Daiwa Fuego LT

The best reels for beginners are the Daiwa Fuego or Tatula CT and Shimano SLX XT. These reels greatly outperform lower-priced options for 20-35 more in cost. They have better brakes leading to fewer problems with backlashing as a beginner. They cast farther plus will be good for years.

long term durability, casting ability, and advanced gearing/braking technology. Honestly, you can get a very good baitcaster with good brakes for crazy cheap. Take a good hard look at the daiwa fuego.

Daiwa Fuego LT. The Pfleuger President isn’t a bad reel, but it can’t compare to the Daiwa Fuego. The Fuego has a bigger main gear (more durable), a dual bearing pinion support (one bearing at the top of the pinion gear, one on the bottom) which is a more durable design and it makes the reel smoother under load, it’s overall more refined feeling (smoother, lighter, less play between parts) and it has a system that keeps water out of the guts of the reel (magseal). A way better choice at around $100.

Little bit over 150 for both, but I just got a Daiwa Fuego and put it on a Daiwa Aird X for my first baitcasting setup. Been great so far, very smooth.

Slx xt one of the following: bass x, mojo bass, dobyns fury, daiwa Fuego. And aim for a 7' to 7'4 MH fast for an all around rod

Most people will say a Daiwa fuego ($80) plus a medium fast 7ft rod of your choice. I had a lightening stick for $40 and it worked well. All in $130 or so after tax.

I would hands down say a Daiwa Fuego at that price point. One of the best reels you can get at that range.

You can find a Daiwa Fuego for around that price if you look hard enough. I got mine "like new used" on Amazon for $65. I love it. Best value reel for the price.

Or a Tatula for $90-$100

Bro. Daiwa Fuego. It can be had for $80 on Amazon. Try it out. Throw it on a Lightening rod for $120. It's worth the extra $20

I upgraded to a Daiwa Fuego a couple years ago when they were routinely found for $80, so it wasn't a huge investment and it's been a lot better than the Blackmax was. Like the other reply mentioned, cheap reels are just not as finely tuned. Their durability isn't good either, but if you only fish on weekends it probably won't matter. If you want to upgrade, stick to Daiwa or Shimano and you'll notice the difference right away.