Daiwa Beefstick
Daiwa Beefstick
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 Daiwa rod and reel combo  US $40.00
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What catfish reel should I buy?
I am planning to fish off the dam of a fairly large lake (so I need to be able to cast far) and do some fishing in the Kansas river which has a decent current. I am trying to find a decent reel that won't break the bank. I will catfish probably once or twice a month. I want to stay cheap, but I also don't want to blow it if I get a big catfish on the line. Any suggestions on what reel to buy? I was thinking about buying the Megacast or Catmaxx CMX-3 from bass pro (I'd like to get a bait caster).
Please don't just answer, "buy an Abu 6500" or something like that. I know it's a great reel, but it is also expensive. Is there any reel out there that is up for the job (maybe not the best) that is relatively cheap?
Also, I'm interested in buying this rod from bass pro http://www.basspro.com/Daiwa-Beefstick-Surf-Casting-Rod/product/10204563/-1646783 any thoughts about it? It is cheap and it looks like it could cast some serious distance with a good weight on it.
I'm a member of a Catfish forum, and I don't know how many times people have asked a question similar to yours. Most of the people answer with "Ming Yang" reels. Here's a link to the reels: http://www.stingraytackle.com/mingyangcastingandflyfishingreels.aspx As you see, there's a lot of different models. Pick whichever you think fits your needs.
Everyone on the forum swears by them. They get the job done and NO plastic/cheap parts are used. Brass gears and a 1-piece aluminum frame. The price of these reels range from $35 (although these sizes are fit more for smaller saltwater/freshwater fish) up to $65 (the largest is about the size of an ABU 7000) This pink version (which isn't a true pink, but that's what the title says): http://www.stingraytackle.com/pink_fishing_reel_baitcaster.aspx Would probably be best, they have an upgraded, much louder clicker than before and has a line capacity that should work for you.
STAY WAY FROM THE MEGACAST, CATMAXX AND ABU BCX REELS.
The beefstick looks like a fine rod. Go for it.