I'm getting my first baitcaster at the Spring Sale at BP. I've narrowed it down to the Bass Pro Qualifier and the Shimano Citica. I really like my two Shimano spinning reels, can not beat the quality and durability. Wanted to get any last minute advice on either of these two reels, why would you pick one over the other etc. Thanks.

Among Shimano fans the Citica is very popular and has had great reviews:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewicast11shimanobaitcasterspg2.html

I have some of each, and like them both. I could not give you "cons" for either reel and feel you can not make a bad choice with either reel.

I really like how the shimano feels in my hand, casts, and smoothness on the retrieve.

Pro qualifier is available in wide range of gear ratios, although the new citica now comes in 3 gear ratios as well.

I say get one of each and write us a report about which one you ultimately like better???

If you are already happy with the performance of the shimano line then I would go with the citica. Both are quality reels and neither stands heads and shoulders above the other. It comes down to personal preference when comparing the two. FWIW I use pq's but have nothing negutive to say about shimano citica

I have some of each, and like them both. I could not give you "cons" for either reel and feel you can not make a bad choice with either reel.

I really like how the shimano feels in my hand, casts, and smoothness on the retrieve.

Pro qualifier is available in wide range of gear ratios, although the new citica now comes in 3 gear ratios as well.

I say get one of each and write us a report about which one you ultimately like better???

I like this idea, wish I could get both now.

Birdy, whichever one you choose, in my opinion, will be the right reel. they are both outstanding products. It may come down to which one feels better in your hand.

Make sure to put both reels on the rod you intend to use them with. One may end up "fitting" your hand.

Good luck with your decision.

Never tried a PQ but i have a Citica 201e . Great reel. Just put 2 or 3 brakes on casts like a dream.

I recomend you buy the reel you can get to best deal on or the one that fits your best. They are both good reels, can't make a wrong decision............Al

I own six PQs (and seven other BPS BC reels) but I would also say that either reel will give fine service. Now that the Citica is available in three ratios (it used to only be available in 6.3) the lineup is well rounded as is the PQ with it's four ratios so you can find a ratio in either reel to suit just about any need.

The one significant difference between the two is that the Citica is centrifugal braking only, while the PQ has dual-braking - both centrifugal and magnetic. Some folks will say that dual-braking is not necessary and that centrifugal-only is all you need. Other folks will say that dual-braking gives you more options in cast management and is a nifty feature. If you search the forums, you'll find several threads on dual-braking.

Another difference is cost. The PQ costs a bit less, and frequently goes on sale for $80. Don't know if that cost diff is important to you.

You'll have fun with either reel...

I own both, and have to say I like the PQ a little more.

Both are great reels though. Either one would be an excellent choice.

Look to parts needed in the future. I have never had a problem getting anything for all of my Shimanos and many of their reels have interchangeable parts regardless of reel model. I recently completed a reel parts compatability chart for my reels and was amazed at how many parts are common throughout the Shimano reel family.

I have a couple PQ's and a Citica and find them both to be excellent reels in their price points. If BPS has the PQ's marked down so you basically get a marked down price and a trade in, I'd probably go that route (I think they were on sale fro $79.99 last year - $15 trade in = $64.99). If they're not on sale, the Citica may be worth the extra few $.

I have a Citica E and love it. But I hate the fact that the new Citica G has a plastic drag star. Just feels cheap now, but it went up in price over last year. I'm going to the Bass Pro Shops classic too, and this year I may pull the trigger on a Pro Qualifier just to see how good a reel it is. I've read so much about it, I've been wanting one just for the heck of it.

I have a Citica E and love it. But I hate the fact that the new Citica G has a plastic drag star. Just feels cheap now, but it went up in price over last year. I'm going to the Bass Pro Shops classic too, and this year I may pull the trigger on a Pro Qualifier just to see how good a reel it is. I've read so much about it, I've been wanting one just for the heck of it.

Sorry to break it to you but the Citica E also has a plastic drag star dude. Doesnt diminish its performance though

I know you were asking about the PQ and Citica, and of the two I prefer the Citica. With that being said, maybe a good alternate would be the Carbonlite, much like the PQ, but lighter with a CF handle. During the BPS classic sale they will be 89 dollars as long as you have an old useable reel to trade in.

Although both are very nice reels for the money I give the nod to the Citica. Parts are very readily available for the Shimanos and the Citica has a proven history of durability and performance.

Parts are very readily available for the Shimanos and the Citica has a proven history of durability and performance.

Isn't that a contradiction?

Isn't that a contradiction?

Well now that I read it...it does sound funny. But I'm kind of hard on stuff and it's nice for me to know that if I need to replace a bearing or a handle nut I can easily find one. It may also be the case with the BPS reel but I'm guessing not so much so.

Well now that I read it...it does sound funny. But I'm kind of hard on stuff and it's nice for me to know that if I need to replace a bearing or a handle nut I can easily find one. It may also be the case with the BPS reel but I'm guessing not so much so.

I'm just messing with you. I am a shimano guy myself and know exactly what you mean. BPS is actually pretty good with parts though.

Citica - hands down. Two or three years from now you'll appreciate the sturdiness and quality of the Shimano.

Anyone else for some Shimano lemmingade?

Thanks for all of the advice. I really think I'm leaning Shimano, mostly for the durability. Will let you know how it works out this spring.

As your first reel, you may find that the Dual Brakes of the PQ act like training wheels while you are learning to use BC reels. If you have to pick out a birds nest for 5 of you first 10 casts, you may get discouraged pretty quickly:) You will also want to consider whether you want LH or RH retrieve. I almost gave up on BC reels because my first one had a RH retrieve and I found it too distracting.

As your first reel, you may find that the Dual Brakes of the PQ act like training wheels while you are learning to use BC reels. If you have to pick out a birds nest for 5 of you first 10 casts, you may get discouraged pretty quickly:) You will also want to consider whether you want LH or RH retrieve. I almost gave up on BC reels because my first one had a RH retrieve and I found it too distracting.

Good advice, I've been practicing with a friends, will be using the left handed retrieve. Had a few hours of practice and worked out the kinks in the casting. I think that is why I'm going the rout of the Shimano, I want a realable reel that I can count on for years.

I much prefer how my carbonlite feels over my citica. Can't talk about long term but if the pq feels the same way Id be satisfied as I've never used one.