Deep cranking reel recommendations

[Ogandrews]

I’m looking to get a dedicated deep crank setup. I have been using my all around crank rod which has a 6.3,1 curado on it right now and although it works it would be nice to have something in a lower ratio. I am a die hard Shimano fan but they don’t have anything in the 5’s for bass reels. I have been looking at both the 5.1.1 lews bb1 as well as the Diawa Tatula 150 5.1. Haven’t used either of these reels before so I’m not sure what would be better. I know Diawa makes quality stuff but I like fishing braid to leader and the t wing system makes me only able to use leaders that won’t go into the reel, so that’s one positive of the lews. I’m up for any other recommendations as well, mostly going to be used for dt 14-20, 6xd’s stuff like that.

[Spankey]

Abu Garcia Revo “Winch”. I like mine. Have my second ready for the rod. Rod is back ordered. Hope to have it for the 1st of October. Suppose to get here sometime this month. 
 

I’m pretty much a Shimano Guy. But have gotten and started thinking outside of the box lately. 
 

I bought it for the deeper baits. I’m not trying to crank over 18-20 feet deep. Mostly to 16 footish. 
 

All day of deep cranking will wear you out. I’m to dang old for that. 

[garroyo130]

For up to 6XDs, the Curado K even at 6.3:1 is gonna be tough to beat. Whats the issue youre currently having? A 6XD or similar diver shouldnt offer too much resistance for most 6.3:1 reels. Its when you step up to 10XD that you really need that additional power.

[Happybeerbuzz]

I just bought a Shimano Cardiff 300A at the recommendation of WRB from a thread going back 2-3 years.  I have not been able to give it a ride though do to boat troubles.  Hopefully, in a few weeks though, I will have more details to contribute. 

[Fishes in trees]

Here are a few options for you.  I don't throw deep diving cranks alot, because the lakes I usually fish really aren't conducive to throwing them.   On lakes where deeper vegetation isn't an issue I have several rigs that I switch around on.  I have an older Curado D, 5-1, that holds alot of line, a whole bunch of 10 lb line and it works good.  If you like a round reel, the 10 ball bearing Calcutta TEGT throws good for me, I generally choose that one over the Curado.

If it is going to be really windy - I think that spinning gear is better, for throwing at an angle or into the wind.  3000 or 4000 size Shimano spinning reels work ok, either throwing 10 lb mono or better yet, 20 lb braid.   I also have an old Diawa 2600 spinning reel.  It is more of a inshore reel.  It holds a ton of line - great drag.  Down side is it is kinda heavy.  The design hasn't changed since the late 80's, basically because it is a tank and doesn't need to change.  It is perfect for what it is.   I've even put 30 lb mono on this reel and with a stouter rod, used it for catfish.   Bank fishing with a 3/4 or 12 oz weight, it can throw 30 lb mono as far as you need to.  So there are a few options.

[WRB]

If you looking for good inexpensive crankbait reels I have 2 Lew's RB3's, 5.1:1, 1 piece aluminum frame my son learned to crankbait fish with. Both are in decent condition, black color. If interest PM me for photos,  both for $50 or $30 each+ shipping.

Tom

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I don’t understand the leader knot concern with the Daiwa. The large opening on the T wing should make it less of an issue if anything. 

[WRB]

The isn't any issue casting with the T Wng, it's fairly narrow (.053) when retreiving line.

Tom

[Ogandrews]

5 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I don’t understand the leader knot concern with the Daiwa. The large opening on the T wing should make it less of an issue if anything. 

The couple times I’ve used a Diawa reel with a t wing it just felt like there was a lot more catch with the knot going through the T than there would have been with my Shimano reels. I could be overthinking it and it could not be an issue, but friends of mine have had the same experience as I have.

 

15 hours ago, garroyo130 said:

For up to 6XDs, the Curado K even at 6.3:1 is gonna be tough to beat. Whats the issue youre currently having? A 6XD or similar diver shouldnt offer too much resistance for most 6.3:1 reels. Its when you step up to 10XD that you really need that additional power.

I haven’t been having issues with it. If I am setting up a rod specifically to use dee cranks though I’d rather have a lower ratio as it will make it more comfortable for longer periods of time and give me the ability to throw the big ones if I want.

 

I think I will end up going with the Diawa because I have been wanting to try one for awhile. One thing I have done before is use one of my tranx 300’s 5.8.1 from my musky/pike setups. It makes even big cranks feel like butter but it is overkill size wise a bit and I’d rather get something a little cheaper than have to spend $280. Other idea I’ve had is a Calcutta D 200, I own a 400 size and love it and the 200 has the right ratio but less comfortable than a low profile reel.  I do have multiple tranx and they are my favorite reels around so I might just stick with that but I’m leaning more towards the Tatula 150.

[NorthernBasser]

This is what I use for my deep cranking. Very happy with it. 5.1

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-LEWREEL.html?from=basres

[Cityangler7]

Awesome reel for cranking, I wish they still made it in a lefty version. The Shimano Bantam PG 5:5:1 is a great cranking reel as well. 

[Nelson Delaney]

I picked up a Abu Garcia 4601 c4 winch for deep cranking.  Tossed a longer handle on it & it works great 

[Boomstick]

21 hours ago, Ogandrews said:

The couple times I’ve used a Diawa reel with a t wing it just felt like there was a lot more catch with the knot going through the T than there would have been with my Shimano reels. I could be overthinking it and it could not be an issue, but friends of mine have had the same experience as I have.

I never had any issues using 40lb braid and 15lb test, although I never tried with any thicker line than that.