Reel for Bobber & Jig?

[cotalot]

I'm fairly new to bobber & jig fishing, but I've had some recent success with it and intend to do more of it this winter.

What are your favorite baitcasting reels and what line do you use? The ability to cast light stuff is important to me, since I'll be using it for summer fish and spinners, as well.

Price is an issue, only in that I want the best bang for the buck. I'm not "brand-anal", but the brand may come into play, as a tie-breaker.

[RichH]

Most people use a spin caster for the simple reason you can cast much lighter gear with it. On mine I use power pro. Mono tends to sink which can make mending your line through the drift tough.
Since you want a baitcaster I would recommend a shimano, I personally LOVE my calcutta. I can throw just about any gear with it with minimal effort. I think I must be a spazz or something because I have a tough time casting braided line on my baitcaster. Good luck.

[Fish Finder]

Best bang for the buck. It's hard to beat those low to mid entry Daiwa like the Advantage 153H or 15HST in right or left hand retrieve. Here's a link to a reel review. http://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiw...age153hst.html

[FastAction]

the latest buzz for bobber and jig under 30$ is the Okuma Avenger AV30

I like the new Mitchell 300!

[BuKuBass]

A handy feature on any baitcaster is a "flipping switch". For you slime-rocket junkies that aren't aware of this term, when the FS is used, it allows you to engage the gears by merely removing your thumb from the bar when feeding line without having to turn the handle; much quicker. And warmer too; you can fish with one hand in your pocket.
With a spinning reel you're either feathering the line with a finger or back reeling to let out line during the drift.
As for a reel, I'm partial to older model Shimanos or the this reel with the 10' 3pc rod .
A much cheaper alternative is the Quantum Express; I bought couple a few years ago for $20 each. Xbay usually has them now.
Since most braided lines float, they can be mended to provide less drag. With practice you'll soon be able cast a bobber and jig that weighs a total of less than a quarter ounce.