14 replies to this topic

[donovanl12]

Hey guys, this is my first post on this forum. I've been fishing for fun ever since I moved down to Florida in 2000. I've been using an old Rapala spinning reel on a 6 6 Ugly Stick with 8 lb mono line. I'd like to upgrade to a baitcaster. I really want to try it out. What would you guys recommend for a decent baitcaster reel and rod, also what brand/pound test line for catching largemouth bass in lakes/canals/everglades. Is there anything for under $100 that will get me going? I'm going to either Gander Mountain (north of me) or Bass Pro (south of me) on Friday. What do you recommend from either on of those. Thank you for your help, I really enjoy reading through this site.

[roadwarrior]

Shimano Citica/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12

[donovanl12]

Shimano Citica/ Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12

Thanks! I've been reading a lot on those Shimano reels. Really nice stuff

[LgMouthGambler]

Under $100, no. I agree to get the Citica. Match it with a MH Jig and Worm Shimano Sellus rod and you will be good to go. And dont forget the YoZuri.

[JaxBasser]

Lews Speed Spool or a Revo S are both great reels that are going for around $99.

I wouldn't spend less than that on a first baitcaster. It's a lot harder to learn on the cheap stuff and those will last you a lot longer.

[Capt.Bob]

Lews Tournament MSC around $100.00 street price, 10 BB holds a full 150 yards of Power Pro, has centrifugal and magnetic cast control, with click friction spool adjustment and a full 14+ pound maximum drag. I sold all my Shimano low profile reels because of this one reel, and went all Lews, after 20 years of being a on company man for all my reel needs. I hope Shimano wakes up, the new G series I believe did them more damage than good!!

[fowlskies]

For under $100 I would look at a Abu Garcia C3 4600. Good strong smooth reel that will handle anything you might hook into in the everglades.

Not that I have a lot of experience w/ baitcasters but I picked this up and seems to be a great reel. A lot of people on here will shun anything with a price point lower than that, but if you only have a $100 to spend on a whole setup, (reel/rod/line) I would go to your local Walmart and pick up a $50 Pinnacle reel (Vision, Solene, or at Dick's the Matrix XT) and pair it up with a $40 Berkley Lightning Shock rod and for $12 get some 30-50 lb PowerPro braid. For $102 you'll have a decent setup to get you started into baitcasting and see how you like it. My first setup (out of the 2 that I have) is a Matrix XT on a Berkley Amp rod that I like a lot and has handled 5-6 lb fish with ease. Although I don't have many 10 lb bass here in upstate NY but I'm waiting to see how it handles when I hook into a good size pike.

If you have $200 - $300 to spend listen to the other guys on here b/c they know A LOT more than I do with regards to that price point.

[smalljaw67]

A shimano Citica, Quantum Kinetic or Accurist, Lews Speed Spool, those are the lowest price reels I would use and I've fished with all of them and own a Kinetic and I can tell you that those are going to be good to learn with and will last. You are in luck with the rods, ever since Abu Garcia came out with the Vendetta other companies have really upped the quality on the value rod market to the point were the same rods made now would have been much more money just a few years back. In fact, look at a Vendetta or Veritas for a bit more but if the reel is pushing your budget then go with the Abu Garcia Vengence, I believe that is one of the best rods you'll find for $50.

[fowlskies]

If you're going to BPS, the Pro Qualifier gets a lot of love on here for a $100. (reel only) I have no experience with this reel but going by hearsay it must have something to it.

[0119]

Ditto the Abu 4600c3. Easy on the pocket, will last your entire life. You can easily maintain it. When you hit the inshore or fish a brackish river it'll handle snook,reds,baby tarpon and spinner sharks.

[JaxBasser]

If you're going to BPS, the Pro Qualifier gets a lot of love on here for a $100. (reel only) I have no experience with this reel but going by hearsay it must have something to it.

If you're going to BPS, the Pro Qualifier gets a lot of love on here for a $100. (reel only) I have no experience with this reel but going by hearsay it must have something to it.

I forgot about that one. The PQ was the first good reel I ever owned and it's been great. You get a lot of reel for $100.

[donovanl12]

Alright guys thanks for all the replies, I will take all of this into consideration!

[Jake P]

Your looking to spend 100$ on the combo or just the reel? Regaurdless of what most say, you can find a setup that works for under or right at 100 bucks. If your going to Bass Pro look at the graphite series rods or the tourney special rods. Both are under 50 and will get the job done for you without a problem. I take it your not fishing 7 days a week in tourneys and putting your reel through hell all day long. The Pflueger Echelon is a nice reel at 60$. My father in law loves them and we go weekly for the past 2 years and his has never given him a problem. The Abu Garcia black or silver max are around 50 and are good "cheap" reels.

You can fish on a budget and be comfortable unlike many seem to think. I would spool it up with 12 lbs yo zuri hybrid. Its cheap and ITS THE BOMB. Good luck on finding something within your price range.

[jj'sbassinforfun]

Dick's has the Abu max series combo's for about $100. I also saw the Hank Parker combo's(made by abu) at Wallymart.

[new2BC4bass]

New is Nice, but if you don't mind used, you can usually get more for your money. Also keep an eye out for closeouts. Some really great buys happen ocassionally.

Another option is the Ethos rods and reels at Academy. They get excellent reviews and would be within your $100 limit. Reviews are good enough that I may have to give them a try myself.

Let us know what you get, and how you like it.