I'm in the market for a new baitcaster as my 28 year Curado has finally given out. In the past 5-7 years I have got a new Curado 200HG and 13 Fishing Concept A. I like them both compared to my old Curado but if I had to choose one of the same I would go with another Concept A. That being said I just wanted to poll the OB and see what yall are pitching before I headed up to Bass Pro. Budget is $300

Curado DC 150HG is my current favorite.

I love the Abu Garcia Revo lineup. I used to be a Shimano Curado guy all the way, but I tried out a buddy's Revo Rocket and ended up getting a couple after that. I have the Revo Inshore and the Revo Rocket and don't really use my Shimano stuff much anymore.

Shimano Curado DC
Daiwa Tatula Elite

Another vote for curado dc

The biggest decision you have to make has more to do with your style. A lower geared Curado (type) is great for braid when you are winching out of cover. A higher gear has become more popular last few years due to being able to maximize feet per turn.

I'm loving my new Bates reel. It's become my new go to out of about a dozen other 13s and Lews

I also match my gear ratios per baits I'm using and method of fishing. Lower ratios for slower fishing baits like worm rigs or jigs and sometimes top water presentations. Then switch to high ratios for when I want to cover more water or have more aggressive actions of buzz baits, spinner baits or deep diving crank baits. Or you can do mid ratio choices for all around use.

Not a reel, but a frog… Have you tried a "Prop Frog"??? Looks like a frog, but the rear legs spin like a buzzbait. Still very weedless. Anyway, just a "heads up" in case you haven't tried one…

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lunkerhunt-Prop-Frog-Topwater-Lure-Green-Tea-3-5in-1-2oz-Soft-Baits-Fishing-Lures/479829255?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&selectedOfferId=0429C7DB255D4728A3A417473DB52038&conditionGroupCode=1&wmlspartner=wlpa&cn=FY25-ENTP-PMAX_cnv_dps_dsn_dis_ad_entp_e_n&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=22222222298479829255_0000000000_21407473164&wl0=&wl1=x&wl2=m&wl3=&wl4=&wl5=9028453&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=479829255&veh=sem&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpnaIZ70QJqG4AWurQlB_4pd&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI17awxLy_jAMV5lN_AB2UdgjPEAQYAiABEgLxYvD_BwE

In that price range I'd get a chronarch g