Bait casting reels

[Shwangman]

Looking for a decent bait casting reels for casting and jigging any ideas would be welcome. Thanks.

[Umma Gumma]

I don't know about anybody else, but I don't really like bait casters for "jigging", per se. The feel of a spinning rod is much better, in my opinion, for sensitive fishing than a casting reel. That said, it can easily be done.

Shimano Curados are nice reels for under $120, but I use a lot of Pinnacle reels that can be had for less then $80, and are very nice. Get something with centrifugal brakes vs magnetic backlash control. It's a personal thing, I suppose, but I think they work smoother.

I wouldn't buy the cheap-o $30 bait casters if I were you. They are not as smooth and may leave a bad taste in your mouth if you haven't used one before.

[RonT]

I have three Pfluegger's and I love them. I bought a Solara last year and a Trion and a President this year. They are very smooth and well worth the money in my opinion. The Trion is about $100 and the President $129.

[Houseboat]

I would second the use of Pfluegers. I have a bunch of Trions and Presidents and love them. Good quality for the price.

[Shwangman]

Thanks Guys, heading down to Cabela's next week so i will make the purchase. I forgot to ask about the rod, any ideas? Thanks much.

[Scoot]

I agree with all that Umma Gumma said.

Another great reel that I don't hear get it's props is the Okuma Inspira- great reel for the money.

[BIG DS]

Give Daiwa some consideration also. The Advantage 153HST is an icredible reel for $139. The 150 is also a good one for $99. If you have a little more in your budget, Daiwa has the Team Daiwa X103HSD that runs $209.95 and is an unbelievable reel with a magnetic braking system. Have you fished with casting reels before? If not stay away from the centrifigal (sp?) braking systems until you learn to cast well with them. The magnetic brakes are easier to learn and use. The three Daiwa's mentioned all have the magnetic brakes. Find someone that knows casting reels, how to set them up, and how to use them. They will be able to give you the pro's and con's on both style braking systmes. Shimano has magnetic brakes as well on selected reels starting at $49.95 and up. Take time to pick up the reels and play with them. The casting control knob is on the right side of the reel below the drag adjust. Adjust the knob until there is no side-to-side play in the spool. Once you've done that, push the spool release button and watch the spool. If the spool spins, you have a pretty decent reel in your hand. The more it spins the better. The better reels will have a drilled spool that is "super tuned" and will cast farther and smoother. Have fun. If you have anymore questions I can probably answer them for you. I sell 'em daily and own a few. As I said before, if this is your first bait caster, go with the magnetic brake first, as it is easier to adjust when casting into the wind. As you get better with it, look into the centrifigal style brakes, they are a bit smoother, but take a bit of time to learn where to set the weights for different conditions.