What bait caster and rod to buy?

[pimp my boat]

Advice on bait casters and rods to suit.
I have not used a bait caster before but I am serious about catching fish.
My price range for a reel is $250.00 and a rod $200.00. Combo around $450.00
I would like advice on what you think is the best reel and rod for that price.
Here is the kicker.
My target fish are Jack, bass, snapper and if I ever go north Barra.
I have had looked at the Diawa Reel range and liked the Saltist reel $250.00.
Rods i likes the Shimano rod River Raider 3-5kg and Barra Mauler 5-8kg.
I intent to cast HB with the outfit in confined areas for jacks but would like the ability to fish open waters as well.
I hope this is enough information for you to give me some advice.
Michael

[PNG1M]

Hi Mike,

For your described application have a look at Mo Tackle online.

In your price range they have:

RODS:

1) Shimano T-curve 6' 7" Powercast Overhead 2-pce 6-12kg for $199
2) Shimano T-curve 5' 8" B/C 1-pce 6-8kg for $195 (I own one of these & its great)
3) Shimano 'Ian Miller' Raider rods are good value at $119 (when they first came out a while back, they were over 200 bucks)
4) Daiwa TD Advantage (various models) for $199


REELS:

1) Daiwa Saltist (as you mentioned) Model HRF for $235
2) Daiwa Bayard 150 for $219
3) Abu Garcia 5600C4 for $199
4) Or (more than your budget) Shimano Calcutta 400B for $319

Check 'em out and compare!

[Rockfish]

Hey

Have owned a Daiwa HRF and found it to be a good reel, however, the team daiwa advantage is a better reel IMO. The catch is reduced line capacity which is fine for species like bass, jacks and barra. Other reels to consider would be the shimano curado 200E, abu revo inshore or sx models. As for rods there a plenty in the budget, have to agree the T-curve 6-8kg rod is awesome and have a look at the 3-5kg model. Very nice and still with a fairly solid butt. Daiwa advantage, Penn Pinpoint are also nice rods and worthy of a look. Regardless of what you buy try placing the reel on the rod you want and have a feel.

Cheers
Stu

[NAGG]

PMB Your species target range is pretty broad & I assume you want to cast lures ....... fishing for bass - small lures to barra large lures > If you intent to fish for wild barra (generally smaller fish encountered & smaller lures used) Then a set up like a Daiwa HRF & T Curve ( Bass 631 3-5kg) would be a good balance ....... Another rod If you can track them down (Mo have em) is the previous model of the Pflueger Medalist HMG either the 2-4kg or 6-10kg ...... An exceptional rod for $150 (were $400) ........ 6kg- 8kg braid should be good for all the range

Chris

[pimp my boat]

thanks all for your replies.
I have taken the plunge and bought a Daiwa Hard Rock Fish (HRF) baitcaster. It will go on a Raider 11 (Mexican fire) Barra Magnum.
MARRY CHRISTMAS
AND GOOD FISHING
Regards
Michael

[Hairy_Harold]

If you want to use that for bass the barra magnum will be mega over kill and be a hassle to cast a wide range of lures I would think.Maybe look at a river raider or bass raider aswell if it's in the budget as a very general lighter rod