Looking for a baitcaster

I am not ready to invest the big bucks in a Abu 6500 or 7000 quite yet. Anybody have a reliable, cheaper alternative?

I have looked at some Okuma models with the clicker feature and they look quite nice. Anyone have experience?

I’ve also seen some other relatively cheap ones that look like they can do the job.

I am mostly a channel cat man, and have never caught a cat over 20 lbs. I don’t think I need the top of the line.

Also I have one of these and have only tried it with mono and it get terrible backlashes and poor casting performance with thicker lines. Do you think that if I slapped some equivalent Power Pro (thinner and less memory) on it I would have an easier time with it? Right now this reel is a ‘last resort’ type of reel.

Rhino RCBXL

Any help would be apprciated!

Dfresh,

I have a European 7000 knock-off (Fladen Vantage 880) that looks pretty decent. My concern once I saw it in person was that it wouldn’t hold up to muskie casting, and I’ve been planning to use it as a dedicated catfish reel instead.

I’d take $40 for it, which is I’m sure less than I paid. But I’m not using it anyway. Here is a link to an ebay auction for the same reel. PM me if you want it.

I’m curious in any case: has anyone else used or seen a Fladen Vantage 880?

Take a look at Penn reels they seem to be cheaper cost but are very reliable. Also check out shakespere baitcasters.

Audemp – those are two I was looking at. I am definitely in the market for one and whenever I go to Moore’s I drool over the Abu Garcias. Maybe I’ll just try to work out the one that I have and use it as a trainer for a new 7000 next season?

I have an Abu 5500 that is barely used that I would let go for 35 bucks.

I use an Okuma baitcaster. You definitely have to be careful casting it, but it works. After I got used to it I haven’t had any complaints. I like it even better after I teamed it up with a longer rod.

E-bay! E-bay! E-bay!

You should be able to pick up a 6500C3 for around 40 bills if you watch the auctions long enough and are smart at bidding. These would be last years models and not the new upgraded ones.

I’ve got (3) 6500C3s that I have about $110 invested in total. Just smart shopping!

i would buy that 5500 for 35 bucks cant go wrong

I would suggest do yourself a favor and suck it up and buy a shimano tekota 500. These are some super smooth reels with an awesome drag and great power handle. I just bought myself one the other day and teamed it up with a tiger rod M/L action from our very own Moore’s Bait. Thanks again Bob! Ahoy!!

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How bout a C4 someone is selling locally

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Ah, fishing with explosives is illegal.

Dont buy a used reel from ebay.. you do not know what you are getting.

Suck it up and spend the few exra $$$ on a decent reel, or buy one from a eliable provate party(someone from this site). If you are looking for a flathead reel.. dont skimp, just buy a good one and get it over with, it cheaper. Once you buy 5 reels that arent quite good enough, and another one your not happy with.. eventually you will invest the $100-$140 into an excellent reel that will last for many years without issues.. while 1/2 of you $256 reel pile is not operationable anymore, and you realize the power pro for 5 reels added up to $100 alone.

A cheap reel is not a bargain.

Save your pennies as and get the ABU 6500 or 7000. They are bullet proof and last for years. The cheaper ones will have some junk part that will break just when you least want it to. Prepare for the fish you want to catch and you won’t be dissappointed.

For the Cash Impaired like most of us, an Abu reel is probably the best way to go. Do you reel right or lefthand? If you reel right like most folks “i.e. Not Me I’m Special” you shouldn’t have trouble finding a reel. Also remember that channel catting you don’t really need a bait clicker. All my channel fishing is done deadsticking. However make sure your rod is securely placed.
I’ll second the 5500C3 for $35.
I have a 6500C3 that I’m willing to part with if you’d like. It’s a righthand reel, but I picked it up cheap and I’ll let it go for $50. PM me if you’ll interested.

Good luck