10 replies to this topic

[backcast88]

I had a baitcast reel several years now and recently got rid of it b/c it was collecting dust and I was finesse fishing all the time. Now I am kicking myself for getting rid of it and feel I have to replace it. The reel will be a general purpose used for jigs, spinnerbaits and medium/deep crankbaits. I have narrowed it down to:

BPS Pro Qualifier
Shimano Citica
Lews Speed Spool

I know I cant go wrong with any of them but need help picking the reel. I have never held a Lews so I am not sure about it but heat loads of good reviews. I have easy access to he other 2 and will make a trip to BPS in the next week to play with the Pro Qualifier and Citica. I will not be making my purchase for another couple weeks or even a month so I have plenty of time to do my research and make my decision with your help. Thanks.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Citica is sturdy, simple and user friendly. The PQ has added features, comes in a lot of configurations and often on sale. The Lews gets decent reviews as you said and is similar in design to the PQ. It sounds like this reel won't get a ton of use. You can feel good about taking which ever one you find the best deal on.

[backcast88]

Right now the reel will not be used a ton but I want to get more comfortable with a baitcast reel and will probably be looking to use it more in the summer to pitch jigs under docs.

[eyedabassman]

I do like the PQ and the Citica and I have a number of setup's of both. The Lews I don't know anything about,looks and feels like a nice reel. But I love the PQ and the Citica,so just go and feel how they are in your hand. Bass Pro has sales alot on the PQ .And Gander Mtn. has the Citica's on sale ( for $79.99 ) untill March 31.

[j.bruno]

Citica , you cant go wrong though with any of the mentioned reels.

[backcast88]

I played with the Citica and Pro Qualifier at Bass Pro for nearly an hour and the Citica is out. I played with 2 different ones that were brand new from the box and neither was as smooth as the Pro Qualifier.

I asked the guy behind the counter for his opinion and he said the Lews gets a ton of great reviews and he uses the Pro Qualifier.

I know I can't go wrong either way but u can't make up my mind. I wish I could find a Lews to handle before making my decision.

[backcast88]

Does anybody know if Gander Mountain in Mooresville, NC carries Lews reels?

I might head there and try out a Speed Spool if they carry them and I am still looking for input from everyone here.

[SoCalFisher]

I would get the citica but that is only because I really like Shimano.

[Dakota Fearn]

I've got the Lews and love it.

[B@ssCrzy]

I would go with the citica...

[BASS-Master01]

I have all of them and my favorite is Lews but the Shimano Citica is very close to it and you will never break them.