UNBOXING the $80 Shimano Caius Baitcaster | Trash or Treasure?

[@robertdtimmerman]

I have had a Caius reel for 2 years now. I got it as part of a combo from Dicks Sports. I gave the rod away but kept the reel. I have it on my 7’2” Heater rod. I use Fluorocarbon on it with 3 of the 6 brakes used. It has been a pleasant surprise in my arsenal. Your reel seems to be slightly updated than what I have, but I would set it up the same. I think you will like it. Definitely worth the $80 bucks.

[@jprizzle2604]

Yeah the one you have probably has the red writing on it, these are this years model and have upgraded hardware and some better parts

[@JustinRoyal]

My man Robby D with the feedback. Thanks for watching and supporting as always brotha.

[@jameswalker5579]

A 7'4" MH was exactly what I was thinking before you pulled the bundle outta the tube. That combo is just more utilitarian to me.

[@brianlee9074]

A couple of good, quality fluorocarbon lines are Seaguar red label, and Yo-Zuri. I use both and have never had any issues. My gear, rods and reels, are between $100 and $200 each. I don't have a Caius but I do have several Shimano and Daiwa reels. I think you made the right rod choice for that reel. Just a few away from 93K subs. Nice blade! Not on IG but good luck to those that are. ✌

[@JerseyFishing20]

I have a Caius and I upgraded the bearings on it. It’s a little noisy because of the bearings but other than that it casts great and performs just fine. I like it, I believe it’s worth the $80

[@dooksofhazzardoutdoors9915]

Great reel have had one for 4ish years like another guy said it’s the beater with a heater that always runs. I have it on my e6x 6’6” mag bass med heavy with 20lb braid and have caught many big smallies, big channel cats and massive pike with it. As long as the brakes are set right you will cast all day long with little issues

[@JustinRoyal]

BEATER WITH A HEATER!

[@hen_11]

One of the best inexpensive reels there is from Shimano. You can easily tune it with bearings, clicking drag, and etc.; kinda like a beater car lol. So glad to be watching you again Justin 👊🏻🎣

[@loganjohnson9073]

I've never tried this one. I've been curious about it, but my go to for a cheapo is the slx a I love it for a beat up workhorse reel.

[@anthonymcgee2488]

Braid to fluoro leader, problem solved. Love your show! Shout outs from Detroit!! What Up Doe!

[@jameswalker5579]

Braid with flouro leader. My thoughts exactly.

[@nextlevelangling]

Daiwa J-Braid X8 Grand is the best braid 🔥🔥

[@bassaholicfishing]

Reaction Tackle is a pretty dang good braid for the price! Awesome to see you putting it on a budget baitcaster

[@davidcummings506]

Lol. You remind me of me. Yeah it's cold here in Massachusetts, if there was water that wasn't frozen over right now, I'd be casting my rods. 👍 awsome videos by the way.

[@retflo2583]

Bought a Caius for my son as his first bait caster, no issues through first half season...

[@beegee3136]

I feel it is similar to my beloved Casitas' that I prefer to some of my expensive reels. VBS is all you need. They never had to add the external dial, but it is what it is. Set 3 on and 3 off. If you don't backlash, then go with 2 on and 4 off. Set it and forget it! My all time favorite reel, the Chronarch 101D has the old VBS and outperforms all my new reels!

[@solaydbak]

I won my first tournament using the older version of this reel. I got it for $35 at Academy. My first shimano reel. It cast better than the older version of lews lfs. At a much lower price.

[@nativewildman9335]

My favorite braided line is Berkley's Fireline. Fins seams to be really good as well. My low profile baitcasters are Pflueger Supreme, Patriarch, and Patriarch xt I've had them for years. I have them on Mojo Bass rods. Great video.

[@Narrahd]

Looks amazing! But when I first got into baitcasters this was the one I stayed away from because all the reviews were terrible! 😬 ended up getting the daiwa fuego 🔥 and it was the right choice 😍

[@robinallen8773]

I use to use the shimano batum line back in the day till I wore them out! I use Sixgill bait casters now which is out of Texas!

[@daviddarlingauthor]

Looking forward to your next review on the water with the reel.

[@Mashfishing]

Metalhead outdoors! Thats badass

[@adrianalvarado7407]

Glad ur doing some budget stuff

[@garyk76]

I’d use braid and can always tie a flourish leader to it later

[@pedroetayo]

I think the best reel to start with is the Abu Garcia Black Max. I got them for $30 (normally $48) on Amazon. They even sent me an extra one by mistake. The Vangeance is also on sale for about $25 on their website plus shipping.

[@tonysouthern3049]

If I remember right the Caius name is not new. I believe they had it out years a go and discontinued it. They probably redesigned it and brought it back out. After looking it up they did have previous model of the Caius. The SLX took it's place as the budget reel.

[@pondjumperz1335]

It's been a minute bro!! How are you man? Let me know when you make it back up north toward Fork and Tawakoni lakes. We should fish. Good to see you doing great brother!!

[@randallmiller572]

Cool video, might have to try the Caius myself! I’m a Shimano lover too and been using the Curados since the 90s. Still using some of the Green machines! Happy New Year to you and 🤞🏼I win one of those sweet Bottle Butchers!👊🏼

[@JustinRoyal]

Happy new year man thanks for watching.

[@VinniesFishing1]

I have the old version of the caius, it has been great for me the last 3 years. I guess they updated it cuz it looks different

[@Anythingfishing-o8k]

Maybe you could review a kastking royale legend GT next? They look awesome, cast crazy far, unlimited option parts, and id put them against $100 reels. Only $40, not much to lose! Crazy buttery too.

[@markdavid1479]

I’ve had a bottle butcher for years from berg blades.

[@slimsbaitco]

I've used worse reels for more money. Great reel for beating banks with or just want a reel that you aren't afraid to get beat up. I've had every Heater rod made since its drop. Worth every penny. One the lightest rods Ive ever used. My boy knocked it out of the park on these.

[@JustinRoyal]

Thank you so much for your relentless support my friend. Hope to see you soon.

[@jonnyboyd7715]

I have a few older models they are some of the best casting farthest flying reels i have.

[@phatphisherman5070]

I’ve got a couple Heater rods, they are by far my favorite rods I’ve ever had! Why not do braid to flouro leader?

[@JustinRoyal]

Spoke on that in the video. Thanks for picking up a couple heater rods man. Genuinely appreciate your support.

[@bluntblowing5296]

Do your rides come in a two-piece version?

[@dustyd6617]

SLX is the cheapest Shimano I’d go with. The SLX still has an aluminum frame, unlike the Caius. The Black Friday deals will get ya a SLX cheaper. Enjoyed the video.

[@jordankane2606]

Killer looking rig

[@tims_always_fishing7117]

Just got an exsence xr c3000 and slx xt dc 71hg. Love jdm shimano

[@gilbertvaldezjr3233]

I think brother u shouldn’t over think it and put what ever you want cause you never know either one can disappoint you , it’s all on the real at this point

[@JustinRoyal]

I respect that insight. Read these comments. 🤣

[@katsugi183]

fabulous combo

[@BassandGrass-smc]

I'm gonna give one a try for the price definitely good back up

[@JustinRoyal]

One thing I didn’t mention is how light it is. This setup is really light! About to go test it.

[@BassandGrass-smc]

@JustinRoyal get ummm let me/us know how it does I'm definitely curious about it.

[@jameslovelace8958]

I love ❤Reaction Tackle Braid. It’s the braid of my choice. Last long and handles limbs and docks greatly. I have yet to loose a fish on it. I got a 7.2 from under a dock and a pontoon boat on 10 8# Reactions Tackle Braid.

[@JustinRoyal]

Aye thanks for the feedback dude! I’ve been using the 10lb on one of my spinning setups but looking forward to going to town with the 50.

[@jameslovelace8958]

@ I have one rod set up for Frogging with 50 on it.

[@jaaron2834]

Most decent baitcasting reels can be made to be very badass with Abec 7 hybrid bearings/ Super tune kit or full ceramic bearings... they require no lubricants ... at all... super fast..I saw a vintage Abu 5000c spin for over 8 minutes in free spool

[@JustinRoyal]

Send some and I’ll upgrade it on camera.

[@WoodsandWater72]

When I saw a dude talking bout fishing I was like "yeah hell yeah a budget baitcaster" then saw Metallica in the background I was immediately automatically in 😂 ✊🏻✊🏻

[@JustinRoyal]

My man. 🫡🤘🏼

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Braid always, Justin. I buy a lot of braid from TEMU and it is just as strong as well known braided lines.

[@JustinRoyal]

Always?

[@dann.294]

I’d disagree with braid for everything.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

I know i should tie a leader sometimes but i can tell you guys, i am just too lazy. Our dams around my hometown here im South Africa has exessive grass in them, so we brake off easily if yoh don't have strong line. I bought camo 30 pound braid from TEMU and was worried it was going to break but not once bas it happened. My hookup rate is also the same as my best friend who only fish with fluoro line. I think i am lycky in the sense that the dams i fish as a teacher are private farm dams with no pressure at all so the fish are not used to seeing bates or lures. I fully agree that to fish braid all the time will not work for most people but works well for me. I caught 15 bass yesterday after church and my mate caught 10.

[@adwhite804]

Glad you have such good luck with the flouro, expensive or not. Can't get past the nasty crunching noise after about 2-3 days. And burners nests... forget about. Braid to a flouro leader has worked so well for me... can't go back . And the crunchy moose with flouro or mono just messes me up . Dang OCD can be a real pain in the rear

[@JustinRoyal]

Everyone has their preference. I use to be a broad to Fluoro guy myself. To each their own! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@imyourhuckleberry3417]

Whats up with the bottle butcher ?

[@JustinRoyal]

Giving 2 away on IG. Probably tomorrow.

[@GaryCartwright-k4f]

Bought one last year. Been a great reel for me.

[@brycemiller7441]

The heater series spinning is my next rob and can’t wait for it!

[@ZetaReticulian]

It’s easy to read a person true personality based on how they interact with their pets 😉

[@JustinRoyal]

I’d die for my dog. Not sure how to take this comment but my dog is my best friend and I’d choose him over any human. He lives an incredible life.

[@imyourhuckleberry3417]

Bringing in the Heat in 2025 💥 💥 💥 I need 10 heater rods 100%

[@JustinRoyal]

If you get 10 you are an absolute legend! 🤣

[@manaz28jose]

Bro !! It's not CAIUS. It's CAIUS. 😆 Fish On !!! 😎👍

[@JustinRoyal]

🤣

[@capikamran]

i believe it is pronounced as caius

[@thebasstrap4091]

It's a shimano there all good that's a good beginner reel , but they have way better 😉

[@JustinRoyal]

Really?!?!

[@thebasstrap4091]

@JustinRoyal yes really you know that yess

[@JerseyFishing20]

You have so many heaters that you’ve been blessed with! Could you bless me with one? Maybe a used one you don’t use anymore? Or one that is just sitting around? Not going to lie I have tons and tons of 6th sense tackle but I don’t have any Rods. Been very curious about them. I just got some Gary Loomis Edge Rods the Delta version and I’m going to be reviewing them in the spring. Would be sick to add in a Heater!

[@r.bt63]

So cool but so expensive

[@JustinRoyal]

…

[@bradvanbuskirk6909]

It feels weird because you holding it with the wrong hand....😂😂😂...rightys!....

[@earlpartain4534]

Following keep up the great work!

[@JustinRoyal]

Appreciate the support!

[@Moshenokoji]

If you go JDM, the Bass one XT is avout a $60 USD baitcater on digitaka.

[@michaelross5674]

You can get the slx for 99

[@pudgee22cw]

That’s what I’m thinking. It’s at a weird price point.

[@DyS_AcTiv]

Pronunciation is like Kasey-Us I’m pretty sure

[@JustinRoyal]

Thanks

[@joeynovoa4943]

🥃🤙🏽

[@christopherromina5445]

Just a tip I would use a clip so you don't waste time tying your lure that's what I do when I use braid

[@JustinRoyal]

Nah…

[@christopherromina5445]

@JustinRoyal your loss is braided line is so expensive. And you actually save your braided line and if you want to waste your time keep on tying it

[@chriscurtis8577]

Yes don't forget you have girls on here watch your channel also I am tested person that watches your channel holder time my it's your buddy Chris

[@JustinRoyal]

English please 🤣