reply :
QuoteI'm just wondering if the poor thread starter ever picked out a good combo...
I don't know, but if not he will have to ask again.
This thread has become discombobulated!
Good night Irene
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
Global Moderator
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