Suggestions on a reel for chatterbait setup

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

Hey All,

 

Looking for comments, tips and or suggestions as I search for a reel for my chatterbait setup this season. 

First time chatterbaiter here, so I got myself a rod, the baits now I'm just trying to find the reel.  My current plan is to run full braid on this if that makes a difference. And the rod is a megabass Levante series. 

I'm thinking I'd like to go with a 7:2:1 speed. I'm just a weekend warrior so I will be using other baits on this but I'm hoping to focus on the chatterbait this summer. Also I am in Canada and want to buy local, shipping and exchange rates are brutal right now. 

 

My current thoughts are a Shimano slx XT, diawa Fuego CT that's it really. I'm looking to keep the reel under $250. 

 

Anyone got any other suggestions? Also reason the slx MGL is one to look at? 

 

Anyways to those who read this and offer any help, thank you so much!

[JohnnyF]

I would take a hard look at the curado k. I've seen some go for $125 on the forums. I use the 6.2:1 for crankbaits, chatterbaits, and spinnerbaits. Hope that helps 

[RichF]

Honestly, I think a 6 speed reel is the sweet spot for bladed jigs. The Curado K is hard to beat in the under $200 range. Smooth, tough, and can hold a good amount of line (I run 17lb fluoro). 

[Finessegenics]

Curado K is a good suggestion but it's a little over your budget in Canada (or is your budget USD?). If you can find one used or at a discount then you should give it some serious thought. I have one and am looking for another as a frog/punching reel but I'm wondering if I should spend that much on a reel that will get so little use. 

 

The braid mainline does make a difference imo. More manageable, and you can fit more line onto a smaller spool. If you were using fluoro, especially thicker diameters, then I would have said that the Curado K or a reel with a bigger spool is really helpful (my opinion). What diameter line will you be using exactly? Whatever it is, the reels you're looking at are good. They get brought up often on threads like this. I own an SLX and I think it's great for the money. Not the smoothest but it is robust and can handle anything you throw at it. 

[Luke Barnes]

Ive got a Shimano SLX XT I use for my frogging reel. I have a chatterbait/spinnerbait setup that I use a Lews Speed Spool LFS and I'm sticking with the Lews. I just really like it alot. The SLX XT is real nice but just something about that LFS I love and glad I got it for the setup. 

[Wildbillb]

Use a 6.  7 is too fast.  Easier to speed up a retrieve than slow down 

[MN Fisher]

4 minutes ago, Wildbillb said:

Use a 6.  7 is too fast.  Easier to speed up a retrieve than slow down 

Different strokes - I find it easier to slow down than speed up. Might be my age, but I prefer a 7 for my bladed jigs.

[Jig Man]

9 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Different strokes - I find it easier to slow down than speed up. Might be my age, but I prefer a 7 for my bladed jigs.

Same here.  7:1 is the slowest thing I ever use.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

My budget is in CAD dollars. I've not seen a Curado go for under that.

[Luke Barnes]

32 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Different strokes - I find it easier to slow down than speed up. Might be my age, but I prefer a 7 for my bladed jigs.

That's why I use a 6.8 for bladed jigs and spinnerbaits. Not quite a 7 but not a straight up 6. Fits my style perfect. 

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

42 minutes ago, Luke Barnes said:

Ive got a Shimano SLX XT I use for my frogging reel. I have a chatterbait/spinnerbait setup that I use a Lews Speed Spool LFS and I'm sticking with the Lews. I just really like it alot. The SLX XT is real nice but just something about that LFS I love and glad I got it for the setup. 

I've heard and seen alot about Lew's, I wouldn't mind trying one but I cant seem to find one locally here in Canada.

[Boomstick]

2 hours ago, Wildbillb said:

Use a 6.  7 is too fast.  Easier to speed up a retrieve than slow down 

Generally this is my exact thought process. Sometimes you want that chatterbait to go real slow and it's easier for me on a 6 speed reel, although I've used both at times.

[Bluebasser86]

I'm a 6 speed user for bladed jigs also. A Daiwa Fuego CT would do just fine for you. 

[Dens228]

I use a Tatula Elite, 6.3 ratio.  Loaded with Seaguar Smackdown 30 pound braid.  

It's on a Megabass OrochiXX Spec R. 

 

[Luke Barnes]

On 4/7/2021 at 7:54 PM, NorthernBangler said:

I've heard and seen alot about Lew's, I wouldn't mind trying one but I cant seem to find one locally here in Canada.

For the money the Lews Speed Spool LFS is as solid as you can get. The SLX feels very refined but the LFS just feels solid and smooth. 

[rtwvumtneer6]

Own a couple of both Curado K and SLX XT.  Both would work, and I like both reels.

 

You would have to check the "manufacturer advertised IPT" but the Curado 7.4:1 seems to pick up a lot more line than the 7.2:1 SLX.

Suppose this makes sense with the different spool sizes. 

 

I have a 7 speed SLX on a spinnerbait rod and I really like it.  The Curado gets the nod for pitching plastics.  Also have the 8.5:1 Curado K and it's almost too fast.  

 

Not a big fan of the popularity of super fast reels... 6 and 7 are my sweet spot.

[FishTank]

The Curado K gets my vote.  

[Ogandrews]

I throw chatterbaits, and everything else besides big cranks, on a 8.1. I use a curado dc, but a normal curado k would work well also. I really prefer a fast reel as it’s easier to pick up the slack when you rip out of grass. Especially with a chatterbait it’s not hard to slow down, just base your retrieve off of how the blade is vibrating. I would always rather slow my retrieve speed down and have the high speed reel to catch up to fish when they run at me during a fight.

[ErieCan]

Check Amazon.ca for Fuego CT reels. I bought 2 from there at a sale price of $109 CAD.  Not sure if they still have them at that price. 

 

A couple shops around Hamilton have the Curado K for $250 reg price. Hardly ever see them on sale unfortunately. 

[CH Brown]

On 4/7/2021 at 8:11 PM, Luke Barnes said:

Ive got a Shimano SLX XT I use for my frogging reel. I have a chatterbait/spinnerbait setup that I use a Lews Speed Spool LFS and I'm sticking with the Lews. I just really like it alot. The SLX XT is real nice but just something about that LFS I love and glad I got it for the setup. 

I love the SLX XT, I've used it from bass to snook, black drum, and snapper, one time I pulled in a 34 in snook on it, really nice reel for the price.

[Fishes in trees]

I use an old Curado D to throw chatter baits.   It has a 5/1 gear ratio.   I find it easier to speed up if I have to than to have to slow down.  I wold imagine that in Canada an occasional pike or muskie would take an interest in a chatter bait.  Makes me think you'd want something sturdy.

Personally, I think a decent size pike could tear up a Diawa Fuego.   The reel I'm using, which I think is a step up tank-wise from the Daiwa - I think it would get interesting, hooked up with a decent pike.

 

Reels last a long time if you take care of them, so there isn't anything wrong with going a little over budget - so I'd recommend a Calcutta or the newer TranX.   Fish with either of those reels alot and take care of them and 25 years or so from now you might have to get another one.

 

Once upon a time-long long ago I had a chance to go Muskie fishing - so I called Shimano to see if the Calcutta would be up to the task.  They thought it was funny - and basically over the phone they dared me - the service rep took down my name and told me he'd fix it for free if I tore up a Calcutta on a Muskie.    End of the story - didn't catch one - didn't have a follow - but I filled it up with 65 lb braid and it stood up to throwing 2 to 5 ounce baits for a couple of days with NO issues.

 

So, that's what I'd do and having said that I got no clue about different reel availability in Canada, so my opinion probably isn't real practical and that's ok - I got lots of opinions that ain't real practical.

[IneedAnewScreenName-98161861]

Thanks y'all, well especially to anyone who actually spoke to my original point. 

 

I'm leaning towards the SLX XT, it appears to have a better casting distance? So I found via YouTube videos.

[lunkerboss923]

Champion 733c paired with a Daiwa Tatula CT 100HS 17lb Yozuri Hybrid. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

On 4/7/2021 at 6:11 PM, NorthernBangler said:

Anyone got any other suggestions? Also reason the slx MGL is one to look at? 

 

Anyways to those who read this and offer any help, thank you so much!

I use MGLs for everything,  I would consider SLX MGL and Curado 70.  You should be able to get 60 yards of 15lb FC on it which is plenty even if you hook up with one at the end of a bomb cast.  There LMG not Albacore, so you dont have to worry about getting stripped.  Not sure if you got the spec r or not but the specr and SLX or Curado 70 would be awesome for weightless plastics like senkos and such.  Not to mention the color of the curado 70 looks great on the Levantes.    

[Deleted account]

On 4/9/2021 at 10:01 AM, Fishes in trees said:

I think a decent size pike could tear up a Diawa Fuego.

 

 Once upon a time-long long ago I had a chance to go Muskie fishing - so I called Shimano to see if the Calcutta would be up to the task.  They thought it was funny - and basically over the phone they dared me - the service rep took down my name and told me he'd fix it for free if I tore up a Calcutta on a Muskie. 

Fuego will handle pike just fine. I gave my brother one a couple of Xmas ago, (mostly so I can use it when I'm over) and he uses it to salt water fish for striped bass and tog, with no maintenance since. Besides a little rust on some screws, no issues so far.

Calcutta, you are not going to hurt.