High Capacity Reels

[ironmike12]

Hey everyone, I'm looking to start throwing more swimbaits this year. I won't be throwing anything really big like an 8" hudd. I'm thinking more line thru baits around 1-2 ounces, maybe some smaller hard baits around 3 ounces. My question is, with this size bait is it totally necessary to invest in a high capacity reel? Thanks in advance!

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

How are you defining "high capacity"? Will you be likely to hook bigger fish than just bass? You can get enough braid on a 200 size reel to be fine bass fishing. If you'll use large diameter line like 20# mono/fluoro and likely to encounter pike, musky etc you may want to look at a 300 size or 4600 round reel.

[ironmike12]

I'll be targeting bass.  There are a couple lakes that have musky, but I have not ran across one yet.  I'd probably go with flouro, but haven't made a definative decision on line type just yet.  Thanks for the info!

[J Francho]

I use a Calcutta 200B loaded with 20# P-Line CXX for swimbaits under 3 oz.

[roadwarrior]

I have a CTE200GT for sale in the Flea Market.

[mikeeasttn]

If you are really not going to throw a swimbait over 3 oz use one of your bass reels that will hold 180yds of 10# line.  Spool it up with 15# P-Line CXX or even 17# CXX and you are ready to go.  The reel will hold enough line for you to handle any LM Bass you hook.  Just make sure your drag is set correctly.  If and WHEN you go to the larger swimbaity you will have to use a larger reel such as the Curado 300 or the larger round Shimanos'.  Also you can use the Ambassedeur 5600's to help keep your costs down.  You are going to find that swimbaiting can be an expensive way to fish if you go to the large custom hard baits.

Good luck and be patient when starting.  The learning curve may take a while.

[SirSnookalot]

Realistically how often do you encounter a fish that has the capability of stripping out 50 -100 yds of line.  50 yds. may not sound like a lot, but 150' is long way for a fish to run.  I need a pretty good size snook or tarpon to run like that and it doesn't happen that often.  Many of the larger bass I've caught actually swim at me and not away, I don't think mega line capacity is needed for bass fishing.  I set up for the average fish of a certain species, when that big one comes along that's when I see what I'm made of, I don't always win.

[Chris at Tech]

Realistically how often do you encounter a fish that has the capability of stripping out 50 -100 yds of line.  50 yds. may not sound like a lot, but 150' is long way for a fish to run.  I need a pretty good size snook or tarpon to run like that and it doesn't happen that often.  Many of the larger bass I've caught actually swim at me and not away, I don't think mega line capacity is needed for bass fishing.  I set up for the average fish of a certain species, when that big one comes along that's when I see what I'm made of, I don't always win.

Hey Snook - I don't think the need for the high capacity reel for swim baiting is around fighting the fish and having line capacity if a fish runs. I think it's more to do with casting distance. A standard bass reel won't hold much 20 or 25 lb line so it would be easy to spool yourself on a cast with a larger swimbait.

[SirSnookalot]

Hey Snook - I don't think the need for the high capacity reel for swim baiting is around fighting the fish and having line capacity if a fish runs. I think it's more to do with casting distance. A standard bass reel won't hold much 20 or 25 lb line so it would be easy to spool yourself on a cast with a larger swimbait.

Not a bad point........ large very heavy baits on rods heavy enough to throw them, using 25 lb line is something that I have never done for bass fishing.  I relate the need for line capacity more for fishing for other species.  Yes your point is well taken.

[ww2farmer]

A lot of the low profile "cranking" reels, such as the Revo Winch, etc, will have deeper spools, so you don't have to go to a bigger round reel for more line capacity if you want to stay with a "bass" sized LP reel..........just FYI.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

The new lews bb2 is nice.

[catch anything]

the new daiwa lexa 400 holds a crazy amount of line i think its 215yrds of 17lb test

[5dollarsplash]

The lexas are a nice option and can be found cheaper used or with sales. I use a 300 and just ordered a power handle for when I know I'll use bigger baits and want it.

[VolFan]

I use Cardiffs and two Curado Ds for my swimbait fishing. The biggest bait I throw is 6 ounces, and I use 17 or 20 lb Yz hybrid or Suffix on the reels. I've never had a problem. I could definitely see a problem with a big fish (like a 10+ striper) out at the end of a cast with a big bait, but that is a very rare scenario for me.

[F14A-B]

I use a curado 300e it's a a very, very powerful reel. I use it for 2 oz/ 3 oz mission fish and 65 on braid... I believe u need braid for best results in hook sets.. But I have used 25 yo hybrid with ok results. I use a calcutta te 200 gt up to 1 and a half oz limited line capacity...but it's also a strong and well built reel I think u would be happy with the performance of the curado 300e or a used b model... Good luck and let us know!

[ironmike12]

Guys, thanks so much for all the info. Tons to think about. I'm starting off with line thru baits. Once I get the hang of that I want to go bigger. I just acquired a older bass pro round reel I was going to start with.