New Rod and Bait Casting Reel? Budget is $250

**tedster** · #1 07-27-2005, 01:38 PM

Hello Everyone. Been lurking for a while and now need a little advice I typically fish with live bait and a spinning reel. However, I was without live bait this weekend and working artificials with a spining reel just wasn't comfortable. I plan on buying a baitcaster and rod to go with it. Unfortunately, I only have $250 of mad money to do this with. What are some options available to me (If any) for this budget?

Thanks,
Ted

**TopPop** · #2 07-27-2005, 01:47 PM

You left or right handed?

**My Time** · #3 07-27-2005, 02:12 PM

I love the shimano curado 220B reels. about 119.00 hope this helps you

**tedster** · #4 07-27-2005, 02:22 PM

Right handed.

**TopPop** · #5 07-27-2005, 02:28 PM

Darn. I have a left handed Curado I just bought thinking I could use it (i'm right handed) but was a little more difficult than I thought and was considering letting it go. Guess I'll keep it. Duh

**SaltwaterAg** · #6 07-27-2005, 06:13 PM

shimano curado is hard to beat. there are many rods out there and can be hard to choose from. depending on where you're shopping i would recommend a castaway or american rodsmith. they have some great rods for around $100 or less. look for something in a 6'6", 6'9" or 7' that's light and has a good feel with the reel. american rodsmith has a 6'9" wader that my dad uses and he loves it. also tie on a top and work it without too much problem. just some opinions. good luck and happy shopping.

**Capt.Bob** · #7 07-27-2005, 08:39 PM

I would recomend a curado 200b and a allstar,american rodsmith or castaway.Academy usually has the lower end rods from these mfgs for under $50.and the reel is 129.00 so you will be under the 250 figure.

Capt.Bob
Ps: Academy also runs specials wher you buy the reel and they throw in one of these rods free

**BigBay420** · #8 07-28-2005, 05:27 AM

Go check out Fishing Tackle Unlimted you cant go wrong great deals. 45 south and beltway.

**cacciato71** · #9 07-28-2005, 07:55 AM

Tedster I suggest that you go with an ambassader 5000c and a berkely lightning rod 7' popping rod. You will spend right at about 90.00 for the whole set up and you will be able to use that rig for all types of fishing scenarios with no problems. Also the balance on that rig is perfect. That would leave plenty of money for tackle or another rig if you wanted. The other plus about using the ambassader is that it is an all metal reel and it will take a beating and keep on ticking especially if you do a lot of wade fishing.

**KappaSig** · #10 07-28-2005, 08:10 AM

I recently bought an All Star rod and Pflueger reel combo from Academy - they run it as a special - spent under 150.00 - good set-up because you can choose what rod you want. My 1st Pflueger - but so far I'm impressed with it