I'd like to get my son (15) his first baitcaster reel. What would you recommend? I'm considering a Shimano Citica or an Abu Garcia 4600.

For the money, I'd go with this one:
http://www.daiwa.com/Reel/detail.aspx?ID=14

Reliability, price, great drag and very easy to adjust with the mag control (intead of taking the durned thing apart and playing with the brakes like Shimano or Abu)

Dan,

Of the two reels that you're looking at I'd go with the Citica 100DSV. I've been looking at these reels at Mack's Discount Tackle in Lindale. They're going for $119.95 or thereabouts. VERY nice! They look to be a nicer reel than even the old green Curado 100Bs. The casting drag adjustment knob, and star drag are both aluminum rather than plastic. The are at least VERY close to the same, if not the same in terms of size, and fitting in the hand.

They just flat look to be a good reel.

TFP

I got my boys Shimano Citigas with All Star rods from Academy...Hope they don't read this post!!! They seem to be a well built reel.Like TFP said...metal drag adjustment seems much better than plastic and you can't go wrong with a Shimano. Enjoy your time fishing together whatever your choice is.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

Here's a little info straight from the horse's mouth I found on Tackle Tour concerning the Citica 100DSV.



In case you are interested, the bearing at the base of the driveshaft (where it ataches to the frame) was replaced with a bushing on the CI-100DSV.

Doc

Daiwa Advantage. Great reel for the money.

i am 13 i have a 6500 this is the first baitcaster i learned with. and i love it. i also bought a 5000 about 6 months ago i have had no problems with it. if he is justnow learning get a 5000 or 4600 C3. you wont regret it.

Go with the Daiwa Advantage over the Garcia. It is easier to learn with, it will fit his hand a lot better and won't fatigue him as bad.

You can never go wrong with an Abu. Especially the Abu Record.

Citica or advantage, dont get an abu. I own the record and that is usually the last reel to get picked up, actually, it has only been cast a few times. The citica and the advantage will fit his hands better, the advantage would be easier for him to adjust the breaks on, both will cast well, both are small but I think (am not sure) the advantage lays deeper on the rod.(could be wrong, the reels are on my rod rack I cant see them). While I do like the look of my record and the line capacity, for everyday fishing I would have to go with the citica or the advantage. Also, I would stay away from any abu that doesnt say record on it. There is a good difference in the record and your typical c3.

I checked the two reels out and there is little difference. Both reels are well made and if spending 100, I would probably get the citica. if spending 60, the advantage would be a great reel. You cant go wrong with either reel.

I have 10 Diawa Advantage reels and while they are good reels the ABU Revo STX is smoother. I actually prefer the ABU Revo and will be phasing my Advantages to Revo's as time goes buy.

While I didn't like any of the prior ABU low profiles they have hit a homerun with this Revo...in my opinion. ABU owns the round reel market and are very good reels especially for the money.

Advantage to Revo STX is not a good comparison. You are comparing a grape to an orange???????????????????? 200$ reel vs. 59$ reel. The advantage HST is still only 119 and is not in the same class as the revo stx.
Also, if someone is looking at an abu and they see a calcutta, they wont look twice at the abu. For a reliable and STRONG reel, you go with calcutta. Thing is, the reels are not in the same class, just as I stated above in your comparison of the advantage and the stx.

Shimano! You just can not tear the thing up and I have tried(fresh and salt water).

The Abu Garcia's are great reels. Reliable, long lasting I have been fishing Abu's for 20 yrs and they are all I fish.