I need a new bait casting reel and I don't know what to get.
What is the best reel for abaut $90 ?

Application? Line size?

The penn 310 gti is a good reel for about 80 bucks at big 5 - it works well for about 15 - 20 lb line and is fairly indestructible (I use one on my kayak) - you can also get a Shimano corsair for 50- 80 bucks depending on the size - they are nice little reels but have a rep for not lasting well long term - shimano says they are working on it though. Abu Garcia makes some good baitcasters in that price range too - the ambassaduer (sp) series is pretty nice (again I have one of those and love it). The shimano calcutta is a great reel, but cost anywhere from 160 to 200 plus, but if you can afford it it is really worth the investment. thats my .02

I forgot to mention the quantum big iron series by zebco - they are affordable and work great too....

I have a Quantum IR410CX and love it. It is perfect for 15 lb. test and can handle 20 lb. well.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

Good reel! And... it's only $90!

Ditto on the IR410CX. Its a nice solid reel. And I like the fast retrieve.

how bout the shimano catala? good for 10# and 15# and could handle 20#. It runs for $84.00. I have one and i love it!

Ditto on the catala. I tried out Zach's and really liked it. Like most shimano products, you get what you pay for as well as a little bit more! If you want a low profile, I would go Curado the whole way. I want one and dont own one, but have used them before and loved it. I find that the Penn GTI like mentioned above is a great reel, but a little bit too heavy for basic freshwater.

Till Later,
Joel

To fish, or not to fish, what a stupid question!!

I think he said he wanted it for butt fishing, in that case I like a calcutta 400, but a catala would be a good one too. I don't have any experience with abu's but i've never heard anything bad about them, except bad drags, but fer butts that hardly matters.

Oh and joel, a gti is just a bit big for basic freshwater? what r u smoking, those things a huge for most fw applications, hehe all in fun you know.

Leif

If your looking for a great baitcaster for up to 12#, but optimum at 6#, 8#, or 10#. Check out the Shimano Citica. If your intrested, I have a used one I'll sell you for $85.

E-mail me at jpweight@earthlink.net