Any recommendations for a good, but not super expensive entry level all around good bait caster? Will be using primarily coastal, mainly jetty, surf, bay wading, but occasional freshwater. Looking for one that has extra assistance to prevent backlash. I have an H2O reel, I believe, and it has extra dials to help control reel speed. Also, looking for a good combo rod and reel.

Make sure you get something that will handle the salt... there are many coastal reels that will work for you... spend more than a hundred on one

I doubt they are saltwater rated, but those Academy H2O reels are pretty dang good for the cost of them. If you want a saltwater rated, you’re gonna spend some money.



Although, super expensive is defined differently by everyone. What I think super expensive is, might be cheap to someone else and vice versa.

AbuGarcia makes an inshore revo that isn't terribly high, but it might be better to just by blackmaxs and replacing them.

I've been thoroughly impressed with the Lew's Inshore SSI1H Speed Spool. Super light, salt resistant, drain ports, strong drag and casts go forever. The Diawa Tatula Type R CT100XS is another that is outstanding and probably my favorite right now. Great for light soft plastics. Both can be bought for around 125.00. For about 40.00 more you look at the Diawa Coastal TWS 200HS. I have several of these and they are hosses.