30/06
Twelve Pointer
looking for recommendations for general bass fishing. Not looking to break the bank but don’t want to skimp and deal with backlashes. Let me know some good options.
Best baitcaster
- Thread starter 30/06
- Start date
dearjhn
Six Pointer
I have used the basspro brand baitcasters with pretty good luck with them for the price.
bear5
Spike
LEWS
SnowMaker
Ten Pointer
I'm gonna lean towards it doesn't matter you just have to get used to a baitcaster. That said I mostly use Shimano or Lews and both have pros and cons
oldest school
Old Mossy Horns
backlashes will occur with any BC except for one that shimano has - but it's pretty pricey.
Any reel will likely do you well even some house brand reels like BPS.
To eliminate the severe backlashes- throw out a long cast. Strip a little extra line- place a thin piece of "masking" (the white light sticky stuff) tape across the spool.
Now the line cant "blow up "when your thumb isnt as educated as it needs to be.
I cant recommend any specific reel- I have every flavor known to man and they are all better than what i grew up with so I have no issues with any of them.
Second. Also great customer service if needed. I had an operator error and sent me the parts no questions asked. Slowly switching all my main stuff to mostly Lews.
CRC
Old Mossy Horns
Abu Garcia Black Max or Pro Max are good beginner reels
slugoo
Eight Pointer
I like the lews and the abu pro max. Pro max is a bit heavy though. They might have updated the models though.
Im gonna go with CRC on this one. The max reels from abu are good for learning. Some people never go away from them.
lews is a loved brand. I have cast a few of them and they seem like good reels.
lews is a loved brand. I have cast a few of them and they seem like good reels.
gpduxbak
Six Pointer
I really like the shimano SLX. Have a bunch of them and they aren’t too expensive.
shotgunner
Ten Pointer
Sort of like a shotgun........whatever fits you. I think most of the name brand companies make decent reels these days. Even the lower end reels are decent if you don't fish that much. I saw an article or video where someone broke it down by how many days a year you fish. The higher end ones will last much longer. With that said the Lews reels seem to fit my hands and work really well for me. I just got back into bass fishing about 6 or 7 years ago so I bought several brands along the way not knowing what I liked best. I am not gradually switching over to all Lews. Now RODS are a completely different story.
I know everybody is into the low profile stuff now, but the abu ambassador 5500C might be the greatest reel ever made.
oldest school
Old Mossy Horns
They feel like a anvil compared to modern reels. But they sure were a blessing when they arrived on the scene.
Duckmauler dhc
Old Mossy Horns
buckshooter
Old Mossy Horns
I've got 2 like new shimano Lews model BB1 bait casting reels I'll let go for $100 for the pair if yoyr interested.
Don't know too much about them someone could say yay or nay on the quality.
They are listed on page 3 I think in the classified's.
Higgins
Ten Pointer
I'm a big fan of the 4600 C4's most don't like the round reels anymore.
BLOODBROTHER
Twelve Pointer
I suggest not buying a "low end" or "practice reel". You'll figure it out quick enough and it could feel like a waste. Big fan of the Curado. Lews stuff is great too.
oldest school
Old Mossy Horns
That used to be the absolute favorite reel of the high rock area crankers. That is a steal 25 years ago.
Big fan of Lew's reels. Learned on an Ambassadeur 5000D, switched to a 5000C, then a 4500C before I switched to Lew's. They cast well and are about like shaking hands with an old friend.
Jim
Jim
Castle Oak 2
Six Pointer
Shimano. I can't speak to the newer models as I've had the same bantam for 40 years. I've had to repair it only once. Whatever you get, make sure it has the magnetic cast control feature. Helps significantly with the learning process and makes casting in the wind a bit easier.
TobyScreams
Twelve Pointer
Best reel out there that doesn’t break into triple digits is the shimano slx imo. Lews is good on a budget but pay attention to which model. The similarly priced lews ($99.99) aren’t as good as that shimano though.
Deerhuntr
Ten Pointer
For the money Abu Garcia Revo X.
Winnie 70
Ten Pointer
I have several of the Lews BB series that are over 40 years old and all work like new....just keep them oiled and do not believe you could wear one out. Cast like a dream and they were top of the line when Lew Childre introduced the Lews Speed Spool back in 1973. If you put your hands on one, you had to have it. I still fish with mine and keep them spooled up with worms, crank baits, spinners while out on the pond fishing for bass. They are on ebay and are priced with the better reels today, but you will be hard pressed to find a reel that will compare to the older Lews of years ago.
oldest school
Old Mossy Horns
@buckshooter - are you seeing this? Right in your wheelhouse.
Mack in N.C.
Old Mossy Horns
For Bass? I like shimanoes , especially the Calcutta(best all around bait caster) Abus especially the 4600 and 5600 sizes(they are smoother than 4500 and 5500) , I like some of the old millionaires and like a lot of the lews......
But the best caster out there by far is the Varius Spectrum F model by Ryobi. This is the smoothest farthest casting small BC you will ever throw. Yes Ryobi and this model which is different from the regular Varius reels. smoothest reel you will ever touch
For a beginner I would go with Lews
you can get these used from time to time on ebay from 500 to 600 bucks.....worth every penny. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3540377294...yr_4rg_-oTV4SGLr-Z8GQ97ylwsKeE0saAo8OEALw_wcB
.
But the best caster out there by far is the Varius Spectrum F model by Ryobi. This is the smoothest farthest casting small BC you will ever throw. Yes Ryobi and this model which is different from the regular Varius reels. smoothest reel you will ever touch
For a beginner I would go with Lews
you can get these used from time to time on ebay from 500 to 600 bucks.....worth every penny. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3540377294...yr_4rg_-oTV4SGLr-Z8GQ97ylwsKeE0saAo8OEALw_wcB
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Mallard Cutter
Six Pointer
Another vote for the Revo
thelivecanary
Eight Pointer
If you haven't used one you are bound to backlash but it's not a big deal, just start slow and find someone who has a baitcaster and borrow it or have them show you how to use it while fishing with them. If they set it up correctly (magnets and spool brakes) you won't be casting too far but you'll be able to get a really good feel for the tool. It's just a tool and as with any tool it's only as good as the user. You can buy a $500 hammer and chisel but if you ain't Leonardo you'll end up with rocks.
That said, good intro stuff is all pretty comparable Lews, Quantum, Bass Pro, Cabelas, Shimano, or Daiwa. Modern stuff is all pretty good, kinda like, modern cars....they all work!
Lastly, the only way to fix a backlash quickly is to pick out 1,000 of them so you can figure out how they occur and how to clear them. Are they frustrating...yes! But just remember that putting the reel down and finishing the day with a spinning rod is a good tactic. You can work on the backlash at home after a cold drink and a fresh set of non-blood shot eyes haha.
thelivecanary
Eight Pointer
I like my Abu 6601 C4's. I landed this AJ on one. They cast like a dream and have enough drag to handle some beefy salty fish!
