Newbie: is my baitcaster ok?

Hello All,

I am 23 years old, and just getting into fishing (bass, panfish, and maybe catfish, but mostly bass). I recently bought a Shimano Crestfire 200b combo (a "Jimmy Houston" combo). The reel has a 5.1:1 gear ratio and 2 stainless steel bearings. The rod is a 6'6" medium action shimano rod. The retail price was $70, but it was on sale for $40, so I picked it up without really researching the combo.

So my question is, does anyone know anything about this reel? Is it ok for learning how to use baitcasters on? And finally, what kind of line should I spool her up with (lbs)? I saw that Shimano now offers a Crestfire 100d, with a higher gear ratio..., I guess that's why mine was on sale. Anyhow, anyone have any experience with this reel/combo.

Thanks!

Ed

Can you cast the baits you want to cast with it? Is the drag smooth? If the
answeres to both of those are yes then what does it matter what we think
about your reels.

--
** Public Fishing and Boating Forums
** www.YumaBassMan.com


"Crazy Ed" wrote in message
...

Hello All,

I am 23 years old, and just getting into fishing (bass, panfish, and
maybe catfish, but mostly bass). I recently bought a Shimano Crestfire
200b combo (a "Jimmy Houston" combo). The reel has a 5.1:1 gear ratio
and 2 stainless steel bearings. The rod is a 6'6" medium action
shimano rod. The retail price was $70, but it was on sale for $40, so
I picked it up without really researching the combo.

So my question is, does anyone know anything about this reel? Is it ok
for learning how to use baitcasters on? And finally, what kind of line
should I spool her up with (lbs)? I saw that Shimano now offers a
Crestfire 100d, with a higher gear ratio..., I guess that's why mine
was on sale. Anyhow, anyone have any experience with this reel/combo.

Thanks!

Ed


--
Crazy Ed