Best baitcaster for the money?

[cagoodwn]

I'm looking to get a new baitcaster setup. Rod and reel. I will primarily be using it for throwing traps, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. What rod length/weight and reel ratio to you guys suggest. Also I'm on somewhat of a tight budget...say around the $100-130 price range. Maybe a combo deal from bass pro would suite me. Anyways open to any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[RangerRob]

I would have to give a nod to an ABU 4600 C3. It's not an ultra-fast reel (5:1 or 5.3:1 ... something like that) but you don't need more for the baits mentioned. Those reels are dependable and cheap too. As for the rod - don't get less than a 6'6", but the action will depend largely on the line weight - and more importantly - the running depth and weight of the lures you'll be throwing. If you tend to throw lighter baits, get a medium action. If you tend to throw heavier weights, get a med/hvy. Just remember that rod actions are subjective and there's a huge variance from one brand to the next. My advice would be to buy the rod "hands on" instead of ordering the wrong thing.

My .02

 

[drumking]

Good advice, RR. My money is always on Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels. I have several different models.

 

[MooseKnuckle]

Acadamy Sports was advertising last week, that they had a Shimano Citica combo for $119. Don't know what kind of rod it was on, but that price is what BP sells the reel itself for.

 

[Fat Albert]

<font color="#ff0066">I got a new SPRING CATALOG from BPS yesterday.  they have some combos listed and sure good money savings.  I have a Berkley Lighting Rod that I bought in 84 that I throw traps with and it is a good'un.  </font></p>

<font color="#ff0066">6' 6"  med action and they have it listed for 39.95.  I'm using 12 test on it and it is gooooodd.  4600c is a good one... </font></p>

 

[BigFishGuide]

Ambassduer Reels are the way to go less expensive and YOU CAN WORK ON THEM.

I would get a wide spool at least a 5500 if you are not familier (msp?) with a bait casters. Wide spool allows you to pick out those bird's nest a little easier. Amd put more line on it for smoother casting.

7' med. action to med. heavy rod will be sufficient with 8 to 10 guides. I'm like RR feel has everything to do with a rod and I like to buy my rods where I can actually pick them up and feel the cork, balance and how fast a tip the rod may have.

 

[cagoodwn]

Sounds like I can't go wrong with the C3.

 

[Gator]

ALL that I use in the baitcaster type is "low profile" Abu Garcia. I have 5 and all still work great after over 20 years.

 

[J-Dub]

I finally decided to go with Abu reels after years of buying other brands and having problems. Most of my granddad's and uncles reels are about 30 yr. + old so I figured if they held up that long for them. I've just about got all 5501 C3's, lefty, and found that I can almost stick them in a bucket of sand and still use them with little maintenance. As far as rods I know there were some posts of some All Star rods going for $50 but I don't know if that's still going on but the Abu line of reels are relatively inexpensive and hold up well for me.

 

[polo-dog]

You could buy two or three reels or more if you get them on ebay. I have bought 4 or 5 Abu Garcia 4600c's in the last year or so and didn't spend more than $30. Some were brand new and some were used but new and used are just as good. There are tons of parts out there for these reels and you can throw smaller lures more easily than with the 5500c. I have two of the 5500c's also and really like them too but I tried a 4600c that Jmax had been using and was sold on them. If I had $130 dollars to spend I'd get two or three set ups on ebay rather than getting them retail. I'm just cheap I guess.

 

[Jmax]

Polo you have been hanging around me too much and my cheapness is rubbing off on to you.emoPoke Yep, the ABU C3's are hard to beat for the money, dependability and long lasting. Fat Albert said my rod and reels are antiques.emoRolleyes Jmax

 

[Fat Albert]

Jmax - 3/14/2007 9:42 PM Polo you have been hanging around me too much and my cheapness is rubbing off on to you.emoPoke Yep, the ABU C3's are hard to beat for the money, dependability and long lasting. Fat Albert said my rod and reels are antiques.emoRolleyes Jmax

</p>



<font color="#ff0066">Yes, the rods are ANTIQUES, but they are good for another 10 years now...LOL

</font></p>

 

[fishinvol]

My favorite baitcaster is a bass pro shops viper. You can only find them on ebay, You can probably get one for 30-40 bucks. I have had no problems at all and it's got a good ratio( 6:3:1 I think) ,not to mention it cast a mile. I love it!! Here is some features I found on ebay.



7 Stainless Steel Bearing System
6.3:1 High Speed Gear Ratio
Low-Profile
High-Speed
Titanium Nitride Line Guide
Machined Vented Perforated Aluminum Spool
Power-Lock Instant Anti-Reverse
Star Drag System with Click Control
1-Piece Anodized Aluminum Frame
Push Button Side Cover
Advanced Inertial Transfer Braking System (ITB)
100% External Adjustment
Thumb Bar
Line Capacity: 12lb/150yds
28" Line Recovery

 

[Guest]

I bought a KVD basspro combo a last year with a 6.3:1 and a 6.6ft medium heavy. A great rod and real, several rod options in the price range you mentioned. And the best part you can get it in the left handed model to make it easier to flip without having to change hands or learn new skills.