Vince: $107.49 at Marine West for ABu C3 6500. If you're left handed, then it's the Abu C3 6501 model which you will have to special order. Also, Shimano Corsair in the 400 series (401 if you're left handed) is around the same price range. Both are very reasonable priced casters and are quite dependable. I've got both and I think the Shimano is smoother but the Abu is more rugged (less plastic). That's about the cheapest price I've seen anywhere. FYI, if you buy, get lots of practice. Also, you will need a rod as well. Shimano Convergence is a decent priced rod in and around the $100.00 range. Nikka, A and N boutique are good bets. You can also buy a Berkley Canadian Specialist series, 10 and a half footer at Marine West for about 90.00. If you've never done baitcasting, yes, there is a little problem called birdnesting where the spool actually overruns itself duing the cast. With a little practice, you will get over that. The biggest advantage is line control when float fishing. Because there's no bail, the line comes off the spool once you hit the casting/release button and you get a smooth drift. You can't get that with a spinning reel/coffee grinder. Also, as you're drifting you can instantly stop the free spooling of the spool by turning the handle or using your thumb and set the hook. With a spinning reel, you lose too much valuable time replacing the bail and then sitting the hook. The long rod allows you to set the hook (think of a lever and mechanical advantage) and let you maintain better control of the float in the water for a longer period of time. Either of the reels with appropriate rod will be able to catch the kind of fish you've mentioned. Might be a little on the weak side (at least the rod, the reels should be okay) for the Fraser and bottom bouncing though but you can always upgrade the rod later. My 2 cents worth.