What Size Round Reel For A-Rig And Swimbaits

[Catch and Grease]

Thinking about getting a round reel, what spool size would you get for the techniques listed. I'm probably gonna be using 20-25lb copoly line like CXX or Yo-Zuri Hybrid.

 

I'm trying to decide between 16/200 size or 20/210 size.... it seems like the 16/200 would have more than enough room for 20-25lb line but I'm not experienced with round reels, should I just go ahead and get the bigger size?

[webertime]

5500 Abu

300 Shimano

250 or 300 Daiwa

[Goose52]

I agree with webertime - those are the sizes that would give you adequate capacity for 20/25lb line.  I would recommend that if you haven't handled many round reels before that you try to visit a tackle shop and handle some of these reels mounted on a rod to see if you are comfortable with the fit of the reel in your hand. Reels this size palm MUCH larger than 100-200 size low-profile BC reels and you should check out your comfort level with them.

[Catch and Grease]

Well it doesn't seem like there are really any cheap low profiles with a large enough line capacity to use swimbaits, so I was gonna get a round reel for around 50-70$

I was thinking about getting a diawa millionaire S and a skeet Reese umbrella rig rod to use for swimbaits but I might just wait... Because I'm gonna have to buy some big ole swimbaits for it anyways which are a good bit of money themselves

[OK Bass Hunter]

At least a 300 sized and preferably a 400.

[fisherrw]

300

[Goose52]

Well it doesn't seem like there are really any cheap low profiles with a large enough line capacity to use swimbaits, so I was gonna get a round reel for around 50-70$

I was thinking about getting a diawa millionaire S and a skeet Reese umbrella rig rod to use for swimbaits but I might just wait... Because I'm gonna have to buy some big ole swimbaits for it anyways which are a good bit of money themselves

 

I have no personal experience with it...but Daiwa recently came out with the Tatula HD - rated at 100yds of 20lb.  That might be one option if you can find it at a good price. 

[Catch and Grease]

Hmm didn't even know they made that reel, I will probably just wait awhile till I can save up more money so I can have more options or maybe I can score a sweet deal in the flea market lol

[webertime]

Even the 300 sized Lexa for a little less coin than the Tatula.

 

I have purchased used Cardiff 300's for $65 Abu 5500's for like $30.  Used Lexa 300's are around $110.

[War Eagle 44]

5500 Abu

300 Shimano

250 or 300 Daiwa

 

 

X2

[BasshunterJGH]

For 25 lb cxx or hybrid, definitely a 300 or 400.

[hatrix]

20 or 25# CXX is way to heavy. Your talking about throwing light stuff and CXX is more then you think if you never used it. You would be plenty fine with 15-17# all day. Whatever line size you think you would normally use go less when talking about CXX. You could probably even throw 12# really.

[Fishes in trees]

I use an older Calcutta for my A-rig & Frog fishing.   A 7 ball bearing model, 200 GTB I think, and 65 lb braid.

[gulfcaptain]

My swimbait reels are a Shimano Cardiff 300 spooled with 40lb pp with a 25lb topshot (8ft) of CXX.  Other is a Lexa 300 with 65lb pp and 25lb FC.  Honestly looking to swap the Cardiff 300 for another Lexa 300.    Throw my umbrella rigs with a BPS Exteme and 30lb pp with 20lb CXX topshot as well as using a Cabonlite with the same set up and haven't had any issues with the reels handling the rig the way I fish them.  But if I was to use a round reel I would stick with the Cardiff 300 or get a 5500 size ABU.  But unless you're throwing the bigger 8" swimbaits I haven't had any issues with using my regular sized reels to get the job done.

[Tywithay]

I like the smallest size I can get away with for line capacity. No reason to have added heft or size, because they're all capable as far as torque and power.

[thehooligan]

cardiff 300/301 

[WRB]

Shimano Cardiff 300 series fills perfectly with 165 yd spool of 25 lb Sunline Defier Nylon mono.

Tom

[BasshunterJGH]

Shimano Cardiff 300 series fills perfectly with 165 yd spool of 25 lb Sunline Defier Nylon mono.

Tom

Thanks for the info. Good to know.

[WRB]

Thanks for the info. Good to know.

Keep in mind 25 lb Defier Nylon is .016 dia= most mono 15 lb line!

Tom

[BasshunterJGH]

Keep in mind 25 lb Defier Nylon is .016 dia= most mono 15 lb line!

Tom

I know. That's why I wish they would make at least 28 or 30 lb for big swimbaits. Like tackletour said in their review, that diameter seems a little small to hold up to big swimbait fishing in the long run.

[WRB]

I know. That's why I wish they would make at least 28 or 30 lb for big swimbaits. Like tackletour said in their review, that diameter seems a little small to hold up to big swimbait fishing in the long run.

I use the 25 lb for 6 oz Black Dog Tail Wagger swimbait without any issues.

Tom

[tomustang]

I stuck with a shimano low profile 200 size with 20lb fluro/copoly. I got rid of my 300 because it was too bulky and had too much line on it. smaller was better for me.