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I've been using a spinning reel for the longest time

I was looking at a the shimano corvalus http://www.sail.ca/en/shimano-corvalus-166018 CVL300 which seems like a decent reel.
What rod would be a good fit? or perhaps you have a different suggestion. The combo I'm looking will hopefully cap out at below 200. If that's not possible, let me know.

I fish primarily from shore, but want the capability of pulling in some decent pike and musky.

Any thoughts?

I just recently got into the baitcasters also. I was the same as you, didn't want to spend more then $200 on the set up. I ended up going with the Abu Garci silver max low profile, which also has the flipping switch (great for when I bottom bounce). As for the rod, I wanted something that could hold onto a decent size pike or musky also. I ended up going with a Berkeley glow stick medium 7ft casting rod, as it had some great reviews of people catching up to 50lb catfish on it and it still didn't break. Total price for rod and bait caster was around $130. Managed to net some decent size fish with the set up, but still waiting for the all time the challenge of a big one!

As for after ordering, I went with 50lb power pro on the Abu Garcia and haven't had any issues with it casting. I throw big 1 or 2oz spinners with it all the way down to 1/4oz spinners. Don't know if you know how to set up and cast a baitcaster but I made sure the magnetic break was cracked all the way on high. As I didn't want the dreadful backlash and end up ruining the power pro on the real. Hope this helps and keep in mind there are a ton of different options out there to choose from.

Lee

For baitcasting reels, it's a "you get what you pay for" relationship. If you're going for pike and musky, I would think that rod sensitivity wouldn't be a high priority.

I purchased a $40 baitcasting combo a few years back, and frankly, I could not stand it - it rattled when casting and retrieving. I would spend a little more on the baitcasting reel, and a little less on the rod. I have not tried the corvalus, but I've heard good things about the Calcultta. I personally go for bass, and I have a Curado G that I'm pretty happy with =)

I have a 7ft 2 in Rapala R-Type (1 piece)
Med/Hvy Fast

I'd sell it for $50. Its a really great baitcast rod.
It'll leave you plenty of room for a good reel!

I went to Sail the other day and the staff said the same thing about getting a decent reel.

The Shimano Corvalus is like their starting reel for big musky/ pike so I was told.

I did come to a realization though. I tend to fish from shore and get there by bus a lot so one pieces may be a bit awkward.

Not sure what to do about it at this time but it's something to think about

I don't do any musky fishing but will echo to not cheap out on the reel.

Someone recommended a Calcutta and as much as that is a great option, it is also $400+ out here. If you want a round Shimano, take a look at a new Cardiff or search the used sections for an older Calcutta. Your other option would be the low pro Curado 300E. There are other low pro musky feels like the Lexa 300 as well.

Do some research and I bet you will find one decently priced.

Good luck,

Holy cow there are so many options.

I'm finding it hard to narrow down choices in the 100-150 range of baitcasting.

If there is a market, they will make a product for it!

Good luck!

What are you leaning towards at the moment?

I was thinking of going big but I might just go for a heavy rod then a reel that will work for most fish rather than specializing

Go to a store that will actually spool the reel up, put it on the rod, and give you a quick lesson on baitcasting 101. (Paddletales comes to mind). This will really shorten your learning curve.

Ed

toobinator wrote:Go to a store that will actually spool the reel up, put it on the rod, and give you a quick lesson on baitcasting 101. (Paddletales comes to mind). This will really shorten your learning curve.

Ed

Yeah I went to sail and they give the deal on em

Jimmy_1 wrote:I have a 7ft 2 in Rapala R-Type (1 piece)
Med/Hvy Fast

I'd sell it for $50. Its a really great baitcast rod.
It'll leave you plenty of room for a good reel!

Do you think that rod would go well with this reel below?

http://www.sail.ca/en/fishing/reels/bai ... -sx-166073

ipjrobson wrote:

Jimmy_1 wrote:I have a 7ft 2 in Rapala R-Type (1 piece)
Med/Hvy Fast

I'd sell it for $50. Its a really great baitcast rod.
It'll leave you plenty of room for a good reel!

Do you think that rod would go well with this reel below?

http://www.sail.ca/en/fishing/reels/bai ... -sx-166073

Yes it would indeed.

Take the drive out to paddletales. Its well worth it, there is a reason so many fish hawk members will make the drive out there, and are always happy to recommend it

You can also bring the reel with you to test it out on any rod although he used to have them in stock. I don't know about no0w as I haven't been in in a while.