Looking for a cheap baitcaster.  Ill be fishing a fairly deep pond this year, 20-30 ft deep, with huge grass beds.  Anyway, Id like to get a reel for casting Rattle Traps, cranks, and spoons.  I was wondering what I could expect from the Abu Blackmax or Daiwa Strike Force?  Both are 50$ reels.  You all think I could get a long spring and summer out of one, fishing 3 times a week or so?

I just bought a Strikeforce but haven't used it yet. I read a review in a magazine which said it's a great reel at that price point.

For 50.00, you could get an old school Abu Ambassadeur 6000. They aren't the most refined, but they'd last you until you turned the reel over to your son in 50 years...

My brother has had a blackmax for years and swears by it.. He doesn't fish often enough to justify buying high end gear, but that reel has lasted a few years. I used it once when I went fishing with him. It casts well and has a good feel. I have used the cheaper Diawas and I think I'd go with the Abu.

you might find a Daiwa Exceler for around $50.00 on the internet. i think they retail for about $70.00. i've got one that works fine for the 1/4 oz and heavier baits. i don't use it much but my son does when he comes fishing with me, and it's still going strong.

I bought a Blackmax a few months ago...it locked up my second day out. It magically started working again a couple weeks ago.

I believe Bird Dog is talking about the "Old School" Black Max reels from way back. They were the Swedish made Ambassaduers and fantastic reels. I've still got a couple of them laying around that I use as backups.

BassnMan Mike

Used.

Look for a used BPS Pro Qualifier, Extreme, Rick Klunn.  Keep an eye on the Flea Market, but lots of the above on eBay. 

I believe Bird Dog is talking about the "Old School" Black Max reels from way back. They were the Swedish made Ambassaduers and fantastic reels. I've still got a couple of them laying around that I use as backups.

BassnMan Mike

You're probably right. The reel I'm talking about is at least seven or eight years old.

It'll hold up for a little while, but don't count on it season after season. I used mine quite a bit when I first got into baitcasting and this fall the anti-reverse started crapping out. Sometimes it'd work and sometimes it wouldn't. If you only want a temporary reel it works great, just won't last you.

I bought a new Exceler on Ebay for $36 plus shipping, be patient and you can find some really good deals.

you could probably find a Quantum Accurist PT for about $50. great reel

For less than 50$, I'd get an Ambassadeur 5000. They are old work horses. I have caught MANY good fish on them. They are tough too.

My best friend uses a Shimano Crestfire for both fresh and salt...I've used it a few times and I think its a quality reel for the price...He just pulled a 27" snook out of the intercoastal before the freeze came

I believe Bird Dog is talking about the "Old School" Black Max reels from way back. They were the Swedish made Ambassaduers and fantastic reels. I've still got a couple of them laying around that I use as backups.

BassnMan Mike

You're probably right. The reel I'm talking about is at least seven or eight years old.

Yeah, there is no comparing the current Black Max to the older ones.

Don't wanna sound like a tackle snob, but there are no good baitcasters for under $50. Any good baitcaster is gonna cost at least $100 new. In the 3 years I worked in a tackle shop, I never saw a good one for less than $100, and I sold all the big manufacturers in that time. I even tried a few just to see, and they were garbage.

Actually, Ambassadeurs are reliable workhorse reels, but that's it. NO Shimano, Quantum, Daiwa, Abu, or Pfleuger under $100 is worth a spit, as far as I've seen. I didn't sell BPS brand reels, so I can't attest to their budget reels.

Just so you realize I'm not being elitist about this, you can get a FANTASTIC spinning reel for only $40.

The only way to get a good baitcaster for $50 is to buy used.