Home Forums Fishing Freshwater Good baitcaster under $150

I haven't shopped for a new baitcaster in several years. I'm looking for a new bass reel and will likely load 12 lb. test.

I have used Shimano and Abu-Garcia mostly in the past. I was shocked when I recently saw some Garcia reels that were not Swiss made. Might have been Thailand, or Indonesia or some such.

Anyway, What is considered a great quality reel today that won't break the bank. I might go as high as $200.

I haven't bought one in a while so there might be better in that price range but Shimano Curados have always worked for me. The E50 model throws lighter lures, 1/4 oz, pretty well with 10 lb mono.

You can get one of these on ebay usually for around 120.00 or slightly less. These are nice reels that usually retail for 199.00 at most sporting good stores.

There are 3 different gear ratios just look at the different auctions.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lews-To..._DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7ad30cda

Take a look at the "Lews" "Speed Spool" bait casting reels.

I bought a lefty, to use on a medium power-fast action rod and am very impressed by it. Some have very fast retrieval rates, too. It was very easy to adjust and is ultra smooth.

I'm running 12# Pline hi vis on it to pull plugs for steelhead and some lake trolling for trout.

They start at about $100.

http://www.nationalathleticsupply.net/servlet/the-5364/Lew%27s,-Speed,-Spool,-Baitcast,/Detail?gclid=CL3sornpm7cCFct7QgodQjYAqg

I started out in the mid-seventies with a 5000, which if not the best, had been and was still a top reel for the era. I've got some pretty good reels too. Shimano Curados, Citicas, Chronarchs...Dawias...Pflueger President. All that said, recently I purchased a Lew's from Walmart. They had 'em on clearance for I forget...$75 or $50. It was a combo Rod and Reel. Back in the day you could buy Lew's Speed Stick rods for $20 and they were good rods. I always wanted one, but I was a kid and had no money. I ended up with a better rod but always thought a Lew's would be sweet for backup or a second rod.

This one is a Laser MG reel with a IM6 APT rod. I haven't even used it for fishing yet, but it sure casts sweet in the yard. Me and the kids have been playing with it and I'm anxious to get out on the water with it. Can't tell you how long it will last but I like it so far. I think you can get ones not even on sale at Walmart for like $100 for the combo. You just can't beat that...with an Ugly Stik!

Garcia's used to be made in Sweden, not Switzerland. It's a common mistake. Garcia hasn't been on my top brand list for a number of years.

That's exactly what I put on mine.

I think I have three that say Swiss made. Sweden or Switzerland, doesn't matter to me but for some reason it sounds better than Malaysia.

Abu's were made in Sweden, not Switzerland. The true round reels are still made there but al the low profile reels are made in Korea and China. The ones made in Korea are made in the same factories that make all kinds of other brands of reels, this week they're making Pflueger, Lews, or God knows what.

I really like the Bass Pro Shop Pro Qualifier and when on sale is only $79.97. It is now on sale thru May 19.

Hard to beat a good Abu Garcia reel. I love mine!

Shimano Citica is a favorite of mine.

Lots of good reels under $100. I don't believe the hype about all the value of extra bearings & magnets. I use a lot of Garcia Ambassadors made in Sweden & they have done everything I ever wanted. I first started using red Ambassadors when they were $20. Once broken in they casted as well as any modern reel. Wish I hadn't given they away. I also have Shimanos, Pflugers, Bass Pro, & Daiwa. Shimano makes an excellent reel also. Read the evaluations on Bass Pro & if possible handle the reel before purchasing. Different anglers like different features & how the handle is positioned.

I started fishing with baitcasting reels back in the 1950's when it took some real skill to cast anything without getting a backlash. Most of the skill was in the timing of when to apply thumb pressure to the reel spool to keep it from over running the line. I've since run though several reels including a half dozen Abus, but none even come close to the Quantum Tour PT reel that came out around 4 years ago. These were $250 reels new, but you can still find them new or slightly used for well under that price. They come in a 6:3 to 1 retrieve, or a 7 to 1 "burner" retrieve. Left hand models are also available.

Mine is paired up with a very fast action rod and spooled up with 12 pound Power Pro line. 12 pound Power Pro has about the same diameter as a 4 pound test monofilament line. With this combo I can cast 3/8oz or larger lures just about as well as I can with a spinning rig. Don't forget to keep it lubed with Quantum's excellent "hot sauce" reel grease and oil and you'll be in business. Check Ebay and your local Craigslist and you should be able to find one of these fine reels in short order.

Must be a good reel. Anyone remember the Ambassador 2500C reels? They were only made for a short time (to good I guess) & were great for Smallmouth Bass or other light line casting. I still have one & its a great small casting reel. Lots of great tackle available today.

The blue ambassadors are nice 5500c4 I think

i own three abu garcia 6500s made in sweden best reels ive ever owned.i have a daiwa i use for bass fishing and love it too bought it at bass pro 3 yrs ago for 100 bucks

Tough to beat Shimanos...

They are durable but I cannot abide that primitive centrifugal weight system.

I'm still runnin' an old black Shimano Speedmaster made in the 1990's. Can't imagine you could go wrong with any Shimano baitcaster priced at $100 or better. Check Gander Mt. for old stock blow outs.