After many years of fishing with spinning reels, Ive finally made the call to move into the world of baitcasting. Im looking for suggestions on a cost efficent, smooth operating baitcasting reel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I started with a Shimano Citica and feel it was the perfect choice based on price (119 retail but there are deals to be had) and quality. I still use it as much as any other reel I have. I would suggest a 100 size.

abu garcia revo S, $100 and smooth as silk

There still is time. The Citica or Curado of your choice. Nuff said. There are a myriad of posts to back this recommendation.

Can't recommend other brands because I'd be blowing smoke up your sit down part since I've not yet fished with a Revo or Daiwa bc reel. That will soon change. I plan to acquire a Pixy and a Revo this year.

I plan to acquire a Pixy this year.

I hope to live to see that day.  

For the money I wouldn 't think it too much, for 70 dollars ( after the discount @ *** and the rebate from Shimano ) I 'd jump straight on the Citica ( already have ).

[move]CITICA[/move]

Daiwa advantage hsta!

Cabela's Prodigy is $100 and very worthy of consideration if you have the budget for it.  It might be more than you want to spend though

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Quantum Code casts well. External centrifugal control is a GREAT feature, 8 bearings, this is a very user friendly reel. $80

Shimano Citica performs like a Bass Pro extreme but costs twice as much. Still a good reel but some of them are squeelers and that drives me crazy. Mine and 3 of my buddies make this noise.

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

Those are the four reels that I have and my pinion of them. I do have some others but these are the ones I recommend.

Good Luck!!!

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

you contradicted yourself  :

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3 but I personally like the extreme.

you contradicted yourself :

How so?

The extreme performs as well as the curado. I have several of both and although the Curado is considered the better reel, I personally prefer the extreme. I see no contradiction. If you do, fine. The point is that I have all of the above reels and like them but the extreme is my favorite and is the best value IMO.

Bass Pro Extreme performs like a $200 reel, extremely smooth and durable. On sale for $59

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3

you contradicted yourself  :

How so?

The extreme performs as well as the curado. I have several of both and although the Curado is considered the better reel, I personally prefer the extreme. I see no contradiction. If you do, fine. The point is that I have all of the above reels and like them but the extreme is my favorite and is the best value IMO.

Shimano Curado is the better than the other 3  :-/

LOL @ hawgchaser...You said citica performs like the extremes....then said it performs like a $200 reel.Something ain't right there...Last i checked citicas are $120.You did contradict yourself a little bit.Now if you had said it performs like a curado it'd be different.However i highly doubt it does. Which is the reason you didn't compare it to the curado,because you know better.

Honestly i have the citica and the extreme...guess which one performs better for me?I'll give you a hint it starts with the brand name Shimano.No i'm not brand loyal either so don't try to pin it.

After many years of fishing with spinning reels, Ive finally made the call to move into the world of baitcasting. Im looking for suggestions on a cost efficent, smooth operating baitcasting reel. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The previous numbnuttery notwithstanding, you didn't say what your price range is. Lucky for you , the reel I recommend comes in various grades to fit most budgets.

I recommend the Abu Garcia Revo. It's exceptionally well made, has the best drag on the market, casts exceptionally well, handles light to heavy baits well, and is backed by a company that has outstanding customer service. The Revo S at $99 is probably the best lowpro value out there. The SX is an upgrade with more bearings and a magnetic brake for $150. The STX with the disengaging spool casts like a dream and easy on the eyes - a super reel at $200.

Ha, you guys are killin me!!!!  

The citica performs as well as an extreme. However I do not like the reel as much. In fact I gave one of mine away to my fishing buddy.

I think most people would agree that the Curado is the best of all the reels mentioned. BUT I personally prefer the extremes. I like my curados but love the extremes. I have posted other threads about why...mainly durability.

So the extremes do perform like a $200 reel. The Citica performs like an extreme but has some things about it I am not a fan of.

If I am contradicting myself, then I am sorry. I still don't see it but the point is.....the extreme's are the best buy IMO.

Keep in mind I have 2 chronarchs, 3 curados, 6 citicas(5 of them the older ones) and I think 5 extremes. Just my opinions and i know many will disagree. ;D

Sorry for the contradictions

Oh by the way, I am dying to try the Revos. I have heard nothing but good things and they are supposed to be smooooooooooooth.