In your opinion what would be the best baitcaster for long distance surf casting? I would be putting it on a 12 foot rod, casting out big baits for sharks and reds from jetties.

Depends on your budget. IF you want DISTANCE, than go with mid-high end Daiwa reels. You can't go wrong. They cast well and are built like tanks! JMO

daiwa sealine is your best bet, they are cheap and very strong..check out the link under
http://www.daiwa.com/Reel/detail.aspx?ID=190
http://www.daiwa.com/Reel/detail.aspx?ID=64

any others? i'm lookin to cast 100-150 feet

I'd go spinning if your looking to get out that far.

For me, I really haven't found the advantage of using a baitcast style over spinning. I'm green behind the ears on this subject thou

100-150 Feet is only 33-50 Yards. You can do that with most medium size casting reels. The problem with most level-wind Abu style reels is that the drag is to small for sharks over 4'. Don't get me wrong, there have been people that have caught sharks over 5' with a 6500 Abu but the drags have been toast after the fight.
If you look into the Daiwa SHA in the 40 or 50 you won't go wrong.
Practice on your casting and the distance will come...

Yeah, I know there is this guy named Nick from Breakaway tackle. He is a very avid surf fisherman on the Texas coast and he talks about his gear and highly recommends the Diawa reels with the SHA. I don't know a lot about surf reels but I know he likes to use those Diawa SHA reels and he is very particular about his gear. But I don't know a lot about surf fishing gear. If I fish the surf I just use what I would use in the bays to go after trout and redfish.

yeah i meant yards in the above post, but thanks for the info i'll have to give em a shot

What is a good spinning reel for the surf?.....I have one and everytime I try to cast real far the bail closes on me.....ouch

My favorite spinning reel is the Penn 7500ss you can also get the larger 8 and 9 versions but I find with a braid backing the 7500 is a great reel.

and you can use them offshore for pitching to dolphins and such.

Not to mention they are very sturdy but they are not the smoothest. That would be the Quantum Boca PT, now I know what you are thinking Quantum! but seriously this reel is pretty dam awesome and we fished 5 all summer long with no problems and I intend to get a few more this Xmas..

If funds are a little low don't forget to look at the Cabela's Salt Striker Reels, I have 5 as well and none of them have died even after taking a few salt baths..

I'd go with Penn. Lots to choose from at all price levels.

saw a guy cast cast 100 plus yards with a newell. however for casting i use a penn 555gs....both baitcasters.

The reel does have alot to do with casting distance, but the rod you mount it on will be just as important if not more imporatant that the reel.