I'm looking to get a new shimano baitcaster for christmas, I just cant decide which one. I'm trying to stay below 200 for the reel and under 120 for a rod. I also want some new line, the monofilament I've been using is crap. Also, any websites I can go to to get them cheap? Suggestions?

Depends on what rods/reels you're looking at. The Citica and Curado reels are already under 200 and there are a lot of good rods to be had for around 100.

If you are willing to buy used or new off the ebay, you can go for the Curado E. If your looking for new at a store, go for the Curado G or the Chronarch E. All are great reels for under $200. If you are looking for a Shimano rod too, I would go with the Compre. As for the line, you need to get yourself a spool of YoZuri hybrid.

If you are willing to buy used or new off the ebay, you can go for the Curado E. If your looking for new at a store, go for the Curado G or the Chronarch E. All are great reels for under $200. If you are looking for a Shimano rod too, I would go with the Compre. As for the line, you need to get yourself a spool of YoZuri hybrid.

Seems simple and straight forward. I would just add #12 to be specific about the Hybrid.

Whatcha think about a citica e? I've read that theyre better than the g series.

Most will say the E is a better series. The closes comparison I have is a Curado 51e and a Curado 200g6 (which I just sold). I would say the E is more solid feeling in my hand where as the G series feels a little more "plasticy." Beyond that I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference. Others may say different, but thats my take.

Have both the E and G Citica. The E to me feels better handling wise. Performance wise, I think they are just about equal after a good flush and lube.

Amazon often has the Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth rods for less than $120...sometimes less than $100. These are very nice rods. I have a couple. The *** *** rods are also getting some pretty nice reviews...starting at $100. I have none....yet.

Plenty of other rods such as Daiwa T and house brands as well as the Shimanos. Another rod I like is the Falcon Original...$90 at TW. Caught my PB this year with a 7' MH model.

Simple: Shimano Chronarch E, St.Croix Premier ( Seen some new ones at Cabelas with the split grip handle that look sweet) and a spool of 12-15lb P-Line CX Premium.

I would put Yo-Zuri #15 on whatever rig you buy.

Unless your flipping heavy cover I think 15lb yozuri with about 29lb breaking strength is overkill. Get 12 lb and call it a day.

Fenwick Elite tech smallmouth rods perform above their price definitely I only know about the spinning versions though.

I like how the curado e series fits in my hand better than the g I would choose the e.

If you want the best rod and reel for your money buy used. A lot of rods have lifetime warranties so you could get a nice used rod and maximize that $120 limit. There's a lot of good choices in the sub $200 range that you could find used for $120

If you are dead set on sticking with shimano, the curado G can be had for around 160 and a shimano crucial can be had for about the same. that's in the ballpark of your price range and you would be pretty happy with it.

Hmm, Its a toss up between the citica e and curado g. Ive read that theres little a difference between the two and ive found used citicas for under 100. I also heard that the g curado is kinda janky.

get the Citica E, sent it to DVT for a supertune and crankshaft bearing, and put a Hawg Handle on it.

Ive heard good things about the chronarch