Thinking About Getting Into Swimbaits (Reels)

[cjam93]

Hey guys so I am wanting to start throwing some swimbaits. I will probably start with the 6in BBZ-1. I see all these different reels that say they are made for heavy baits like this. How important is this? I love my tatulas, could I use them with one of these baits? 

[Chris at Tech]

It's not really a case of the reel not being able to "handle it". It's more as issue of finding a reel that can hold enough line since generally you're throwing heavier line with swimbaits. Look for something with a higher capacity spool.

[F14A-B]

Shimano 300 E.... It's got it all, now it's going to cost you a bit, but you won't regret it, it is my suggestion, mine is a high speed, high power, strongly built , holds Buku 20 pd. line, cast as good as my Curado I it's great for that work and much more! It is my recommend Reel.

[Raul]

You don't need the most expensive, you need the one with more line capacity, for those baits you regularily fish with 17+ lbs monofilament or 50+ lbs braided line. For example, a Tatula can hold up to 120 yds of 14 lbs test, try spooling 20 lb test and you line capacity drops to around 90 yds. Get a good reel with plenty of line capacity, Abu round reels are tailor made for swimbaiting, they are cheap, will last a lifetime and hold tons of line.

[Tywithay]

If you like the performance and form factor of the Tatula, consider the Tatula HD.

[cjam93]

Ok sounds good thanks guys!

[tomustang]

I use a 200e for the smaller stuff (1-5oz) with 20lb line. The 300e was a bit too big

[cjam93]

You don't need the most expensive, you need the one with more line capacity, for those baits you regularily fish with 17+ lbs monofilament or 50+ lbs braided line. For example, a Tatula can hold up to 120 yds of 14 lbs test, try spooling 20 lb test and you line capacity drops to around 90 yds. Get a good reel with plenty of line capacity, Abu round reels are tailor made for swimbaiting, they are cheap, will last a lifetime and hold tons of line.

Are there older round reels from Abu that are in the 6:1 gear ratio? I have read a lot of people online throwing them around that ratio, but so far the round reels I have found are in the 5:1 range. Is that ok for a swimbait?

[F14A-B]

300 E = 29 ipt

[thehooligan]

Lower budget, Cardiff 300/400

Higher budget, Curado 300

[Cgrinder]

Lower budget, Cardiff 300/400

Higher budget, Curado 300

 

You misspelled Conquest.

[thehooligan]

You misspelled Conquest.

Haha, even higher budget, Conquest

[FishTank]

The Curado 300E or a Calcutta.  Maybe a TD Luna.  What rod do you plan to use?

[cjam93]

The Curado 300E or a Calcutta.  Maybe a TD Luna.  What rod do you plan to use?

Im actually thinking about the Daiwa Dx Swimbait 8ft Med Hvy unless I stumble across something else that looks good close to that same price. It says its good for 1-6oz, which would work for me because I want to throw a BBZ-1 6in, BBZ-1 Rat, and an A-rig on it.

[FishTank]

Not sure what your budget is but you can find the Zillion Swimbait rods clearenced out a few places.  Tackle Warehouse has them for $190.00-$210.00.  Tackle Tour gave these rods a great review.

[cjam93]

Thanks for the idea. I honestly have never thrown anything like these before, so I am nervous about putting a lot of money into the setup incase I end up not liking it. I am pretty sure that I will, but I still feel like it would be better to do a budget priced setup at first just incase.

[Jrob78]

I would consider either the Daiwa rod or the Okuma swimbait rods.  The Okuma's are nice and I'm sure the Daiwa's are too.  If you really get into throwing big baits you will want more than one rod, you can get a more expensive rod later.  I would take a look at the Daiwa Lexa 300 for the reel.  They seem to be well liked and won't break the bank.

[cjam93]

I would consider either the Daiwa rod or the Okuma swimbait rods.  The Okuma's are nice and I'm sure the Daiwa's are too.  If you really get into throwing big baits you will want more than one rod, you can get a more expensive rod later.  I would take a look at the Daiwa Lexa 300 for the reel.  They seem to be well liked and won't break the bank.

 

Thanks for the advice. I will have to look at it. I actually came across the Daiwa Millionaire-S. It is $65. The rod and reel together would make for a pretty cheap set-up. I am not sure yet though. I like the Lexa, it is just quite a bit more.