Shimano Crank Bait casting reel recommendations please!

[Puggz]

With some new models dropping i'm wondering what the latest CB casting reel recommendation looks like.

 

It will be mounted on a Kistler Reel and Feel, MH, Mod action. I'd prefer a 6.2:1 or less gear ratio.  Would you think that a "DC" model would be beneficial? I typically run 12# P-Line co-polymer on this rod. 

 

Bonus question - would this setup work well with Chatterbaits?  Its too soft for Spinnerbaits for my preference.

 

TIA!

 

P.

[T2DM]

22 Bantam 6.2 Gear ratio, good reel for what you're going to use it for. Go JDM if you can, should be cheaper but no warranty.

 

SHIMANO - REEL - CASTING REEL - BANTAM (digitaka.com)

 

DC reels would be up to you, but get the one with iDC-5, better system IMO.

[fishballer06]

I personally don't see an advantage for DC reels (for crankbait applications) unless you're still learning to use a baitcaster. With that being said, I recommend the Curado and Bantam. But whichever fits your budget. 

[FishTank]

The Bantam would be my choice.  I would also pass on the co-poly. Not a fan of it for crankbaits. 

[Huckfinn38]

1. Bantam 

2. Daiwa Tatula Elite

3. Curado M

[LootyDjibouti]

I use an MGL 150 for shallow-mid cranking. It slings 'em. I think I'm gonna grab a Curado M for deep cranking due to more line capacity. 

I liked my DC reel as a beginner, but now that I know how to cast well I sold it. Granted it was an SLX DC and they since have newer DC tech. If you know how to cast a baitcaster proficiently I personally don't think you're missing out. 

[WRB]

Crank bait today covers a wide range of lures. What crank baits are you using? Deep divers, medium and size/wt?

Tom

[F14A-B]

I’m using a 7’ Loomis IMX Pro blue rod with a 22 Bantam on it. Rod is a heavy/moderate fast. 6.2:1 on the reel. 
I mostly just do surface to about 8 feet. Sometimes I’ll dig to 14 but generally I just squarebill fish with it. 

Oh, Yo Hybrid or Pline generally 8 to 10 but I will throw 12 too. 

[Rockhopper]

1 hour ago, LootyDjibouti said:

I use an MGL 150 for shallow-mid cranking. It slings 'em. I think I'm gonna grab a Curado M for deep cranking due to more line capacity. 

Replace the M with a K and this is my exact setup.

[Puggz]

4 hours ago, WRB said:

Crank bait today covers a wide range of lures. What crank baits are you using? Deep divers, medium and size/wt?

Tom

Hi Tom,

yes I should have been more specific. This rod would be for larger squarebills to medium divers.  3/8 to 1/2 oz generally speaking.

10 hours ago, T2DM said:

22 Bantam 6.2 Gear ratio, good reel for what you're going to use it for. Go JDM if you can, should be cheaper but no warranty.

 

SHIMANO - REEL - CASTING REEL - BANTAM (digitaka.com)

 

DC reels would be up to you, but get the one with iDC-5, better system IMO.

 

Not sure about the DC but I've never needed it.  I already have a Bantam, its on a Dobyns Champ 734. Funny enough, I don't like the reel as much as I like my '20 Met and earlier Chronarch Ci4s.

[A-Jay]

I recommend the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel in 150 size.

Really sweet unit.

A-Jay

[Bullett]

I bought a Zillion SV TW 21 out of Japan a couple of weeks ago, that's the most ( high end ) reel I own. The price was good the condition of the reel was almost brand new. I'm thinking about a Bantam or a Metanium next but don't know what year model of both of them is best. You can get them out of Japan cheap right now on eBay and some with free shipping

[Puggz]

On 8/19/2024 at 8:40 AM, FishTank said:

The Bantam would be my choice.  I would also pass on the co-poly. Not a fan of it for crankbaits. 

Just wondering, why not co-poly? What do you use and why?

On 8/19/2024 at 7:10 PM, A-Jay said:

I recommend the Shimano Bantam MGL A Casting Reel in 150 size.

Really sweet unit.

A-Jay

I ended up ordering this from Japan and it arrived a few days ago

[F14A-B]

The Bantam is absolutely solid. I have a 6.2:1and 8.0:1 new this year. I also bought 2 new Metaniums, the 100 sized and the 22 model with aluminum drive gear and shallow spool. I’m very happy with these reel selections. 
I think you will be too. 
 

Edit: I just looked and my Bantam It is a 8.1:1 ratio. Same with the Met shallow spool edition. The other Met 100 is 7.0:1 

[FishTank]

12 minutes ago, Puggz said:

Just wondering, why not co-poly? What do you use and why?

 

I was a big fan of a few co-poly's over the years but have since moved on. The negatives started to out weigh the positives when compared to a few regular mono lines, fluorocarbons, and braids. With that said, line, like most fishing things, is ever evolving and I like trying new lines from time to time. 

 

As far as co-poly with crankbaits goes (these are generalizations of various lines)...... I was getting break offs in the middle of the line, the abrasion resistance was not that great, it didn't last long for me, it became brittle quickly, memory and it didn't seem to cast as far as other lines. 

 

These days I use fluorocarbon for most of my cranking but I still use mono on a few set ups, Sufix Siege or Elite and Sunline Deifer Armilo. 

 

Here is a short, general list of what I am currently using and this will probably change next year.....

 

Crankbaits - 5, 10, and 14lb Sunline Sniper Invizible, Sufix Seige 10lb, and Sunline Deifer Armilo 13lb

Jerkbaits - 10lb Sunline Sniper Invizible

Soft Plastic Casting - 12lb Seaguar R18 Limited, 12lb Sunline Sniper BMS, 10lb Seaguar Tatsu

Spinnerbaits and Bladed Jigs - Varivas AAA Fluorocarbon 

Jigs - 16lb Sunline Invizible, YGK Ollitolos WX Lure Special 70lb (40lb US diamater), 8lb Invizix (small jigs), YGK Super Jigman 50lb

Topwater - YGK Upgrade 50lb, 14lb Sunline Machine Guncast

Soft Plastic Spinning - YGK Ohdragon 18lb to 10lb FC leader, YGK Upgrade 20lb

BFS - 5lb Sunline Sniper Invizible, Sunline Almight 16lb to 10lb leader, 5lb Sunline BMS

 

This is what I remember of the top of my head. There is probably something I am forgetting but this is pretty close. 

 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Puggz said:

I ended up ordering this from Japan and it arrived a few days ago

Nice - Currently my favorite reels.

Just wish they held a little more line.

A decent wind aided cast can leave that spool looking a little light.

Not that there's anything wrong with that . . . . . . . 

A-Jay

[Maverick2017]

Bantam or Metanium 100. If you are in a cold climate Oct-Mar/April, then Metanium. While the Bantam will get ice cold, the Metanium absorbs the heat from your hand making it more comfortable in colder temps.