I'm looking to buy a new Baitcaster for my med heavy 6'9 Baitcaster. I want to spend about $100 or less and I need it left handed. So what should I get?

BPS Pro Qualifier comes to mind. 

Lew's LFS

I like my Exceler.

Lew's LFS

I like my Exceler.

Both of those are great choices but I would also consider getting a daiwa lexa on TW for $70- originally $140-.

what size should I get

I meant what are the p and s and the other letters mean on select model on ***?

TW

I think the BPS Pro Qualifer is a good first BC reel.  You get a lot of reel for the money.  I would suggest that if you are new to the BC world...do NOT buy one now.  Wait until this fishing season is over.  Why?  You will be excited to use it...you will take it to your favorite fishing hole and immediately start back-lashing the hell out of it.  you'll get frustrated and either A.)  throw it in the lake (if you're like me) or B.)  put it down and never use it again.

 

Wait until the winter and you're bored and have time to practice.  Spool it up with the cheapest mono you can find and practice, practice, practice.  Dig out the backlashes.  Use different size plugs, tune it, and practice some more.  Come NEXT spring, take 3/4 of that old mono off (you need some for backing) and put on Power Pro Slick 8 and THEN head out to your favorite fishing spot.  You'll be an old pro.

 

just my .02

 

 

 

ps  There are a TON of GOOD videos on using a BC.  Watch them.  Learn it....know it...live it

I don't have as much input as most of these guys, but I just got my first baitcast yesterday.  I got a Quantum Kinetic from Gander Mountain for 50 bucks.  I watched some you tube videos,  did about 3 hours of yard fishing/digging out birds nests last night, and had it on the pond this morning.  So far, I love it though.

You can find tatulas just over 100 also online if you like those reels. They have them at many stores (Dicks Sporting Goods) like the lews so you can touch and feel the display models to see if you like.

The better reel you get initially, the less likely you'll feel the need to upgrade a year or so from now, when you get a modicum of skill with it.  Tackle Warehouse has the Curado I on sale for $140 right now.  That reel should last a lifetime with half way decent treatment.  I know that other companies that make similar reels that with half way decent treatment last a long time as well, but I'd get the Curado.

Daiwa Lexa is on sale at TW.  A $130 reel for $70.  Guy on here loves his Exceler reels figuring why pay more when these work so good at much less cost.  A used reel is always an option.  Pro Qualifier on sale is a highly recommended reel.  After using my Pinnacle Primmus, I'd recommend trying one of Pinnacle's lower priced reels.  There are a couple reviews on this site that give them excellent marks.  A lower priced Lews would also be another option.  There are several reels that should work well for you.  If you have a specific model in mind, but it is out of your price range, wait for a sale or for the reel to be closed out for a newer model.  My $200 Curado cost slightly under $100 on closeout.  A $239 reel cost about $145 on closeout.  A $79 reel cost me $30 on closeout, and I feel it was a bargain at full price.  Keep an eye on that fleabay.  Some super deals can be had.

Daiwa Tatula 100HL left hand, 6.3:1 about $110 on Amazon

Tom

I think the BPS Pro Qualifer is a good first BC reel.  You get a lot of reel for the money.  I would suggest that if you are new to the BC world...do NOT buy one now.  Wait until this fishing season is over.  Why?  You will be excited to use it...you will take it to your favorite fishing hole and immediately start back-lashing the hell out of it.  you'll get frustrated and either A.)  throw it in the lake (if you're like me) or B.)  put it down and never use it again.

 

Wait until the winter and you're bored and have time to practice.  Spool it up with the cheapest mono you can find and practice, practice, practice.  Dig out the backlashes.  Use different size plugs, tune it, and practice some more.  Come NEXT spring, take 3/4 of that old mono off (you need some for backing) and put on Power Pro Slick 8 and THEN head out to your favorite fishing spot.  You'll be an old pro.

 

just my .02

 

 

 

ps  There are a TON of GOOD videos on using a BC.  Watch them.  Learn it....know it...live it

And pay attention to BPS around Christmas. They'll start discounting them about $20 to clear out this year's model making room for next year's.

And I would recommend buying one with a metal frame. That probably means you'll be in the $80 range, undiscounted. But it will last longer and give better service. I know someone will come along and disagree with me. But that has been my experience.

I happen to really like the Ambassadeur round reels. I have 4 in regular use now and it is what I learned to cast with back in the 60's. Just gave that first one to one of my grandsons. I'm sure he'll pass it down to one of his kids as well. They're that good. And there isn't anything anyone can do, with any other more expensive baitcaster, that I can't do with a 5500-C. They price them at around $100.00 these days (I think), but it's been about a 10 years or so since I bought my last one, so I can't be sure about that price. You certainly could do a lot worse.

I happen to really like the Ambassadeur round reels. I have 4 in regular use now and it is what I learned to cast with back in the 60's. Just gave that first one to one of my grandsons. I'm sure he'll pass it down to one of his kids as well. They're that good. And there isn't anything anyone can do, with any other more expensive baitcaster, that I can't do with a 5500-C. They price them at around $100.00 these days (I think), but it's been about a 10 years or so since I bought my last one, so I can't be sure about that price. You certainly could do a lot worse.

 

I've got the 1600 size in Ambassadeur and Morrum lines.  Definitely would go larger for a MH rod.  Haven't handled a 3600, 4200 or 4600 size, but personally I think one of those would make a better all-around reel. My 5001C is larger than what I like for bass.  I put the plastic filler on the spool and have 17# mono on it.  It has been suggest I use it for a swimbait/frog/flipping big bait set-up.

 

EDIT:  Don't like the dinky handle on the 5001C.  Will need to find a replacement if I start using the reel.  Is there a replacement (longer) handle?