Reel for Wiggle Warts, RK Crawlers, etc

[TNReb]

I'm looking for a new reel to use for Wiggle Warts, RKCrawlers, and those sorts of light weight, mid-depth cranks.  I previously had a Tatula SV TW (the 2017 model) on that rod, and just never liked that reel.  Casting distance wasn't great and the whole reel just felt cheap and gritty.  Obviously they get a lot of excellent reviews, so maybe I just got a dud.  I finally tossed it on the shelf today, and I'm looking for a replacement.  

 

All of my other reels are Shimano, so I know what I'm getting with those.  

 

Anyone have any experience with how the Daiwa Tatula Elite handles those sorts of lures?  All of the reviews say it casts a mile - which is great - but how does it handle those lighter cranks?

 

[WRB]

The rod I liked for crankbaits between 1/4-5/8 oz shalllow to medium divers and lipless and structure spoons was my G.Loomis PR854C. Don’t think a better rod exist for those presentations.

Tom

Ps, whoops looking for a reel.... any 6.3:1 quality reel will work.

 

 

[FishTank]

I would think that reel would handle it fine but like Tom eluded to above, the rod may need to be looked into.  I picked up a G. Loomis IMX 903CBR and this rod will launch a 3/8oz crankbait a mile.  I have tried multiple reels with this rod> Daiwa Steez SV TWS, Shimano Bantam, Abu Garcia Winch, Quantum Vapor PT and a Shimano Curado DC.   I ended up liking the Bantam the best.   

 

Another rod to look at is the St. Croix Legend Glass 7'2'' Med.  It will also throw lighter baits  but I like it better for 1/2oz cranks. 

[TNReb]

I’ve got a couple of good rods for those type lures - Dobyns XP and Loomis. I tried my Tatula SV TW on several different rods. It was just a bad reel. Like I said, I think I just got unlucky and got a bad one. 

[PhishLI]

2 hours ago, TNReb said:

I'm looking for a new reel to use for Wiggle Warts, RKCrawlers, and those sorts of light weight, mid-depth cranks.

What's your budget?

[TNReb]

2 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

What's your budget?

Would prefer to stay under $300. 

[PhishLI]

2 minutes ago, TNReb said:

Would prefer to stay under $300. 

Target IPT?

[TNReb]

1 minute ago, PhishLI said:

Target IPT?

I don’t use the technique often enough to get too worried about it. I just use a 6.x gear ratio and adjust my reeling. 

[PhishLI]

I haven't sprung for an Elite yet, so I can't attest. I have a '17 Tat SV. It isn't a distance caster with light wind catching baits, its just forgiving. My best 1/4-3/8oz jerk and crank bait reels are the SLX MGL, Curado 70 MGL, and the latest Lew's Tournament Pro LFS. Each is an effortless caster with light baits. Each requires a sharp thumb and attention paid if set for max distance with lighter baits. None are as forgiving as a Tat SV. Up front, I keep trying Shimanos and I appreciate what they are, but I don't love the SVS Infinity brakes when throwing lighter baits that are less than ideally aerodynamic. Regardless, they are very capable reels, if somewhat unpredictable in use, squirrely with light baits. 

 

The Lew's is also somewhat touchy, just like any reel with a free braking system and fast spool, but nothing I have will outcast it with those baits or behave as predictably, not even my Chronarch. It also happens to have the lightest spool of the bunch by a few grams. To me it's also less squirrely. They got something right here. I didn't expect it, but the Lew's has really surprised me. This model is pretty special and ticks many boxes: feel, ergonomics, etc.  It's definitely worth a shot for the street price. If you intend to use it for baits like typical lipless cranks it's a bomber on the right stick. On the right rod I can chuck a weightless 5" SK Caffeine Shad remarkably far with low effort. It took me a minute to figure this reel out, but the more time that goes by the more it impresses me, and that's unusual. The honeymoon continues.

[rangerjockey]

I use a Curado E5 this time of year. Personally I like the slower reel until the water starts to warm up in the spring. 

 After that any 6 something to 1 is fine. I use the E series Citica's.

People may fish Warts and RK Crawlers differently in different parts of the country.

Around here ,It's casting parallel to the bank  and grinding them in the rocks with the trolling motor on. Trying to squeeze every foot out of a cast isn't needed.

It's all about the presentation.

[Drew03cmc]

I throw mine on whichever 6.x reel I have on a cranking rod. My squarebill rod will do the job, but I prefer a 7.x on it. I've used 6.3:1 SLX MGL, Lew's BB1 6.4:1, Chronarch 50 MG 6.2:1 (my favorite for it) and myriad Abu/Daiwa/Shimano/Lew's. For the RK, I just really like the way the older Chronarch 50 MG felt on a nice, limber Medium power rod with 10lb fluorocarbon. I was dragging the RK 55 MD across chunk rock in July this year getting blasted. They are incredible baits.

[A-Jay]

As a fan of round reels, I go this way for most all of my cranking needs.

Old school perhaps but if it's not broke, don't fix it.

Callcutta 200D is such a powerhouse and seriously underrated reel.

I think the $$ and the 'weight' scare folks off.

But if you are looking for a product that will get the job done and last . . . .

This one's like fishing with a finely tuned Tank. 

A-Jay

 

[Vilas15]

Shouldn't need anything special. I was using a 6.3 Lews tourney MB and switched to the 5.1 with the bigger handle. Those cranks dont pull too hard so you dont necessarily need a deep crank reel. Make sure youre rod is dialed in as well to get the best casting performance.