Your recommendations for a round baitcaster for big swimbaits and inshore fishing

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I will be in the market soon for a new reel. I am looking to get a reel that I can use for big swimbaits and also use when I am doing inshore fishing (from the kayak or from the beach).

I see a lot of guys do their big swimbait fishing with round bait casters. I am not super familiar with those reels, so I was hoping to get some expert input from you guys on this.

The benefits that I see from those round bait casters are:
* bigger line capacity
* more torque given the smaller gear ratio

What are the cons, besides weight?

My budget would be around 200-330 USD. I am planning to either use 25# mono of fluro on it.

Thanks for your recommendations.

Cheers,
Seb.

[rippin-lips]

They were really the only choice as far as line capacity until larger low profile reels started hitting the market. Now you can choose either style and have higher gear ratio options.  Some examples of large low profile reels are...

curado 300

lexa 300 

tatula hd 200

 

[freelancer27]

Thanks for your response.

I am wondering why I see so many swimbait pros still using the round version then?

[rippin-lips]

That I'm not exactly sure on. One reason probably is that they're built like tanks. Another reason might be its what they're used to. I do know a lot of guys using a 300 series low profile reel. 

[timsford]

Shaman Calcutta, daily millionaire, ryoga, or pluton, about any abuse ambassador although I'd be looking at the more recent versions with thumbars and more bearings. The upside to round reels are line capacity and low gear ratio for more power. The downside to round reels is weight and how the reel palms in your hand, although many of the 300 size low profiles are hard for me to palm as well. If I was going to spend 300, and was set on a round reel, I'd try to save a little more to put with it and find a used conquest or one of the many limited megabass/daiwa millionares, ryogas, or monoblocks. I prefer a low profile reel for swim baits and currently use 2 different ones depending on size of bait. I use a zillion crazy cranker with ize hlc spool for stuff under 8" Hudds or so, and a daiwa z2020 for the heaviest baits. It's only available in 6 gear or higher, but the 6 gear reels in an a-rig or magnum crank like the 10xd with ease and is comparable to the way my Tatulas feel with a Manns 1 minus. Super powerful, super tough, top of the heap reel from daiwa with the max 3d braking system that is unequaled in my experience. The only reel I might put up against the z2020 would be the conquest. Both can be found used with minor cosmetic stuff for around that price or a little more. Also most 200 size low profiles would work fine in lower gear ratios if you are willing to use braid instead of 25 lb mono or copoly

[WRB]

Shimano Calcutta 300/301D is in your price range excellent swimbait reel and fresh/salt water  usage.

Tom

[RafaelM]

I use my Abu Garcia Ambassadeur for swimbaits. I'm usually not throwing anything over 4oz.

[Dan_the_fisher]

I would use a Calcutta D, I think it is sealed better than the abus for the saltwater. I'm not sure how salt proof the Diawas are 

[Ohio Archer]

I just picked up an Ambassaduer C3 and C4 (both left hand) for throwing big baits with my Muskie rods.  Been using my old Shimano bass reels but didn't think they would hold up to a larger fish.  I liked the feel of the Ambassaduers as well as the price.  Hopefully, I'll get to test them out this weekend.

[WRB]

Calcutta reels are made to handle salt water fishing, superior drags, strong frame, gears, bearings and materials all designed for this harsh environment. 

Ambassaduer reels are good fresh water reels, the stock drags are marginal for salt water fish. Before all you Ambassaduer fans start writing a response consider I caught a 37 lb musky using my 2500C legacy reel with 8 lb mono line and a world record Pacific Yellowtail with a 5000C legacy reel using 4 lb test mono. I don't recommend Ambassaduer reels for big swimbaits or for inshore salt water use, the Calcutta reels are far superior.

Daiwa Luna reel is also a good choice, little smaller than a Calcutta 300D series. The Cardiff 300 series reel would be a better choice than Ambassaduer 6000 series, IMO, never used a Cardiff in salt water.

Tom 

[clh121787]

Calcutta 400te hands down

[Angry John]

I fish the Luna and there nice

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Abus are fine in salt ..no records here but i put mine through hell here on the Chesapeake Bay salt spray on a kayak dont bother them.wash them after each outing and even if it does break something parts galore .they may not have a big following in the USA but worldwide they do.BTW  i  use 5000 size abus for swimbaits and 6000 size and 7000 for bait fishing.and you can find used ones in great condition on the bay or fleamarkets for $5 to $50

[Bluebasser86]

One of my swimbait reels that I also use for muskie and big catfish occasionally is a 400B Calcutta. It's been through the ringer and still works perfectly. 

[Crestliner2008]

I use the Ambassadeur 6500C with no problems. Tossing big Hudds and Slammers. I use 25# Triple Fish Perlon and she casts like a dream. Great for pike or musky as well.

[WRB]

IF you are a Garcia Abu Ambassaduer fan the AMB-6500 Beast would work, out of the OP's price range.

Tom

 

[Chrisran99]

While I love Shimano Calcuttas, you may want to look at the Shimano Tekota 300. One thing I like inshore fishing out of a kayak is a reel with a clicker, and the Tekota is the smallest I can find with this option. It has a lever instead of a button but this may be a better option throwing heavy swim baits.

[crypt]

ambassadeur 4600,5500. c3 or c4 models. I use a 4600 c3. bulletproof,little heavy but works great.

[freelancer27]

Thanks guys for this overwhelming response!!!


I narrowed my search down to the following options and would love to get your thoughts on those:

* Daiwa TD Luna Casting Reel (TDLUNA253L) - Smallest line capacity

* Calcutta B Series (CT400B) - Seems to be great for big swimbaits and saltwater

* Calcutta D Serioes (CT401D) - Almost 160USD more expensive than the B series. Would it be worth to save a bit longer in order to get this reel?

Thanks again.

Best,
Seb.

[Panfish Bill]

Wait for the Okuma Komodo SS series to release?  Is there a reason not to use a low profile 300/400 series reel?

[Chris at Tech]

What are you planning to throw when inshore?  Usually I'm throwing smaller/lighter baits that may be challenging to throw on the reels mentioned above.

[Dwight Hottle]

23 hours ago, Chrisran99 said:

While I love Shimano Calcuttas, you may want to look at the Shimano Tekota 300. One thing I like inshore fishing out of a kayak is a reel with a clicker, and the Tekota is the smallest I can find with this option. It has a lever instead of a button but this may be a better option throwing heavy swim baits.

The shimano Tekota is a trolling reel. It was not designed as a casting reel. As a rule of thumb Shimano has named all casting reels starting with the letter C for casting. All the trolling reels start their names with a T. 

[freelancer27]

8 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

The shimano Tekota is a trolling reel. It was not designed as a casting reel. As a rule of thumb Shimano has named all casting reels starting with the letter C for casting. All the trolling reels start their names with a T. 

Thank you. I did not know that.

For inshore I would like to throw paddle tail swimbaits, bigger spoons (2oz) and some heavy top water.

So, a 400 series is too big, you say for casting?

I already have a Lews Inshore 2 and a Daiwa Coastal. I sometimes feel though that they are a bit underpowered when I throw the very big bites or fight a big inshore fish.

[Catt]

Cardiff CDF300A!

Same reel as the Calcutta, will handle any size swim bait, & will land anything that swims in inland waters.

[Chris at Tech]

4 hours ago, freelancer27 said:

For inshore I would like to throw paddle tail swimbaits, bigger spoons (2oz) and some heavy top water.

If you're throwing that big, then you'll be OK with these reels