what's a good baitcaster?

[walleye wisdom]

I know Shimanno is an Excellent reel company but what other ones do you people like and why? Thanks in advance.

[Thunderstick]

Abu Garcia puts out a lot of fine reels. The C3 and C4 series are tough, well built reels and my personal favorites for walleye and pike. I bought my first one (an old 5000 D) back in 1975 and I've used it on every fishing trip since with no more maintenence than a dab of oil now and then. Last year I bought a 6500 C4 and it has become my favorite "thumb-burner" reel. Highly recommended. Give them a good look before you buy anything else.

[DennisW]

If you are a beginner at using a baitcasting reel, I would suggest starting out with a Quantum 1310 MG. It is fairly inexpensive, rugged, and forgiving in the backlash department. If you are experienced with baitcasters, and are fairly adroit at using them, there are none finer than the Shimano Caluttas. My favorite is the 400, large line capacity, and rugged enough for any freshwater fish. I once landed a a 48 lb. mahi-mahi with mine. (Cozumel, Mexico) -

[Mark Brumbaugh]

What type of baitcaster? For trolling I use the ABU-GARCIA 5600 uc. This is a all around good reel for trolling or casting. for bottom bouncers I like the ABU T3000. this is a low profile that has a flipping switch and this so you can lower the rig down and not have to crank the reel handle, also fits in your hand better than the round reels. Also ABU-GARCIA will have line counters to go on the C3 type of reels(5500,6500)that will be a ad on to the reels that you already have then you can have a good casting reel that will last and a trolling reel also. Hope this helped.
Mark Brumbaugh

[Phil T.]

I bought my first Shimano Calcutta last year, and love it. I also bought an Abu C-4 for the faster retrieve speed, and so far it has also been very good, and half the price of the Calcutta. Still my favorite is a 1963 vintage Abu 5500, but the new ones aren't of that quality any more. I have a "Tournament" series Abu, a 3600 I think. It's not as handy as a trolling reel, because the levelwind disengages when casting or spooling out line. I don't have a Quantum 1310, I chose the heavier duty 1420 for the bait clicker. It seems to be loosening up after not very much use.

[Jon 'eye']

I bought a Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 ci in 1992. It is the most dependable reel I have ever owned.

Jon 'eye'

[Minnkotaguy(Mn)]

The Mitchel Copper Head Bait catster is an awsome reel. Also the Spidercast Pros are also good choices.

[Chris K]

I use the Shimano Castaic for my bottom bouncing reels. They have what they call an instage clutch bar that is far superior to any of the flipping switches that I have seen on the market. You depress the thumb bar to engage the spool into free spooling mode than press up on the clutch to lock it in. If you are holding onto a kicker with ane hand you can easily use the reel with one hand to adjust depth, as well as let out more line as needed. You don't have to hold the thumb bar down manually to let line out, it is held down until you flip up the instage clutch. It costs a bit more than a Bantam Curado but is my favourite choice to reach for when I am bottom bouncing. Hope this helps, Chris.

[drewski]

I am just getting back to using baitcasters, and bought a Daiwa Triforce 150iv. It casts beautifully, and is easy to use. Spent about $30 for it and I'm going to run it through the paces to see how it does. Good luck.

[John N]

Since you need the view of one more reel expert, here's my $0.02: I've really enjoyed the left hand retrieve baitcasters (I'm right handed) so that I don't have to switch hands after each cast. Also, I have a decided preference for the low profile reels, they just fit my hand better. My favorite round is a 251 Calcutta, favorite low profile is a lefty Curado (available in two retrieve speeds). Many fine reels out there, but the lefty and low profile characteristics might be worth a thought. Good fishing, John.

[Gunga Din]

Hi Chris,

I've been eyeing the Castaic, and like the flipping switch. But how is it when used for casting? How would you compare it for casting to a Calcutta? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Chris K]

Hi Gunga Din. I have had no problems with casting the Castaic at all. I also have a Curado and the only reason I like the Castaic more is because of the instage clutch. It is the same for ball bearings as the Curado(4 stainless steel and one one way roller bearing), but it just has the instage clutch added. I have used a few Calcuttas but I prefer the low profile baitcasters myself. I also like how on the lower profile models like the Curado or Castaic, they are easier to get at to adjust the VBS brakes quickly, without having to unscrew and take apart the reel. Just open the black hatch on the side, loosten it and pop the brakes in or out depending on what settings you are comfortable with, put the hatch on and tighten it back down. I can't wait to pick up a new Chronarch with the wiffle spool for casting cranks this year. If you want a reel for bottom bouncing and casting, I feel that you can't go wrong with the Castaic. Chris

[walleye wisdom]

Thanks all. I think i'm set on a Abu Garcia C-Series. I already own a Castic and enjoy it but i wanted to try something else thanks for the help.