Another "which reel" question...

I'm thiking about going for stripers down in Sacramento off my yak, and may be throwing some 1/2-3/4 oz. plugs.  I could just use my spinning rig, but I'm getting more and more into casting reels.  I have a good, 7', medium action rod and an Abu 5500 C3 reel.  Casts great with heavier stuff, but not so good with light stuff. 
My question is, would something like the Abu Black Max or Silver Max be easier to cast with lures of this weight?
Thanks,
Ron.

Any regular bass reel for casting is fine. 

Any regular bass reel for casting is fine.

I agree with any bass reel for casting your lures.

I know this is really gonna show my ignorance, but is my Abu 5500 round reel considered a "bass" reel, or are you referring to the low profile reels I mentioned?
Ron.

I know bass guys who cast round body reels BUT it depends on what they are throwing.  Round body reels, traditionally, are slower retrieve speed.  Most guys go low-profile for either:  1)  The lower body side or 2) Higher retrieve speed.  Those low-profile reels have really gained popularity in ocean fishing and a BUNCH of our top guys on here fish low-pro quite a bit.

I got a nice deal on a shimano symetre 4000 series and its super light, very compact and I use it on my 7' medium heavy striper rod, balances really well.

I can understand the faster retrieval speed and the lower profile, but do they cast any easier than my round reel?  Particularly the low price point ones like the Abu black max.
Thanks,
Ron.

OH! sorry didnt realize you were looking for a baitcaster, I've always liked the ease of spinning reels, with the technology nowadays they make some very smooth spinning reels that'll do a great job, though it all boils down to preference, price and targeted use.

I can understand the faster retrieval speed and the lower profile, but do they cast any easier than my round reel?  Particularly the low price point ones like the Abu black max.
Thanks,
Ron.

Does the levelwind disengage on your C3 when you click it into freespool? Some round reels do, some don't. It isn't such a big deal when you're casting bigger baits, but for small stuff you want the levelwind to disengage for casting (less parts to spin, less spinning resistance).

Low profile reels always (to my knowledge anyway...) have level winds that disengage. I've got a little Revo low profile reel that I love. I've caught everything from bass to halibut with it.

Most anglers that use low profile reels
Better to palm
Smaller lighter spool, cast much easier with lures under 1oz.
More options in retrieve speeds, ranges from 5.1-9.1
So yes due to the smaller lighter spool cast alot easier than the traditional round reel.
For what your using the reel for the above reels you mentioned should be fine and yes it'll cast alot easier then your c3

No, the level wind doesn't disengage when casting.  It zips back and forth as the line comes off. 
The lighter spool casting easier certainly makes sense.  Hadn't thought of that. 
Hmm, I can pick up an Abu Garcia Black Max for less than $40 at Wally World.  My neighbor, who's an avid bass angler, has half a dozen rods pre rigged on his boat, which lives in his garage.  I noticed that one of them was sporting the black max reel.  He said it doesn't cast nearly as well as his high dollar reels, but casts well enough and has lasted him a few years. 
Certainly wouldn't hurt to pick one up and try it.
Thanks for the help guys!
Ron.

It's likely one of those "get what you pay for" kind of things... I'm sure that reel will work just fine, but it won't be quite as smooth or durable as a higher-dollar model.

It's likely one of those "get what you pay for" kind of things... I'm sure that reel will work just fine, but it won't be quite as smooth or durable as a higher-dollar model.

I'm sure you're right.  Buying a $40 reel and expecting it to perform as well as a $200 reel is foolish.  I'm thinking of buying the cheap reel, playing with it for a season, and seeing how it goes.  If it's something I want to use regularly, then I'll hand it off to one of my sons and upgrade.  If I just can't see a use to it, then I'm not out much. 

On the other hand, if I use it, hook into a monster fish, and burn it up, then I can go home and tell the wife I destroyed my reel and need a new one.  Since she dosn't know I'm buying this one in the first place, and doesn't know one of my reels from the next, she won't know how much the "replacement" should cost...

I know, that's bad.  Very very bad...

It's likely one of those "get what you pay for" kind of things... I'm sure that reel will work just fine, but it won't be quite as smooth or durable as a higher-dollar model.

I'm sure you're right.  Buying a $40 reel and expecting it to perform as well as a $200 reel is foolish.  I'm thinking of buying the cheap reel, playing with it for a season, and seeing how it goes.  If it's something I want to use regularly, then I'll hand it off to one of my sons and upgrade.  If I just can't see a use to it, then I'm not out much. 

On the other hand, if I use it, hook into a monster fish, and burn it up, then I can go home and tell the wife I destroyed my reel and need a new one.  Since she dosn't know I'm buying this one in the first place, and doesn't know one of my reels from the next, she won't know how much the "replacement" should cost...

I know, that's bad.  Very very bad...

this is not bad this is a beautiful thing. i can buy a new fishing rod and reel or a new tool. stack it with the others.
no questions asked. she just cant keep up with my nventory, hope she never audits me.

It's likely one of those "get what you pay for" kind of things... I'm sure that reel will work just fine, but it won't be quite as smooth or durable as a higher-dollar model.

I'm sure you're right.  Buying a $40 reel and expecting it to perform as well as a $200 reel is foolish.  I'm thinking of buying the cheap reel, playing with it for a season, and seeing how it goes.  If it's something I want to use regularly, then I'll hand it off to one of my sons and upgrade.  If I just can't see a use to it, then I'm not out much. 

On the other hand, if I use it, hook into a monster fish, and burn it up, then I can go home and tell the wife I destroyed my reel and need a new one.  Since she dosn't know I'm buying this one in the first place, and doesn't know one of my reels from the next, she won't know how much the "replacement" should cost...

I know, that's bad.  Very very bad...

Baitcasters are not like spinning reels.spinning reels all almost cast the same.when you notice the price of the reel is when you retrieve it.then you'll notice the 50$ vs200$.
Baitcasters is the complete opposite. When you cast them you'll notice the 50vs200.you'll notice the retrieve also.I would if your budget allows drop between 100$-150$ price point.or better yet go out and fish with someone who has a bunch of tackle you could try a few cast on and see where abouts you want to spend your money on.
Ebay is a great tool if you know what your looking for.