I'm going to Basspro in Fort Lauderdale tomorrow (hopefully it's staff is better than the one in Orlando lol), and I am in need of a smaller sized baitcaster good for light/medium lines. I'm looking to spend $200 or less, but up to $250 if anyone has had a fantastic experience with one of that price. And, for fun let me know what fair priced rod you would pair with it.

Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure if this helps, but with a $200 to $250 budget, there are two reels I'd be looking to purchase - neither of which are at BPS. First would be a Daiwa Pixy. It's a legendary finesse reel for a reason. They can easily be found in your price range - just not at BPS. The second choice would be a Shimano Chronarch 50mg. They are also an absolutely phenomononal reel for lighter lines and can also be found in your price range - again though, not at BPS. 

just buy the curado 200E or the citica 200E.  Those two reels will leave you with money to buy some fishing line and more.

I agree the Daiwa Pixy is the baitcast reel for light lines.  I got to hold one a few weeks ago, its sweet and everyone says it will cast light stuff a mile.

Not sure about the Shimano Chronarch 50mg, Ive never held or used one but I cant imagine its much different then a Core 50mg.  What are you thoughts Bronzefly on that comparison?

Not sure about the Shimano Chronarch 50mg, Ive never held or used one but I cant imagine its much different then a Core 50mg. What are you thoughts Bronzefly on that comparison?

I didn't bring up the Core 50MG7 simply because of it's $369.99 price point which is outside his stated budget. 

The Core 50MG7 and Chronarch 50MG feel very different in my hands.  I really enjoy both reels, but for different purposes.  They are without a doubt both among the finest light weight finesse baitcast reels in the Shimano arsenal.  I use the Chronarch for smaller moving baits - cranks, topwaters, jerkbaits, etc. whereas I use the Core for pitching lighter t-rigs, shakey heads, small jigs and other plastics.

Be patient and you can find a CH50MG NIB,

or in excellent condition, for around $175.

This is a great reel and keeps you on budget.

8-)

Be patient and you can find a CH50MG NIB,

or in excellent condition, for around $175.

This is a great reel and keeps you on budget.

8-)

I think I will. I was also wondering if you or anyone else has any reviews on the pfluegar patriarch>?

You can put 6# on any baitcaster. I have a TD-X (thanks Bronzefly ) spooled up with 6# Siege for trout. Its how well they'll cast very light baits where the differences lie. A few good reels have already been mentioned.

You can put 6# on any baitcaster. I have a TD-X (thanks Bronzefly ) spooled up with 6# Siege for trout. Its how well they'll cast very light baits where the differences lie. A few good reels have already been mentioned.

That's outstanding!!  I'm so happy to see it being put to good use!  6lb line and Trout fishing no less!  Very cool 8-)

When you say 6-8lbs line, what kind of line are you referring to?  I have a Revo S spooled with 10 lbs Fireline Crystal which has a .008 diameter equivalent to 4lbs mono, and it casts just fine.  I'm sure any equivalent reel in that range would also do just as well.

I'd just like to mention the Daiwa SOL. Used it for lighter cranks, jerkbaits, light top water and plastics with #8 line without any problems.

I think the weight of the bait is more important than the size of the line...

Yes, the Pixy is the ultimate finesse baitcaster but it 's an import.

From what is available now there are several options:

Right away right now ---> Daiwa Sol

E-baying ---> Chronarch 50 Mg, Curado 100D

When you say 6-8lbs line, what kind of line are you referring to? I have a Revo S spooled with 10 lbs Fireline Crystal which has a .008 diameter equivalent to 4lbs mono, and it casts just fine. I'm sure any equivalent reel in that range would also do just as well.

I basically just meant baitcaster for finesse fishing.

Alright, so I still haven't bought anything and did not go to basspro today, but have been looking online. I'm probably just going to ebay a chronarch. I appreciated all you alls help.

I'm sure you'll enjoy the Chronarch..I do.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-CHRONARCH-50Mg-lightly-used_W0QQitemZ180463981493QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2a047dd3b5