reel recommendations

[MASTER Brian]

I have generally fished small farm type ponds, but I purchased a fish/ski boat last year and am wanting to start fishing more lakes. In the past I have used more closed face reels, but I am wanting to change a bit.

I tried out a bait caster this past weekend and liked it, but they'll take some getting used to and a bit of time to learn to use properly. My wife loves the spin casters, but when growing up I always fought them so I quit using them.

I mainly like to fish with lures, spinners, plastic worms and prefer fishing for bass.

Would I be better off with a bait caster or a spin caster? Or is it just a matter of preference? Also, what is a good brand/model for someone that doesn't want to spend a fortune and is just getting back into the sport? I was thinking of spending in the $50 range, but am flexible. I looked at a few Abu Garcia's at Walmart last night that felt nice, the one I tried the other day was a Shimano (I believe). I am going to look at Gander Mountain tonight as well. Both of those were around the $50-$60 range. I compared them to the $30 ones and could easily feel a difference. I just don't know what to look for and what would be easy to learn on.

 

[jtexas]

Re: reel recommendations

Basspro sells a Diawa PT100 with one of their rods, $50 reel/$30 rod, $60 for the combo, which to me is as good a value as any I've seen. Been using diawas for a long long time, never had a reason to switch.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: reel recommendations

Chances are if you buy a cheap reel to learn on you will end up frustrated and aggravated. From what you described above as to what you would be using for lures a baitcaster will fit the bill nicely. If you throw a lot of very light lures 1/4 ounce or less a baitcaster might not be your cup of tea.

Try to get something closer to the top end in price rather then the bottom end. I would suggest a Quantum accurist Pt. It is right there in quality and the price wont kill ya at 130$ . You will have it for many, many years. Your learning curve with a decent reel will be much easier. You'll be glad you spent the extra $$. If you are right handed consider the left hand retrieve model. That way you dont have to switch hands after the cast. I have converted to all left hand baitcasters.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/s...1_58410_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1

 

[CN Spots]

Re: reel recommendations

Go with the baitcaster, stick with name brand products, no switches levers or gizmos and, like Flathead said, buy good quality stuff. My pref is Shimano. They are durable, simple and their customer service is unmatched. Whatever you go with, get one with an aluminum frame, not plastic.

And don't forget the rod, it's just as important!


spots

 

[gonefishie]

Re: reel recommendations

Chances are if you buy a cheap reel to learn on you will end up frustrated and aggravated. From what you described above as to what you would be using for lures a baitcaster will fit the bill nicely. If you throw a lot of very light lures 1/4 ounce or less a baitcaster might not be your cup of tea.

Try to get something closer to the top end in price rather then the bottom end. I would suggest a Quantum accurist Pt. It is right there in quality and the price wont kill ya at 130$ . You will have it for many, many years. Your learning curve with a decent reel will be much easier. You'll be glad you spent the extra $$. .

Amen brother! Also, get a spinning reel rated for less then 10lbs line, put 6-8lbs line on it. Couple it to a medium spinning rod and reserve this set up for less then 1/4oz lures and weightless stuff only.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

Thanks for the replies.

I ended up going with a Daiwa Magforce 100L-4Bi. It's a left hand reel, as I cast with my right hand. They didn't have many of the left hand reels in stock, so my options were a bit limited, unless I wanted to order one and I wanted to try it out this weekend.

It looks pretty basic and from what I can tell it seems like a nice reel. I think it does have a plastic housing, I hope that doesn't come to back to bite me. However, if I decide I like this style of reel, I'll probably pick up a 2nd more expensive one and use this for backup, etc. The price was $39, but it was over a sticker saying $99. I tried to google this reel, but had no luck and I couldn't even find it on Daiwa's website, so I'm guessing it is an old model they were trying to get rid of.

I didn't notice the price variance until I was home or I would have asked the saleman that helped me. For what it's worth he thought these were good reels for the $$. I then bought a pole, which may have to go back as it's a 7' pole and it won't fit in the rod-locker on my boat! I believe they had a 6" shorter version, which should fit. The pole was about $40 and I believe it was a brand made for Gander Mountain. They didn't have much selection, but I may stop at a Bass Pro on Friday and see what they have.

Does anyone know anything about this reel?

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

Amen brother! Also, get a spinning reel rated for less then 10lbs line, put 6-8lbs line on it. Couple it to a medium spinning rod and reserve this set up for less then 1/4oz lures and weightless stuff only.

Thanks for the idea!

 

[medic42]

Re: reel recommendations

I've been looking at the same Daiwa reel. Have you had a chance to try it and what is your opinion on it.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

I have used it a limited number of times, but I think it's a very nice reel for the money. I am by no means an expert and this is my first bate cast reel. Being new at this type of reel, I didn't feel I had lots of problems with the line tangling, it seemed to get good distance on the casts and it felt very smooth when reeling it in.

If I were to buy another in this price, I would probably consider buying this reel again. My only hesitation at this point is that the frame is plastic. I've never had a problem with a plastic frame before, but then again, I don't fish tons. I can just see where aluminum would be stronger. I also think you would pay a lot more for an aluminum frame.

Do you mind me asking what price range you are finding this reel in? I'm curious whether what I paid was inline for what they are going for.

 

[medic42]

Re: reel recommendations

49.00 at Bass Pro

 

[jtexas]

Re: reel recommendations

Those plastic (actually, graphite I think) cases are really very durable - but maybe not for every-day use of guiding or pro tour - but for a weekender like me they last for years.

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

Sounds like I did get a good price then. I paid $39 at Gander Mountain, but I believe they were closing them out. Makes me wonder if I shouldn't pick up another one next time I'm there, if they have more.

I wish they had a website that was worth a crap, because maybe Bass Pro would match that price. But at the same time, I still think it's a great reel for $50. I looked at several places and figured I'd spend $60 for something like this.

Jtexas, that does make me feel a bit better.

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: reel recommendations

Amen brother! Also, get a spinning reel rated for less then 10lbs line, put 6-8lbs line on it. Couple it to a medium spinning rod and reserve this set up for less then 1/4oz lures and weightless stuff only.

I agree wholeheartedly. 8# is what I use most often. With a good 6-6 1/2' rod you can make casts into other time zones with a 1/4oz. Kastmaster. Great for quick casts on far fish. MJ

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

What is the minimum lure weight you would use with a bait caster, similar to what I purchased? Should it work fine, with anything 1/4oz or above?

I haven't actually wieghed any of my lures, but it seems if I use some of my top water plugs, I have more trouble with my bait caster's line tangling than if I use something heavier such as a 4-5" shad lure.

I'm sure a lot has to do with a learning curve, as this is my 1st bait caster. However, it is really frustrating and if I switch to my closed face Zebco 33, then I can get them right where they need to be. I don't mind going through the trial and learn faze, but I also don't like wasting my time if some of these plugs are just too light.

I guess it's time to pull the scale out as well....

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: reel recommendations

You have to cast harder to get distance with lighter lures. This in turn makes the spool turn faster than it would for a cast of equal distance with a heavier lure. Less weight also decelerates more quickly because it lacks the mass to sustain the momentum of a heavier lure with the same line. This can be overcome with practice and patience. Growing out your fingernails a little helps with the first few thousand birdnests. Having a spinning outfit on board will at least let you keep fishing after you throw your baitcaster overboard. I know because I've done it. I still have the hardest time casting into the wind with a baitcaster. I'ts not a problem on spin. Good luck. MJ

 

[MASTER Brian]

Re: reel recommendations

Having a spinning outfit on board will at least let you keep fishing after you throw your baitcaster overboard. I know because I've done it.

Now that is Funny!!

I haven't thrown it overboard yet, but it has been tempting to do so!! I actually do better with it on the boat then when I am on shore fishing at a pond. I don't know why, but I do. Maybe, it's because I can pick the direction I cast out while on the boat, and I don't while on shore, unless I walk around constantly!!

At least I know I'm not insane or alone in my learning "curve"!!

 

[mobyjaws]

Re: reel recommendations

You had mentioned using a Zebco 33 out of frustration. It's good to have back up. My only reservation about the 33 is the drag system. I lost a lot of big fish in my younger days because the drag wasn't sufficient for a 6# bass on 10# line. I've also seen the reel broken off the seat when people went to heavier line. Losing big fish is heartbreaking. I've learned my lessons. Invest in quality tackle and keep it maintained. Re-tie knots often and check for frayed line. Check your drag often. They have a way of getting bumped and over/under tightened. Good fishing. MJ

 

[jtexas]

Re: reel recommendations

Start off with the spool tension set to where the lure will fall slowly when you push the button, and the magnetic backlash control full on. Back off the mag control as you get the hang of it, and loosen the spool to get longer casts.

Casting a baitcaster into the wind is just asking for trouble. if ya have to, use a heavy bait & keep the trajectory low.