Tough Low Profile Reels

[JackstrawIII]

Hey, this might be a simple question, but I'm looking for some recommendations for small, palmable, low profile reels that would hold up to consistent use for throwing frogs and such.

 

My favorite reels are smaller size Shimanos and I used an SLX XT to throw frogs and toads this year, but I don't think the drag is strong enough and I'd love a bit more leverage with a longer handle or something like that. I also worry about durability, though that might not actually be a problem. 

 

Basically, I'm looking for:

- Small size

- Strong drag

- Good leverage

- Durability

 

What smaller-size reels do you guys use for chucking frogs and toads? 

 

Thanks. 

[msgf91]

Bantam. Mines been going strong. I throw horny toads with mine. Its heavier but super smooth so I forget how heavy it is. I posted pics when I first got it of a huge freshwater drum and gar I caught. Tanked them with no problem 

[Peacedivision]

Tatula Elite. Not as small to palm as the Bantam but a good bit lighter and more line capacity for heavy braid. I think my Bantams only hold about 75-80 yards of 65lb Sufix. I believe their rated drags are identical 11lbs.

[Reel]

29 minutes ago, msgf91 said:

Bantam. Mines been going strong. I throw horny toads with mine. Its heavier but super smooth so I forget how heavy it is. I posted pics when I first got it of a huge freshwater drum and gar I caught. Tanked them with no problem 

This

[casts_by_fly]

i have a bantam on my heavy flipping stick but I still use an Abu STX gen 4 on my frog rod.  More drag than you could ever use and smooth to fish.  Not quite as small as a small size shimano but its a 150 sized spool so line capacity is never an issue.  

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Peacedivision said:

Tatula Elite. 

X2 ~

Late last season I picked up 2.

A week later I added 2 more.

Very nice unit for the price point IMO.

(Pictured on the right)

A-Jay

 

[swhit140]

I've fished the heck out of my Tatula reels, my favorite is this older Tatula reel that has been through the ringer fishing braid & frogs. 

 

[Peacedivision]

3 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

X2 ~

Late last season I picked up 2.

A week later I added 2 more.

Very nice unit for the price point IMO.

(Pictured on the right)

A-Jay

 

If you're comfortable buying reels from Amazon they regularly have the elites under $200.

[A-Jay]

8 minutes ago, Peacedivision said:

If you're comfortable buying reels from Amazon they regularly have the elites under $200.

Thanks ~

I am a total Amazon user and abuser for all kinds of items.

The lower $$ usually seems attached to reels with the handle on the wrong side (left).

I don't go that way, not that there's anything wrong with that.

Either way I'm looking to replace several somewhat aging reels in my collection.

When the time comes, the Elite might be it.

I'll know for sure after one full season of use. 

I get a military discount from TW, so I use it. 

A-Jay

[JackstrawIII]

5 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I get a military discount from TW, so I use it. 

I see that you served in the Coast Guard. My cousin just graduated from Coast Guard basic training. When I saw him last night, his voice was still scratchy from all the screaming. 

And thanks for the recommendation of the tatula elite. I have quite a few tatulas of various types and find most of them to be pretty bulky in hand. I wonder if the elites are a better size. 

[A-Jay]

8 minutes ago, JackstrawIII said:

I see that you served in the Coast Guard. My cousin just graduated from Coast Guard basic training. When I saw him last night, his voice was still scratchy from all the screaming. 

And thanks for the recommendation of the tatula elite. I have quite a few tatulas of various types and find most of them to be pretty bulky in hand. I wonder if the elites are a better size. 

Thank your cousin for his service for me.

btw- Both my wife & I were CC's for 8 years each in Cape May.

Such a satisfying assignment. 

As for the reels "bulk"

I find them very palm-able but it might be hand size dependent too.

A-Jay

 

[MidwestBassAttack]

Bantam, Bantam, and Bantam

 

Tranx 150 or 200 as well

[PhishLI]

 

 

This one ticks most of your boxes. Same frame as the Tatula 80, so it's compact.

Daiwa Coastal 80 Casting Reel | Tackle Warehouse

On 1/8/2024 at 7:55 AM, JackstrawIII said:

Basically, I'm looking for:

- Small size

- Strong drag

- Good leverage

- Durability

 

[FishTank]

Bantam would get my vote. I've been using mine for frogs and big spinnerbaits. 

[Peacedivision]

Bantam/Tat Elite size comparison

[Dwight Hottle]

2 hours ago, msgf91 said:

Bantam. Mines been going strong. I throw horny toads with mine. Its heavier but super smooth so I forget how heavy it is. I posted pics when I first got it of a huge freshwater drum and gar I caught. Tanked them with no problem 

X2

[garroyo130]

2 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Thanks ~

I am a total Amazon user and abuser for all kinds of items.

 

You also hit em with the "this item arrived in used condition, gimme Bezos bucks!"?

[A-Jay]

31 minutes ago, garroyo130 said:

 

You also hit em with the "this item arrived in used condition, gimme Bezos bucks!"?

I have purchased a couple rods from Amazon a while back and that went OK.

Interestingly enough, I have received I think 3 Shimano castings reels from TW that arrived not in a "factory sealed box".  I've bought enough reels to know the difference.  Meaning they were either demo's or returned items.

Either way, not what I paid for so they were all returned.

And I did get "New & Sealed'  replacement reels without a problem.

Buyer beware.

A-Jay

 

[WRB]

The Daiwa Elite has 11 lb drag, more then enough for fresh water bass fishing. 8 lbs will break most frog rods, need more then 8 lbs drag use your thumb.

Tom

[T-Billy]

2 hours ago, Peacedivision said:

If you're comfortable buying reels from Amazon they regularly have the elites under $200.

First place I check these days. I just picked up a couple Daiwa Lexa 400 HD's for $200 each. $329 everywhere else I looked.  I won't be ordering any more rods from them though.

[WRB]

Shimano Tranx 150 is very strong aluminum low profile reel and weighs 6.5 oz, 13 lbs drag, line capacity isn’t great but 105 yds of 40 lb braid is decent. 

Tom

[GReb]

I use a Coastal SV 150. It has aluminum frame and side place, 100mm handle, solid drag, and is designed for braided line. I like it because it has plenty of line capacity for 60lb braid and it skips really well with the SV spool. It’s not tiny but same size as Tatula elite and 2020 SV. Handles just fine for me. I bought it like new for $150 and see similar deals quite often. 
 

If budget is not an issue the Bantam would be a great pick. They are solid as a rock but heavy and hurt my palm so I sold them. 

[NorthernBasser]

4 hours ago, Peacedivision said:

If you're comfortable buying reels from Amazon they regularly have the elites under $200.

 

The last Elite I got was from Ali Express. $155. Just buy from reputable sellers.

[Columbia Craw]

Elite is a great choice.  Alloy side plate and ample line capacity.  I’m still

[mcipinkie]

Well,  you can spend all the money you want.  Any reasonably quality reel should serve your needs.  I like aluminum framed reels for power techniques.  I like the Lew's LFS.  At $120, it's a mighty fine reel.  More than adequate for any kind of bass fishing.

 

That said, I use Lew's Super Duty's when I'm leaning on 'em.

 

I had an AZ certificate burning a hole in my pocket, and have been wanting to try a Kast King reel.  Only had $50, so couldn't try the high end stuff, but I've been using one as my prime jerk bait reel for the last month.  Time will tell, but no complaints.  I fished 22 days in December and threw it 80% of the time.  I'll try another.  I'm tired of paying too much money for the mainstream reels.