Bait Casting Reels...which one?

[Bonefish]

I am a spincast person for the most part, but I do fish with an older model Shimano baitcaster. I am interested in updating but there are so many options and the cost follows those options. I thought I would ask you guys who fish everday with a baitcaster for your opinion. I am not so sure the most expensive is necessary to catch fish, but I am sure some options are nice to have. I am interested in a Shimano Citica, Curado, or Castaic. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[virgilk]

If you are wanting a reel that will stand up to years of use I have a 5000 Ambassadeur I bought in 63 that is as good as new. I have 5 of different sizes and all are durable. If your after ease of cast, it's hard to beat Curado and the BPS are hard to beat. I just bought an extreame 5 bearing and it cast great. I like the left hand reels because I don't have to change hands. If you get both hands it relieves the strain on the hand you use the most.I have over 20 sets split right and left from 5 to 7 retrive ratio and they all have their use. 7 is great for buzzbaits.

[EJHick]

Personally I am partial to Quantum Enery reels. You can't beat a curado though. I have had a couple BPS extreme reels...will never buy another. I like the reel BUT I have had two come completely apart with the side face falling in the water. I have made sure it is tightened down, don't know if it unloosens itself through mutliple casting or what? Just my 2.

[plowboy]

That's funny EJHick. I have just the opposite problem. I ordered two of last years top of the line Quantums and both made noise but I've never had a problem with a BPS reel. I guess you can get a lemon in any brand. I may be crazy but I swear I believe me Extremes will cast better than my Curado's. And they are the super free models. Might just be in my mind but on something light like a crank bait I can't get the distance with the Curado. I've ajusted both brakes but the Extremes still seem smoother. I'm sure the Shimano's will last longer but so far so good with BPS.

[plowboy]

I have Curado's that I paid $150 dollars for. I also have some Bass Pro Shop Extremes. I find my self picking up the extreme more than the Shimano. I have 2 of them and they have never given any problem. Both are great reels. You can get the extreme on sale now for about $49. If you can find and old model Curado you should be able to pick one up for a little over $100. The newer model they just came out with is closer to $200. The Extreme reel and rod combo at $114 dollars is a hard combo to beat for the money. All my fishing friends agree. The extremes let you adjust the braking from outside the reel also. The Shimano Citica has been updated this year and sells for $119, might be worth a look. I am a Shimano man but when they are on sale I can buy 3 Extremes for the price of one Curado and they stand behind the warranty so the extreme gets my vote. I just bought 2 high end $200 dollar Quantums and had to send both of them back for a loud noise when casting so I would not recomend them at this time. Good Luck.

[Bonefish]

Thanks so much for your replies!

[ranimated]

I recently bought a Quantum Accurist PT at walmart for $99. They sell on BPS for $119. So far, I like it as well if not better than my curado and calcutta. Time will tell as far as if it can take a licking and keep on ticking. Still, it's a good deal.

[Bonefish]

I am curious if any of you guys use left-handed reels even if you are right-handed to keep from changing hands after a cast. I also use spinning reels so it is eaiser for me to use the left-handed.

[fishincreek]

Left handed is the WAY to go. You won't regret it. Cabela's just had a "Prodigy" marked down on their website and so far it is one sweet reel. I like it better than my Curado. Changing hands after EVERY cast just wasn't my cup of tea.

[scaly1]

This has been precisely the case for me. After years of using nothing but spinning gear, I decided to give baitcasters a whirl. Casting right and retrieving left just feels more natural to me. You should really try a left hand reel before you buy one if possible.

[plowboy]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Apr-28-06 AT 06:26PM (EST)[/font][p]Yes sir. Right handed and only use left handed reels. Never switch hands and can set the hook instantly even when pictching. It just seems natural. Why switch hands, why set the hook with your weaker arm, thats why many pro's teach themselves to fish with the oppisite hand. Some can use both. Also I don't think it's strange to fish left handed if you are right handed. Most of the work is done with the right hand when using a left handed reel. Casting, hoping a jig, setting the hook, feeling for a small thump, feathering the spool, etc. The only thing you do with your left is basically take up line. The only time this would be helpful is when you are cranking, burning a spinner bait (rattle trap) or doing alot of chunk and wind type fishing. Even with hard jerkbaits most of the work is done with the rod hand. But I understand all you guys that learned with a right hander is is very hard to switch back. Any other sport you use you dominant hand for the majority of hand work. Fishing is the only sport that I can think of right hander use the left hand for the majority of the work. I'm sure I'll hear greif over this but its just an opinion. I've caught lots of bass pitching that hit the lure the instant it hit the water and not switching hands and setting the hook imediately put more of them in the boat.

[Bonefish]

One of the reasons I brought up the subject was when you go to buy a left handed reel, they do not have them in stock and have to order one for you in most instances. However, thanks for sharing your thoughts because I think a lot people who have fished with a spinning real and want to go to baitcasting question right vs left. I have to agre that it is much more efficient to not change hands. I have decided on the Shimano Citica but had to have it order in the left-handed model. Thanks again for your replies.