Beginner's baitcasting reel advice

[SonofDitka]

I've decided that this summer I'm going to create a dedicated crankbait rod and reel combo and that it may be a baitcaster setup.

Here's the thing though, the only experience I have with them is quite limited and exclusive to an old low-end Shimano baitcaster (a Bantam Crestfire CR200A) my barber gave me because he doesn't use baitcasters.

So here's my request: I'm not worried about the rod because I can handle that but I need a suggestion for something that a beginner could use that's not too expensive but offers decent quality. Or should I just stick with the Shimano I have and upgrade in the future?

[BHenke]

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier on sale right now for $79. Can't go wrong with this.

[Canesfan]

I totally agree.  I have 2 and after my Lew's, the're my favorite reels. Comfortable, easy to use and long casting plus very affordable.

[duckhuntmcnutt]

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier on sale right now for $79. Can't go wrong with this.

great reel!

[West6550]

I totally agree.  I have 2 and after my Lew's, the're my favorite reels. Comfortable, easy to use and long casting plus very affordable.

BPS Pro Qualifier! Oh and literally ditto to the above statement.

[Bigwrench]

Bps Pro Qualifier and Lews  would be my suggestion.

[SonofDitka]

I'm sensing a pattern 

[Down4ttown]

I have three H2o mettles, two PQs, a pro max, and a team lews speed spool. Lews is bad ass but pro max feels the best to me out of the cheaper reels but durability is still in question.

[LgMouthGambler]

If your gonna go the Shimano route, get at least the Citica. Otherwise the Pro Qualifier is a good inexpensive reel. The Shimano is going to last longer, and less complicated to use though.

[SonofDitka]

The key words in your response were "less complicated". At some point in the future I may want to go whole hog on a reel but for now I don't need or want anything insane. Just a reel for crankbaits and not too much thought involved.

Looks like the Citica G goes for about $110-130...not awful...

[jjpatton]

Id use the reel you have, practice casting in the yard or pitching in the basement.  That will "educate" your thumb and make distance casting with a crank easier.    Start by having the lure barely fall when you push the thumb bar, as you get better with the thumb loosen gradually.   Imo the shimanos are rock solid and not complicated.     As you get better may want to consider upgrading the bearings or going to a more expensive model. 

[Pro Reel]

The reel you have is old and won't cast well, even if you had it serviced, it would not be anywhere close to the performance of a modern reel.

There is nothing at all complicated about a PQ!It has dual brakes so there are brakes on the inside of the side cover that need set and then there is also the exterior dial to fine tune the magnetic brakes. The Citca only has internal brakes. If having the extra dial that lets you fine tune the brakes for more conditions makes it more complicated, then so be it, but i don't agree.

I love shimano reels and use them, but I'm about to offend the hard core shimano only fans. Sorry in advance. IMO, the BPS PQ is a better reel than the current Citica G reel. The Citica E that can still be found at some stores is perhaps a better reel than the PQ, not in durability, but in fine details, looks and feel.

I believe after having done the yearly service for hundreds of PQ's, the PQ is just as durable as any reel on the market. I challenge anyone that knows them inside and out to point out any feature or part on the PQ that fails before it's time or any earlier than those same parts fail on other reels.

It has been for quite some time and still is my opinion that the PQ is an excelent reel for someone to start with that can also be used for a lifetime. It's not as cool looking as some expensive reels and it's not super light weight like some expensive reels, but it's a solid workhorse of a reel that's as affordable as they come. Unless you find a great deal on a lot more expensive reel, i don't think you can get a better reel than the PQ without spending a lot more.

[BHenke]

I was hoping you were going to add your input Pro Reel. I just held my tongue on that comment about the PQ being less durable and more complicated but I am glad you did not.

[LgMouthGambler]

What about the fact that when the brake tabs wear or break, you have to replace the whole sideplate brake assembly? Where in a Shimano, you can replace the tabs that come with the reel. Just a thought.

[jonboy]

If I was just beginning, confidence would certainly be a problem for me, as it usually is with any new thing I try to do. I would go with a new reel.
Not trying to get to much in your busness, Gear ratio may be the question you should be asking about.

[SonofDitka]

I was going to go with the 7.1:1 ratio.

[Down4ttown]

If I was just beginning, confidence would certainly be a problem for me, as it usually is with any new thing I try to do. I would go with a new reel.
Not trying to get to much in your busness, Gear ratio may be the question you should be asking about.

i learned this year and it was easy. I actually did not get a dual brake reel until the last month. Had a few bird nests but nothing to deter me.

[SonofDitka]

Thoughts?

[Tavery5]

What about the fact that when the brake tabs wear or break, you have to replace the whole sideplate brake assembly? Where in a Shimano, you can replace the tabs that come with the reel. Just a thought.

You can replace the tabs only, not that I have ever needed to, but the P/N for the individual tab is 1188219

[West6550]

Thoughts?

No. I have a Silver Max and like it but. $80 then $30 in shipping is too much. Get a BPS PQ. Want to read more? Try the 650 reviews on BassPro.com for the Pro Qualifier... yea it's a great reel, and it's not complicated at all. Honestly baitcasters aren't hard to learn. I just started two years ago on a Abu 5600bcx and had no issues. I just started with braid and tossed heavier lures at first to get the hang of it and had no problems. I never ever set the internal brakes.. ever. Not that that's recommended. I honestly never knew I needed to and it always worked. Get a PQ, read the simple instructions which will help in the long run.. yea all 2 mins of reading and enjoy!

[SonofDitka]

Alright, looks like its the PQ then. I'll have to wait until it goes on sale because shipping to Canada from BPS for that item is $21.50.

My thanks all for your input whether it was PQ or the other fine selections.

[Craig314]

Go to a store try them out, put them on a rod and get what feels good to you as your going to be the one using it, I am a ABU man thats what i learned on and what i use to this day. That being said here is a tip:

Cast out and then pull a few feet off the spool, then put a piece of tape on the spool and reel it back up. When you get a backlash (notice i said when not if,LOL ) you only have to clear down to the tape. The less frustrating the easier it is to learn.

Good luck and be sure to post a picture of your first fish on your new setup.

Craig

[West6550]

Oh yea I forgot about the tape trick!

[Down4ttown]

Thoughts?

That is WAYYYYYYYYY too much. You can find the combo on sale for that sometimes.

[Down4ttown]

I simply said the Pro Max was easiest to learn on. I have 15lb Sunline Flouro and I never backlash on that thing. EVER. I have had backlashes on other reels due to my mistakes, but never on the Pro Max.