Hey, i was wondering if any one knew of or has a some really well performing bait caster combos that they got for around 120 buck? Im trying to up my arsenal so i dont have to retie every time i want to change baits.

Basspro Nitro Tournament Z reel With an Abu Garcia Vendetta about $130 Here are the links to these products below.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops®-Nitro-Tournament-Z-LowProfile-Baitcast-Reels/product/1201111008121/363093

http://www.basspro.com/Abu-Garcia-Vendetta-Trigger-Rods/product/10203992/37949

To start with, I would recommend a "gently used" Citica for $65-$75.

These pop up in our Flea Market frequently.

To start with, I would recommend a "gently used" Citica for $65-$75.

These pop up in our Flea Market frequently.

x2 RW beat me too it. You might want to try ebay as well. I am not too familiar with rods in the $60 range but I think Shimano has one that is pretty decent.

On 7/26/2012 at 7:36 AM, roadwarrior said:

To start with, I would recommend a "gently used" Citica for $65-$75.

These pop up in our Flea Market frequently.

RW gave me the same advice when I asked, and I have to agree. I picked up a new Citica E at Dicks for $60 because of their big clearance sale, and I love it. First casting reel and I've only had 2-3 very minor backlashes, taking no more than 10 seconds to get out. Casts like a charm, very smooth. I'd recommend checking your local Dicks to see if they have any left, and if not you can get a used one for relatively cheap as well here.

To start with, I would recommend a "gently used" Citica for $65-$75.

These pop up in our Flea Market frequently.

X3 In that price range I would be looking for 'gently used' for both rod and reel.

If you want new, it is going to be hard to find, Personally I would spend the majority of the money on the Rod, looking at the 70-90 dollar price range and then find a good discounted real to get you by till you can afford a better one.

I was short on cash and purchased a black max/vengeance combo from dicks with a 20$ rebate, which overall costs 60 bucks.

Honestly, the rod is a MH/F 6'9" and is pretty d**n stiff, nice backbone and has a good balance, which I am surprised, not ultra sensitive but works for jigs and spinners. The reel is functional, takes some tuning and getting used to, but this combo will do for jigs, spinner baits and anything heavy.

I have caught a good amount of bass on this setup this year with Vicious FC 15/17# and for the budget price I am happy as a clam.

I do love Abu Garcia, because I feel like the Reals are awesome, and the rods, while not being the best, for what you pay for they are really good, I love the Vendetta's that I own, and will be buying up the Vendetta II when it drops this fall to put with my Revo SX.

While I am at it, I have a Vendetta M/F 7' for spinning with the Orra S reel. I absolutely love the reel and the rod. The Vendetta is under rated I feel, and is strong as well as sensitive. That combo is more around 160-180 depends on discounts and where you buy it from.

As far as the line I have used with those, for spinning I always use Stren Org, 8# or lower. For BC I have been using Vicious FC because I am not as familiar with FC line and wanted to see what the "bottom of the barrel" was like, to make my choice, I like the 15# a lot, w/ KVD conditioner it is really workable.

I've not used one, but a lot of guys will point you towards a shimano sellus if you're looking for a cheaper/quality rod. They're 50-60 online

I've not used one, but a lot of guys will point you towards a shimano sellus if you're looking for a cheaper/quality rod. They're 50-60 online

Great rod, strong backbone. I use them, works just fine.

Their are no great baitcasting setups for that price, but you can get some workable ones. I would really try to spend more on the reel than the rod. Going cheap on the reel with make casting a pain, and sour your tastes for baitcasting forever.

I would look for a used Citica, or a BPS Pro Qualifier when they go on sale, which is frequently. Spend the left over $60 on a rod that feels good to you, you can upgrade the rod later when you get more comfortable with casting. The Shimano Sellus is a decent rod for 50-60.

Thank you guys. I had heard about the Citica reel but wasnt really sure but ill check it out.

Just wondering has any one ever fished Lake Hamilton?