I'll be looking to get a new rod and reel this summer/spring. I like pitching 3/8oz and 1/4oz jigs.  Looking at either diawa or shimano reels and shimano rods. any suggestions? (i dont mind buying lightly used rods/reels) and im trying to keep the rod/reel under 200, better if it was 150. I currently have a diawa procaster 100se and a shimano compre 6'6'' medium power fast action

Look for a one of the new citica 100's.  And then what ever you have left over get the best shimano rod in 7 mh.

You definately want to spend more on the rod than the reel....

In saying that since you like Shimano rods I would go with the Crucial model in 6'6" or 7' depending on preference and in the medium heavy power.

For a reel I would maybe look for a used Curado BSF which could be had for ~100... which will put your total somewhere around $240...which is too high...

So I would say either save up a little more like everyone else will say, or I will say to do what I would do in your shoes...spend a little less...

If it has to be Lo-Pro maybe look to a Pflueger Purist.

If not, I would not hesitate to go for the Ambassadeur Garcia 4600C... tough as nails, reliable drag, smooth retrieve, and can be had in any ratio you would want since you arent afraid to buy used.

The first baitcaster I ever bought was a Blue 4600C4 and would still have it today had I not given it to a buddy so he could fish with me.

Daiwa TD-V701MHRB Team Daiwa-V

Length: 7' 0 Line Class: 10-20 lb Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz

Shimano Cardiff CDF100A Gear Ratio: 5.8:1 Weight: 8.1 oz Bearings: 4+1

Power Pro 50#

Cost: $175 with tax

Daiwa TD-V701MHRB Team Daiwa-V

Length: 7' 0 Line Class: 10-20 lb Lure Weight: ¼-1 oz

Shimano Cardiff CDF100A Gear Ratio: 5.8:1 Weight: 8.1 oz Bearings: 4+1

Power Pro 50#

Cost: $175 with tax

look at this guy, he even knew i needed braid....what a character.

but im thinking more low profile, though i havent tried that kind of baitcaster....whats the difference? other than looks?

and where can i find that rod? couldnt find it on cabelas, bass pro, or even the diawa website.

Look for a one of the new citica 100's. And then what ever you have left over get the best shimano rod in 7 mh.

wouldnt you want a citica 200 so it has a little more power? or does it not really matter? whats the difference?

I think the main differences betwee nthe 100 and 200 are: mainly size and the absence of the HEG gears, but the Curado 100 that I have is lacking these too and I have never had a problem wit hit not being strong enough... and I have caught some rather large tree bass....

I reccomended the 100 series becuase of its size and your need for flipping/pitchin...My curado 100 is on my worm/pitchin rod...

If you really feel the 100 is underpowered go for the 200, theyre the same price.

The 100 will get the job done

Shimano Citica ... you can find them on the internet for $100 paired with either a Compre or a St. Croix Premier.  I personally have both and prefer the Premier a tad more

are you reffering to ebay as where you can find a deal like that? or is there a site you can give me??? ;D

Somebody posted this link a few days ago.  Free shipping on all orders over $75.  I haven't bought from them, but plan to in the next few weeks.

http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html

Cardiff A $99.99

Diecast Aluminum Frame

Aluminum Spool

Aluminum Sideplates

Bearings: 4 ea. A-RB Rust Resistant Bearings plus 1 ea. Roller  

That rod is not long made

The Cardiff is a battle horse, very light and trouble free. I use the 301 for big swimbaits and is great but it is not the reel I will choose to pitch light jigs.

The Quantum Accurist PT does it for me. My partner love the Procasters  for light lures, he just got the Rojo and is like a kid with new toy with it. The Advantage is also another consideration, it was made to cast light weight lures, a few guys in my club is all they use.

If you like the Shimano rods then stay with that, and that take that out of the equation.

On reels The one that I like the best for Flippin/Pitchin is a Team Daiwa 103SDL. now that is a left handed reel. I am right handed, but I F/P using a left handed reel. I know you can get them in right handed to, but I have seen a lot more lefty one than right. They are older so you would be looking at used. I have seen a few on ebay in the past month going for $50-$70. I have been looking because I would like to get another one or two. They have a very low profile and I like where the thumb bail release is.

one thing to think of is the line retrive .... the cardiff is a 5:1 i believe ... i used a calcutta 51 and 50lb braid ,,, just seemed slow ... i couldent pick line up quick enogh .... i switched to my chronarch 101b this reel sports a 6:1 i believe ..... the chronarch does jigs just fine ....  ;D

the chronarch alone would be over my budget...

I sent you a PM Timmy.

Shimano Cardiff CDF100A Gear Ratio: 5.8:1

Shimano Calcutta CT51 Gear Ratio: 5:0:1

Line recovery in inches per handle turn

Cardiff CDF100A: 24

Shimano Calcutta CT51B: 16

The Cardiff is only 2 tenths from being 6.0:1

Rods and reels are a personal preference like everything else so I am going to recommend going to BPS, Cabelas, Gander Mountain, etc and get a feel of what you like. We can recommend all day long but you are going to be the one fishing with it?

Now I would say you should be looking for a 6'6" - 7' medium heavy fast action rod and a reel with a 6-1 ratio.

Allen

of course its a personal preferance but i'd rather not go to cabelas or bps and spend my whole day "feeling" reels esp when all you get is a feel for it, nother about the proformance of the machine. i simply asked here because i trust the opinions of the forum members. but i will have to look at a circular baitcaster, though ill probably go with the citica.