What is a decent sub $200 bait casting reel (for bass).

[Rob]

Slowly upgrading some of my bass gear.

I have never been good at casting bait casters and I would like to get better.

Any recommendations for a reel in the $150 range (definitely below 200) for a decent quality baitcaster?  Preferably one that is forgiving when it comes to rat nesting!

[TBird]

Ive been impressed with the shimano Slx DC, dc version has helped with backlashes, I think they are 199 but you can find them on sale sometimes

[Rob]

Good deal.  That is why I set the target at 200 as I figured I might find a decent sale. 

Wish I was better with the backlash situation.  But I guess the more casting time I get the easier it will be.

[slavenoid]

You will get better with use it should become an extension of your body. I have reels with no tension knobs that I never backlash. I had a boat full of cheap Pfluegers and Lews that were fine. While I do have some nice Shimanos that I prefer using I wouldnt say they cast better. I do have a 13 brand reel that I think landed exactly in your price range that I enjoy using.

Understanding tension, brakes, and gear ratios might help more than brands. When I worked behind a fishing counter I was shocked by the amount of people who didn't realize their reels had a brake and not just a tension knob. They also wouldn't believe me that a smoking fast gear ratio might not be your best option for giant crankbaits and the slow real isn't the best for jig fishing.

[blackpowderhunter]

Ive been impressed with the shimano Slx DC, dc version has helped with backlashes, I think they are 199 but you can find them on sale sometimes

you can get the SLX DC for about 160 shipped.
im going to give you all a little gem when it comes to reels...get them from japan.
not sure what size you want, but heres one for 160 bucks, free worldwide shipping, and yes they are legit.
https://www.digitaka.com/item/5/4/2/4969363045621

[Rob]

Very nice - what is the benefit in getting them from Japan?  Price point?

[Panic Minnow]

There is a trick to getting "professional over-runs" out of really easy. Here is a video that will help you in under a minute.

I really like any of the Daiwa T-Wing reels because of their casting distance.

[blackpowderhunter]

Very nice - what is the benefit in getting them from Japan?  Price point?

the exchange rate really helps out, so for price point.
that reel is usually 199 everywhere, 160 from this place.
adds up when you have an addiction like me, or need to outfit 4 or 5 of the same outfits for tuna fishing...ordering 5 okuma cavallas and if i can save 30-40 per reel its a nice savings.

[throttlejocky20]

cant go wrong with an Abu Garcia Revo x

[Rob]

There is a trick to getting "professional over-runs" out of really easy. Here is a video that will help you in under a minute.

I really like any of the Daiwa T-Wing reels because of their casting distance.

I will be trying that technique on my next rats nest!  Thanks for sharing

[Rob]

Very nice - what is the benefit in getting them from Japan?  Price point?

the exchange rate really helps out, so for price point.
that reel is usually 199 everywhere, 160 from this place.
adds up when you have an addiction like me, or need to outfit 4 or 5 of the same outfits for tuna fishing...ordering 5 okuma cavallas and if i can save 30-40 per reel its a nice savings.

Good to know!

[snowshoes22]

Lews BB-1's have been my tournament reels for years and have had zero problems.  The BB-1 pro is even better.  Have a couple Lew's Speed Spool LFS that i have to replace the level wind every couple years.  Shimano Curado 200 M are rock solid and good drag.   Daiwa Tatula Elite's are super nice if you can find them on sale under $200.  All the Daiwa SV spools are really nice.  I have avoided 13 fishing after losing the anti reverse in 2/3 of the reels i have purchased.  They feel good new but haven't lasted a season for me. 

[Rob]

I made a list of all the recommendations.  Thanks. 

Headed to Cabelas to look them over on Thursday-I like to lay hands on them before ordering online

Speaking of Cabellas/Bass Pro.  Anyone have an opinion on the Jonny Morris line?
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-johnny-morris-platinum-signature-baitcast-reel

[Rob]

Lews BB-1's have been my tournament reels for years and have had zero problems.  The BB-1 pro is even better.  Have a couple Lew's Speed Spool LFS that i have to replace the level wind every couple years.  Shimano Curado 200 M are rock solid and good drag.   Daiwa Tatula Elite's are super nice if you can find them on sale under $200.  All the Daiwa SV spools are really nice.  I have avoided 13 fishing after losing the anti reverse in 2/3 of the reels i have purchased.  They feel good new but haven't lasted a season for me.

I picked up a lews rod last year and I have been happy with it.  I will definitely look over the BB1s

[Rob]

Well, I pulled the trigger on a baitcaster.

I went with the Lews Custom Pro Baitcaster

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/lews-custom-pro-baitcast-reel

They were offering a 50 dollar trade in value for workable old reels for a youth donation program.  I found a decent reel I was not using and went to the cabelas store.  They were not in stock but ordered it for me with free shipping.  It was 230 before tax so a little over my budget but not by much.

I selected it after watching several review videos.  Feed back was 100 to 150 foot casts without ever having to thumb the spool. It has some new drag system called ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Braking) cast control.  I am suspicious but intrigued.  I will report back after I try it out.

Here is one of the videos