Quality inexpensive baitcast reel?

[BigEZ]

Looking for a quality brand and model that won't break the bank, won't drive me crazy with snags, and has the power to pull the tanks that I dream about catching out of their snaggy messes.

Any advice?
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[RockyRaab]

I bought an Abu Garcia Silver Max (with flipping switch), 6+1 bearings, 6.4:1 retrieve, and 150-yard capacity for $49.99 at Scheels. On sale now.

Also picked up a 6'-6" medium power Pro Angler Scheels rod and the package was under $100.

I'm really happy with it so far.
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[fishnate]

Bass Pro Shops has great reels. I've purchased several of their reel models ($50 to $90) and have played with the Tourney Specials that are $50 and they seem solid. Free shipping promo right now too
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[gstott]

It all depends what you consider inexpensive. I'm rather partial to the Lew's Speed Spool which retails for around $100. It is very smooth and casts a mile.
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[CoyoteSpinner]

what little experience I've had with baitcasting reels (birds-nest makers more like! - for the unpracticed me anyway) - inexpensive and quality don't go together.

I've had some cheap rod-reel combos, and, well - you get what you pay for. Went for a cheap baitcaster, and well, it's pretty crappy. Got a nicer one - retails for $150 (I'd have to check the brand/model) for a wicked $40 sale, and I'll say - NIGHT AND DAY! The guy at Big-5 walked me through the bells and whistles, and explained how the higher quality model had all these adjustable doo-hickey-McBobs, and lordy lordy - what a difference it made.

One of the reel [crazy] keys was to set the tension (not drag) for each lure being used. So it's tight enough to hold it from slipping when held up, but barely tighter than that.

I still have a stupid fat thumb that needs some serious training, but he also gave me pointers on unspooling those tangled up webs we weave. I still feel like Dorf fishing with it when I cast straight down or straight up - so the next great tip was to cast side-arm instead. PING!

Still gots lots to learn, but isn't that part of the enjoyment of this sport?

[Bassin_Blitz]

I would agree with GStott go with a lews speed spool $99

I have 10 of them and have zero problems in 2 years of use
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[BigEZ]

I really appreciate the advice. Thank you all.
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[utahgolf]

I have a daiwa exceler, I think it was 70 bucks, I like it a lot. This was my first baitcaster and its really smooth and hard to bird nest if you set the magnets and the tension knob tight, which I had to do all of that in the beginning but as I progressed I dialed everything looser and it was a great reel. I've had it for two years and used it on bass, muskie, pike, and it was dunked quite a few times and held up nicely. I had it paired with a medium heavy, 7'1 rod.. I'll upgrade this year though to something pricier as I'm now ready for the benefits and can appreciate a nicer reel.
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[Duckbutter]

[quote gstott]It all depends what you consider inexpensive. I'm rather partial to the Lew's Speed Spool which retails for around $100. It is very smooth and casts a mile.[/quote]

+1 for the Lew's. Great for the price.
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[BigEZ]

I settled on the abu garcia silver max 6.4:1. Laced it with Power Pro braid 20lb. Now I need to take some time to set the reel up so I'm not trying to fix a rat's nest.
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[RockyRaab]

Read the instructions. Start by setting the magnetic brake at "zero" and then adjust the tension knob (on the crank handle side) with a lure tied on.

Once you can cast with almost no overrun, bring the magnetic brake up a tiny bit and you should be done. Note that you'll have to re-adjust if lure weight changes much.
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[k2muskie]

...with lure tied on press thumb release and adjust to lure weight. Lure should fall slowly but steady. Once lure hits the ground or water the reel should stop turning. If lure drops to fast and reel continues to turn that's when you'll end up with birds nests.

Using a baitcaster takes practice but once you've mastered this style reel, at least for us you'll never go back to any other style reel (except for ice fishing maybe). Oh and you'll see it will cast them lures a good distance farther than a spinning or closed face reel.

Lots of youtube videos on using a baitcaster...good luck and practice, practice, practice is my advise.
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[BigEZ]

I sure appreciate the advice. I've had nothing but trouble with bait casting reels in the past, but then I've always bought them out of bargain bins and had no clue how to adjust them.
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[albinotrout]

My first baitcaster was a cheap combo. First trip I took it on was lake Powell. My buddy noticed that my skill increased by the end of the trip. Since then I have purchased many more and still love them. The key as mentioned is to get them set right and they will be easier to use and learn.
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[utahgolf]

just takes practice like others have said. practice pitching in your yard with heaver jigs, like 3/4 ounce stuff, pitching helped me really get down my touch and stopping the spool with my thumb and helped decrease overruns dramatically in the beginning. Lots of good youtube videos as well. I love a baitcaster now and rarely ever bird nest, Like some others have said, it's like a stick shift, hard in the beginning but more options. there's also a cool trick on how to get a birds nest out without cutting it. Just google getting out a bird nest with thumb trick. it saved me quite a few times early on.
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[k2muskie]

I see you lined with PP. Did you put any mono backing on first? If not the PP if you hook into nice fish will bite down and cause reel spool to spin. Just so you know. We always reel up our bait casters with at least 10 maybe more revolutions on spool with mono then uni knot PP braid to mono. This will prevent spool from spinning if you hook into a nice sized fish. Lesson learned way back on that lost a beast because of it.
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[BigEZ]

I had Cabelas load it and they started with a few feet of mono to get it started. It's the first time I've purchased braid so it's good I had them do it.

Thank you for asking.

So I'm getting conflicting info on how to start setting it up. The big round knob I will start off at tight and loosen it until the lure drops slowly and doesn't over run. But what about the magnetic brake? Set it fully tight first or fully loose? I've seen both.
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[BridgerM]

I see you already made the purchase. I can't comment on that one, as im still new to bc reels myself. I was going to suggest ksl. I picked up three curados this winter(two of the B series, and a size 50 in the E) all for good prices. Sometimes you can find a nice deal.

You've gotten some good advice on how to set it up initially, that makes all the difference when you start.
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[Kent]

[quote utahgolf]

Just google getting out a bird nest with thumb trick. it saved me quite a few times early on.

[/quote]

Thanks for that tip! I watched the 2 1/2 minute video and I can hardly wait to give it a try. I use a baitcaster occasionally locally, but often use them when sturgeon fishing.
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[Kalastaja]

One way to increase the overall performance of the reel is to "super tune" it. This will help with casting distance, smoothness, ability to cast lighter weight, and is a good way to familiarize yourself with your reel. Just google how to super tune a baitcaster. You will need some tools, but it's a fun project, and if properly tuned you will be amazed at the results.

Good luck-
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