I am looking to buy a new bait cast reel, But I don’t want to spend more than 50 dollars any suggestions, or is this unrealistic. I am not looking to fish in tournaments I just enjoy fishing as a hobby.
Hi there Rags110400 and welcome to the BFT. Was wondering why you were inquiring about a bait casting reel? A good spinning reel can be had for a lot less than a good bait casting reel. At least that is my opinion. They are much easier to work and more versatile. I like reels by Shimano. You can window shop by clicking on the Cabela’s link at the top of this site. Do you also need a pole. It is nice to have your reel & pole be compatible with each other.
I bought a baitcast reel 2 years ago and I really enjoy it. It was a quantum combo kit I paid like 45 for both and I was just looking to upgrade to a better real. I do like open face spinning reels and I own about 4 or 5 of them. I was just looking to upgrade to a better bait cast reel the one I have now is ok for when I first started.
Have you thought about the style of reel that interest you? That is traditional or low profile? ****
I like the low profile baitcast reels
Though I don’t share Dryrod’s enthusiasm, I prefer spinning reels for light tackle applications only. If you’re looking to target large fish, you need a bait caster. This is why: Dryrod pointed out some very true factors as in you can purchase a decent spinning reel cheaper and they are easier to opperate. However, the drag system on a bait caster is much stronger than a spinning reels, unless you spend a considerably large amount of money on a high quality spinning outfit, which can run into the hundreds just for a reel. You can get a good quality bait caster, like an Abu Garcia 5500 or 6500 depending on your needs anywhere from 50 to 100 dollars. Don’t settle for less than Abu Garcia, they have a super strong and smooth drag system, super silky casting, and a matching level of strength and durability. If I were a millionair, i’d still use my Abu’s, I put that much faith in them.
i to am a big fan of abu’s i have a model 1000 baitcast reel i have been using for over ten years and it still works great wouldn’t give up that reel for anything as a matter of fact heading out the door right now to go catfishing 
and you better believe it coming along laters i’m outa here
Believe every reel has its place in the fishing world. I do have a Shimano Bantam Curado reel which is a real neat unit. Not the most expensive bait caster around but still not cheap. When I go out tubing my gear includes a bait caster, spinning and my fly rod for sure. For sure there Rags if one had a tug of war between a bait caster and a spinning reel you would want to place your money on the former.
I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about Abu’s baitcasters… so much so that the last one I bought was from them. They even spooled it with 100 lb test fireline for free. Heehee!
My low-profile is a Shimano Bantam Coriolis… I’m not all that impressed with it after one year of use.