Just picked up new rod for swimbait fishing and could use some recommendations

[Wetwater]

Hey guys,  I just picked up a new St.croix 7'10 heavy/fast bass mojo. MJC710HF. This is the older generation that was on clearance at cabelas and got a great deal on it! It says it's rated for 1oz to 4oz. I have 8 other mojo bass rods that I love and im hoping I feel the same about this one! Anyway, I've never went swimbait fishing before or thrown anything over 1 oz and I'm really excited to start and would like to make sure my combo is set up right. I'm not sure what reel to get and was hoping for some advice.  I would like to be able to throw the 8inch magdraft.  I also have a savage gear line through bluegill that's 3oz I believe that I would like to throw.  Currently I have shimano reels that I love and would like to stick with them but im also open to others too. They are curado dc's and slx dc's. I don't have any experience with any other baitcasters than with these dc reels.  With the gear that I've mentioned what would be a couple reels with the recommended gear ratio that would pair up well with this rod? I was curious if the curado dc 201hg would be enough reel?I could use some recommendations on line too for this setup.  Im not sure if this matters but I do fish out of a kayak often too. Thanks in advance for any help and advice!

[WRB]

With swimbait reels it comes down to line capacity, gear ratio and frame strength. Imo you need a reel with a minimum of 150 yards of 20 lb mono when using line .016D. Gear ration should be around 5.8:1.

Tom

[softwateronly]

I used a Dobyns 795swmbt rod with a curado dc for 1.5 seasons and caught fish.  Eventually, I grabbed a curado 300 and a tatula 300 for my 2 swimbait rods, and everything fishes better with the bigger reels.  As far as line, I'm happiest braid to leader, 65lb pp to 20lb maxima ultragreen or 25lb fc 100.  I own more shimano than diawa, but I do think the tat 300 is better than the curado 300 for me.  It's more comfortable palming and I feel like I cast farther.  Big game and Sunline Armilo in 20-25lb are very popular mono choices on here for bigger baits and I see sunline shooter rec'ed often for floro.

 

scott

[AlabamaSpothunter]

Tranx 300

Tatula 300

 

Those are the easy button for big swimbait reels. 

 

I like a 6 or 7 speed reel.   I use 20lb Sniper FC.   People use braid to FC, braid to mono, straight FC, and straight mono like Big Game.     It's a preference thing, no right or wrong opinions.    

[Big Swimbait]

Tranx 300

65 lb braid to a 20 lb leader - fluro for jig hook baits, mono for treble hook baits

[king fisher]

I am impressed with a Diawa Lexa 300 that I have been using lately for saltwater fishing, and I plan on using it for swimbaits this coming year.   It casts a mile, smooth drag, and an over all solid reel, that doesn't break the bank.

[webertime]

1-3ish oz a Tatula 200 in 6.3 ratio is the ticket on that rod (had one).  DC reels don't generally have the line capacity you want unless you're using braid.

[gulfcaptain]

So my swimbait reels are between 21-26" IPT. Something in the 5.5 to 6.1. I don't like fast reels for swimbaits, you need to go slow and if you try going slow on a reel that picks up 32"IPT or more well, you're gonna hate life trying to crawl a swimbait back. As far as reel, 300size is best. So I use braid to leader(40-50lb braid) to 20lb mono PLine 20lb green on 6" swimbaits and glides 25lb on 8" baits and over. Glides I will fish fc, but not on the bigger soft baits. Here is a tip for you, I paint my black nickel hooks flat black as big fish looking at a soft bait like a hudd or something crawling can be very selective and weary.   That shine on the hook can tip those big girls off  

[Wetwater]

Thank you so much guys for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience.  I really appreciate it! This site is so awesome!! Thanks again!

[Wetwater]

 I don't have any experience with baitcasters without the dc breaking system.  The tranx 300 in the 5.8:1 gear ratio keeps coming up as a good reel for what im looking for and was curious what people thought of their ease of use. If I decide to go that route is there anything I should know ahead of time that might save me  some issues or headaches? I had a few with my dc in the beginning which I wish I would of known right away. 

[WRB]

Do you plan to use braid, FC or mono line?

Tom

[Wetwater]

I would like to use braid to fc or straight fc

[A-Jay]

55 minutes ago, Wetwater said:

 I don't have any experience with baitcasters without the dc breaking system.  The tranx 300 in the 5.8:1 gear ratio keeps coming up as a good reel for what im looking for and was curious what people thought of their ease of use. If I decide to go that route is there anything I should know ahead of time that might save me  some issues or headaches? I had a few with my dc in the beginning which I wish I would of known right away. 

I have four of the TranX 300 reels.

Two each of the 300 & the 300HG. 

(Top row right)

They are used exclusively during trips to Mexico

where they really get put to the test.

I am routinely throwing 1-3 oz swimbaits,

using 20-25 lb FC.

These reels are IME perfect for that job and 

have accounted for 'several' very respectable LMB up to & including fish over 10 lbs.

As for 'anything to know ahead of time',

I'll say that these are very study reels, that cast the bait weights mentioned above with ease.

They hold plenty of the right line and are equip with a very dependable

cast control as well as drags system.

Most importantly, I guess, is to know that the

300A, 301A, 400A & 401A models include Double Paddle Handle
300AHG, 301AHG, 400AHG & 401AHG models include Power Handle.

I do not like the power handle for bass fishing,

so on the reels that come with it, I switch it out for the double paddle version.

Shimano part number BNT5527 

https://www.ebay.com/p/864997855

Hope that helps and good luck with your future purchase.

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

[Wetwater]

52 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I have four of the TranX 300 reels.

Two each of the 300 & the 300HG. 

(Top row right)

They are used exclusively during trips to Mexico

where they really get put to the test.

I am routinely throwing 1-3 oz swimbaits,

using 20-25 lb FC.

These reels are IME perfect for that job and 

have accounted for 'several' very respectable LMB up to & including fish over 10 lbs.

As for 'anything to know ahead of time',

I'll say that these are very study reels, that cast the bait weights mentioned above with ease.

They hold plenty of the right line and are equip with a very dependable

cast control as well as drags system.

Most importantly, I guess, is to know that the

300A, 301A, 400A & 401A models include Double Paddle Handle
300AHG, 301AHG, 400AHG & 401AHG models include Power Handle.

I do not like the power handle for bass fishing,

so on the reels that come with it, I switch it out for the double paddle version.

Shimano part number BNT5527 

https://www.ebay.com/p/864997855

Hope that helps and good luck with your future purchase.

A-Jay

 

 

 

 

 

This does help!! Thank you so much!  I noticed they have this reel in the 5.8:1 gear and 7.6:1. I was thinking I would go with the 5.8 from what I've read so far. Would this be the right gear with 

your experience? If so, when would you want a higher gear like the 7.6?

[A-Jay]

17 hours ago, Wetwater said:

This does help!! Thank you so much!  I noticed they have this reel in the 5.8:1 gear and 7.6:1. I was thinking I would go with the 5.8 from what I've read so far. Would this be the right gear with 

your experience? If so, when would you want a higher gear like the 7.6?

OK good.

I will tell you that I started this deal fishing a Calcutta 300D round reel

(Pic bottom right)

Great reel and the TranX is essentially a low profile version of that reel.

Tranx is Much easier to palm, if that's important to you.

It's one reason I initially purchased the Tranx.

As for reel gear ratio or IPT of line.

I had a few real heart breaking fish losses with the 5.8:1 speed reels.

Contrary to what seems to be a popular belief about really big bass

is that they are slow.

IME (in warm water) this is not the case and while I love fishing swim baits on the slower reel,

fish that swam at me or came right to the top,

were throwing my single top hook swimbaits right back in my face.

Not a fan.

Once I switched to the HG reels, I was better at keeping up with the fish, maintaining a tight line,

and putting a few more in the net.

I still use the non HG reels for swimbaits, but I know ahead of time I may need to reel like a madman to get on the bass.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

A-Jay

[WRB]

When you make a long cast the IPT is reduced and long casts are common with heavy swimbaits and longer rods.

AJ’s recommendations are spot on.

Remember heavier swimbaits require modification to your casting technique. Let the rod do the casting and load it up with a slower 2 handed casting motion. Unlike DC reels you need to feather the spool very slightly keeping the line smooth on the spool. 

Good fishing,

Tom

 

[softwateronly]

4 hours ago, Wetwater said:

 I don't have any experience with baitcasters without the dc breaking system.  The tranx 300 in the 5.8:1 gear ratio keeps coming up as a good reel for what im looking for and was curious what people thought of their ease of use. If I decide to go that route is there anything I should know ahead of time that might save me  some issues or headaches? I had a few with my dc in the beginning which I wish I would of known right away. 

I learned on a dc as well.  As I was learning I did my best to educate my thumb regardless of the braking system.  Lo and behold, when I got my first non-dc reel I was casting and backlashing exactly the same as a dc reel.  Not to bash, but in lots of ways, I don't find dc reels any better or easier than shimano and diawas other modern reels.  Be confident that you can throw a non dc because I'm positive you can.

 

scott

[Wetwater]

5 hours ago, A-Jay said:

OK good.

I will tell you that I started this deal fishing a Calcutta 300D round reel

(Pic bottom right)

Great reel and the TranX is essentially a low profile version of that reel.

Tranx is Much easier to palm, if that's important to you.

It's one reason I initially purchased the Tranx.

As for reel gear ratio or IPT of line.

I had a few real heart breaking fish losses with the 5.8:1 speed reels.

Contrary to what what seems to be a popular belief about really big bass

is that they are slow.

IME (in warm water) this is not the case and while I love fishing swim baits on the slower reel,

fish that swam at me or came right to the top,

were throwing my single top hook swimbaits right back in my face.

Not a fan.

Once I switched to the HG reels, I was better at keeping up with the fish, maintaining a tight line,

and putting a few more in the net.

I still use the non HG reels for swimbaits, but I know ahead of time I may need to reel like a madman to get on the bass.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

A-Jay

Have you had any problems with the drag loosening up on your tranx reels? I noticed there's some reviews out there with that complaint. These reviews were on the 301AHG and was curious if you know or not if it's just the the hg model or both 301A and 301AHG?

[PhishLI]

On 12/19/2023 at 3:41 PM, Wetwater said:

Im not sure if this matters but I do fish out of a kayak often too.

Yes, it matters. A bunch of the guys in my circle are big swimbaiters, including my brother, who all happen to fish from yaks, and I can't think of a single time I've seen one of them stand to bomb a swimbait. It's just a risky move if you care about dumping, even on a very stable yak. Swinging a big stick with heavy weight is not the same as standing and pitching or skipping. I can say confidently that I rarely see a big bait casted farther than 100' from someone seated on a yak. It's usually quite a bit less. My point is that you can use your Curado DC if you wish to see how you like it. If you do, then get a Curado 300, Tranx 300, or Tatula 300, or whatever. In the meantime, you'll be just fine with your DC. I promise.

[Wetwater]

9 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Yes, it matters. A bunch of the guys in my circle are big swimbaiters, including my brother, who all happen to fish from yaks, and I can't think of a single time I've seen one of them stand to bomb a swimbait. It's just a risky move if you care about dumping, even on a very stable yak. Swinging a big stick with heavy weight is not the same as standing and pitching or skipping. I can say confidently that I rarely see a big bait casted farther than 100' from someone seated on a yak. It's usually quite a bit less. My point is that you can use your Curado DC if you wish to see how you like it. If you do, then get a Curado 300, Tranx 300, or Tatula 300, or whatever. In the meantime, you'll be just fine with your DC. I promise.

This is great information thank you.  It wouldn't be a problem throwing a 4oz lure with the Curado dc?

[PhishLI]

2 minutes ago, Wetwater said:

This is great information thank you.  It wouldn't be a problem throwing a 4oz lure with the Curado dc?

Not from a line cap perspective. However, I wouldn't make it a thing more than sometimes with that weight. The clutch mech might not like it. That said, you probably won't be throwing many 4 oz baits with that St. Croix.

Bet you don't go over 3 oz, and more like 1 1/2oz- 2 1/2oz, and there you should be OK.

[Wetwater]

14 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Not from a line cap perspective. However, I wouldn't make it a thing more than sometimes with that weight. The clutch mech might not like it. That said, you probably won't be throwing many 4 oz baits with that St. Croix.

Bet you don't go over 3 oz, and more like 1 1/2oz- 2 1/2oz, and there you should be OK.

Yes, you're right.  I don't plan on throwing many 4oz and if I do start throwing heavier lures I plan on getting a heavier rod. This rod is meant as my  beginners rod I guess into throwing a little larger swimbaits and lures over 1oz. I do know I would like to throw an 8inch magdraft and am hoping for a setup that does that well. So far I'm kind of leaning towards the tranx 201 or 301. Do you think this will be enough rod for the 8inch magdraft? I think its over 3oz. I know lure ratings aren't always accurate and it is a concern of mine.  I just couldn't pass up the deal I got on this rod and would like to make the most of it. 

[A-Jay]

55 minutes ago, Wetwater said:

Have you had any problems with the drag loosening up on your tranx reels? I noticed there's some reviews out there with that complaint. These reviews were on the 301AHG and was curious if you know or not if it's just the the hg model or both 301A and 301AHG?

My gear is a few years old now but still No problems with anything and I'll put it to you this way.

Lake Baccarac in Mexico, where I use these reels, requires a notable commitment in Time, Travel & $$.

There's no Tackle Warehouse attached to the lodge which is on top of a mountain.

Gear failure can be a Trip killer.

I want to take that concern right off the table.

These reels do that for me.

A-Jay

[WRB]

The Tranx is ideal, if your budget doesn't Justify the price then the round 300A Cardiff fits your needs.

Tom

[PhishLI]

9 minutes ago, Wetwater said:

Do you think this will be enough rod for the 8inch magdraft?

Probably, but the rod will tell you. Understand that you cannot generate max energy from a seated position. Think of swinging a bat sitting in a chair. With your legs and hips removed from the equation you simply cannot generate even close to the energy as a standing cast. With that, the rod will more than likely be fine with that weight.

 

14 minutes ago, Wetwater said:

So far I'm kind of leaning towards the tranx 201 or 301.

If you're going to purchase a new reel, skip the Tranx 201. Get a Tatula 200 which holds quite a bit more line and is way less touchy to dial in, or a Curado 300 which is very nice, or a Tatula 300 which is top of the food chain. No reason to go with a Tranx if you're not fishing in salt, IMO.