A friend of mine is getting into bass fishing. What would the best baitcasting combo for him to learn on that would cost around $100 or less?

I know you generally get what you pay for with baitcasters but wondering if there was a good combo out there that would be good for a beginner, or even getting rod/reel separately that wouldn't break the bank?

Abu Garcia Silver Max Casting Reel - $59.99

Abu Garcia Vengeance Casting Rods - $49.99 to $59.99

about as close as I could get to budget... I like Abu Garcia stuff and usually great for beginners....most of it is pretty tough

And welcome to the site

Thanks for your help!

Yeah, even the Black Max would do.  I agree with an Abu setup to start on.  

My main baitcaster is a vintage 5000c and I wanted something lighter for all the casting I do, so I purchased a cheap BPS tourney special with pistolgrip rod. After 3 years of heavy use it still works like new and is feather light. I seen them recently on sale for about 80 dollars. Tackle snobs may poopoo them but I have been quite happy with it.

I imagine most guys wil say get an abu max series.  I have a silver max and I like it OK it's a good reel for the price you will not be disapointed if you go that way.  Anouther reel in the same price range is the H20 Xpress Mettle.  I own 3 of them and absolutly love them. I just prefer the centrifical brakes over the magnet brakes.  The silver max just seems like I have to fiddle with the settings a little more to get it to cast the way I like it.  I have not done a fair test one reel to the other but I feel like the silver max can probably out distance the mettle on a cast when you get the brakes set just right, but it's also more likley to backlash if you push it just a bit to far.  With the mettle I just set 2 brakes on and go fishing.  Acadomy sells the Mettle combo for $89 for the regular version or $99 if you want the fancy camo version.  Good luck 

 

Tyler

Abu Black Max and Vengeance combo can be had for 60 dollars, and it is great reel to learn on.

Thank you everyone!

Daiwa Exceler $59 at gander mountain plus their in house advantage rod for $30. 

i think the bass pro tourney special combo would be ok. Don't be afraid buy used he can probably get a decent setup for that