Hey guys!

I'm looking at getting a baitcasting rod/reel combo. My budget is about $70. I've found these set-ups and was wondering what your opinion would be, or if you've used either. I mainly fish ponds with very occasional trips to the lake. I'm looking at this baitcaster to be a general all-purpose rod to go with my spinning outfit.  I don't have enough posts to add the links, but here are the choices...

Abu Garcia Black Max with Cabela's Pro Guide Rod:

Daiwa Strikeforce with Cabela's Pro Guide Rod:

Daiwa Strikeforce with BPS Rod:

Pflueger Templar

Daiwa procaster from *** and a fish eagle 2 from cabelas. With shipping you are just over $70.

Daiwa procaster from *** and a fish eagle 2 from cabelas. With shipping you are just over $70.

Funny you should say that!  I was looking over the other thread about cheap reels and found out about the procaster, and then found the Fish Eagle II rod on sale at Cabela's.  Unless anyone changes my mind in the next day or so, that's what I'll probably be getting.

If you have a dicks near by you can get an Abu Garcia Silver Max reel with a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 after $20 Mail in rebate. Hard to beat that deal.

If you have a dicks near by you can get an Abu Garcia Silver Max reel with a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 after $20 Mail in rebate. Hard to beat that deal.

x2!

I can't speak for anything other than the Black Max.  I have had one for over a year now and it is a great reel for the price in my opinion.  I have used and abused that thing and it works perfectly.  Casts just as far as my Revo's with the heavier baits.  I actually just retired it recently as I was able to get another Revo.

Pflueger Templar

Yup...Got it. Love it.