Well Im going to be picking up my first baitcaster tomorrow, Im pretty exited. My question is, I dont want to spend more than $100 on my first set up, but I have read and do agree with the thoughts of, dont waste your time/money on a piece of junk. That being said this is what Ive come up with and was hoping to get you guys thoughts or even more, better suggestions....

1. Abu Garcia Black Max Combo $60

2. Abu Garcia Siver Max / Berkley Amp Rod $60

3. Bass Pro Shops Tourney Special Rod and Reel Baitcast Combo $79

4. Abu Garcia Silver Max/Cabela's Tourney Trail Split-Grip Casting Combo $89

The reason I choose these is because I need a Left hand retrieve set up. Again I know you get what u pay for but I really cant do more than $100. Thanks guys.

The Lew's Speed Spool is a fine baitcaster for $100,and IMHO is your best bet as a starter.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Tournament-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combos/product/1210200646593/

This would be a better combo for 100 dollars in my opinion. Not so much the rod, more the reel.

They are sold out but maybe call BP and see if they will be getting any more.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Tournament-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combos/product/1210200646593/ This would be a better combo for 100 dollars in my opinion. Not so much the rod, more the reel. They are sold out but maybe call BP and see if they will be getting any more.

 

Agree...The rod isn't the best for all techniques but the reel can be.

 

 

Mike

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Tournament-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combos/product/1210200646593/ This would be a better combo for 100 dollars in my opinion. Not so much the rod, more the reel. They are sold out but maybe call BP and see if they will be getting any more.

 

This is definitely your best bet, IMO.  You get a serviceable rod that can be upgraded later and a reel that will last you many years.  Whatever you decide, try to get a reel with an aluminum frame, not graphite.  In my experience, graphite framed reels just don't hold up well.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Pro-Qualifier-Tournament-Rod-and-Reel-Baitcast-Combos/product/1210200646593/ This would be a better combo for 100 dollars in my opinion. Not so much the rod, more the reel. They are sold out but maybe call BP and see if they will be getting any more.

x3 for this, I bought this combo in early January in the Medium 7'. I bought it mostly for the reel, but it is a serviceable Rod as a back up for me.  I haven't tried out the rod yet, although the Medium/F does seem a bit floppy, to me it's like between a ML-M.  I'd go for the MH/F version if you can.

X4 on the one they're recommending but if you go with one of the ones you asked about, well, I'd probably go with the Silver Max/Cabela's Tourney Trail combo. The reel gets good reviews and I have some of the rods myself and I like them and have plans for more.

The Lew's Speed Spool is a fine baitcaster for $100,and IMHO is your best bet as a starter.

X2

thanks for all the suggestions.

But I ended up actually picking up a pro qualifier instead figuring it would be better to pick up something a little more quality it would just be better in the long run.

But now the question is is what rod do I get...Hahaha

since my spinning set up, a 6'6 M st crox triumph with a pfluger Supreme reel, hi in 10 to use my lighter stuff, I'm looking at a 7 mhf with braid for the heaviest stuff

Again, its my first bait caster set up so I'm not looking to spend really more than 100 for the rod since the PQ ended up costing me $80 on sale I really don't want to go over $100

I've been very pleased with the St. Croix Mojo Bass 6'6" M or MH. I think they are $99.

Good luck, and don't let the birdnests win! With time, you will love it (the baitcaster I mean).

Hahah i hear you, i should be receiving the PQ Tue and would love to pick up a rod asap so i can get out in the yard to start practicing so im not cursing the world when i hit the water.

I was actually looking at the Mojo Bass...was hoping Dicks would have a sale since i got some points on my account. So how heavy is the MH, heavy enough to throw a 3" frog in Heavy cover with NO worries or go with a heavy?

Hahah i hear you, i should be receiving the PQ Tue and would love to pick up a rod asap so i can get out in the yard to start practicing so im not cursing the world when i hit the water.

I was actually looking at the Mojo Bass...was hoping Dicks would have a sale since i got some points on my account. So how heavy is the MH, heavy enough to throw a 3" frog in Heavy cover with NO worries or go with a heavy?

The lake I fish doesn't have much heavy cover, and I use the M most often. I use it for t-rig plastics&jigs down to 30ft (great feel), cranks and spinnerbaits. Landed plenty of thick fish, and abused it while trying to free snags and haven't had any issues. I don't use the MH much so wouldn't want to mislead you.

 

With this said, I'm thinking about trying the Falcon Bucoo which is also about $100 (free ground shipping) and has pretty good reviews, just to try something different.

 

Good luck.

pro qualifier is a great reel I got mine the other day and I'm very happy

i got a BPS pro qualifier combo for a hundred at my local bass pro its a great little combo.