New to the forum here. Enjoying it.

A bit of history first. I grew up on the water pretty much. Then my father passed away when I turned 18. Have been on the water a few times in the last 14 years. I am now turning 32 soon and havent really been fishing much in the last 3 years or so. That is going to change. I miss it so much. Now I have always used the cheap zebco spincast models or spinning tackle. I would like to learn how to use the baitcasters since I plan on being on the water more. Even plan on getting a boat in the next 2 years. So for a newbie looking for a reel thats not difficult to learn for under $150 at the most. What would some of you reccomend. Sorry for the long post.

Shimano Citica.  The price point is good at around $100.  It is not difficult to learn on, and when you become proficient, the quality will not disappoint you.

Citica is a great reel for a $100 but the Curado 200 E7 is even better for $150 on ebay.  A good quality reel is really helpful for learning.  A cheapy will only frustrate you more.

revo s!

you can find them cheap online, or you can go to bps and pick one up for 130.

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] Glenn.

BPS Pro Qualifier. $99 regular price and often marked down to $79 when on sale (a light-weight version of the PQ is on sale now in the BPS stores). The Pro Qualifier has an aluminum frame, 7-bearings, and dual braking (both centrifugal and magnetic braking). The dual braking feature (not available on any of the reels mentioned above), provides better cast management than single-braking systems, thus minimizing backlashes, and greatly reducing the learning curve. If you search on "Pro Qualifier" or "PQ" in this forum, you'll get lots of info about peoples opinion of this reel.

Citica or curado. Shop deals in the flea market and you will find a deal.

I'm kind of like you...only worse. Been over 25 years since I've fished on a regular basis. Was a spinning reel fisherman, but after spending a little time on the water while visiting in Florida, I decide baitcasting was the way to go.

Can I assume you reel with the left hand? Want to continue with the left? Tackle Warehouse is closing out their supply of Daiwa Fuego L reels. This is a $229 reel for $144.95 with free shipping. I'd have bought a couple, but...$$$ :'(

This reel was highly rated by Tackle Tour. Otherwise do like I've been doing. Keep a close eye on the classifieds. Unfortunately, $$ and time are holding me back there too.

I did pick up a used rod at what I feel was a good price. Waiting for delivery to give my new outfit a whirl. Waiting is tough, but I'm 8-) about it. Yeah. Right.

Keep a hand in your pocket, or that $150 will turn into $450 real fast. ;D ;D

Thanks all for the replies.

Im a right rand reel. But I do cast left handed because I am left handed. But I always used right hand reels, because thats was what was always readily available.

Citica or curado. Shop deals in the flea market and you will find a deal.

Both reels are very good values and will make

your fishing experience much easier than starting

with a lesser reel. Although brand preference is

a personal choice, many of us feel Shimano offers

great reels at every pricing point.

8-)

Yeah, Citica or Curado, or maybe a Daiwa Advantage.

That eliminates the Fuego. At least from TW. Here is a review of the Advantage.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwaadvantage153hst.html

One of the Citica.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocitica200e.html

Curado E5. (E7 is same reel with higher gear ratio.)

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocuradoe5.html

Pflueger President.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewpfluegerpresident.html

Had a hard time finding a professional review of the Pro Qualifier. Could read this.

http://bassfishingdem.blogspot.com/2007/12/bps-pro-qualifier-no-more.html

Or this.

http://www.hunting-fishing-gear.com/review-display/1933.html

Good luck with your search. Sure can get confusing at times. At least for a new guy like me.