beginers baitcaster?

Nuggert · #1 08-11-2011, 08:07 AM

g'day all
down the track im thinking of trying to master the use of a baitcaster and i am wondering what is a good baitcaster for someone starting out. probbbley spend about 100 dollars.
hope to hear from uses
cheers Nuggert

Backlashed · #2 08-11-2011, 09:41 AM

I started fishing with a baitcaster some 15 years ago.. I started as you are wanting to do, with something cheap.. I think that mine was a Butterworth, and it was just under $100.. It did the job, but only just, and broke after about 6 months use..

I then bought a Shimano Chronarch.. I learned very quickly that there was about $800 difference between a $100 reel, and a $450 reel... Using the Chronarch was like comparing a Rolls Royce to a Smart Car... It was such a pleasure to use the Chronarch, and I still prefer to use it over a spin combo..

I only wished that not wasted my money buying the cheaper reel, and bought the Chronarch straight up..

So my advive is this...

Buy the best baitcasting reel that you can afford, as it may save you having to buy twice.. (and if you dont like it, sell it..)

There are two types of baitcaster, the overhead type like the Shimano Calcutta, and the lower profile reel like the Chronarch.. Try both types on a rod, and see which you prefer..

Decide if you wish to wind right or left handed.. I am not aware of any baitcasters that do both left and right hand like a spin reel, and there seems to be less choice in left handed reels..

Due to not being familiar with modern baitcasters, I cant really recommend a specific reel, with one exception.. The Shimano Calcutta 100 (or 200).. I have seen anglers do some terrible things to these reels, and they just keep coming back for more.. A mate has one that is coming up on 17 years old, and despite some heavy use over the years, the only problem he has had with it is that one of the spool bearings is now a bit noisy..

Cheers

Mark..

tchoklat · #3 08-11-2011, 12:48 PM

Great advice! An option might be to buy a second hand ABU 5500 and send it to D&H Reel Repairs (google this) to get a Mag Casting control and Carbontex drag put in it. You will end up with a hard to break first class casting reel that will handle most things!

boris · #4 08-11-2011, 06:09 PM

my advice would be to get something quality but not too dear to start with.

I learnt with a pfleuger echelon and it was a fantastic reel and only about $100 and it's still going strong that was 4 years ago.

If you wanna go up in price range the quantum smoke will be my next reel and there around $200-$250 and light as a fether for an all aluminium reel.

chris268 · #5 08-11-2011, 06:52 PM

My first and still only baitcaster is an Abu Garcia Revo S.
I've taken it fishing once but have used it a few times just practicing with casting plugs. It's pretty good and was easy to learn on. As long as you know how to set the reel up properly, you shouldn't have too many issues with knots.

At about $100, there are a few entry level Shimano, Daiwa and Abu Garcia models you can look at. Shimano Caenan would probably be my pick at that price.

stella fella · #6 08-11-2011, 06:58 PM

I have a pflueger president up for grabs pm me if you're interested.

Tom91 · #7 08-11-2011, 07:37 PM

Pflueger echelon is an awesome baitcaster, incredibly smooth to use and can cast a long way, if your are looking for something to begin with i would highly recommend the echelon as I have had mine for well over a year and its still perfect.

Squidgy96 · #8 08-11-2011, 08:20 PM

Shimano caenan my friend

Fishing24/7 · #9 09-11-2011, 02:51 AM

I also started using an echelon 3 or 4 years ago and it still works perfectly and only for $100.

Nuggert · #10 09-11-2011, 04:15 AM

cheers guys for advice one quick question whats the diiferent between a low profile baitcaster and the barrel baitcaster?

chris268 · #11 09-11-2011, 04:46 AM

google some images of both and you'll see straight away.
barrel is more of a cylinder shape, low profile is much small so you can "palm" it easier

-Pivot- · #12 09-11-2011, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggert

g'day all
down the track im thinking of trying to master the use of a baitcaster and i am wondering what is a good baitcaster for someone starting out. probbbley spend about 100 dollars.
hope to hear from uses
cheers Nuggert

Get a Shimano.

Spend the little extra and get a caenan, or if you CAN get a Citica E series as they SHOULD be on discontinued pricing.

-Pivot- · #13 09-11-2011, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggert

cheers guys for advice one quick question whats the diiferent between a low profile baitcaster and the barrel baitcaster?

Barrel Baitcaster: http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=Sh...0&tx=116&ty=58

Low Profile Baitcaster: http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=Sh...0&tx=104&ty=66

Nuggert · #14 09-11-2011, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Pivot-

Barrel Baitcaster: http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=Sh...0&tx=116&ty=58

Low Profile Baitcaster: http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=Sh...0&tx=104&ty=66

sorry guys i ment by whats the difference like is better than the other at casting lures or using bait , and which one is better for diiferent applications etc. sorry about that

Backlashed · #15 09-11-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nuggert

sorry guys i ment by whats the difference like is better than the other at casting lures or using bait , and which one is better for diiferent applications etc. sorry about that

From a fishing point of view, IMO there is no difference between the two types of reels..

I have used both types, and find that they cast lures, and baitfish equally well, but because of how I hold a baitcaster, I find the low profile unit more comfortable..

Basically it comes down to personal preference, and which one you prefer to fish with..