Shimano Tranx 300A for 1-4oz swimbait rod

[DoctorP]

Hey all - 

 

I am looking to start throwing bigger baits this year and after doing a great deal of research, I decided on the 2018 St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass 7'10" H/F which is rated for 1-4oz baits. I plan to throw an assortment of jig-hook baits as well as small to mid-size treble-hook baits (mainly glides, including my own handcrafts from 4ish to 1oz like this one).

 

I'm wondering if the Shimano Tranx 300A (5.8:1, 30" IPT) is a good choice to pair with this rod and the 'smaller' baits I may throw on it. The SuperDuty Wide Spool, Tatula HD, and Lexa 300 HD have all caught my attention as well, but I can get my hands on a new Tranx for about $80 under retail. My biggest concern is that the Tranx may be overpowered for what I plan to throw.

 

Thanks for any help. 

[Dwight Hottle]

I just bought one today (300A 5.8:1, 30'IPT) to put on a St Croix legend tournament lip stick rod for swim baits  rated 2-6 oz. Fish USA had the reel on sale today for $215.99 with an extra 10% off for being a forum member. You deal sounds real good. 

To answer your question yes it is made for handling bigger baits. The only other shimano low profile reel made for the task is the curado 300. Musky fisherman & swimbaiters readily endorse it as "the low profile reel" to own for heavier baits.  

[DoctorP]

@Dwight Hottle

 

I was considering the Lip Stick, nice to hear you’re planning to use the same reel with it. Ultimately I chose the 1-4oz because I intend to throw more baits on the 1.5-3oz end of that weight spectrum, and it’s sounds like you might think the Tranx will be a little too beefy for them. I will definitely be throwing some heavy stuff as well, but less often. 

 

 

I’d love to hear any more thoughts. Thanks guys!

[Dwight Hottle]

11 hours ago, DoctorP said:

@Dwight Hottle

 

I was considering the Lip Stick, nice to hear you’re planning to use the same reel with it. Ultimately I chose the 1-4oz because I intend to throw more baits on the 1.5-3oz end of that weight spectrum, and it’s sounds like you might think the Tranx will be a little too beefy for them. I will definitely be throwing some heavy stuff as well, but less often. 

 

 

I’d love to hear any more thoughts. Thanks guys!

Sorry my post came across as the Tranx only being made for heavy baits. It will function as intended with lighter baits too. Its my choice for all swimbaits at one ounce or higher. 

[tkunk]

The Tranx 300 doesn't cast lures lighter than 1 oz very well. I typically use mine for 1- to 4-oz lures. For casting distance, it really shines with anything heavier than 2 oz.

 

The one caution I'd mention is that the reel's foot isn't a good match for some bass rod seats. My Tranx fell out of Dobyns and PowerTackle rods while I was fighting fish. I know for sure that works great with Legend Tournament muskie rods, but I don't know if it fits the bass versions.

[68camaro]

I just got one recently and only used a few times before ice came in, but I paired with Dobyns champion XP795.   I only used in 2-4.2 oz range and had no problem with far casts.