Best Baitcaster Under $100

[abkeenan]

Wondering what you guys think is the best baitcaster reel for 100 dollars or less? Been looking at BPS online and reading reviews. The BPS Pro Qualifier seems to have great reviews with over 260 reviews but i am weary of BPS products as they are usually junk. Anyone have experience with this reel? Other suggestions and opinions of other brands and models would be great. Thx

[MstStudent10]

Pro Qualifier Reel... LOVE IT!!! I basically use them exclusively. My dad got me my first BPS Pro Qualifier Rod/Reel 7 years ago. I still use that reel today every trip that I go out. It is still my favorite reel and casts further than all my others. When I got it back as a young teenager, I didn't know or understand a lot about "reel care". I never once oiled it or did anything really to take care of it. I finally oiled it for the first time about a year and a half ago, which was over 5 yrs after I got it. I can't believe the wear and tear that I have put on it and how good it still is today.

2 years ago I bought a couple more pro qualifiers, the black version with sparkles, that has the ribbed thumbpieces on the handle. So far they have performed just as good. I use them as a crankbait reel, spinnerbait reel, and jig reel, and one other that's my all purpose reel depending on season and lake, so they get A LOT of use.

I don't have anything bad to say about them. Needless to say, I've advanced to actually oiling and taking care of my gear now, lol.

On another note, I know what you mean with your opinion on BPS products. I have a couple buddies that have the tourney special and bionic baitcasters from BPS, and they are horrible. The gears in them seize up, spool problems, etc...

But it really seems they get it right with the Pro Qualifiers. Thats where the extra money comes in I guess!

PS...I know a bunch of people really talk up the BPS Extreme Reels also. I don't have any experience with them so I can't say. I believe if you look back in the TRL forum back in Early Spring of this year sometime, maybe even back towards New Years, there was this exact topic, with people debating the best baitcasters for under $100. It was a good one for someone in your position, you may wanna go back and look it up.

[Tom Spence]

I have 1 pro qualifier and so far I have found it to be a very good reel for the money. I bought it when they were $100 and have had it about a year. Very smooth, smooth drag, good braking system, comfortable for my small hands. Since I've only had it a year I can't say much for it's longevity, but I hope it lasts cause it is nice to use. I got the 7.1:1 and have it on a football jig rod. So it sees alot of action with the way I fish. Like I said, no complaints so far but I wouldn't think twice about buying more of them since I fish on a pretty tight budget. Before the pro qualifiers I used several of the green bass pro extreme reals and had very few problems. For the money at that time I think they were pretty good reels. Smooth reel over all. The drag could have been a little better but again they are a pretty chead reel. Out of about 6 of them I only gutted one and that was on a flipping stick so it took some punishment with hook sets and heavy line.

[fishermedic]

I have two of the BPS Rick Clunn models, most recent generation, as well as two of the earlier Clunn models, and a new Johnny Morris and I love all of them. Had one of the older Clunn reels chew the gears up, but I had bought it used off of e-bay, so I think it was probably on it's way out anyway. I have used the newer Clunns for about 3 years now and have had great success with them. Most of my fishing is 3/8-3/4 oz. jig fishing. I just bought the Johnny reel about 3 months ago, and so far it is sweet. The Clunn reels fit perfectly in my budget at 100 or so, but I think I will be upgrading to the Morris models because they have the dual braking system, and I dont think the Clunns do.Hoping my wife gets me another one for Christmas!

[stlfisher]

I know you wanted a reel under $100, but If it was me and I didn't need to buy that reel right away I would save an extra $25 and buy a Shimano Citica. Everyone I have met and talked with has recommended their baitcasters, specifically the Citica, in that price range. I would have to agree as I love mine and I think it is hands down the best bang for your buck in that price range. It will last for ever if properly cleaned and oiled. I very rarely hear anything bad about Shimano and my experience has been great.

[troutgnat]

Amen to the Citica. I own 3 of them. Not to put down the Curado but for the money my wallet is going to the Citicas! I've had problems with the older version Curado's but I have never had a problem with any of my Citica's yet!

[techo]

I started with and have a few BPS Extreme reels. They are durable but very heavy. They wear my arms out by the end of the day. We have a couple of the blue Clunn reels and like them better. My favorites are the Shimanos. I have one Citica and the other Shimanos that are well over the $100.00 mark. I will stay with the Shimanos in the future. I agree with the Citica. It is lighter and smoother than the Clunn BPS model.

You can tell winter is coming on as we have moved to equipment topics.

[edwin]

If BPS is your style, the Johnny Morris Signature reel is on sale today for $80.00 http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Johnny-Morris-Signature-Series-Baitcast-Reel/product/90567/-1527920?om_rid=Br54Zu&om_mid=_BM9PIJB8V7-RH$

I much prefer my Shimano reels, but I do have one like the one in the link and it's a major improvement over the old JM Signature reels.

[steveearle]

The Citica E is the reel. You can find them New in Box or Like-New in Box for under $100 on the Bass Boat Central Classified boards if you look every day or couple of days...

[Billfo]

I have a couple of BPS Johnny Morris reels & I like them alot. As long you keep it "clean & lubed" I think you cant really pick anything bad at Bass Pro in that $100 price range. Not sure of your intended use, but if the Pro Qualifier has the speed ratio for your main application, GO FOR IT !!!

Wondering what you guys think is the best baitcaster reel for 100 dollars or less? Been looking at BPS online and reading reviews. The BPS Pro Qualifier seems to have great reviews with over 260 reviews but i am weary of BPS products as they are usually junk. Anyone have experience with this reel? Other suggestions and opinions of other brands and models would be great. Thx