Casting Reel Size

[columbiar]

So, does the size of a casting reel and how much line it holds important for most bass techniques? I can understand having a larger size reel if you are salmon fishing or something similar where you would expect big runs because you need more line just to make sure you don't come close to getting spooled. But this really isn't a concern with most bass/walleye fishing. I would think that if you have a reel that holds 120 to 140 yards of 12 pound mono, it's more than enough. Why would anyone put up with the additional weight of say a 150 or 200 size reel instead of a 100 size when it is not really needed?

[roadwarrior]

The weight difference between a 50 series and 200 is completely offset by rod balance.

I fish both, but prefer the smaller reels. Line capacity and maximum drag are are non-issues.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Weight is where it's at right now, almost to the point of diminishing returns. A Curado or Chronarch 200 are not heavy by any means and have a pretty slim profile, but many still like to go as light as possible. If that's what feels good to you, line capacity is of little concern for bass fishing as you said. I agree with RW too where max drag is concerned.

[LgMouthGambler]

For instance, with Shimano 50 vs 200, the 50 holds enough 12lb to get any job done for bass fishing, but if you want a heavier line, say 15-20lb, you need the bigger reel. Balance will also play a role. I prefer my Curado and Chronarch 50s for fishing as they feel better in my hands. Curado 50 has 12lb YoZuri, and Chronarch 50 has 50lb Power Pro. My Curado 200E7 is better for Flipping jigs with 65lb Spiderwire, as the faster speed, and stouter feel for wrangling the fish. Chronarch 200E7 with 20lb YoZuri for clearer areas for swimming heavier soft plastics, while not having to worry if a fish takes me to cover with the strength of the YoZuri. Citica E with 40lb Sufix for spinners, and Citica G with 17lb mono for topwater. They all serve their place, whether a place you may give them, or somebody else does. Its all about using the right reel for the right job. All my Shimanos do a specific task for me.

[columbiar]

Thanks! But are you saying the 50 size won't handle 15 or 20 pound line?

[Alpster]

Thanks! But are you saying the 50 size won't handle 15 or 20 pound line?

I think he's saying it will handle it, but you will lose even more capacity with heavier line. We got into a school of hybrid stripers in my lake one night a couple of years ago. I caught 12+ hybrids over 10lbs with a Chronarch 50Mg with 12lb line and it still amazes me looking back how easily it handled those fish. They fight hard!

Ronnie

[LgMouthGambler]

Thanks! But are you saying the 50 size won't handle 15 or 20 pound line?

It will handle it, but there wont be much line on the spool. Maybe 50 yards, and if you cast 30-40 yards, that doesnt leave much line on the spool. For me, an average of 80 yards of line is good. So I will use backing if I know Im gonna exceed that with a 200, otherwise the line that I use will be the thickness to be right around that length tying straight.

[new2BC4bass]

I personally feel too much importance is given to weight. At least for most of us. A tournament pro trying to throw the highest number of casts in a day he can might notice a difference at the end of the day. But then again, maybe not. His casting muscles should be use to it. I don't get to fish often, but sometimes when I do get out it is an all day affair. The sun/heat is more apt to get me down than the weight of my rod/reel combos. However, cranking in a big spinnerbait with a 7' rod (often thru weeds) can take a toll on my wrist. I doubt a 2.5 ounce lighter reel would help much.

Not everyone has the same size hands. Some feel a tiny 50 size reel doesn't feel as comfortable as a 200 size reel. Some feel a 200 is too big, and love the 50 size. Me...I'll take them all.

[Darren.]

Piggy-backing off the OP's question of reel size, have any of you guys gotten hands-on with the new Daiwa Lexa 100? (LgMouthGambler, I am NOT defecting just curious...though my only baitcasters are Quantums right now Shimano sold me with the Stradics.)

I'm not worried about being spooled, or max drag, heck, my primary spinning setups use Shimano Stradic 1000FI reels and I never fear the bass!

Would really love a 50 size Shimano, but price-wise, watching intro vids from various sites, the Lexa sounds like a decent reel, yet with my dual fishing elbow pain, lighter would be better...

[BASSHUNTER1961]

Piggy-backing off the OP's question of reel size, have any of you guys gotten hands-on with the new Daiwa Lexa 100? (LgMouthGambler, I am NOT defecting just curious...though my only baitcasters are Quantums right now Shimano sold me with the Stradics.)

I'm not worried about being spooled, or max drag, heck, my primary spinning setups use Shimano Stradic 1000FI reels and I never fear the bass!

Would really love a 50 size Shimano, but price-wise, watching intro vids from various sites, the Lexa sounds like a decent reel, yet with my dual fishing elbow pain, lighter would be better...

I do not believe the Lexa has centrifugal brakes, and that's enough to make me look elsewhere. There is no better braking system that centrifugal brakes in my book. Other than that, the reel looks OK.

[LgMouthGambler]

I do not believe the Lexa has centrifugal brakes, and that's enough to make me look elsewhere. There is no better braking system that centrifugal brakes in my book. Other than that, the reel looks OK.

I agree. Cent brakes are better to control casts. I had an Revo SX, and I liked it, but the mag only brakes were too unconsistant. Adjustments for different lures was horrible. At least with my Shimanos, set 2 mag brakes, and use the spool knob for minor change, done. And having mag and cent brakes together is just too much garbage thats not needed, I dont care how much they say its better to adjust for a better cast control, blah blah.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

I agree. Cent brakes are better to control casts. I had an Revo SX, and I liked it, but the mag only brakes were too unconsistant. Adjustments for different lures was horrible. At least with my Shimanos, set 2 mag brakes, and use the spool knob for minor change, done. And having mag and cent brakes together is just too much garbage thats not needed, I dont care how much they say its better to adjust for a better cast control, blah blah.

Agreed! With cent brakes there is no need for mag brakes.

[Silas]

I certainly wouldn't have the choice of centrifugal or mag breaks stop me from buying a reel.

I grew up on only one kind of braking....the centrifugal brake. I got used to it and cast it well. My Calcutta round reel...200GTB has the centrifugal brakes and, as you say, you just set it and leave it pretty much. Except when I was casting with it, and started pitching with it. Had to re-set it. Not a problem.

My Curados are very happy casting with a variety of settings

Then i got 3 Daiwas and they all have the mag brakes. The first one was a TD-X 105....that was a dream to set. The Sol and Pixy are becoming very easy to guess a correct setting. Took me about a week to figure them out, but when I did, it was very easy to change setting with that little round knob on the sideplate. And it worked well, also.

I cannot say that I liike one better than the other. They both work well for me. Perhaps some specific reels with mag brakes don't do as well, I don't know....maybe I've been lucky.

I'm wondering if we become attached to the one we've used for years.

[Darren.]

I certainly wouldn't have the choice of centrifugal or mag breaks stop me from buying a reel.

I grew up on only one kind of braking....the centrifugal brake. I got used to it and cast it well. My Calcutta round reel...200GTB has the centrifugal brakes and, as you say, you just set it and leave it pretty much. Except when I was casting with it, and started pitching with it. Had to re-set it. Not a problem.

My Curados are very happy casting with a variety of settings

Then i got 3 Daiwas and they all have the mag brakes. The first one was a TD-X 105....that was a dream to set. The Sol and Pixy are becoming very easy to guess a correct setting. Took me about a week to figure them out, but when I did, it was very easy to change setting with that little round knob on the sideplate. And it worked well, also.

I cannot say that I liike one better than the other. They both work well for me. Perhaps some specific reels with mag brakes don't do as well, I don't know....maybe I've been lucky.

I'm wondering if we become attached to the one we've used for years.

That's good info to know. Especially since...well...perhaps I shouldn't have, but I have purchased a Lexa 100 in 7.1:1 ratio. Picked it up for $115 + free shipping on ebay, new. I'll apologize to my wife when she inevitably will find out. Soon. Maybe a dozen roses will help ease her stress over the rash, irrational purchases by her husband.

Since I've only known Quantum baitcasters, I suspect I won't know the difference with regard to centrifugal vs. mag brakes. My Shimano experience is with spinning gear, which is top notch, so baitcasting will see a different trek.

I'll let the group know what I think when I get her out on the water. Likely to spool with 15 or 20 lb yellow Power Pro + leader.

[aavery2]

I guess I am the odd one here. I much prefer the dual braking of the Abu's to any of the single braking systems. The next would be the Diawa reels and their Magforce brakeing, centrifugal actuated magnetic. If I am casting a reel with only one brake system then I prefer centrifugal brakes.