I have heard GREAT things about the BPS extreme reels, $80 also most on the dot! But that's just the reel, you can get the combo for 130, and on sale for 100 in the fall, and winter catalogs. And online for 100$ around X-mas.

People say they are have quality of a 150 + $ reels.

PM rooster about them, he loves them and I think he would be happy to tell you about them. You can also check out his post titled "'Extremely' satisfied" and get some info on them.

I plan to get one soon.

Looks like he got to it before me!  ;D

I will spend time practicing with the baitcasting setup until I get comfortable using it.

I think I've decide on the BassPro Extreme reel. From the reviews I've read from BassPro and here it seems like a good reel to learn with.

However I have question about the reel. They have three different models available. Each has a different gear ratio. 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1. I'm not sure which one to get. What would be the ideal gear ratio for someones first baitcasting reel?

Thanks for all your help so far.

A 6.4:1 is the best all round speed.

I will spend time practicing with the baitcasting setup until I get comfortable using it.

I think I've decide on the BassPro Extreme reel. From the reviews I've read from BassPro and here it seems like a good reel to learn with.

However I have question about the reel. They have three different models available. Each has a different gear ratio. 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1. I'm not sure which one to get. What would be the ideal gear ratio for someones first baitcasting reel?

Thanks for all your help so far.

I would say 6.4:1, good ratio for pretty much everything.

Later,

Agreed-

That's why I'd go with:

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

In your price range.

My first baitcaster was the Daiwa Procaster 100H, very inexpensive and still a nice reel.  I still use it on occasion

My choice for that price range would be a Daiwa Procaster 100H.  I had one for years and it is STILL a workhorse.  I think they are kinda hard to find now, but if you can find one it's a great reel, and well within your price range.  (MY PX HAD THEM MARKED AT 30 BUCKS FOR SOME REASON!  IF I HAD MORE MONEY AT THE TIME I WOULD HAVE BOUGHT THEM ALL!!!)

I have a BPS extreem reel and you couldn't give me another one! It is not even close to the Quantum Accurists I am using now. I also recently bought a Diawa Procaster 100H and a Megaforce 100TSH      (with a twitchin bar). They are both going on E-bay because I don't like them as well as the Accurist either. If you want to stay in that price renge, I would look for an Accurist on E-bay. You can get new or almost new ones there for $60- $80.

that link must be to the new ones. mine is nothing like those!!!

mines this---  http://stores.channeladvisor.com/harleerod/items/item.aspx?itemid=6883

hahaha .i have a left handed diawa 100h and i love it. it is my bottom reel. its nice and strong and easy to cast. and easy to maintain too. you may be able to find one... i got mine at bps. but you can get an accurist pretty cheap nowadays since quantum is replacing them. id get one of those. mine is amazing and i wish i had got one sooner. i got the pts saltwater one and it retails for 149 and i got it for under 90 bucks! just gotta look around.

None. I can do everything with a spinning reel I can do with a baitcaster, plus none of the fuss with a backlash. Plus they are cheaper.

Oh yea, I have found rods for spinning tackle for cranks, obviously plastics, and pretty much everything else out there.

This is just my two cents. I am not really trying to discourage anybody, but spinning reels are a lot more user friendly and cheaper.

          Like I said not trying to discourage anybody I just STRONGLY recommend spinning tackle

          -sm

don't get the megaforce , they are cheaply made , will fall apart in less than a year ........

My opinion, get a good reel instead of skimping by buying a crappy black max. The new Citica E's are awesome reels for the money. Even The D's. Save up and get a quality reel.

My opinion, get a good reel instead of skimping by buying a crappy black max. The new Citica E's are awesome reels for the money. Even The D's. Save up and get a quality reel.

, but i'd get a REVO S