Best Baitcaster Combos For The Money

Fishing has been a relaxing sport for generations and will remain a popular outdoor activity for years to come.

Whether you’re a professional angler or just starting out, it is highly recommended that you consider looking at some baitcasters. I will discuss the best baitcaster combos of 2020 and you’ll get a decent idea about why you should get one ASAP!

If you get a baitcast combo you will be able to cast with more precision, tire out a fish quicker and get the advantage of having a heavier line for fish that puts up a good fight. You can also read about best GPS fish finder review.

Best Baitcaster Combos – Comparisons

Best Baitcaster Combo for Beginners

Fishing is fun and relaxing only if you have the right gear. Although there are quite a few options available in the market, here are seven best baitcast combos you should seriously consider getting your hands on.

1. KastKing Spartacus Review – Overall Best

Just as their name suggests, KastKing can surely be called the king of baitcasting fishing reel because of what their bringing to the fishing sport. When you spool this reel with some braid and put it in the water you’ll see that it will launch the bait effortlessly no matter heavy or light.

However, you may have a little difficulty in dialing in the drag for your first few attempts. This shouldn’t be a problem because it works just fine after you play with it for some time.

For lovers of variety, you find a varying range of colors such as seafoam green, sword silver, chartreuse green, and rocket red. This baitcast combo is available for both right-handed and left-handed anglers.

Anglers who have used this baitcast reported that they loved the micro-cast dual centrifugal and magnetic brakes. This feature coupled with the carbon fiber drag with 17.5lbs of big fish stopping power will give you an exhilarating fishing experience.

You will get a smooth and sound adventure with this combo because the casting reel has an 11+1 shielded corrosion resistant ball bearings, also a CNC-machined aluminum spool so that you can cast effortlessly and obtain maximum accuracy with the matched brass gears.

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2. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Baitcast Combo – Runner Up

Professional anglers and individuals involved with fishing are sure to be familiar with Ugly Stik. These guys have been operating since 1897 and have been manufacturing fishing gears for all skill levels. Their brand is popular amongst their customers as being suppliers of high-quality and accurate fishing equipment.

An advancement on the gears that have been designed before, the elite baitcast offers a 35 percent increase in graphite. The rod has been designed with a graphite and fiberglass composite.

You don’t have to worry about missing out on small bites because this combo has a Shakespeare’s clear tip design which will help you to notice even the smallest fish bites. Single-piece stainless steel guides are used to make the rod durable and dependable for longer service.

The company also included their trademark “Ugly Tuff” stainless steel guide technology to secure durability and comfortable cork handle. The reel included in the elite baitcast combo has a 12+1 ball bearing system. It is capable of producing 12 pounds of power coupled with anti-reverse level wind.

Anglers are fond of Ugly Stik because they produce adaptable as well as dependable baitcast combos. Although you have to practice a bit before you get used to its settings once you do, you’ll love the results.

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3. Shakespeare Alpha – Baitcasting Reels for Beginners

Since their inception in 1897, Shakespeare’s main concentration has been on designing fishing gear, which will be suitable for all members of a family. That is why this is the best baitcasting reels for beginners because anglers of all skill levels can enjoy their baitcast combos.

Baitcasting can be daunting for beginners, but with the Alpha Medium, you don’t need to worry at all. According to the brand Shakespeare, the rod on the Alpha Medium is made of tubular glass blank, which the company says will give its users a receptive feeling and reliable durability.

The handles on this baitcaster have EVA foam grip that provides comfort and ensures proper control. Also, the reel that comes packaged with the combo is not overpowered with excessive features. It will not tire out your wrists and hands when you fish for a long time because of its graphite frame, which is quite light.

Let’s get down to specifics. This equipment has a standard drag system in addition to multi-stop anti-reverse as well as adjustable cast control. The reel is designed with one ball bearing. It is suitable for beginners because it is already spooled with an eight-pound line.

Although this baitcaster combo does have a few issues, it is not something too big to handle for beginners. You just have to be a bit patient with the retrieval time and slowly learn to untangle a line and you’ll be good to go!

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4. KastKing Cadet Casting Combos – Best Baitcaster Combo Under 100

This KastKing combo provides excellent performance without putting a big dent on your wallet. It is a superior casting combo that has great value for price and is good for individuals who want to learn bass fishing or anglers who fish casually on weekends as a means of recreation.

Apart from great value for money, KastKing uses great rod blanks and components. It is very easy to use since it’s not heavy and comes in two pieces, hence you can pack and carry them when you’re not fishing. The excellent news is that it is available in the two most sought after lengths: 6’6” and 7’.

Usually, anglers have to purchase a reel separately because they aren’t included in a combo, but KastKing has thought it through and has included a reel in the combo.

The reels are designed and manufactured to go precisely with their rods. This reel is made out of high-quality sturdy graphite frame and allows hassle-free experience with its 5+1 shielded ball bearing. It also features a magnetic casting so that it’s easier for beginners to cast.

It is a suitable model for beginners because it has seven magnets that you can tune to ten different levels. This way you can be sure of no overruns and backlashes, making it smooth enough to use for practice.

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5. Abu Garcia Pro Max Baitcasting Combo – Best Low Profile Baitcasting Reels

Anglers new to the sport can be hesitant due to backlash but you can fish assured that you’ll have a good distance and no chance of backlash when you use this Abu Garcia baitcaster combo.

Fishing enthusiasts will love this combo because you can cast your reel for up to 145 yards, in addition to a gear ratio of 7:1:1, which is great when you wish to catch big fish. This combo is also convenient if you use a spinner or lip less crank bait.

The combo features a MagTrax brake system that will assist you with reliable brake pressure. Its concise and functional design with a bent handle is coupled with recessed reel feet, which ensures comfort. The weight of the reel is 7.3 ounce so you can imagine that it’s pretty lightweight.

If you like fishing for long hours then you can consider this combo because the grip on it is quite comfortable so you won’t have to keep on putting it down or picking it up. Easy operation is guaranteed for its seven stainless steel ball bearings and roller bearing.

Although there are a number of good features incorporated in this combo, you will find other combos in the market offering similar and somewhat even better features. Yes, it provides unproblematic operation but it can also be unreliable at times when you wish to tune it for specific lures.

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6. Lew’s Fishing Laser MG Speed Spool Series Reel – Top Baitcaster Combo Under 200

One of the first things that I have to point out about this spool series reel is its durability. Experts often say that a fishing reel’s durability comes to light around the time it has been used for six months. And so after numerous tests and experiments, it has come out that this reel is solid and durable.

Lew’s baitcast combo reel can be used in all kinds of weather conditions. Be it a calm or windy day, you can fish with it comfortably. The number of backlashes is also limited when its windy and generally difficult to cast.

It may be a bit temperamental while using light soft plastics but it isn’t something that would hamper your fishing experience. If you spend a few minutes adjusting the dials, you can adjust it to lure weights and wind speed for its Magnetic Control System feature.

You can spend long hours fishing with this reel because it weighs only 7.2 ounces. The lews laser mg speed spool combo offers three gear ratios, which is convenient for many different types of techniques.

Lew’s Fishing Laser MG Speed Spool Series Reel’s most exceptional feature is its 95-millimeter power crank handle, which you can find on the 5:4:1 gear ratio. With its durability and capability of adapting to all your casting techniques, this spool series is a must grab for all anglers.

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7. SHIMANO Curado K Baitcast Reel – Best Saltwater Baitcasting Combo

This Shimano baitcaster rod and reel is an advancement of Shimano chief fishing combos. Shimano’s Curado range has been in the market for approximately 25 years and quite popular amongst anglers. It is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

A MicroModule gearing has been installed for effortless casting. The manufacturers have enlarged the size of the Micromodule while decreasing the size of the teeth by increasing their numbers; this aids in a hassle-free operation and laid back fishing experience.

The reel is of a hagane body, meaning that the reel is light yet not that light as to make the body too flexible. Its size has been decreased by about 10 percent, hence making it even lighter than its predecessors.

Shimano has used a C14+ material for its side plate, further reducing the weight of the reel but at the same time, making sure it is sturdy and reliable with its ergonomic design. A highlight of this model is the SVS Infinity Braking System, which equips its user with a variety of brake settings.

For some anglers, vibration while casting a reel can be a real put off. This issue has been taken off in this Shimano creation because they have introduced an S3D Stable Spool Design that will reduce vibrations both during casting and retrieving lures.

Durability is ensured with their 6+1 S A-RB stainless bearings to prevent erosion.

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What Should You Look For Before You Buy?

So far you’ve learned about the best baitcast combos available in the market. But how would you understand which one is best suited to your needs? Worry not! I will discuss that in details as well.

Step 1: Set Your Budget

No matter what fishing gear you want to buy, you need to know how much money you’re willing to pay to get that gear. There is a variation in price ranges in the market. Look for the one that suits your budget and look at its specifications.

Step 2: Learn About The Pricing

More often than not, baitcast combos are priced depending on their specifications or features. Without setting a budget or purchasing the cheapest model in the market might not conjure the best performance.

Step 3: Magnetic Cast Control

It is advisable to look for this feature in your first baitcast model as it shields against the continuous backlash. This feature works in putting pressure on the spool when it turns. You won’t have to put your thumb on the spool if the magnetic cast control features work properly.

Step 4: Find The Gear Ratio That Works Well For You

The gear ratio helps you to understand the speed of your lure retrieve. It is basically how many times the spool rotates when you turn the handle once. For example, if a reel has a gear ratio of 5:1 that means the spool will rotate 5 times if you turn the handle once.

Step 5: Consider The Spool Size

You will need to keep this feature in mind if you’re interested in fishing large fishes. Fishing large fishes require lines that are heavy and so eat up more spool space. For this reason, you will require a spool deep enough to house the line you need.

How To Use A Baitcaster?

Since I’ve discussed different baitcaster models and also the things you should keep in mind before making the final purchase, why not discuss how to use it too? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting you started on your fishing journey!

Step 1: Draw Back The Line

Make sure your bait has a distance of 6 to 12 inches from the tip of your rod.

Step 2: Get A Good Grip On Your Reel

Rest your thumb on the reel spool. If you wish to hold the rod behind the reel when you retrieve you will have to change hands when you cast your reel.

Step 3: Face The Reel Handles Upward

When the handles are facing upward you can use your wrist to cast. On the other hand, if you cast with your other hand they can face down.

Step 4: Press And Release The Reel Spool

Baitcast models available in modern times have the reel spool release button behind the spool, which you have to press with the thumb that you rest on it.

Step 5: Right Angle Motion With Casting Hand

Position your casting hand in a way that the crook of your arm makes a right angle toward your chest. The rod in your hand should be placed in an almost vertical way, which will make it easier for you to cast the line.

Step 6: Swing The Rod At Your Eye Level

When you do this your positioning will be at a 10 o’clock position to make it more visible for you. Release the reel spool bar just enough for your bait to take the line from the spool to move forward toward your target.

Step 7: Press On Reel Spool Bar When It Finds The Target

When the bait finds your target press the bar to stop it from going forward and catch your fish!

Baitcaster Vs. Spinning Reel Saltwater

There are usually two types of anglers; ones who like baitcasting and the others who enjoy spinning reel. Some exist who likes both of the methods but a few numbers of anglers enjoy those.

Baitcasting reels employ more than one gear to revolve its spool. A level wind mechanism is used for the line to flow in a straight pattern when coming off the spool. Their designs are also different. The spinning reel utilizes a fixed-spool design, which causes the line to fold around the spool in a form resembling a coil.

This coil moves in and out via a roller in a right angle. Some spinning reels have only one gear but a greater number have a roller along with a bail wire mechanism. Level wind is ensured when the bail combined with the roller spins due to the handle and the spool is free to move up and down.

Anglers prefer baitcasters because they believe spinning reels require a lot of effort. Baitcasters have a direct network between the bait and the reel spool. Spinning reels generally produce coils or line twists. This can be daunting for anglers using it for the first time.

The parts that require attention in these two are also different from each other.

Most of the times you have to adjust the tension of the reel spool according to the weight of your bait. Anglers who know how to handle the tackle forego all tension adjusting points except their thumbs. Spinning reels require more attention to their coils.

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When do I use a baitcaster reel?
A. You can cast lures such are jigs, spinner baits, crankbaits, and etcetera.

2. Why should I use a baitcaster?
A. Baitcasters are popular amongst anglers due to their accuracy.

3. How do I tie a line on a baitcaster?
A. Encircle the line around the axle of the spool by the tag end of the line. Tie one overhand knot on the standing portion and tie the second overhand knot an inch from the first one.

4. What kinds of bait should I use with a baitcaster?
A. You can use three types of baits and they are monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid.

5. How does a brake work on a baitcaster?
A. The brake system works with a dial that is placed on the side plate of a reel to set its strength.

6. Why are baitcasters right-hand retrieve?
A. The baitcasters are right-hand retrieve for the right-handed anglers to cast the line and then take it in their left hand to maneuver the reel with the right hand.

7. What kind of line should I use for a baitcaster?
A. I can recommend four: Spiderwire ultracast invisi-braid superline, KastKing super power braided line, Seaguar red label fluorocarbon, KastKing masters tournament-grade monofilament.

8. How do I use a baitcaster rod?
A. Make sure the bait is 6 to 12inches away from the tip of your fishing rod. Next, point your rod handle upward and push the spool release button.

Final words

Fishing can be relaxing and exhilarating at the same time. You just have to equip yourself with the right gear suited to your needs and you’re good to go!

Follow the points in this article and surely it will come to your aid when you buy yourself a best baitcaster combos.

Last update on 2020-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API