This is my first casting reel and I need help picking the best general use one. I don't plan to have more than one. My budget is between 150-200 and i prefer a non-Chinese reel, maybe a Japanese. I came across the following:

Shimano Chronarch 200e7(new) vs 100b(used in like new condition). Both of which are within my budget. Do you recommend one over the other or do you have better suggestions for me. This will be used for casting large baits (1.5oz) for bass and other big fish. Currently for freshwater, but good to know that same reel would be okay for saltwater. Line will be braided 50-80lbs range

If you have a suggestion for a rod that is MH, Fast, 7.0', and that can take lures up to 1.5oz (Shellcracker G2  ) to go with the reel, let me know.

Thanks in advance!

welcome to bassresource! Sounds like you might want to look at a 300 size reel such as a Daiwa Lexa 300. They have outstanding reviews and are well within your price range. There is also a slick new HD version just outside your budget. They all come in any retrieve you might want and have various handle choice. Check amazon.

as for the rod, perhaps a tatula 7'2" heavy. They also have great reviews and a faithful following. Check out the tackletour review.

So the 200 and 100 beside the models, i.e. Shimano, depicts the reel size?

I'm not as familiar with Shimano, but I think that typically a 200 has the same profile as a 100, just with a deeper spool. In that case I think you'd be thrilled with a tatula HD 200. Paired with the heavy tatula rod, that would be a killer, well balanced combo, even with the 80 lb braid.

The E series shimanos have a big following for good reason. The 200 has plenty of line capacity for bass fishing but the 300 may suit you better.

So the 200 and 100 beside the models, i.e. Shimano, depicts the reel size?

essentially, yes. ive never owned a chronarch but have played around with one and have heard they are great. The one I looked at was solid. Whatever reel you buy, try to find one and test it out first instead of just ordering online based on what others say.

You're looking at ~$160 for that reel on amazon. Just steer clear of abcd sales. Sportsman's outfitters is a good seller to deal with. Those rods are also considerably less expensive on there, too. You could get the combo shipped for $300 or less.

Curado 300E or 300D. Might want to look on ebay.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. The Tatula HD 200 and rod does look like a great combo.

 

Lets say I stick with the 200 capacity, between the Tatula HD 200 and Shimano Chronarch 200e7 (which is made in Japan), both of which are $150, which one is better? 

 

Regarding the rod, I am looking for a MH, Fast, 7.0', and that can take lures up to 1.5oz (Shellcracker G2 ). Any suggestions on that?

mh rods are usually rated up to an ounce.

http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatatularod.html

obviously I favor Daiwa, but which is better is completely subjective. They're both quality reels. I will say that as a novice baitcaster, you might prefer the Tatula because whether or not it actually casts further than reels with standard line guides, it definitely casts them easier. Also, it has a great braking mechanism which doesn't involve a centrifugal brake to jack with when you change baits. Just use more brake and spool tension than you think you need and you'll save yourself a lot of time picking out backlashes. It's good that you're focusing on heavier baits/line too, because both will surely make things easier in getting accustomed to casting with it.

Thanks Pisonokie, I will head to our local tackle shop today and handle one of the Tatula HD reels and rods if they have them to get a feel of the system. If they dont, i will head to basspro on Saturday since its a bit of a distance.

no problem. I don't know if bps has them any more, but if they have any tatula model it will be pretty much identical in terms of profile. The only difference is the HD has a longer handle.

I checked my local tackle store, they have the Tatula Type R 8:1 ratio in left or right for $191 CDN, thats around $147USD. Is that a good price and is the HD better or this is fine also?

Yeah, that's not a bad price. Msrp is 199. It's a great reel. I have that on my flippin stick. The differences are the type r has a 90mm handle, whereas the HD has a 100mm and more leverage. The HD spool is a little heavier and deeper, so it will hold more heavy line. The fastest ratio available in the HD is 7.3:1, which is probably as fast as you'll want when fighting big fish. Really, I'd stick with the 6.3:1 myself for more power. The reason I got the 8.1:1 was to take up slack as fast as possible to get a solid hook set when flipping or c rigging. It wouldn't be that great to use with cranks or any high resistance baits, but excels with jigs and other contact baits.

Great info, thanks. So I guess for an all-around reel, i should stick with either of the lower gear ratio reels, like the 7.3:1 or 6.3:1.

also, a faster ratio is good for keeping fish away from structure on short lines but not as effective at playing a fish in open water.

Great info, thanks. So I guess for an all-around reel, i should stick with either of the lower gear ratio reels, like the 7.3:1 or 6.3:1.

 

yeah, I think so. You'll get more versatility out of it.