Which New Baitcasting Reel

[Jeff Green]

I'm purchasing my first bait casting rod/reel combo (used spinning outfits for 45 years) and could use some advice. I'm in N. Colorado and would use the outfit for smallmouth and whatever else it will work for. I plan on spending about $200 total and am looking at the Cabela's Prodigy reel ($99) and XML rod ($140) priced together at $160. Is this a reasonable puchase or should I go with some other setup. I'm fishing more and more now that all five kids are out on their own (mostly) but am still an eager amateur. Thanks in advance for the input.

[chamookman]

Jeff - The Prodigy is a A-1 reel, You've picked a great outfit! I have two of them teamed with Loomis CR722 rods that I use for Smallmouth and verticle jigging for Walleyes. Bob WC#253.

[pwrfshn]

Jeff,

I have my personal preferences, but that is all they are, and they are with the Shimano products.

The biggest thing I will say is to try them out and see if you like the way the rod and reel feels in your hand. This year I tried out some of the new low profile baitcasters and hated them. I'll be slowly listing them on the swap board as I replace them with round baitcasting reels.

I've used a lot of different baitcasters, not a Prodigy, but others and the one I still think is just awesome is the Shimano Calcutta. For less money and another great reel the Abu Garcia C3, C4 and C5 are all worth a look.

I've seen a lot of broken Quantums, Spidercast, Pflueger, etc... in the repair bin at the local shop, but not many from Shimano or Abu.

Again, just make sure you know the shape that will fit your hand best and then look for the brand that will work for you. Shimano Calcutta and a Clarus rod would put you right in the price range.

Good luck,

[bob oh]

I'll second the Abus, don't think you can beat them for the money.

rod bender bob

[nebrwalleye]

Hi Jeff,

This is just my opinion. Yes, the Prodigy IS a great unit, but I'd say "save your $" when it comes to baitcasters. I'm strictly a Walleye fisherman, and I don't believe they work the best for that. It's tempting when you watch all those bass shows on Outdoor Channel, Sportsmans channel, etc. to think "those are pretty cool - sure would like to have one of those". I have 6 and their usefulness is pretty much limited to pulling spinners w/bottom bouncers or 3-way rigging. I definitely don't use them for casting cranks or jigging. Unless your trolling for suspended fish, so much of the crankbait use is casting to shorelines at night - you DEFINITELY don't want to use a baitcaster for that! Really nothing wrong with them, but decide what you will use them for and if you have a definite need for one, then buy one.

[Unlogged T-Mac]

Shimano Curado is my favorite for casting. It will put you a bit over your budget, but...worth it, IMHO.

[Dodge1]

>Shimano Curado is my favorite for casting. It will put you a
>bit over your budget, but...worth it, IMHO.

Good advice.

[Jeff Green]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll put my hands on a few at the local Sportsmen's Warehouse and see how they feel. I quite happy with my spinning outfits, leadcore trolling rigs, and my one round bait caster. I guess I figured I should round out my gear with another type, but I'm not one for buying something for buying's sake, if you know what I mean. I'll do some more thinking!

[Jeff Green]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll put my hands on a few at the local Sportsmen's Warehouse and see how they feel. I quite happy with my spinning outfits, leadcore trolling rigs, and my one round bait caster. I guess I figured I should round out my gear with another type, but I'm not one for buying something for buying's sake, if you know what I mean. I'll do some more thinking!

[Lumberjack]

I like the Pinnacle classics. Very smooth and can cast a long ways without making a mess. I mainly use mine for bass, but never have problems with it when fishing for walleyes. They have a new red one i saw at cabelas that i thought was pretty cool looking. I wish i had another rod to put it on. haha. well, maybe ill just have to buy a rod for it.