Best Reel Under $300 for Jerkbait/Cranking/Topwater?

[Turtle Angler]

I'm looking for advice on which reel to pair with a Dobyns Champion XP 705 CB rod. I'll mainly be using it for jerkbaits, shallow cranking, lipless, small topwater, or bladed jigs. I fish mainly fish for largemouth in clear, natural lakes or rivers in the Upper Midwest.

 

Right now I'm leaning toward a Shimano Curado DC (I already have one with a Champion XP 734 SH, which I love) vs a Shimano Chronarch MGL, but would love to hear anyone's opinion on any other reel under $300 that you think would fit the bill.

 

Also, I'm relatively set on my rod choice, but of course could be persuaded otherwise if someone made a compelling argument for another rod under $300 for such an application. Thanks in advance.

[TNBankFishing]

8 minutes ago, Turtle Angler said:

I'm looking for advice on which reel to pair with a Dobyns Champion XP 705 CB rod. I'll mainly be using it for jerkbaits, shallow cranking, lipless, small topwater, or bladed jigs. I fish mainly fish for largemouth in clear, natural lakes or rivers in the Upper Midwest.

 

Right now I'm leaning toward a Shimano Curado DC (I already have one with a Champion XP 734 SH, which I love) vs a Shimano Chronarch MGL, but would love to hear anyone's opinion on any other reel under $300 that you think would fit the bill.

 

Also, I'm relatively set on my rod choice, but of course could be persuaded otherwise if someone made a compelling argument for another rod under $300 for such an application. Thanks in advance.

Just my two cents, but I’d not use that rod to cover all of those techniques. 
 

The blades jig really should be thrown on a slightly more stout rod. Jerks need a more crisp tip to not drag the bait after the pop. 
 

If you’re set and comfortable with the rod, I’d save $100 and get the Curado MGL. If you’re willing to branch out, and can wait two weeks for the reel grab a Zillion when the Memorial Day sales kick off. Hands down the best reel for the dollar I’ve used in the last two years. I run Metaniums, Bantams, Tatula Elites, and Zillion. The Zillion is on par with the Met. 

[Turtle Angler]

53 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

Just my two cents, but I’d not use that rod to cover all of those techniques. 
 

The blades jig really should be thrown on a slightly more stout rod. Jerks need a more crisp tip to not drag the bait after the pop. 
 

If you’re set and comfortable with the rod, I’d save $100 and get the Curado MGL. If you’re willing to branch out, and can wait two weeks for the reel grab a Zillion when the Memorial Day sales kick off. Hands down the best reel for the dollar I’ve used in the last two years. I run Metaniums, Bantams, Tatula Elites, and Zillion. The Zillion is on par with the Met. 

Thanks TNBankFishing. You are correct, I'll mainly use my DC 734 for Chatterbaits, but thought the 705 CB could be used in a pinch as backup. Great point about the Memorial Day sales, I'm very curious how big of a discount the Zillion will get.

 

Any thoughts on a competing rod under $300? I love both Champion XP rods I own, so I figured why fix something that's not broken, but am always open to other suggestions.

[casts_by_fly]

At $300 you're going to get a pretty high end reel so its a matter of preference and optimization.  Which reels do you throw now?  I have primarily Abu garcia, my did fishes Chronarchs.  I picked up a used chronarch in the alf sale and its a great reel.  I think I still prefer my STX though.  The profile on the STX is a bit lower to the blank and feels better in my hand.  The Chronarch is smoother to reel (I think the micromesh gears do that) and is a better reel, but the feel of the STX is better for me.  Both cast a country mile with the same lure/rod/line (I've done some mix and match testing with half of my rods).  If I could have the STX with the micromesh gears I'd be in heaven I think.

[Turtle Angler]

16 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

At $300 you're going to get a pretty high end reel so its a matter of preference and optimization.  Which reels do you throw now?  I have primarily Abu garcia, my did fishes Chronarchs.  I picked up a used chronarch in the alf sale and its a great reel.  I think I still prefer my STX though.  The profile on the STX is a bit lower to the blank and feels better in my hand.  The Chronarch is smoother to reel (I think the micromesh gears do that) and is a better reel, but the feel of the STX is better for me.  Both cast a country mile with the same lure/rod/line (I've done some mix and match testing with half of my rods).  If I could have the STX with the micromesh gears I'd be in heaven I think.

I have a Curado DC for my MH all-around rod, a Vanford 3000 for my spinning rod, and a SLX for my heavy setup. I don't particularly like the SLX, but love both the Vanford and Curado DC. I've found that I don't use the DC braking system much, so I figured if I'm going to spend the extra money on my next reel, I might as well upgrade the reel itself instead of paying for the digital braking system.

[TNBankFishing]

31 minutes ago, Turtle Angler said:

Thanks TNBankFishing. You are correct, I'll mainly use my DC 734 for Chatterbaits, but thought the 705 CB could be used in a pinch as backup. Great point about the Memorial Day sales, I'm very curious how big of a discount the Zillion will get.

 

Any thoughts on a competing rod under $300? I love both Champion XP rods I own, so I figured why fix something that's not broken, but am always open to other suggestions.

I would expect at minimum 20% off the Zillion or ~$280 shipped. Another option is JDM Metaniums. The reels are the exact same US vs. JDM except the spool is a 100 size vs. 150 and the JDM handles are 86mm on the 6/7 ratios. 
 

I own 3 different JDM Mets and they are fantastic reels. If you’re a Shimano guy I’d say they are an option. Right now with exchange they are ~250. 
 

If the primary use is jerkbaits and shallow to mid cranks, there are a couple I could suggest. 
 

St. Croix Legend Glass MH. Pick the length that works for you and get chucking. I own a number of the Legend elite/x rods and they are fantastic. This one can throw 3/8th jackhammers but I’d not go above it. Also will be on sale, again I’d shoot for %20 off. 
 

Megabass Flatside special or Jerkbait special. Choose the one which matches the more primary use. Throwing jerks more? Jerkbait special is perfect and works well as a cranking stick. Flatside is the baby brother to my discontinued Otomat and I’ll die before I sell it. Amazing cranking, topwater rod and throws a decent jerk. These two really won’t throw a jackhammer at all, too soft. 
 

Megabass EMTF - this is the rod I’d choose hands down. I have the big brother in the Javelin and the only thing it’s not going to do well is jerks. It’s too long. But shallow, mid, lipless, jackhammers, spinnerbaits, and football jigs are all 100% in its wheelhouse. I’ve fished an EMTF and it feels very close to the Jav. 
 

Getting discounts on Megabass stuff is hard, but doable. Tackle trap has codes year round and don’t charge tax to my state. 
 

A less talked about line I have found absolutely stunning has been the Daiwa BLX. I own the 7’4” MH limber graphite and it pulls deep divers, big spinners, and is ultra light for its size. There is a 7’1” M version which I’ve been eyeing in case my Otomat bites the dust. The issue with this stick is you’re going to want to get more than 20% off, as it’s $400 retail. It can be done, I picked up mine for 225 shipped. 

[QED]

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

At $300 you're going to get a pretty high end reel so its a matter of preference and optimization.  [stuff deleted]

 

To be clear, based on current market conditions, $300 is mid-tier at best.  The high end has moved to about double that or more.

[Turtle Angler]

44 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

I would expect at minimum 20% off the Zillion or ~$280 shipped. Another option is JDM Metaniums. The reels are the exact same US vs. JDM except the spool is a 100 size vs. 150 and the JDM handles are 86mm on the 6/7 ratios. 
 

I own 3 different JDM Mets and they are fantastic reels. If you’re a Shimano guy I’d say they are an option. Right now with exchange they are ~250. 
 

If the primary use is jerkbaits and shallow to mid cranks, there are a couple I could suggest. 
 

St. Croix Legend Glass MH. Pick the length that works for you and get chucking. I own a number of the Legend elite/x rods and they are fantastic. This one can throw 3/8th jackhammers but I’d not go above it. Also will be on sale, again I’d shoot for %20 off. 
 

Megabass Flatside special or Jerkbait special. Choose the one which matches the more primary use. Throwing jerks more? Jerkbait special is perfect and works well as a cranking stick. Flatside is the baby brother to my discontinued Otomat and I’ll die before I sell it. Amazing cranking, topwater rod and throws a decent jerk. These two really won’t throw a jackhammer at all, too soft. 
 

Megabass EMTF - this is the rod I’d choose hands down. I have the big brother in the Javelin and the only thing it’s not going to do well is jerks. It’s too long. But shallow, mid, lipless, jackhammers, spinnerbaits, and football jigs are all 100% in its wheelhouse. I’ve fished an EMTF and it feels very close to the Jav. 
 

Getting discounts on Megabass stuff is hard, but doable. Tackle trap has codes year round and don’t charge tax to my state. 
 

A less talked about line I have found absolutely stunning has been the Daiwa BLX. I own the 7’4” MH limber graphite and it pulls deep divers, big spinners, and is ultra light for its size. There is a 7’1” M version which I’ve been eyeing in case my Otomat bites the dust. The issue with this stick is you’re going to want to get more than 20% off, as it’s $400 retail. It can be done, I picked up mine for 225 shipped. 

Thanks again. Who are the reputable retailers/distributors that sell JDM products?

[TNBankFishing]

1 hour ago, Turtle Angler said:

Thanks again. Who are the reputable retailers/distributors that sell JDM products?

Asianfishingportal, and digitaka are my go to sites as their prices are usually lower, and they both do free shipping. 
 

Secondary sites are japanlureshop and plat.co.jp

 

Ive ordered multiple items over years from these 4 and trust them completely. They also accept PayPal if you’re wary which covers you if something doesn’t show up as described. 
 

DISCLAIMER: Don’t blame me if you start buying JDM gear or get hooked on trying new brands. The bait monkey needs no encouragement.

[dodgeguy]

Lew's custom lite .

[TNBankFishing]

1 hour ago, QED said:

 

To be clear, based on current market conditions, $300 is mid-tier at best.  The high end has moved to about double that or more.

$250 gets you into JDM Metaniums and Steez As. $350 starts Anteras and Calcutta conquests. You 100% can get into high end gear for $300. No one should ever pay retail for fishing equipment, and with global shipping JDM gear is easier than ever to buy reliably. 

1 minute ago, dodgeguy said:

Lew's custom lite .

Is that the graphite framed reel? Do you own one? I’ve been intrigued but wary of graphite frames. 

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, QED said:

 

To be clear, based on current market conditions, $300 is mid-tier at best.  The high end has moved to about double that or more.

 

I class $250-$400 (MSRP) as the high end tier personally.  Above that is ultra-premium and/or super specialized.  My own tiers would be <$50 (budget), $50-$125 (entry), $125-$250 mid-tier, and the rest above.  You could shift the numbers a little bit, but using MSRP and how the reels are marketed/compared at the consumer level, that translates into:

• cheapest possible for lowest cost consumer (budget)
• solid reels with cost compromises (cheaper materials, mass produced features) to hit the price point (entry)
• solid reels with fewer compromises and some high end features trickling down, usually from previous generations (mid-tier)
• premium reels with no compromises designed to perform at the highest levels (high end)
• Ultra premium reels with cutting edge materials, technology, or other features/design (ultra-premium)

Not every reel will have the match of price point, consumer target, and features.  I think the Abu garcia Revo MGX at $350 is way overpriced.  Aside from the size/weight, you can get a better reel in the STX at $219 MSRP.  Actual paid price brings another consideration into the mix.  Is a $200 MGX on clearance a better reel than a $189 STX on sale?  How do those compare to a $225 used Chronarch MGL?

 

And all those questions are why we have a discussion forum here with a ga-gillion topics on "which reel" (which is good I think)?

[dodgeguy]

58 minutes ago, TNBankFishing said:

$250 gets you into JDM Metaniums and Steez As. $350 starts Anteras and Calcutta conquests. You 100% can get into high end gear for $300. No one should ever pay retail for fishing equipment, and with global shipping JDM gear is easier than ever to buy reliably. 

Is that the graphite framed reel? Do you own one? I’ve been intrigued but wary of graphite frames. 

It's that special tanso tech graphite. I was not into graphite either but got one to try. So far so good. It's been awesome. At 4.9 oz it's stupid light.

[Takemetothebank]

I bought a Duckett Silverado 6’10 medium fast action and I love it for jerkbaits it is light works the baits really well and was an Awsome replacement for my Dobyns until I can get it sent back “ my girlfriend tried to pick up a lawn chair out of the lake with it “  I put a Lews speed spool on it witch I don’t like but any reel will match it well and it retails at 99$

[scbassin]

I would pick up one of these 3 reels (I have & use all 3) all 3 are JDM Shimano & all under $250.   2020 Metanium has the MGL spool, 21 Scorpion DC has the ID-5 braking system & the MGL spool, Scorpion 70/71. You stated your thinking of getting a Curado DC if that is the case I would go with the 21 Scorpion DC better braking system & has the MGL spool.      

[Columbia Craw]

Tatula Elite

[Jrob78]

On 5/17/2022 at 10:47 AM, QED said:

 

To be clear, based on current market conditions, $300 is mid-tier at best.  The high end has moved to about double that or more.

This isn't true. Antares DC's and Steez LTD SV TW's can be had for under $500 nib. 

[QED]

1 hour ago, Jrob78 said:

This isn't true. Antares DC's and Steez LTD SV TW's can be had for under $500 nib. 

 

Steez CT SV TW 70 and Stella FK are around $700.  Perhaps we have different definitions for "high end."

[Jrob78]

56 minutes ago, QED said:

 

Steez CT SV TW 70 and Stella FK are around $700.  Perhaps we have different definitions for "high end."

The Steez I listed is more expensive than the CT, which can be had for $400. The '22 Stellas are under $700 but not by much.

[QED]

24 minutes ago, Jrob78 said:

The Steez I listed is more expensive than the CT, which can be had for $400. The '22 Stellas are under $700 but not by much.

 

The Steez CT SV TW 70 isn't the same as the baseline CT.  Per Daiwa, the former is the best reel they've ever made.

[Jrob78]

18 minutes ago, QED said:

 

The Steez CT SV TW 70 isn't the same as the baseline CT.  Per Daiwa, it is the best reel they've ever made.

Yep the one I'm seeing is the previous model, the Steez CT SV TW 700, which I'm finding $150-$200 cheaper than the TW sale price but I'm not finding the newest one. It might be USDM only.

[LonnieP]

I’d get a Zillion. $250 from Digitaka

[TNBankFishing]

3 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

Yep the one I'm seeing is the previous model, the Steez CT SV TW 700, which I'm finding $150-$200 cheaper than the TW sale price but I'm not finding the newest one. It might be USDM only.

It is. 

[NHBull]

There is no downside to use a DC if you want to.

truth be told they are great with those baits especially in the wind.

[QED]

CT SV 700 (right) vs CT SV 70.  Both sweet reels.

Stella FK.