I would really like your advice on the best bait caster setups for under 300 dollars!

Oh boy!  If you take a few minutes and read through, there are tons of threads covering this subject. 

Having said that my preference for reels is the Daiwa Tatula CTs and I would pick a 6.3-1 as the all purpose reel.  Others would pick a 7.3-1.  Either of these reels retail for $126. They can be found online for $110 to $120.

 

There are terrific rods in the $110 range like a Dobyns Fury series rod, or a Powell Inferno, or for a little a bit more look at a Powell Max 3d, Dobyns Sierra , Irod Genesis II series rods and even the Daiwa Tatula rods. 

 

I would pick a 6'8 to 7'3 medium heavy fast action rod as that is your most versatile rod.

A few specific examples would be a Dobyns Fury FR 704C or a FR 734C.  Take a look at a Powell Max3D 683 CEF. An Irod Genesis II IRG744C is another super rod choice.

 

Your fishing area and your style enter into the choice of what is best as well.

In that range I'm personally all about the curado 70 /bass pro carbonlite or Abu Garcia Veritas. Great reels, featherweight rods. 

There are ton of different companies to choose from.  

 

You will get many opinions...... Personal preferences. Use the search thread and you'll see what I mean 

1 hour ago, fishnkamp said:

Boy if you take a few minutes and read through there are tons of threads covering this subject. 

Having said that my preference for reels is the Daiwa Tatula CTs and I would pick a 6.3-1 as the all purpose reel.  Others would pick a 7.3-1.  Either of these reels retail for $126. They can be found online for $110 to $120.

 

There are terrific rods in the $110 range like a Dobyns Fury series rod, or a Powell Inferno, or for a little a bit more look at a Powell Max 3d, Dobyns Sierra , Irod Genesis II series rods and even the Daiwa Tatula rods. 

 

I would pick a 6'8 to 7'3 medium heavy fast action rod as that is your most versatile rod.

A few specific examples would be a Dobyns Fury FR 704C or a FR 734C.  Take a look at a Powell Max3D 683 CEF. An Irod Genesis II IRG744C is another super rod choice.

 

Your fishing area and your style enter into the choice of what is best as well.

I used to think the term "Boi" was only used by my generation. Now I know otherwise.

A Tatula with a Fury is a great suggestion. A Tatula rod with a Tatula reel would be great too.

28 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

A Tatula with a Fury is a great suggestion. A Tatula rod with a Tatula reel would be great too.

 

I went with a Tatula CT Type-R and a Tatula 7'2" MH, this is a very nice combo. I just picked up a used 6'10" MH Zodias in the fishing flea market forum, and that is a nice rod as well, but pairing that with the Tatula will bring you a lot closer to the top of your budget.

My choice would be Curado 200I HG or the 70 HG Lowered to 129 and 149 respectively.  Paired with a Veritas, Tatula, or Carbonlite.  I'd pick a medium powered rod as I find all three fish 1/2 power or more. 

I ended up with a Daiwa tatula and a st. croix mojo bass for under $300

Very nice setup!  You will be pleased with it. Just make sure to adjust the tension on the reel's spool correctly. This reel is not like most. You do not just adjust the spool tension knob till the lure falls slowly. Since it has the Mag Force Z brake system it works differently.  Spool your reel with your line. Zero the magnetic brakes. Now tighten down the spol tension knob till there id no side clearance between the spool and the body. Now loosen it till there is a small amount of side play, about a 1/16 or so.  That is now set.  This will look wrong if you do the "falling lure test".  Now set the mag brakes to somewhere near 15 to begin with.As you get a little experience you can back off the mag brake setting.. I run about 5 to 7 most of the time.

You may find more happiness with 2 $150 combos or 3 $100 combos, just a bit of food for thought.

You can find a few suggestions here.