Best baitcast combo for a beginner

[eddie_m]

I've got a BPS Extreme combo that I've been struggling with for a number of years. Basically, i can't throw anything under half an ounce, and under 3/4 ounce, I'm babying it ridiculously.

So, I just bought a virtually new Team Diawa Viento ($199 reel) for $85 from Shimano4life. I have always wondered if the amount of $ you spend on a casting reel really matters, and it really DOES! I put it on the same BPS Extreme rod and it made a HUGE difference! I love this reel and backlash a fraction of the times I did with my old BPS Extreme combo. My recommendation for a beginner, get a GOOD reel used, and some cheap heavy action or med-heavy action rod. The heavier action produces less backlash because it whips the lure less. He can always replace the rod with a good BPS Carbonlite rod at $99.

[Bucketmouth10]

I just bought one of those Quantum kvd signature series reels and am really impressed with it. The adjustable brake on the side makes it almost impossible to backlash. The brake has 3 different settings and with it set on the lowest you can sling it with everything you've got into 20 mph winds and it not bird's nest on you. It almost spoils you, I've picked up my Revo after throwing the KVD for awhile and spent the next half hour cutting line out . It definitely has my vote for a beginner learning how to throw a baitcaster.

[Bandit1]

Thank you all for all of your input. This help me to narrow down what I will be looking at & for, instead of looking at everything on the rack.



Jason

[offdtop]

you know a "decent" reel that's around $50 is the Abu Garcia silver Maxx, It's not top of the line or for die hard weekend warriors but for a kid it dials in real easy, and is easy to cast. 12lb test is as big as I would go on line size. It is a good reel for the money and I would pair it with a lightning rod medium action that way he wont have any trouble casting a lighter bait. this is the cheaper of the options in case the BPS isn't in your price range. But I will tell you a good spinning outfit goes a long way too...... IMHO

[kygorski]

First get the left hand model, it does not make sence to change hands when starting fishing.Start with mono. BPS will set you bacl less than 150 bucks for a good outfit.Why left handed?, because there will come a time when he picks up a good spinning outfit, and maybe will stick with that set up.

[walkeraviator]

you know a "decent" reel that's around $50 is the Abu Garcia silver Maxx, It's not top of the line or for die hard weekend warriors but for a kid it dials in real easy, and is easy to cast. 12lb test is as big as I would go on line size. It is a good reel for the money and I would pair it with a lightning rod medium action that way he wont have any trouble casting a lighter bait. this is the cheaper of the options in case the BPS isn't in your price range. But I will tell you a good spinning outfit goes a long way too...... IMHO

Dicks has a Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 as a package right now... great deal i think for a beginner. Personally, I learned on old school round reels with crappy brakes. I think teachin em on something that is TOO easy to cast doesnt teach em thumb control or how to cast in the wind very well. Start em off on something that makes em work at it... then let em get into equipment that makes it easier on em.

[breezy]

Dicks has a Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 as a package right now... great deal i think for a beginner. Personally, I learned on old school round reels with crappy brakes. I think teachin em on something that is TOO easy to cast doesnt teach em thumb control or how to cast in the wind very well. Start em off on something that makes em work at it... then let em get into equipment that makes it easier on em.

I second the Black/Silver Max recommendations. These reels cast extremely well for the price range ($50-$60). The difference between a black max and revo when casting is minimal. The Revo feels like it is more sturdy and slightly smoother, but overall the black max is a great reel. BPS has a black max combo with a 6'6 MH abu garcia rod for $60 too.

[09Z7SC]

Dicks has a Silver Max on a Berkley Lightning Rod Custom for $50 as a package right now... great deal i think for a beginner. Personally, I learned on old school round reels with crappy brakes. I think teachin em on something that is TOO easy to cast doesnt teach em thumb control or how to cast in the wind very well. Start em off on something that makes em work at it... then let em get into equipment that makes it easier on em.

This is a good combo, but oil the reel before using it. I had one that would not engage properly until I oiled the assembly where the gears are. When it was cold, it would freeze up. After I disassembled and oiled/greased it, it has worked great since.