New Swimbait Reel

[Mikey40]

I'm looking to upgrade my Shimano Cardiff 301A for throwing some higher end, bigger swimbaits this coming year.  What are some of the reels I should really consider dropping coin on?

 

-Shimano Calcutta B

-Shimano Calcutta D  

-Shimano Curado 300

-Daiwa Lexa 300

-Daiwa Luna

 

If there are any others I missed that would be worth it please let me know! It needs to be available in lefty and I'm considering any price at this point!!

 

 

[A-Jay]

That Cardiff is a fine reel - and a popular choice.

 

I use the Calcutta D  200 for smaller baits and 300 for the meat.

 

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

 

[webertime]

I've played with the Curado 301E, Lexa 300 and the Calcutta D.  If you have the coin, the Calcutta D is awesome.   All that being said the small gain in performance (in my opinion) is not worth the couple hundred dollars it'll cost you over the Cardiff you already have.  The three I mentioned will palm better though.

[J Francho]

I'd get that Cardiff tuned up by a pro.  Ask Speedbead about his... You probably won't need any bearings, but a Carbontex drag and a good bearing soak will bring that reel to life. 

 

That said, if you want a new reel, my choice would be for a Calcutta B or Daiwa Luna, since I prefer round reels.  If you go new, I still recommend at least flushing the bearings and installing Carbontex drags.

[Mikey40]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm not saying the Cardiff isn't performing well by any means, I'll try that J Francho.   I just figured if I'm going to start buying 50+ dollar swimbaits and make this technique a focal point going forward, that I should up my gear!!  Does anyone else have the opinion that the gains from the reels aren't worth the money? 

[webertime]

Not to side track...  but what rod would this new real go on?

[J Francho]

Does anyone else have the opinion that the gains from the reels aren't worth the money? 

 

If you're asking if a more expensive reel will cast an expensive bait better, then no.  If your asking about a slightly more refined retrieve and fancy or more durable components, then maybe.  Otherwise, you basically picked the perfect reel to begin with.

[Mikey40]

I picked up a Shimano Crucial 7'11 H Swimbait rod on sale at Sportsman's Warehouse a while back.  And I wasn't necessarily trying to gain casting distance but like you said more smooth and durable components!!

[J Francho]

I'd trick that Cardiff out....  Swept Hawgtech handle, maybe some bling from Hedgehog Studios....

[MacP]

I've thrown lots of Shimanos and I prefer Abu's for big baits.  An Abu Record is at that pricepoint and very nice.  They are aslo more upgradable that any reel. 

 

http://www.abugarcia.com/products/reels/round-reels/ambassadeur-round-baitcast/record

 

You could save money and get a Abu C3 or 4 and put a power handle on it for throwing big baits. 

[CTGalloway21]

I went with the Revo Toro HS.  They are now discontinued recently so you can get one for about half off.  Great reel.

[MarkH024]

I use a Curado 300 DSV. I prefer the low profile over a round reel because I have smaller hands. it's easier for me to grip and be comfortable with.  I've never used a newer Curado 300, but I'd imagine it would be a great fit too.  

[Bluebasser86]

I have a 300e I use for a majority of my swimbaiting, it's been a great reel for me for about a year now. I also have a 400B Calcutta I use from time to time but it's a lot of reel for anything but the biggest swimbaits. 

[Fishwhittler]

I'd trick that Cardiff out....  Swept Hawgtech handle, maybe some bling from Hedgehog Studios....

 

X2.  I put a Hawgtech swept handle on my Citica E, and the difference it makes in how the reel feels is just unreal.  I did need to add a single Shimano shim washer to each handle post to eliminate play in the knobs (I used Shimano Power Grip II knobs instead of the cork Hawg knobs).  After that, it's pretty much perfect.

[War Eagle 44]

In my opinion the new Calcutta D is a big step up from even a "tuned" Cardiff. I plan on picking one up myself fairly soon to use for the same type techniques you're asking about. I currently use a Curado 301E for all my umbrella rig and swimbait fishing and couldn't be happier with it's performance. I just really like the new D series Calcutta's and can't resist picking one up. I've only played around with them in a shop but they feel great. I'm going with the 300 size, just not sure which rod to go with it yet.    

[VolFan]

I'd tune and trick the Cardiff to your preference, but that's just me. I tend to like the round shimanos better than a lot of the low profile reels because I find them more comfortable to fish with.

[vikingbear8]

I only buy two reels, Shimano Calcutta 400B's and Daiwa Luna 300's (A lot of people dont know this but the Luna 300 has the same line capacity as a Shimano 400). So those are my personal suggestions for reels. As for a higher end reel performing better, I will disagree with what has been said and say they definitely do. A friend of mine has a Cardiff, he also has a Calcutta TE, they are not even comparable in all honesty. The TE outcasts the cardiff by a mile, as do my calcutta B's (all super tuned) and Luna's. Also keep in mind that the cardiff has a really light drag for swimbait fishing. its 10-11lbs. That is not nearly enough in my opinion to fish big swimbaits for trophy bass. I am not knocking the Cardiff, it is a fantastic reel for the price, and especially for someone just getting into big baits, but if you have the money and are going to be throwing big baits a lot, I would definitly look at something else. Also learn how to super tune your own reels, it makes a ridiculous difference and really is not that hard at all. My super tuned B's can outcast my buddies TE which is quite impressive for a $180 reel. and if you shop smart you can get a Luna for $50 more at $230 and it is worth every penny in my opinion at that price.

[Skeeterboy1]

I'm looking to upgrade my Shimano Cardiff 301A for throwing some higher end, bigger swimbaits this coming year.  What are some of the reels I should really consider dropping coin on?

 

-Shimano Calcutta B

-Shimano Calcutta D  

-Shimano Curado 300

-Daiwa Lexa 300

-Daiwa Luna

 

If there are any others I missed that would be worth it please let me know! It needs to be available in lefty and I'm considering any price at this point!!

 

Take a look at the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Winch. I believe that this reel is perfect for those bigger swimbaits. What I like about it is that it has a bigger spool for more line capacity so that you still have a lot of line left after throwing those baits a long way. It also has a very smooth and powerful 22lbs of drag.

[mjseverson24]

I also like the low profile reels, the revo toro is a beast reel, it easily throws big muskie baits and handles large fish very well, I would assume big swimbaits would be no different...

 

Mitch

[mikeeasttn]

I also started out with the Cardiff and then got a ABU Ambassdeur C4 6600 and had bearings installed and tricked out.  I then did the same with the 5500 C4 and used them for a couple of years.  I now have a Calcutta and a Luna 300 which are great reels.  But I find myself still throwning the big baits with the Ambassadeurs as much as I do with the other 2 reels..  Use the C4's as they have an extra bearing I think in the line guide as at least that is my understanding from the guy that tricks out my reels.

 

Also some will tell you that the Ambasseduers under a load will bind and stick.  I fish a large TVA impoundment which has very large stripers and have caught stripers on these big baits than weigh over 35# +.  I have never had an Ambassdeur locked up  or get in a bind yet.  They handeled these hugh stripers without a hitch and believe me they pull a great deal harder than any LM.

[MacP]

Yeah, I've got upper 40s muskys.  No problems with my Abus ever.  They are quality.  All mine are c3s though.  The bearing kit to make them into a C4 is really cheap. 

[WRB]

Your Cardiff 300 A series reel is a functional swimbait reel for LMB. I suggest buying a Second one, send both to Reel-Ex who specializes in Shimano reels and have them tuned.

Also take a look at G. Loomis heavy swimbait rods, your money is better spent on a good rod that will cast the 5 to 8 oz swimmers with ease.

This will give you 2 outfits for swimbaits.

Tom

[camovan]

Add me to the list of happy campers with the Revo Toro Winch for this application. 

[Mikey40]

Thanks for all the input guys!!  I don't know why it has to be such a tough decision!!  I am waiting for a friend who recently purchased the Calcutta D to give me some feedback before I choose.  I personally don't like the feel of throwing big baits on smaller low profile reels compared to the round reels.  I'm leaning towards the Calcutta D at the moment.

[A-Jay]

Thanks for all the input guys!!  I don't know why it has to be such a tough decision!!  I am waiting for a friend who recently purchased the Calcutta D to give me some feedback before I choose.  I personally don't like the feel of throwing big baits on smaller low profile reels compared to the round reels.  I'm leaning towards the Calcutta D at the moment.

 Here's the link to a review of the reels I did summer 2012 .  

Participated in the TW Demo program before I bought them.

Ended up buying them.

 

A-Jay

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/106174-new-shimano-calcutta-series-d-casting-reel-demo-review/?p=1159648