Dedicated to swimbait, need opinion.

[JustJames]

I plan to dedicated myself to all big and small swimbait this year. Last year I got a lot of success on Fluke and chatterbait, so this year I'm going to try my luck on a little faster moving lure like swimbait and lipless. I have some stock of paddle tail swimbait where I mostly plan to use as chatterbait trailer like 4.8 keitech, gambler ez, swim Senko zoom swimming Fluke, etc. I'm going to get some of the keitech 5.8, 6.8 and 7.8 as well.

Im going to need some help actually a lot form you guys this year since I have never success on any swimbait ( caught 3 on hudd 68 and that's all)

 

First off, I'm going to setup a new medium size swimbait weighted up to 2 oz. The rod is gonna be Phoenix ultra mbx 700XH. This rod got a lure rated of 1.5 oz, but I tried with hudd 68 weedless rof5 and it cast just find. My question is about reel, the reels I plan to use with this setup are Daiwa steez ex100HS, or shimano Cardiff 200 or Tatula CT type R.

Can steez handle 2oz lure weight?

Quote per tackle tour review

"Some anglers have reported that the Steez Series reels do not hold up well to the rigors of tournament fishing, that the gearing easily strips under pressure."

I like to stay with 200 size reel for this application. I believe since I'm gonna use #15 Izor line dia 0.16 I should get close to 90yds. My second choice would be Tatula but it got 8.1:1 ratio might be too fast. Cardiff would be my last choice and worst come to worst if I have to buy a new reel I might get curado 200k with micro gear module.

Any opinions? 

[fishnkamp]

I am not sure about the Steez, but most guys go to a round reel, they have bigger line capacities and lower gearing too. At that point you are fishing kinda like a Musky guy are't you. Big Hardware!

Take a look at something like a Calcutta or even a Cardiff

[NathanDLTH]

Honestly, I would not throw a Swimbait on my Zillion SV that weighs 2oz. If I had to pick a reel in my arsenal to cast and retrieve a bait in that size it would be my Curado K even then I don't think it's the best for the job. At this point you're looking at a round reel like a Calcutta or Cardiff or going with a Tranx 300, Lexa, or Revo. However when looking at low profiles like them, we are talking big chunks of cash. Cardiff is 110. Another option would be a Tatula or Zillion HD, but then again they will only handle so much in terms of weight.

[JustJames]

I'm gonna be doing a lot of pitching and castin into tree that why I'm looking into low profile 200 size. I do have Cardiff 200a but that would be my last resource and my Tatula CT is 8.1 ratio. All my other reels is 50 sizes.

I do have another set up for bigger swimbait 7'9H lure rating 2-8oz pair with Luna 253 but that one is too long for tight cast and the whole setup is pretty heavy.

I was looking into Tranx 300 which I can get for 240 almost new but that one seem to be too big and I won't be able to use it for anything else. I'd rather use what I have, it too d**n difficult to explain to my wife why I need a new reel AGAIN, but If I really have to buy I'd rather buy 200k.

[NathanDLTH]

If that’s the case look at a Curado E 300 series, Curado K in 6.2, or a Tatula HD in 6.3. These are gonna be your best bet at a low profile reel handling the bigger baits. The only time I’d use a Steez would be finesse or jig fishing, my Zillion I’m okay tossing baits up to 1oz but nothing more. My Curado K I would throw anything up to 2oz with that reel, it’s strong and smooth. I have plenty of Kietechs and just bought some 6.8s they will be paired with a 3/4oz swimbait head or a weedless 6/0 or 7/0 weighted swimbait hook. Look on eBay, you may be able to find a killer deal for what you’re looking for. 

[freelancer27]

Get a https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Calcutta-CT301D-Left-Hand-/311125527773?hash=item487086ccdd 

20% discount with P20SAVENOW code on the reel. Only drawback is that you can not adjust the internal brakes. But my experience with swimbait reels is that this most of the time not needed.

[Turtle135]

Another reel you might want to look at is the Lew's Super Duty SD1S. These used to go for $ 180.00 but can now be found new on eBay for around $ 100.00 (they replaced that model with a wide spool version and a LFS version).

 

That reel might fit the niche you describe (strong reel for handling baits up to 2 ounces but still low profile for pitching into tight cover). I use those on the Tidal Potomac River for pitching into heavy weed mats and I am not under gunned when a 20 pound blue catfish decides to crash the party.