Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier® Baitcast Reels
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- Built to put you at the top of your game
- One-piece machined-aluminum frame
- Double-anodized, machined-aluminum drilled spool
- 7-bearing system with Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse
- Dual Braking System™
- Pin-release side plate for quick brake adjustments
- Built-in lube port
''It never ceases to amaze me...almost everyone who fishes in my boat comes away in awe of my Pro Qualifier baitcasters. They thought they were fishing with $300 reels!''
Edwin Evers
9-Time Bassmaster Classic® Qualifier
Line recovery in inches per handle turn.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 by 745
reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5 by BassHawgs Great Buy
I purchased this reel over a year ago, paired it w/ a 6'6" Bionic Blade rod and haven't regretted the decision once. Best bang for your buck on a baitcasting reel. I looked at other high priced reels, and even used some other top of the line reels, then tried my father-in-laws new PQ-I was sold. While on sale, you can't find a better buy. Heck, he still uses two that are over 20 and 25 years old today!
May 13, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by PopRPete AWESOME REEL
The salesman at the reel counter recommended this reel when I said I wanted to spend around $100.00, and it was on sale!!!! Better yet! He was so passionate about the reel, I wanted to buy it just to check it out. I spooled it up with 8/50 lb Spider Wire Translucent braid line and went to my dock that night to see if it was as good as I was promised. With a Texas rigged 6" U tail worm and a 1/4 oz bullet weight, after a few adjustments, this reel casts around 20 yards with a M/H 7' Bass Pro Bionic rod. The worm kept going for 5 seconds with NO birds nest!! I am so impressed, I am changing all my tournament rods to this reel!
Thanks Bass Pro Shop for an awesome product!!!
Tight Lines to ALL!!
May 13, 2013
Rated 4 out of 5 by DanielPo Greater starter
This is my first bait caster and I don't regret it at all. Ive been using it for only a month so far and it's great. Smooth reel and looks sleek. Some part of reel seems to be made from cheaper plastic than other parts but I still enjoy the product a lot. I would recommend this to anyone that is just starting with a bait caster like me because this seems like it would be a very reliable product.
May 10, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5 by terrybassman very nice
This reel is great for any kind of fishing jig ,crankbait,fineese id recommend this reel ive had it for 3 years not one problem has occured with this reel.
May 7, 2013
135 Questions | 708 Answers
Outdoor Answers
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I didn't know where else to post this but I have developed an issue with the last three Pro Qualifiers I've owned. This past week was the first time this year that I really burned the square bills all day long on my cranking rod and I again started to develop a grinding that my partner could hear at the back of the boat. These reels start out like butter for me but soon get loud. It almost feels like they get dry inside. I lube them up and it doesn't help. The staff at my local BPS told me they buy the reel and immediately send them off to Boca Bearing for new bearings and they are fine. I wouldn't think one should have to do that with a new reel! Is ANYONE havng this issue? I've had the older Johnny Morris signatures and even some old Extremes back in the day that held up fine. I've been through 5 of these and granted I work them hard but shouldn't they hold up better than that?
(read all my Q&A)
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I have not had any problems with mine and neither has my father in law, been great so far. This is my first PQ, but my father in law has 4 or 5 different models that span over 25 years and they're all still working. Hate to hear of your experience, I would think the PQ would hold up as well. Maybe it's a sign to try a different brand reel, then you'll know if it's you or the reels. Good luck!
Top 50 Contributor
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I have a couple that I've had for the better part of 2 years and haven't had a lick of trouble with either one of them.Details:
What is a good gear ratio for using worms, spinners, and occasionally a crank?? And also what kind of line would you recommend? the strongest best line out there. thanksAnswers
Top 50 Contributor
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I would go with the 6.3:1, seguar invisx line. The flourocarbon line will really help feel the worms better and provide a better hookset, also it will allow your crankbaits to run just a little deeper since the line will sink.A:
6:4 is great for anything. there no best line just perferance of what brand.A:
I would recommend 6.4:1, it is fast enough to get the fish in but not to fast to overwork your baits;As for line I have mine with 17lb Seaguar Red Label and have had no issues. As for your use with worms, spinners, and cranks, I would recommend some 12 or 15lb Seaguar Red Label
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6.4 is probably your best all-around setup - i own 2 of them for exactly those purposes
Top 500 Contributor
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I use the 4.7 for worms, the 5.3 for cranks and the 6.4 for general purpose.Personally I'm a Trilene guy when it comes to line!
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The best all-around baitcaster is a 6:4:1 as it allows you to cover all the techniques. If you purchase more than 1 you may want also get a 5:2:1 which is great for cranking. All of the techniques you mentioned would be handled well by the 6:4:1. I use 100% floro for most baitcasting applications except for topwater where you will want mono because it floats.Answers
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rate of retrieve and location of crank handleA:
The amount of line retrieved per turn of the handle & which side of the reel the handle is located on.7.1:1 is the fastest retrieving model
All are available with the crank handle on the left or right - read the description and it will tell you the difference.
Top 500 Contributor
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Gear ratios. The lower the first number the slower the retrieve speed.A:
Some have a deep spool so they can hold more line. As well as they all have different ratio like 5:2:1 and 6:4:1 etc. I like these reels because they come in left handed as well as right handed. Not many good brands offer both. I now own five of these and they are the best that money can buy. I have NEVER had a problem with any of themA:
I don't understand the question. The only differance is the ratios, which refers to the amout of line retreived per full crank of the handle. Usually anywhere from 29 inches to 18 inches per revolution.A:
The difference is gear ratio. The higher the gear ratio the more line is recovered per turn of the handle. Another difference is left hand and right hand models.A:
Casting distance, and automatic breaking. Awesome reel.Answers
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Stainless - what grade i'm not sureA:
just your standard s/s bearings. One drop of quality oil and you are good to goA:
Stainless and Cheap. This is a price point Chinese made reel of quality design/bargain components. The design is sound, the materials not so. Put $20 worth of ABEC 5 Bearings in it, give it a good cleaning, oil/lube and it should run ok for you.Details:
I have the setup down pat for braid, but am having a problem setting it up with 10 lb. fluoro. on a 7 ft. rod, sunline fc sniper. I have tried all different combinations of the magnet break and cast control tension and it still backlashes. Should I try adjusting the centrifigal brakes up to compensate for the added wieght of the fluorocarbon itself. I have already tried two and three of the pins set on, of course they are always equally opossed to each other. with braid I don't use any pins on at all, and the reel works like a dream. It is getting costly to use fluoro though.Answers
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10lb flurocarbon migth be a little light. Have you tried 20lb test fluro? Have you tried braided with a fluro leader? Perhaps those setups would work better for you. Do you have line backing? Try that as well.A:
Hey Squeaky might want to check your rod eyes. On some rods the braid will cut grooves or places in the rod eyes the fluorocarbon could be catching on those and causing you to backlash.Happy fishing.A:
Get some line conditioner like ardent line butter, helps it come off smoother
Top 500 Contributor
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Set all your brakes on and adjust with side knob and wheel adjuster on the side. I run tons of flouro with no issues!A:
I find that one of the DBS (dual braking system) reels lets me solve this problem with high density fluorocarbon line. It gives you both magnetic and centrifugal brake controls, along with the usual but necessary adjustment of the friction knob on the crank-side end plate. You'll quickly find a combination of settings that will let you cast smoothly for distance with fluorocarbon line, without backlashes. And don't forget that your thumb remains the key anti-backlash system component with all casting reels. You can find DBS reels at Bass Pro Shops in a range of prices. Good luck!
Top 500 Contributor
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I have Pro Qualifier reels set up with braid, mono and 12 lb P- Line Floroclear. I have 2 centrifugal brake pins "0n" in all of them. I have no problem with any of them as long as I set the cast control tension for my lure weight. I keep the magnetic brake at 4 or 5. I suggest you turn on 2 centrifugal brake pins, set the magnetic brake at 4, tie on a medium weight lure (1/4 or 3/8 oz) and set the cast control tension so the lure slowly drops when the thumb bar is depressed. Then cast and adjust until it works right. It sounds like you are doing everything right.Details:
My drag is so light, I can't even set the hook. Not sure if I am doing something wrong. How do I max the Drag Setting? Otherwise love the performanceAnswers
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You would PUSH the star lever on the inside of the handle away from you to increase the drag. You should both feel and hear a clicking when you do this. You may have to crank down on it several rotations at first to set the click mechanisum, then just back it off. If you can not get the clicking mech. to work then return it for another.A:
turn the star located just inside the reel handle clockwise until it is all the way tightened down.A:
push the star drag all the way forward and then back it off until its at the desired pressure.
Top 500 Contributor
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The star wheel just behind the handle is all you have for drag adjustment, if that doesn't work???
Top 25 Contributor
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There is a piece flush with the handle on the reel that looks like a star. Turning it back towards you or counter clockwise lightens the drag. Turning it away from you or clockwise, it tightens it. Hope that helps.
Top 250 Contributor
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Where the crank handle attatches to the reel, there is a star drag. Turn the star clockwise to increase tension. You should be in business!Answers
Top 500 Contributor
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I use 50# Spiderwire and it takes less than a full spool with no backing.A:
about 75 yardsA:
Most line manufacturers make 50lb braid equivalent to 12lb monofilament. You can put roughly 120 yds on these reels.
Top 25 Contributor
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Whatever 12 pound mono will fill.
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The reel would be able to hold about120 yards of the 50# braid.
Details:
Is 15 pound stealth braid to thin for this reel? Im gonna use it for smaller cranks, some topwater, ect. and was wondering if it would get to many birds nests when i hook into bassAnswers
Top 500 Contributor
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Should be fine, just adjust your drag accordingly.A:
i wouldnt suggest that light of braid. try 15 lbs floro it thiner and doesnt dig in like braid plus it sinks and lets you reach max depth unlike the floating braid.A:
I wouldn't but YMMV.A:
I use 20lb braid on this reel but i also use 14lb mono on it (have 4 in total). I'm sure 15lb will be just fine.A:
If I were you I would get at least 25 or 30 because the smaller ones cut them selfs a lot and you lose the fish and the lure.
Top 25 Contributor
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Yes, its way to small of a diameter. You want to stick with no less than 8-10 pound mono diameter for a bait caster. 15 pound as the diameter of 4 pound monoAnswers
Top 25 Contributor
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I don't think it has a stronger drag, but I like the slower retreive.A:
Your gonna want a higher ratio reel for deep cranking to get it down faster then slow it down yourself after your depth is reached ...the lower ratio reels are excellent for normal cranking and slow rolling spinnerbaits....you will work yourself to death trying to get a deep diving crankbait deep with a low ratio reelA:
This reel has plenty of drag for any type of cranking. The 4.6:1 allows you to crank all day.A:
I personally wouldn’t go that slow. The 10 lb drag on this reel is more then enough for setting the hook with a crank bait. The advantage to the faster ratios is that you can catch up to a fish if they run towards you. With the 4.6:1 you would have a very hard time doing that.A:
The lower the gear the stronger the gear. 6.4:1 is stronger then the 7.1:1 simple because of the gear size. Now I would try the Lews Bait cast reels over the BP Pro Qualfier. I owned two of them and after they give me problems I went back with the abu Garcia and lews. I have some that are 10 years old and still casting. The longest any of my BP reels laster was 16 months. I'll never purchase another one. 2 were repaired under warr. the others are in the trash after the 1 year pasted.
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Reels with high-speed gear ratios are better for working lures (buzzbaits and crankbaits)quickly back to the boat, or gaining line in a hurry when a fish charges toward the boat. Models featuring lower gear ratios don’t offer as fast a retrieve, but provide the greater cranking power (torque) ideal for bottom fishing, trolling or when fighting large fish.Answers
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This one. No question for me.A:
Both are awesome! I have the BPS Pro Qualifier and the Lews Speed Spool $80 reel. The $80 Lews is amazing! Seriously casts as good if not better then the BPS Pro Qualifier. Honestly I would get the Lews reel in a heartbeat!A:
I don't know about the Lew's, but I'd say this is one of the best reels in this price class. I've fished it harder this year than any other reel I own and it's been great. No issues.
Top 25 Contributor
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I cant compare it to the Lews as I have never used one, but this is by no means a cheap reel.Probably the best 100 dollar reel in its class though. 600 plus people cant be wrong.
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GO with the Lew's I wish I would have. I have sent one of my 2 back to Bass Pro's repair shop 2 times and now they both crossed the one year mark. I expect them to last more than one year and so far they are 50/50.
Top 25 Contributor
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The guy that designed the lews used to design bps reels. They are both awesome reels, but I think the lews reels are slightly more refined.
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135 Questions | 708 Answers
