Swimbait reel, need help!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MS Berry]

I am lookingto get two setups for swimbaits:

1. A setup for 3-6 inch swimbaits

2. A setup fro larger swimbaits.

I need help, tried throwing them with a Quantum PT 1171 on a Berkley MH 7 foot rod just does not seem to do the trick. What are your suggestions and does anyone have a good tip on where to buy the rods and reels for a good price. Thanks in advanced

[fourbizz]

I don't think it matters what reel you choose for baits less than 5 or 6 inches. a curado 300 would be pretty sweet for those. For larger baits, a calcutta 400 is where its at.

[MS Berry]

Thanks for the advise, the Calcutta 400 is almost 350 dollars though. I picked one up and the angels sang to me, but the price is high. Any cheaper advise in the 150 to 200 dollars range?

[mike bat]

i use a cardiff 301 ,,, holds plenty of line ...  my main worry was being able to get 100 yards of 20lb line on .... the cardiff isnt that pricy and will hold up well ,,, the olny other options would be the okumas or the calcuttas .....  ohh abu makes a reel called the record that looks sweet .... i havent used the record tho ,,, just seen it here at a sportsmans .....  just match the reel to the lines you will be useing ,,,, 5-6 inch bait i used the 17-20lb p-line cxx moss green .... 6-and up id use a 25lb cxx ....  ;D

[fourbizz]

Naw, the Calcutta TE is 350, the 400B (which I use) is only $219

http://www.***.com/descpageRLCSHIMANO-SHC47.html

[MS Berry]

I appreciate all of your help, will take a look around and see what I can find...................

[MS Berry]

I just thought about it, I have two Cabo 20 Pt (See link below), would those work for the larger swimbaits. They are tremendous with a large jig in the surf and such. They are almost indestructable as well.

/http://www.***.com/descpageRLCQUANTUM-QCCR.html

[Captain Chaos II]

Daiwa Luna 253 .... check it out.

[Redlinerobert]

Check out the Daiwa Big Bait reel.  I'm looking at one next.  

[tallydude]

That thing looks huge!

[lubina]

I use the TD-Z BB for my smaller SBs and a Cardifff 301 for the largest lures. It does the job perfectly fine, cost $ 100.00 and weight less than 9 oz. I don't see the reason to buy a Calcuta, is much heavier

Now if you add some  Xtreme Smoooothies drag washers and TG rocket ball bearings you get a Dragondiff 301.....

For rods I use Okuma BB 7.6 in MH for the small ones and a Powell Max 7.11 EH for the big ones.

[flechero]

Check out the Daiwa Big Bait reel. I'm looking at one next.

Man Robert,  I hate to do this... but I have to steer you away from it...  I also thought this would be the perfect swimbait reel but I have to say it was the BIGGEST WASTE of $365 (plus shipping) in my life.  I bounce between an old Abu and a Revo right now... the Revo would be the perfect reel if they had a slower speed.  

As for the BBS, I figure somebody will ask what I don't like about it so here is the list: it's not real smooth, cast control pales in comparison to even the old Abu's and the drag isn't smooth.  In fact, the only 3 things I do like about it are line capacity, weight and looks.  On the flip side it does fish lighter stuff better... so much for the namesake, so I use it as a c-rig reel these days.  It is a little better now that it has a season on it but it's still been a big waste of $$$ and not up to the standards of a $100 reel in my book.  (my Revo S blows it away so far)   :'(  

I owe it a trip to ReelMech before I pronounce it a complete and total piece of crap but I sent it back to Daiwa when it was "new" for these reasons and it came back in about the same condition. (more shipping charges)  should have sent it to ReelMech the first time.  (sorry Dave)

[Lightninrod]

Here are the rods for you.

Dan

[Redlinerobert]

Flechero,

Thanks very much for the advise.  I will take it and not buy one of those Daiwa reels.

[ThaKing]

Thanks for the advise, the Calcutta 400 is almost 350 dollars though. I picked one up and the angels sang to me, but the price is high. Any cheaper advise in the 150 to 200 dollars range?

if you dont mind you can find it on ebay, i got mine on ebay brand new for only 159. U can also use the corvalus 400 its like 79.99 i believe. i know its not the best reel but it really does work well. i bet your enjoying that calcutta,can u feel the power it has? i use mine in saltwater and i love it.

[jankybass]

I think alot of people are caught on hype and not true reel mechanics of the reels.My preference is definately Abus Ambassador Record.The calcuttas or most swimbait reels when cast, the line guide on your spool is fixed, meaning when your bail opens and your line is pealing off at record speed, it creates a huge friction point that reduces casting distance. The Records line guide traveles back and forth just as in taking in line, which I think increases your distance considerably.AT about $139 its hard to beat.

[fourbizz]

I can get at least 180 feet out of my calcutta's, thats good enough for me.

And actually if you pay attention to the "mechanics" of the calcutta and cardiff 400 series, the line guide pawl does in fact travel back and forth on the cast. These are two of the most popular reels for swimbaits.

[Alpster]

Thanks for the advise, the Calcutta 400 is almost 350 dollars though. I picked one up and the angels sang to me, but the price is high. Any cheaper advise in the 150 to 200 dollars range?

I bought a 'like new' Calcutta 400 on ebay for $175. I am very pleased with it. You have to be patient and look around, there are deals to be found.

Ronnie

[Guest avid]

I got an Okuma Inderon ix 250 for $99.00 at K-mart.  It matches up perfectly with my 99.00 okuma 7'6" guide select 7'6" xh swimbait rod.  I don't how the Okuma folks do it, but this is high quality equipment at incredible prices.  For example the rod uses Fuji alconite guides.  These are the same guides used on the St. Croix avids and other quality rods.

the reel is a round body like the old abu garcia,  very smooth 7 BB's. and incredibly strong cranking.

the Chinese have come a long way.  It used to be that their stuff was cheap but the quality was crap.  Now it's still cheap but the quality is very good.  Oh, and the rod has a lifetime warranty.  

I don't know if I would use Okuma products for finesse or lightweight tactics where sensitivity, taper, and lightweight are extremely important.  but for the brute force needed in big swimbait or livebait fishing, they can't be beat.

[jankybass]

Thanks Bizzle and Apster i will have to take a closer gander at those.

[Redlinerobert]

Calcutta's are FANTASTIC reels.  I have a 50, 250 and 400.  I am very happy with them.