Shimano Caenan 150… The best baitcaster under $100

Story starts out with good buddy, John Mazurkiewicz sending me a brand spanking new Shimano Caenan 150, insisting that I try this reel out. I was hesitant at first because most baitcasters at the $100 price point are not the best quality but when I went back into the memory bank, the first look I had at the original version was when I was working at Mik Lurch Tackle. Sportco Representative Kyle Danhausen came in the store and had me go outside with him to cast it the original Caenan. I was instantly amazed with the casting distance and the smoothness of the reel. With that thought I knew I had to give the new Caenan 150 the good ol’ bass fishing try out on some ferocious Lake Michigan Smallmouth Bass. I caught some great fish on this reel but I had to give it a comparison to the original. The Shimano Caenan is a quality reel!

I took it yet again to my home water Lake Michigan from the shore with good buddy and Co-Host on Stray Casts Outdoor Cartoon Television, Ryan Whitacre. He is an outstanding fisherman and has won multiple tournaments using the original Shimano Caenan Reels.

We took them out together and compared them side by side and we were able to cast 1/8 oz finesse jigs into the windy city of Chicago a proverbial city mile and stick some good smallies to spots were were unable to reach before with the original Caenan Reels. The new Caenan 150 was matched perfectly with one of my favorite rods, the Shimano Zodias 7’2” Medium Heavy rod and it balanced perfectly. Now he is sold on the new Caenan 150, He liked it so much I had to let him borrow it. (probably indefinitely)

The new Caenan 150 is out now and in my opinion it blows the old one out of the water. All the other baitcasters in the same price point do not even compare.

Here are some specifications on the reel.

“Redefining performance and value in low profile baitcasting reels, the all-new Shimano Caenan 150A Casting Reel is loaded with advanced features beneath its sleek and aggressive exterior. Featuring Shimano’s redesigned HEG: High Efficiency Gearing for exceptional strength and rigidity, by increasing the size of the drive gear and pinion gear, and also reinforcing the frame, Shimano was able to greatly increase the Caenan’s leverage and power.

Shimano’s new VBS: Variable Brake System combines forces with the Shimano S3D: Stable Spool Design to deliver outstanding cast control for a wide range of lures and baits, and also significantly dampens spool vibration for increased casting distance an productivity. Delivering a winning blend of performance and value, Shimano Caenan 150A Casting Reel is available in two versatile gear ratios, both a 6.3:1 and a 7.2:1.”

-HEG: High Efficiency Gears -VBS: Variable Brake System -S3D: Stable Spool Design

The Shimano Caenan comes in 3 different models

Here are the Specs and models

CAE150A Right 6.3:1 7.2 4BB + 1RB 12/110, 14/90

CAE150HGA Right 7.2:1 7.2 4BB + 1RB 12/110, 14/90

CAE151A Left 6.3:1 7.2 4BB + 1RB 12/110, 14/90

I have been fishing with Shimano reels ever since I could remember and The Shimano Caenan 150 is definitely a staple in the fishing industry that is smooth and reliable for your angling pleasure. If you’r looking to for an affordable baitcaster that will make your time on the water much more enjoyable I highly recommend trying out the new Caenan 150. With the Caenan 150 you do not have to spend a fortune to rig your boat to be able to compete. This is also a great reel for those looking to purchase your first baitcaster or for younger high school or college anglers looking to get into the sport of bass fishing this is the reel to go with. It is easy to cast and learn with, it has a sturdy drag, and is just straight up another quality reel made by the best company in the fishing industry.