Best Baitcaster......Help!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Fluke]

I hope someone out there can help me. I am in the market for a new bait caster. Not being able to test out every one, I thought I would see what you guys think. I am used to fishing light tackle spinning reels but have found the need to upgrade. Most of my buddies fish with Abu Garcia and speak highly of them. I would like a more biased opinion. I mostly fish for Bass and Crappie in shallow waters but have been starting to fish a lot of docks and things where it would be better to flip and jig. Any reply's would be highly apprieciatedemoAngel

 

[DoubleB]

In my limited experience I've used and owened both Abu Garcia and Quatum. Like I've said, my experience is limited, but My Quantums have more and better features than the AG, but my AGs have lasted FOREVER. 2 were passed down from my dad in my teen years that I still have and use today, 15 years later...

 

[The Fluke]

Thanks DB,
My brother-in-law loves Quantum also. I've been a fisherman all my life but had to give it up for a while to get the family started.....Now, I have more time to get out since the kids are getting bigger and felt like I have lost my bearings on all that is going on....I used to love Shimono reels but it seems they have changed a lot over the years. I will go look at the Quatums...Thanks for the reply

 

[churly]

Shimano makes the best baitcasters in my opinion. They seem to handle all the wear I put on them. You get what you pay for.

 

[fishinvol]

I like all sorts. I have phleugar (sp?), and a bass pro shops . All ork well and have handled anything I've thrown at them. I have owned a few shimanos and they are ok. Just like others better.

 

[J-Dub]

For durability over the long haul I think you can't go wrong with Abu Garcias. Easy to maintain, built like a tank. If you want to go for a 'wow' factor from people at the ramp/dock then get some high end Shimano or Quantum and spend several hundred bucks. Not me. I just ripped the gears out of my last remaining Shimano two weeks ago chucking a rat-l-trap in a tournament. Never again. I've yet to have a single problem from my Abu 5501c3's and some I've gotten off Ebay pretty cheap.

 

[ranman]

You're going to get about a thousand answers to that question because we are all happy with what we own.With that said,shimano is the bestemoSmile

 

[dtw2]

For the price you can't beat ABU Garcia'semoCool

 

[The Fluke]

Thanks all Reply's,

Abu's are in the lead......I did check on E-bay. I can get a refurbished (sp?) 5503 C3 for around $25 with shipping...Not bad and worth a shot....

 

[beetlespin]

The new ABu Reve SX and STX are probably the best on the market right now for the features you get at the price. After that I would pick Daiwa or Shimano. I like the Daiwa reels but they are about 100 bucks higher for the same features as the revo's.

Lance

 

[Andrew]

There is no best. Just whatever your comfortable with. Just make sure it fits good in your hands long its on the rod.

Now, i'll go with abu also. The revo stxhs is one of the best reels i've ever owned.

 

[Fat Albert]

<font color="#ff0066">Mr. Fluke,,,,take a good look on E-Bay for the Quantum 1310MG... I saw some not too long ago for some nice prices....Wal-Mart has the 1310MGC for about 57 bucks...I guess the "C" is for classic...me and the Madbomber have used them for many years and they are still working just fine...good and smooth...  FA

</font>

 

[drumking]

beetlespin - 3/27/2007 10:06 AM

The new ABu Reve SX and STX are probably the best on the market right now for the features you get at the price. After that I would pick Daiwa or Shimano. I like the Daiwa reels but they are about 100 bucks higher for the same features as the revo's.

Lance

Lance, where have you been? This is the first post from you in a long time. Babies keeping you busy? How's the family?

 

[Buoy-Master]

Speaking of baitcasters. Diane is gonna KILL ME. I just left Soddy Custom with another Shimano rod and Citica reel..

 </p>

Anyone got a spare couch with pillow and blanket?</p>

 

[tmwalkr]

It took me longer than most to be able to successfully throw a baitcaster but as many folks have already mentioned shimano is the best!! I got a hold of the curado 200 which has been replaced with a more expensive unit now and I guess they quit making the curado but wow I was ever a quick learner with that one . They are my favorite and I also happen to notice them in most tournament fisherman's boats emoThumbsup Oh yeah I almost forgot you can still buy the off of ebay.

 

[foodsaver]

BBass

Yeah buddy come on over! I know exactly what you are talking about

 

[sdfd504]

You can't go wrong with a Daiwa in my opinion. The Advantage series of reels is a great reel for the money and as you move on up the Fuego, SOL, and Zillion are all awesome reels as well. I have used them all and they are super smooth and will last you for years to come.

 

[Guest]

Ambassadeurs will last a long time but to me they are heavy and awkward for bass fishing. I like Shimano baitcasters for chunk and wind fishing. I am hard on equipment and the Curado, Castaic, and Calcutta are the Shimano models that are light and strong and will stand the test of time. Be careful not to buy the cheap ones though if you are going to fish a lot.

Cheez