baitcaster

[bobco]

Looking for suggestions on a baitcasting reel, been using Abu 5500 for vertical jigging. Will use with 10-12-lb line, mostly for vertical jigging for Lake Trout and Strippers, some casting, want a thumb bar for easy release....any suggestions from experience....thanks

[NC]

I know most will call me crazy for not going with Abu Garcia, but Shimano makes a baitcaster which is awesome. I think it is called the Curazo or Curado. Around $80.00 or so. Low profile body makes it fun and easy to use and my hands don't get tired while fishing after a number of hours.
Good luck,
NC

[FROGMAN]

I would consider buying a Shimano Corsair 300 if you are used to the round frame reels. Quality all the way.

Hoppy New Year!


Keith Segar
NPAA #260

[RANGER]

Another good reel in the round type is the Shimano Calcutta CT-100 or -150, about $160 to $170. Not to be confused with the TE, which is around $320. The Calcutta is a solid reel and smooth as they get.

Have a Happy New Year!

[Tom B]

I would look at a decent quality, low-profile bass reel. The flipping switch is the cat's meow for easily letting out line when jigging or pulling rigs. I own 6-8 round reels, but find it hard to beat anything with a flippin switch when jigging or rigging.

Tom B

[River_eye]

I would have to second the Corsair 300. I have one, and it's stood up pretty good to all the abuse that I've put it through. I don't think it casts as smooth as similar priced abu garcia's, but it feels nicer in the hand, it has a good casting button and the drag is pretty good too.

[Goldpig]

I would go with the Shimano Castaic. If I remember correctly they are about a hundered and sixty dollars. It is both a low profile reel and has a flipping switch. Great reel for bottom bouncing also.

[Robert]

I have a few Garcia 6500's for casting for muskies, and like them a lot, reasonably priced. I also am interested in a baitcasting set up for trolling for walleyes with and without planerboars, and bottom bouncing. Sounds like most people like the Shimanos. Just wondering what line to use mono, fireline, spiderwire. I have never used mono on a baitcaster.

Thanks,
Rob

[Mattman]

Abu makes a baitcaster that is basically the same as their C3 series except it has a thumb bar. I don't recall the name though. Royal Express?


Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

Matt Davis

[Schnauzer]

I second an earlier post recommending the Shimano Curado. However, I think the price is closer to $120.

[perchjerker]

Tell you what, if you like the Abu Garcias, (I happen to) there is a guy on ebay, I think he owns a pawn shop, that has been selling them, I got a reel (pun) nice one for $30. It was like new, in the box with all the litrature.

[JasonMN]

The Quantum Accurist is also a great reel. It has the thumb bar and flippin switch for easy casting. It runs around $90 if I remember right.

[srj]

bobco, you hit on my favorite type of summer fishing. I generally use fairly heavy jigs--1 1/2 ounce or more--and I have actually worn out some reels in just a few days. I bought a 5500 C3 when they first came out and am still using it. I bought two more a couple years later and they too are still working fine. Smooth and strong. And reasonably priced. As you probably know the C3 stands for 3 ball bearings. No matter what reels you go with--make sure they have at least 2 ball bearings.

[Jbob]

I have to go with the Abu Garcia. The one with the thumb bar is a C4. Try the 5600 C4. It sells for about $74. It has 4 ball bearings with a 6.3to 1 retreive. If you are looking for a low profile reel, check out the Emenence reel. This is only sold at Cabela,s but made by Abu Garcia. This is the same reel minus 1 bearing as the tp3600. This reel sells for about $100.