I love my spinning rig but have been eyeballing bait cast combos for a while. Was wondering about pros and cons of bait cast vs spinning? What about a decent under $100 combo to learn on? Any other tips for picking one would help too.

Anybody?

Learning to use a baitcasters is mandatory! Baitcasters are more accurate and versatile. Don't worry about the backlashes, everyone gets them, even the highly experienced. Every baitcasters handles a little differently. As for suggestly one fir your first one, try a Shimono Canean. It is very similar to the Curado and Curados are know to be the most forgiving. As for a Combo, can't answer you but with the Canean being $100 new, maybe you can find a used one and use the savings toward a rod. With baitcasters, the rods become specialized for many different applications. A good all around rod would be a 7'3" med Hvy with a fast tip. hope this helps.

I was also gonna say the Canean, good inexpensive reel. As for a good cheap rod, check out the BPS BionicBlade series. Good selection and a good rod. New at BPS I'd say around $70?

YEP

H2O Mettle.

I find I can cast further with a bait casting set up. I feel more in touch with my rod tip and bait.
If you go with a combo get one with a 6'6" rod minimum.
On bait casters the better the reel the easier to cast and the smoother the retrieve. You really can feel the difference.

Pro Qualifier from BPS is $99 baitcaster that preforms pretty good. If you going to go with a baitcaster then buy a good one like the Abu Garcia Revo SX and match it to the Abu Garcia reel. You will not be disappointed!! I love mine!!!

Is the Abu Garcia MAX series any good?

My 2 cents is H2O Mettle from academy and a falcon bucco rod in medium heavy 7ft. This will cost you about 150 so a little over your budget but it will last you a long time and be good for many different techniques. Also, I would crank the nob on the right side of the reel all the way down each time you tie on a lure and then slowly loosen it until your lure barley falls with the spool set in free spool mode. This might keep you from backlashing. Good luck.

The Pro Qualifier is a killer reel for the money but will be going on sale soon for $79. Ditto on a Bionic Blade, too.

I would go to your local BPS/Cabella's/local tackle shop and ask for some help. They will be able to work within your budget to put something together for you that you will be happy with.

You may not want to go used, but older curado cu-200's are great reels and they pop up all the time for 75-100. Great reels

Find a used Citica E and used Falcon rod (Depends on what baits you are wanting to use).

http://m.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Tour...ct/104163/45000
Has anybody had any experience with this combo? Sounds good for $80.

Combos are not cost effective. That rod is subject to break within three months. No return policy after 30 days. You have been warned!