Looking for a baitcaster.

[drjochum73]

I would suggest a Quantum PT Energy reel. I have fished with other brands, and while all are usually comparable in the same price range, Quantum seems the most comfortable for me when fishing all day. I usually pear it up with a Quantum 6'6" PT Energy rod or an Abu Garcia 6'6" Veritas rod. Good performance system under $300.00. Good Luck deciding.

Dan

http://evansvillebassmasters.webs.com

[jdw174]

I have the Revo, the Curado, the pro qualifier(bps) and recently hit Tackle Warehouse for a Pflueger Patriarch. The Pflueger is so smooth it is scary. Has 11 bb and and I would change all of my reels to that if I could afford to.

I bought two of those when TW had them on sale for $109 (retail $199) and have to agree on the smoothness. They cast a country mile.

[MLTSPCS]

There are many reels of good quality on the market in that price range. You can go to a place like BPS and try one out. In the past they have either had a reel I wanted to try out prespooled or put some line on a display and let me try it out. As with rods, everyone has their own opinion on brands and models. I saw you mentioned having to use a lot of weight to get good casting distance. If you want to throw light baits and get good distance the BPS Prolite series is a good reel in your price range. I have one on a 6'6" ML Prolite finesse rod that I absolutely love. I can sling a 1/8 oz. bait pretty good with it and I love the sensitvity of the rod. Been a while since I checked, but I'm thinking you can get the combo for around $160 and just the rod or reel for around $90 a piece. I have other combos that I prefer for different techniques, but for lighter lures I almost always use this set-up. Good luck with whatever you purchase, but I highly recommend trying out a few for yourself before you make a purchase. In today's economy $80-100 is too much to spend for something you end up not liking or using. Let us know what you go with and how you like it. I always like to see other opinions to get an idea before making my own selections. Also, as others have mentioned, the curados, citicas, and chronarchs are great but since it starts off a little cheaper the Prolite can probably be had for less if you decide to go the ebay route.

[Raydaver]

I'd wait until BPS spring sale and trade in an old reel for a discount on a higher priced one. Sometimes they have the reel on sale you want and then get the discount on top of that. This past year I bought a Pro Qualifier Baitcast Reel. Smooth reel, one of my best now. I try to hold off buying anything this time of year. Then when the spring sale comes, I make a list at home and then stock up on everything for the years fishing season. Save some $$$$$$ , Then I can loose what I save in a tournament !!!!

[kyjake]

If looking for cheap that works well the Abu black max and silver max work good.Fished a black max for two seasons until the pawl-worm gave out about a month ago.This was probably my fault as I fished it saltwater for a month and didn't clean and lube when I returned.As far as using this cheap reel worked as good and smooth as any reel.Could toss 1/8 oz. at night with braid without backlashing.Was going to go with a Shamino but ran into a great deal on a Silver Max which is on order now.Will also keep on the lookout for one of the smaller Shamino's that is on sale or buy a used one from Gloumis.
Jake

[Rico13]

Thanks everyone, not that my decision is going to be much easier though

[smuckey41]

The bps pro qualifiers are good reels I have two of them and they work great. And I got them for like 89 dollars on sale. I love my abu Garcia reels the revo sx I have two of those and their my favorite they run 169 dollars and smooth as silk. But for a hundred dollars or less you can get the pro qualifiers and they will get the job done with no complaints from me.

[offdtop]

Thanks everyone, not that my decision is going to be much easier though

Rico - Definately check out the New Lews Speed Spool!!! They run around $75-$90. I have bought three and I will buy more as needed, I fished 20+ tournaments with many many hours/days practicing and they still cast like a dream. I have been a Shimano guy for years but I think that has changed!!!

[Col Forbin]

Rico - Definately check out the New Lews Speed Spool!!! They run around $75-$90. I have bought three and I will buy more as needed, I fished 20+ tournaments with many many hours/days practicing and they still cast like a dream. I have been a Shimano guy for years but I think that has changed!!!

This was going to be my suggestion as well. I still like my curado's, but the new Lews are hard to beat for the price.

[burt.fishin]

I second anything made by shimano! They make quality long lasting gear, I have bantam baitcasters from the early-mid 90's that have never been cleaned that still run like a champ.

[AndrewG]

The Citica by Shimano is a good real for the money and it's in your price range.

[Bumblebee_1]

I never thought I would do it but I bought a BPS Pro Qualifier a few months back. I have had it out a couple of times and I really like it. Right now this reel and the light weight version, carbon this composite that, are both on sale for $89. If you believe the ratings both would make a very good reel in your price range.

Good Luck!
Bumblebee