2-Piece Casting Rod

[mikea07]

You will be happy with that rod.

Reel selection is a whole other bag of hammers!

I know. haha. That is my next chore. I figure I have a few months to keep an eye out for deals though before I'll need to use it.

Do you have any recommendations?

Will do, I'll be using the 2 piece mostly when I'm cycling and portaging so it will get the full treatment lol. I also got the Okuma Calera winch, 6:6:1 ratio, the reel/rod combo was $139 taxes in so not too hard on the wallet.

Looking to get a 1 piece 7 footer to throw in the van when I'm going cottaging.

Where did you pick up your gear? $139 taxes in for a setup is not bad at all.

The new Okuma reels look pretty nice and the price on the Calera isn't too shabby. I know you get what you pay for, but I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with the BPS reels?

I have had my eye on the Bass Pro Shops® Tournament Pro Baitcast Reel.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tournament-Pro-Baitcast-Reels/product/1205230503541/

The reviews on them seem pretty favourable and the price is definitely not going to break the bank. I've also read that they are good as a first reel for someone new to baitcasting.

Again, I don't know too much about what is out there so I have just been looking around and am open to anything.

 

[BackwoodsBassr]

I haven't used a bps reel. My buddy has an entry level quantum combo from canadian tire that has worked for him for a few seasons without issue. I've tried it, seems ok.

If you've never tried a winch before and want to see if you like it a cheaper setup would get the job done imo but if you've tried it and\or you are pretty sure its something you want to add to your arsenal I'd just get a mid range reel right iff the bat. There is a noticable difference between the cheaper and middle end reels plus this way you'll have a good backup if you decide to get something high end in the future. Just my thoughts, I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine.

 

[mikea07]

I haven't used a bps reel. My buddy has an entry level quantum combo from canadian tire that has worked for him for a few seasons without issue. I've tried it, seems ok.

If you've never tried a winch before and want to see if you like it a cheaper setup would get the job done imo but if you've tried it and\or you are pretty sure its something you want to add to your arsenal I'd just get a mid range reel right iff the bat. There is a noticable difference between the cheaper and middle end reels plus this way you'll have a good backup if you decide to get something high end in the future. Just my thoughts, I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine.

That's what I figure. That's why that BPS reel is so appealing to me. It's got a 9+1 bearing setup so it will be smooth. From the reviews, it's a good real to learn on. Seems to minimize backlash. I've also read that it's durable and reliable. A lot of people seem to be buying mulitple reels just to keep as backups. They're also always out of stock so they must be doing something right.

For $39.99, I don't think I can go wrong with that reel. Just need to wait for it to come back in stock.

Then all I need to worry about is getting on some nice bass. haha

 

[topwaterjoe]

I know. haha. That is my next chore. I figure I have a few months to keep an eye out for deals though before I'll need to use it.

Do you have any recommendations?

If you are looking to save some money, try an Abu Garcia Silver Max. For $60 it will work like a $100 reel. Mine has served me well.

Just be careful when going the inexpensive route. My first reel was on the cheap and a complete nightmare! They usually suffer ineffective brake and bad tension controls. Even if you do everything right, you stand to be picking out small overruns with each cast.

Anything name brand should do the job.

 

[BackwoodsBassr]

hey Mikea07 sorry I didn't answer your question haha.

I got the deal at the ottawa boat and sportsmen show, at the Ozile's booth (it's a small tackle shop in Ottawa).Might be a bit of a drive for you though unfortunately.

cheers!

 

[mikea07]

Hey guys,

I have been taking a look at other options for reels on a budget.

Does anyone have any experience with the Lews Speed Spool?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSP.html

I've read a bunch of reviews online but I just wanted to see if anyone here has had any experience with it?

From what I have read it seems like a pretty decent reel and maybe even the best for the value. It would also look nice on my Veritas. haha.

 

[Jason15]

I have a shimano caius and for 60$ it works well I have used it to learn to drift and spoon chuck. I wouldn't recommend power pro super slick on it though

 

[topwaterjoe]

Hey guys,

I have been taking a look at other options for reels on a budget.

Does anyone have any experience with the Lews Speed Spool?

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-LSP.html

I've read a bunch of reviews online but I just wanted to see if anyone here has had any experience with it?

From what I have read it seems like a pretty decent reel and maybe even the best for the value. It would also look nice on my Veritas. haha.

If I have watched enough American bass shows on WFN, I am to understand Lews is known down there. They look like they got a good selection of ratios for that model. If you do order one, let us know how you like it.

 

[AnglerAnonymous]

Lews are good reels, lews has been around for a long time. One of the first low profile baitcasters. They restructed the company recently and are doing things right.

Look on Ebay they have great deals on new lews.

 

[mikea07]

Lews are good reels, lews has been around for a long time. One of the first low profile baitcasters. They restructed the company recently and are doing things right.

Look on Ebay they have great deals on new lews.

Thanks for the heads up on the deals on eBay. I just put a bid down on the Lews reel. If I can get it for cheap on eBay then I'll give it a go. Otherwise, after taxes and shipping, it would be too expensive to get from the states.

In that case I'll probably pick up the Abu Garcia revo s from bass pro during their sale.

 

[mikea07]

The Lews reels are well priced on e-bay but they are all auctions. I've bid on a few of them and am almost always immediately outbid. Some of them have a 'buy it now' price of $99.99 which is what they retail for, anyway. I'm not going to continue bidding because I feel it will be impossible to get it for under the asking price and someone is probably going to get caught up in the bidding and end up paying more.

I think I will go to bass pro this weekend and pick up the 3rd Gen Abu Garcia Revo S for $129.99. I've watch some videos, read some reviews and held the reel. I've heard good things, it feels nice and it will look great on my Veritas.