FS Digest

I’ve been fishing spinning all my life and I was thinking about trying out a baitcasting setup I was just looking for recommendations for reels under $200 and a rod under $150

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by YeetYeetPeteSkeet

FS Digest

My favorite is 13 fishing I love their rods and reels also shimano

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by FTWMUFF1NS92

FS Digest

My recommendation, and I've used and owned more baitcasters than I'm comfortable admitting, is to buy an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000. The vintage ones are great. The newer ones are great. They're just a rugged, dependable, long-lasting baitcasting reel that will last you forever if you take care of it, and the 5000 will serve you well for any freshwater fish you may target, and any inshore saltwater fish as well. I use 17lb mono on several of mine, and 30lb braid and two others. Set your drag right and there's no reason you can't land basically any freshwater fish. Ive also thrown as light as 12lb mono on them before, but 17lb is the sweet spot. You can even find some of the older "vintage" ones in perfect working condition used on ebay for under $40 which for the quality of reel you get for that price, is a bargain. The 5000 works great on a med-heavy rod, and you'll want to find the one that best suits your specific application. The gearing may be a little slow for your liking if you're planning to rip buzz baits at the speed of sound, but for most topwater baits, all live baits, and about any way you can rig a soft plastic, I think it's by far the most bang for the buck

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by Ispitoutabulletonce

FS Digest

While I get the impression OP is looking for a bass style low pro baitcaster, I second this. This is what I learned to cast baitcasters on, and it made the learning curve much shorter since you can see the whole spool and have much more surface area for your thumb.

I have one from every decade since they started making the 5000s and my favorite is from the 60s made in sweden. Next would be the 5000b with the baitclicker.

If you re-grease them once a season, or every other season they will literally last a lifetime. If you buy them used I'd suggest taking them apart and checking out the drag discs because thats really the only part that ever needs replaced, and while its apart re-grease. There are plenty of youtube videos.

I've landed 26 inch Wiper, 30 inch catfish, 3-4 lb smallies and everything in between on them.

You can cast 2oz carolina rigs, or 1/2oz baits. Super versatile.

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by Mudsnail

FS Digest

It's shocking how cheap those red, Swedish-made ones from that era sell for in good condition online too. Those reels are still as solid as any that have been made since. I have 4 of those particular models and don't see a time in the future when I'll retire them. Just like you, that's what I learned to cast a baitcasting reel on. Still owe my grandfather many thanks for that. In my recent post history are two trophy bass I caught off of one of those old reels

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by Ispitoutabulletonce

FS Digest

I actually have one from the 60s just the handle is messed up and the brakes are messed up to the point the spool rolls around so the line would get stuck in it and backlashes so bad I have to cut lines and we don’t talk about how bad the drag sticks but if it’s as good as u say it is I’ll probably see how much it is to get it fixed/serviced and get a bigger handle but depending how much it is I might get a tutula as somebody else here put but I’ll still see if I can get it fixed and either way I’d be using it for top water, swim baits and spoolteks but only thing I’d be worried about is how saltwater resistant it is considering I mostly fish salt

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by YeetYeetPeteSkeet

FS Digest

Like with anything you fish saltwater with you'll want to make sure you clean it good with freshwater after each trip. For what you can repair one for, you could probably find a good used one for. If nothing else, you can likely find a parts ones online in the $20 range fairly easily. I've used mine for red and black drum, sheepshead, and speckled trout and have never had any issues. I just make sure to clean them well

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by Ispitoutabulletonce

FS Digest

Ok thank you

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by YeetYeetPeteSkeet

FS Digest

Sure thing..you're welcome..hope that helps

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by Ispitoutabulletonce

FS Digest

Easiest reel to dial in and most forgiving I have used have been diawa. I like the tatula reels. I believe you can get them around 100$. Paired with the tatula xt rod is an awesome combo coming in at around 200$. I have two of these combos.

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by nigelhamson

FS Digest

Ambassadeur 5500c3.

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by jswledhed

FS Digest

One helluva reel, and for a saltwater application like OP later specified looking for, it would be hard to go wrong here

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by Ispitoutabulletonce

FS Digest

Sounds like he's wanting to throw bigger lures for snook. Might step up to the 6500. That's what I use my 6500 for, mostly larger swim baits and Rapala Magnums.

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by jswledhed

MadMac Loc: Marion (in Grant County) Indiana

I've got a 5500c (my first bait caster) and a 6500s and both are great reels. Had the 5500 nearly 29 years and never a problem. Bought it used for $35. Bought the 6500 new for $70. Good investments. I've got the 5500 spooled with the last of my DuPont 7/20. No longer available. Good stuff.