Which Baitcaster? new tech or old faithful?

[Shikamoo]

Currently have a 7’3” Tatula MH with a Fuego CT w 30# PP ssv2.

 

Although a great reel for the price, I’m looking to upgrade the fuego and hopefully gain on a couple key things: 
1. Casting distance (fishing clear water)
2. Casting light rigs (down to 1/4oz rigs)

 

Budget is flexible, mainly looking to match with the Tatula and not overprice a reel on a reasonably priced rod (can’t see going more expensive than a metanium) 

 

So far I’ve narrowed it down to the following but am also open to suggestions:
1. 2020 metanium MGL
2. Bantam MGL
3. 2021 Zillion SV TW

 

what would you pick? I don’t have experience with higher end reel OR shimano.  

[FrankN209]

For me the Zillion because I have other daiwa reels with parts that interchange. But the Bantam is hard to beat. 

[garroyo130]

I think the limiting factor there is going to be the rod. Just from fishing my 6'10 MH Tatula today and playing around with it, it doesn't feel like a "true" 1/4 oz lower limit ... 3/8 feels much better on it. Compared to my previous MH with the same rating this one is not as good at casting lighter lures. 

[Shikamoo]

4 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

I think the limiting factor there is going to be the rod. Just from fishing my 6'10 MH Tatula today and playing around with it, it doesn't feel like a "true" 1/4 oz lower limit ... 3/8 feels much better on it. Compared to my previous MH with the same rating this one is not as good at casting lighter lures. 

I agree - I think the extra tip on the 7-3 allows a bit lighter lure, but it’s still not as light as most MH rods. 

11 minutes ago, FrankN209 said:

For me the Zillion because I have other daiwa reels with parts that interchange. But the Bantam is hard to beat. 

Zillion seems to be an all around beast, but Bantam can bomb lures. And if the bantam is a good caster I could only imagine the met is best of both worlds 

[casts_by_fly]

When we moved back to the states from the UK I had to 'relearn' how to bass fish after a 15 year hiatus.  So much new stuff, so much stuff I didn't have anymore.  My dad's been doing it for 50 years now so I've been taking notes.  One of the things I noted was that he's got a matching set of rods and reels.  All chronarch and shimano Crucials (IM10 series).  I asked why and the condensed answer is consistency.  When you pick up a combo, you know how it feels in your hand because they all feel the same.  The reels adjust the same, the grips and seats all feel the same, etc.  The only difference is the action itself which will vary with what you're doing with the rod.  That made a lot of sense to me and I've stuck with that methodology.  I settled on Falcon rods and Abu Garcia reels (he gave me 2 Abus that he had moved on from).  I've now got a good feel that if I need a rod for something I can pick based on the spec and description and have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting.  I can then put another Abu low profile on it and it will fit into the arsenal immediately.  My gear ranges from Bucoo SR to Expert and Abu SX to MGX but they all feel the same in hand and all fish exactly how I'd expect.

 

That's my long way of saying that if you like Diawa then upgrading to a higher end model isn't the worst choice.

 

thanks,

rick

 

[WRB]

The rod and your skill is more important then the reel regarding casting distance.

Consider this I have been casting 3/16 oz T-rig 6” worms 50 yards for decades with age old reels.

So lets use a 50 yard/150’ cast as long as you will ever need bass fishing.

Your reel is more then capable to cast 1/4 jigs as far as you need. Make sure the reel is tuned and clean.

If casting a long distance is your goal you need a different rod that can load up and launch the lure effectively, a more flexible rod.

The G.Loomis PR745C is a 7’ Popping rod with unique casting distance designed for live bait bone fishing. This is a extreme example but casting distance with light weight lure is phenomenal and a 5 power rod to handle big strong fish.

A medium power moderate action rod should meet your needs.

Tom

[Shikamoo]

2 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

When we moved back to the states from the UK I had to 'relearn' how to bass fish after a 15 year hiatus.  So much new stuff, so much stuff I didn't have anymore.  My dad's been doing it for 50 years now so I've been taking notes.  One of the things I noted was that he's got a matching set of rods and reels.  All chronarch and shimano Crucials (IM10 series).  I asked why and the condensed answer is consistency.  When you pick up a combo, you know how it feels in your hand because they all feel the same.  The reels adjust the same, the grips and seats all feel the same, etc.  The only difference is the action itself which will vary with what you're doing with the rod.  That made a lot of sense to me and I've stuck with that methodology.  I settled on Falcon rods and Abu Garcia reels (he gave me 2 Abus that he had moved on from).  I've now got a good feel that if I need a rod for something I can pick based on the spec and description and have a pretty good idea of what I'm getting.  I can then put another Abu low profile on it and it will fit into the arsenal immediately.  My gear ranges from Bucoo SR to Expert and Abu SX to MGX but they all feel the same in hand and all fish exactly how I'd expect.

 

That's my long way of saying that if you like Diawa then upgrading to a higher end model isn't the worst choice.

 

thanks,

rick

 

Thank you for that comment. It resonated with me beyond just the question I asked. Thank you.

It’s nice to have a reply that’s properly philosophical rather than using the word “fanboy”.  

[casts_by_fly]

18 minutes ago, Shikamoo said:

Thank you for that comment. It resonated with me beyond just the question I asked. Thank you.

It’s nice to have a reply that’s properly philosophical rather than using the word “fanboy”.  

If you're spending ~$200 on a baitcaster it will be more than capable of casting a 1/4 oz sinker let alone a 1/4 lure that actually weighs more than a 1/4 oz.  Pick the one you liek that feels good to you and like Tom said, get your rod right.

[Shikamoo]

20 minutes ago, WRB said:

The rod and your skill is more important then the reel regarding casting distance.

Consider this I have been casting 3/16 oz T-rig 6” worms 50 yards for decades with age old reels.

So lets use a 50 yard/150’ cast as long as you will ever need bass fishing.

Your reel is more then capable to cast 1/4 jigs as far as you need. Make sure the reel is tuned and clean.

If casting a long distance is your goal you need a different rod that can load up and launch the lure effectively, a more flexible rod.

The G.Loomis PR745C is a 7’ Popping rod with unique casting distance designed for live bait bone fishing. This is a extreme example but casting distance with light weight lure is phenomenal and a 5 power rod to handle big strong fish.

A medium power moderate action rod should meet your needs.

Tom

Certainly not putting casting distance as my goal, but would prefer the reel that offers the best of the ones mentioned. I cast as far as I can a lot of the time because I’m in such a clear lake looking for smallies. 

More importantly would be best all around reel to meet weight specs of rod and giving me good distance. I feel the fuego is solid for the price, but not enough tech to bomb

my lure. 

[WRB]

Spinning outfit....A’ La AJay

Tom

[Shikamoo]

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Spinning outfit.

Tom

Spinning rod? 

12 minutes ago, WRB said:

Spinning outfit....A’ La AJay

Tom

Lol I’m not sure what that means 

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, Shikamoo said:

Spinning rod? 

Lol I’m not sure what that means 

Post a thread with AJay in the title asking about his spinning rods.  Maybe he will answer and post pics of a few huge Smallmouth bass. 

 

Yes.  Spinning rod.

 

The Tatula Elite will cast 1/4 oz. with good distance on the right rod.  Check out reviews on it.  Plenty on here have mentioned the reel.

[Shikamoo]

1 minute ago, new2BC4bass said:

Post a thread with AJay in the title asking about his spinning rods.  Maybe he will answer and post pics of a few huge Smallmouth bass. 

 

Yes.  Spinning rod.

 

The Tatula Elite will cast 1/4 oz. with good distance on the right rod.  Check out reviews on it.  Plenty on here have mentioned the reel.

Thank you! 
 

to be honest, I’m a spinning rod snob. It’s my primary way of fishing. I only have the 1 decent baitcaster setup that I’m trying to improve. I’ve never seen anyone use a baitcaster outside of YouTube, not even 1 person that lives on my lake (that I know of) owns one. I live in Northern Ontario and they just don’t get used here. 
 

Curious about what AJay has to say then… I absolutely love deep small mouth fishing with spinning gear. 
my current lineup for this spring is NRX+ 872s, Poison Adrena 7’ M, and I have a Daiwa Steez AGS 7’6” MML on order. 
2 EU spec’d Fuego’s and 1 Certate LT.  The fuegos from Scandinavia are impressive little guys. 

[FishTank]

If you are looking at the Metanium,  you could get the Antares 70A JDM version for about the same price or the Steez SV JDM. Both of these reels are power houses and will easily cast a 1/4 oz, with the Antares being just slightly better in distance. 

[Msl819]

3 hours ago, Shikamoo said:

Currently have a 7’3” Tatula MH with a Fuego CT w 30# PP ssv2.

 

Although a great reel for the price, I’m looking to upgrade the fuego and hopefully gain on a couple key things: 
1. Casting distance (fishing clear water)
2. Casting light rigs (down to 1/4oz rigs)

 

Budget is flexible, mainly looking to match with the Tatula and not overprice a reel on a reasonably priced rod (can’t see going more expensive than a metanium) 

 

So far I’ve narrowed it down to the following but am also open to suggestions:
1. 2020 metanium MGL
2. Bantam MGL
3. 2021 Zillion SV TW

 

what would you pick? I don’t have experience with higher end reel OR shimano.  

I own all three and really love all three. If I were picking one it would be in this order.

1. Zillion

2. Metanium

3. Bantam

 

The Zillion is just a smooth and refined but less finicky than the Metanium.  

 

But they are all GREAT.  Time will tell which one holds up best.  

[JustJames]

The MH Tatula rod get pretty soft tip than other MH rod and should be able to handle 1/4jig/Texas rig exceptional well, not ideally but can be done. I own 3 MH OG Tatula which used pretty much same blank.

If you are looking for purely distance, it is gonna be hard to beat Shimano after you dial in especially coming from Mag brake Daiwa. I don’t own Met MGL but I would gaveit the first choice, I replaced bantam MGL with 21 Zillion and couldn’t be happier.

You mentioned you want not so over price reel to match Tatula rod? Those reels you listed are in 300 price point. Why not get a new ideal Medium rod for long distance and lower price reels? Again don’t get me wrong Tatula rod is fish way above their price point, the sensitivity, light weight and well balanc can compare with any 200-250 rods any day. This way you have two setup for even more versatile. 
For example, I got 20 Zodias 7’2” M rod for long distance weightless Senko and Fatika. This rod can load up and cast very well, pair with a little cheaper like Curado 70 MGL or even SLX MGL (if you plan to use 30lb braid or 10-12lb mono/FC). This setup might gain you 10-15yds more compare to what you have now. The cheaper 21 Curado 7’2” M rod is worth a look to for even lower price (from what I hear it built from old zodias blank. 

[Phil77]

I would go with a JDM Bantam or the Met.

[PhishLI]

My Zillion G is going on this rod: 

 https://www.alphaangler.com/products/clutch-power-finesse

 

and this rod: Ark Essence Series Casting Rod 7'6" Med Hvy/Fast

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ark_Essence_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-ABE.html

 

 

The AA Clutch is 7'5" and the ARK is 7'6". I have the same thing in mind as you. Max distance in a few clear water lakes, and I won't mind having the buffer of the Zillion's SV spool with baits that may get hung up in wind on long casts.

[The Maestro]

You wouldn't be disappointed by any of those reels. I have Metaniums and Bantams and feel like they're the first really significant improvement in low pro baitcaster design in a long time. If I was only getting one I'd go with a Metanium but I love my Bantams on rods and applications where heavy braid and hard hooksets are needed.

[Shikamoo]

4 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

The MH Tatula rod get pretty soft tip than other MH rod and should be able to handle 1/4jig/Texas rig exceptional well, not ideally but can be done. I own 3 MH OG Tatula which used pretty much same blank.

If you are looking for purely distance, it is gonna be hard to beat Shimano after you dial in especially coming from Mag brake Daiwa. I don’t own Met MGL but I would gaveit the first choice, I replaced bantam MGL with 21 Zillion and couldn’t be happier.

You mentioned you want not so over price reel to match Tatula rod? Those reels you listed are in 300 price point. Why not get a new ideal Medium rod for long distance and lower price reels? Again don’t get me wrong Tatula rod is fish way above their price point, the sensitivity, light weight and well balanc can compare with any 200-250 rods any day. This way you have two setup for even more versatile. 
For example, I got 20 Zodias 7’2” M rod for long distance weightless Senko and Fatika. This rod can load up and cast very well, pair with a little cheaper like Curado 70 MGL or even SLX MGL (if you plan to use 30lb braid or 10-12lb mono/FC). This setup might gain you 10-15yds more compare to what you have now. The cheaper 21 Curado 7’2” M rod is worth a look to for even lower price (from what I hear it built from old zodias blank. 

I appreciate the time and explanation you put into this comment. I’m going to rethink my decision - maybe put a Tatula 100 or elite on this rod and invest in a medium zodias (or new expride b!) with a nice finesse reel.  My spinning gear will fill the void for now, but like you said, 2 properly sourced casting setups would be better. 
 

thank you! 
 

cal 

5 minutes ago, The Maestro said:

You wouldn't be disappointed by any of those reels. I have Metaniums and Bantams and feel like they're the first really significant improvement in low pro baitcaster design in a long time. If I was only getting one I'd go with a Metanium but I love my Bantams on rods and applications where heavy braid and hard hooksets are needed.

Awesome ! 
I think they know how to price reels back quality, my only gripe is with Daiwa and how a zillion can be priced so low. 
 

I’m primarily fishing smallies. I’ve never caught a largemouth bass - I assume I set my hook much lighter than you do with a large mouth? Lol

[WPCfishing]

The Lews reels have been good to me for a number of years. still have them. I started buying Shimano 2 years ago.. I found them to be uncomfortable and not much different in casting than the Lews reels. I’ll be selling the Shimano one of these days. Didn’t like them so they didn’t get much use at all. Last season I bought a Steez reel. I have 9 Daiwa reels now. Both Steez and 2021 Zillions. I’m not looking back. They’re the most refined reels available and they’re 100% reliable and repeatable and comfortable. 
 

interestingly, the only Shimano I liked was JDM SLX. I’m keeping that one. 
 

The Bantam is very nice to look at but it’s heavy. 

[NorcalBassin]

No experience with the Zillion but I have the others. I really like the Bantam, but for 1/4oz and "distance" there aren't many reels out there that will beat the Met. Great reel that can do it all.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I prefer not to use rods at the lowest end of their casting range. The sweet spot is usually near the mid range with extremes especially the lower, just something you can get away with in a pinch. 

[Boomstick]

Honestly, I would look at the new Tatula SV and save some money. They are nice and compact and light and they cast great. Once you get to around $150 or so per rod and reel, your setup is only as good as the rod you use it with.