I've been using spinning reels for a while and i want to try out bait caster reels and i don't want to go to expensive. i was looking at academy and i saw this reel i liked and i want to know whats y'alls opinion on it? And what is a good rod to go with it? i am mainly going to be saltwater fishing for trout, redfish, and flounder. Thanks!!!!

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_452602_-1?ICID=CRT:0112-40429-1004

I have 3 of the H2O Express Mettles, not camo though. They have done great so far, only caught a few fish on em. I use them for bait rods while I use my spinning rod for lures. Live mullet has just been catching anything for me lately though. I also use the All-Star rods, they are very nice and academy is selling them cheap now. Used to be $50, down to $30. I got the 6'6" MH ones on 2 of these setups. One is on a H2O Express rod, nicer rod but $70 instead. Didn't get it by choice, the wife just had to have the pretty blue one lol.

I think a used Abu 5500C3 would be a bit cheaper and better quality. More line capacity and smoother, stronger drags. Fred Mathews (turbofred on here) might have one that he's gone through and cleaned up for a decent price. When the Mettle reels on are sale for $30, they are an excellent value.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_11787_-1__?N=101394130

This wouldn't be a bad rod to start with.

Yeah the deal i got on the mettles was $25 each i think on black friday 2011. And 25 was the deal on the rods the same black friday. Thats the standard price now lol. Good rods for cheap.

I used to use Garcia 6600 CBs in FL, great cheap reels. I left them all with my fishing buddy, what was I thinking.

I have a H20 mettle and like it a lot, for the price when they are on sale they are more than worth it. I use it to throw lures more than bait. Tossing baits is for spinners and conventionals in my book.

I agree on the Garcias great reels, after Christmas, I will be looking for two to put on a couple of Daiwa rods I have.

If you are looking around $100, the Bass Pro's Pro Qualifiers are nice reels to for the price. They have two models that are geared 5 to something and 4 to something and have a higher line capacity.

should i jump on this offer or pass?

https://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_701303_-1__?N=46883185+106

I think it is a good deal. That rod is better than an all-star.