Hey guys,

I am looking to buy my first baitcaster. I have been researching, but i cant seem to get a good answer as to what is a good reel to buy at my price range. In total, i am looking to spend $200 on both the reel and rod.

If you guys could give some input that would be great, as i believe i have some BPS gift cards coming my way for xmas

Thanks and Happy Holidays to all!

TD Advantage-A Cast 153HST

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCDAIWA-TDACA.html

hmmm just saw you ment 200 for rod and reel- sorry

Here is the reel:  http://www.deloscustomtackleshack.com/reels/shimanocitaca.html

CI200D or CI100DSV

Here is the rod:

St. Croix Avid AC68MXF.

You should be able to find it on sale for around $100.

Id suggest any Diawa. A TD-S rod is around 100 dollars. You can get a megaforce for 60. Thats what I just got and I like it.

Shimano has a $50 rebate on Curado/Citica/Cruxis reels till April 30 2008. Baitmonkey will be at my door with three new Curado's. Found them close to home for $149 plus tax with rebate makes them about $117 each. ;D

If you could afford just a little more I would get the RevoSC from Cabela's and a Falcon Lowrider 6'6" M. If you can't do any more than 200 then pick up a Citica and they have a $30 rebate. Would be $90 for the reel and $104 for the rod.

Sorry, just noticed the BPS gift cards. Go with the Citica reel. Not as smooth as the RevoSC (I have a SC and a Citica 100) but still a good reel. Rod is hard to beat for the money.

Definitely the BPS combo that has the citica. Make sure they give you a box for the reel so you can send in the rebate.

Shimano Citica or Garcia Revo S on a Falcon Rod  

I agree with RW 100%

Citicas are great reels. If you can find an avid for 100 bucks, you should be able too, BUY IT!!

I agree with RW 100%

Citicas are great reels. If you can find an avid for 100 bucks, you should be able too, BUY IT!!

I agree!  Citicas are excellent reels for the money, and they are very forgiving for the beginner.  I was going to suggest either the Citica or Abu Garcia Revo S.  Both are good reels for the money.  

Shimano Citica w/ a 6'6" Falcon Lowrider MH

Thanks for all the help guys!  

I think I am going to take advantage of the rebate and go for the shimano Ci200D reel with a falcon rod.

I bought an avid for my spinning rod last year, so i thought i will try something new and it seems like people like them a lot.

Thanks for the input, you have all been very helpful.

If anyone else wants to give their $0.02, please feel free, as i wont be buying until after xmas.

 I own a Citica 200D and for the money I don't think you can go wrong with it ...

                                  As Ever,

                                   skillet

hmmmm...$200 to blow?  Shimano Crucial CRC66MHF for $130 and a Cabela's Prodigy (looks like a housebranded TD-A 150H to me) reel on closeout for $65.

I just bought a Prodigy for a buddy for his Christmas gift.  Had to open it up, check it out and lube it for him.  I am impressed.  Normal retail was $100, at $65 this reel this a top level bargain.  I compared it directly to my sons Citica 200D, which IS a fine reel but this Prodigy is just as smooth AND it's lighter PLUS cheaper.  Daiwa quality at $65??  Pretty good deal.  Worth looking at, at the very least.

the citica is probably the best reel you can buy for $120. now if you can find a deal on an avid you would be set. if not the guide series ultimate rods from gander mountain are pretty decent. 2 year warrenty and i would put them right between the premier and the avid as far as sensitivity goes.

Here ya go bud, for $200 dollars and your first baitcaster ide say this isnt to bad of a deal.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=90887&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults