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[noobfisher]

Looking for my first bait caster.  Handled a few and would prefer a low profile bait caster.  Any suggestions for a first time bait cast user?  Don't want to break the bank so the higher end models are probably not an option at this time.  Something I could use for smaller salmon or steelhead, thanks!

[typhoon]

Not low profile but the Abu Garcia C3 is the cheapest, safest way to go at $100.
If you go low profile and want sufficient line capacity to land fish over 14lbs you need a Curado 300 or Abu Revo Toro at around $300.
You could go smaller, run braid, and potentially snap off larger fish with Curado 200 at around $200.

These are Canadian retail pricing. You can pick them up cheaper off *bay and as low as 1/2 if you go used.

[alan701]

I'm getting a c3 very soon. It's a best selling reel and supposed to be good. I'm getting the 6500 and it's for fairly big fish but there are the smaller versions, 5500/4500. Yeager's across the border has 5500 /6500 for $99 and they have a $10 off coupon on their site.

edit: price is now $114

[1son]

I'd go with the Abu series c3 or c4 either one should be fine for a starter good luck buddy

[bigblue]

In terms of comfort and ease of use, low profile bait casters are the way to go.
For steelhead and coho fishing somthing like Shimano Curado 201E7 is really good.
Super light, well balanced and fast gear ratio.

[frozensalmon]

abu c3 series are good!  recommend
although i want something ligther and more comfortable in the future if you spend long days in the river

Im thinking maybe getting low profile too

[Animal Chin]

Can't beat the price. I just ordered my second combo, one lost, one as backup. The rod is not bad either. $50. Get it shipped to Hagen's in Blaine, or the Letter Carrier in Point Roberts.

I really like the reel. I have a Daiwa Luna that I use now, but really, it's just vanity, I could have easy just used the Black Max for all my fishing needs. Hope this helps.

Abu Garcia® Black Max™/Cabela's Pro Guide® Salmon/Steelhead Casting Combo


http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Rod-Reel-Combos/Casting-Combos|/pc/104793480/c/104762880/sc/104822280/Abu-Garcia174-Black-MaxtradeCabelas-Pro-Guide174-SalmonSteelhead-Casting-Combo/1198496.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-rod-reel-combos-casting-combos%2F_%2FN-1102354%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104822280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104762880&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104762880%3Bcat104822280

[prairiefire]

I really like my my Abu 5601 C4. Been good to me so far. It's on a 10' Convergance. Nice light set-up. My go to coho/chum  jig rod for the Stave. I use my pin on the Vedder mainly.  

[typhoon]

You need to be careful about some of the low end, low profile reels, especially the ones with high gear ratios.
They have a small number of small bearings and the gears wear out very quickly.
I was told by a local reel repairer that Abu Black Max won't stand up to our fish, for example.

[legend]

You get what you pay for I have a Shimano Cardiff and two Abu 6500 c3 I perfer the Shimano but they are both good products I find the Shimano smother but best of all is the Center Pin

[noobfisher]

Lots of good options an research for me to do ... Keep me coming!  What is the difference between the c3 and c4?

[frozensalmon]

I believe C4 hast faster retrieve ratio than c3 that's it

[wizard]

I'd reccomend Daiwa procaster Rojo.
I use this reel exclusively for steelhead with 12 lb maxima, and have no complaints.  The star drag is handy and is easy to adjust your drag while fighting a fish.

[typhoon]

Lots of good options an research for me to do ... Keep me coming!  What is the difference between the c3 and c4?

C4 has faster retrieve, but it also has one bearing in the worm gear while the C3 uses bushings in the worm gear.
Upgrading the C3 to dual bearing (i.e. better than C4) is really cheap.

That's the real benefit of the C3 - upgrade parts are readily available from Mike's Reel Repair or other shops.
I upgraded my C3 with ceramic bearings, the upgraded worm gear and a ceramic pawl for the worm gear and it now casts 50% further.

[firstlight]

I really like my Shimano Calcutta that ive been using for the last 10 years.
Got it off ebay for a very good price used.
Have never had an issue with it.