I'm looking to get a new baitcaster from $100-150. It has to be a powerful reel with smooth drag (Will be used for salmon and steelhead). So basically what do you guys pair with your heavy rods? 

When I was salmon fishing 2 weeks ago in northern California, I was using a lew's bb1 reel. I noticed the other fishermen was using bigger baitcast reels like a 200 or 300 size. My bb1 did just fine. You'll want at least a reel that can hold up to 150 yards.

Abu Ambassadeur 5600C4. 

 

Tom

When I was salmon fishing 2 weeks ago in northern California, I was using a lew's bb1 reel. I noticed the other fishermen was using bigger baitcast reels like a 200 or 300 size. My bb1 did just fine. You'll want at least a reel that can hold up to 150 yards.

How do you like your bb1? I'm intrested in a Lew's Tournament MG Speed Spool.

+1 on the Abu Ambassadeur.  I'd pick anything in the 5000 range. 

 

If you don't hate used, I'd get a Calcutta.

Love my bb1. Lew's, most bang for your buck. My nephew has the tournament mg and it works just as good. If you can wait until the holidays, there are always sales going on. For example 15-30% off most items online.

+1 on the Abu Ambassadeur.  I'd pick anything in the 5000 range. 

 

If you don't hate used, I'd get a Calcutta.

How heavy are the round baitcasters? I'm fishing from shore and will be casting all day so weight is a big factor.

After 5-6 hours of salmon fishing my arm was killing me. Total of 7-8 hours.. I didn't stop though, just took a few breaks. lol

How heavy are the round baitcasters? I'm fishing from shore and will be casting all day so weight is a big factor.

THe 5600 C4 is 10 oz. 

 

Tom

my first was a Lews ss1hl  the speed spool.. its wicked!!! i love it, just bought an other one 10/12.. bought first one in june, & have used a lot since, at least 2-3 times a week untill aug. and every weekend since june as well.. some days as much as 9 hrs.. my next wll be a tournoment MG, i need a 7:1:1 in left ..  i looked at every caster out there, i m not a brand guy, but i do know you get what you pay for, so going too cheap was not happening, i took a chance on Lew's & have not looked back.

 

my fishing buddy is an older guy. he loves the c3/c4's.. they are very nice, but too big for my. i dont find them comfortable. but as far working , casting .. very good reels. but they are heavier then the lews..

After 5-6 hours of salmon fishing my arm was killing me. Total of 7-8 hours.. I didn't stop though, just took a few breaks. lol

hahah hate when that happens

Abu Garcia Revo SX. I think it's like $130 or so on ebay new. Very light, powerful (20lbs of drag i think), casts great and very smooth. Good overall workhorse. This is my first BC reel and it took some time to just learn how to cast one in general. Some on here say it's not all too user friendly and that might be true I can't really say since I've never used other brand reels but it only really took me about a solid month to really get the hang of it. 

Well thanks for the input everyone. I finally made up my mind and I'm going with an Dawia Lexa 300!

I'm looking to get a new baitcaster from $100-150. It has to be a powerful reel with smooth drag (Will be used for salmon and steelhead). So basically what do you guys pair with your heavy rods? 

 

Depending on what you like better either a low profile reel or just the round reels there are two by Abu Garcia that I would recommend. The first is a round reel like the new C4-4600 baitcaster. It has a larger spool that can hold up to 160yrds of 12lb mono/fluorocarbon line or 155yds of 30lb braid. This reel has a very smooth 15lb drag system. Now for the low profile reel I would recommend the Orra Inshore series reel. It is a 7:1.1 gear ratio reel that brings in 29" of line per turn. This reel has a high capacity spool that can hold up to 180yds of 12lb mono/fluorocarbon line or 180yds of braided line perfect for making those long casts from shore with out spooling you out of line. This reel has a 20lb drag system perfect for those bigger salmon that you fish for. Either reel would be a good choice for you, you just have to decide which one feels better in your hand.