Now that I have a rod picked out (7' MH St. Croix Mojo) I need help choosing a reels, I went on TWH and found a few reels in my price range. This reel needs to be able to handle 3/8 oz jigs and plastics. I'm hoping if I give you guys the list you can give me some help! Thanks!

Abu Garcia Black Max

Abu Garcia Silver Max

Daiwa Laguna

Quantum Antix

Shimano Caius

I haven't fished any of those reels; but have you considered buying used reels? Sometimes they are a great deal. Regardless, good luck with your setup.

I haven't personally used any of those but a friend of mine just bought the Caius last week and he really like it.

It cast's smooth, but he felt it was a little heavy.

If you can, bring your rod and feel the balance before you buy.

Mike

I have had the misfortune to use an Antix. I will not repeat the mistake. I don't have experience of the others but my gut feeling would be to go with Shimano.

Bass Pro Pro Qualifier over any of those reels. Great reel for the price.

If you have to stick to those as an option, I would shoot for the Shimano. In my experience, those other brands dont make very good budget reels. Like tstone said, if you could spare few more $, I would go to BPS and get the ProQualifier, that thing will last you a lifetime, and I believe its on sale right now.

Go to Bass Tackle Depot if you want a quantum, they have the Kinetic on sale for 80 dollars and it is head and shoulders better than an antix. Truth be told you should go with a BPS pro qualifier, the bigger companies less expensive offerings tend to be junk, it sounds harsh but it is the truth most of the time. Stay away from anything under $120 from Shimano, Anything under $170 from Diawa and anything under $100 from Quantum, Abu has better low price reels but the silver and black max are over priced, the pro qualifier is a better reel.

I agree with the above poster. for the money you really can't beat a pro qualifier. I own a black max and silver max. after replacing the black max with a pro qulifier I wish I had never bought the black max. much better reel. cast's better, smoother, and it has held up to the abuse I have given it. very solid reel for the money.

Stay away from anything under $120 from Shimano, Anything under $170 from Diawa and anything under $100 from Quantum, Abu has better low price reels but the silver and black max are over priced, the pro qualifier is a better reel.

One noteable Daiwa exception -- the Advantage TDA153HSTA. Great reel at a reasonable price. The only knock is that it's a bit bigger of a reel.

Definitly go with a pro qualifer. I had a black max several years ago and it was horrible. It didnt cast smooth at all and I had alot of backlash problems with it. I sucked it up and got a PQ and love them (have 4 now). They cast well, are very durable, and you can dial in the settings on it so backlashes/overruns are not a problem.

Don't cheapen out on a baitcaster, it will most likely ruin your experence with it and you'll be like the countless for sale ads that say 'I'm selling this baitcasting combo I used once and couldnt get it' that are all over craigslist and the like.