Swimbait reel

[mikesjet]

I have a basspro extreme reel that does everything that I want it to do except through anything heavier than 1oz. I can muster through casting a wake shad but it tries to birdnest if I am not super careful. Is it possible to throw lures that are too heavy for a reel? And if so what do I need to look for in a reel and opinions on a make/model.

Thanks

mike

[Primus]

If you want a low profile baitcaster try the Curado 300 series which is a great reel for this application. It has a larger spool to accomodate the heavier lines & lures that are often used with these baits.

[J Francho]

It isn't the reel that's backlashing.  A bigger reel is a must for swimbaits, but that won't solve your issue.  You gotta train your thumb!

[.RM.]

It isn't the reel that's backlashing. A bigger reel is a must for swimbaits, but that won't solve your issue. You gotta train your thumb!

X2........

[Raul]

No, there 's no such thing ( in most cases ) as a lures too heavy for a reel, swimbait fishing does require a well built/quality reel because swimbaiting can turn a poor quality reel into mush. Also, the reason why many use big round reels for swimbaiting is because they have large capacity spools required to host large diameter line, not that your ordinary everyday low pro reel can 't handle 17+ lbs problem is it can 't host a lot of it and when you cast 1 1/2+ oz baits you pretty fast learn that you reel diidn 't have enough line.

As for the backlashing issue, none of the braking systems even the most sophisticated ones is match to a well educated thumb and knowing how to set the braking and tension correctly.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I agree with everything about a well trained thumb.

I also agree with Raul that bigger baits WILL turn a "typical" low profile reel into useless parts.

Try a Cardiff 300 and you will have a well built reel that will handle all of the 17-20lb line you will ever need when throwing swimbaits. The Curado 300 is a great reel, but is a little more of an investment than the Cardiff.

[mikesjet]

Thanks everyone.  I know that these reels aren't the best in the world, but for all of my other presentations they work well.  I figured that I was pushing an "OK" design past its limits.  I am going to look into the cardiff. 

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Don't get me wrong, those Extreme reels are GREAT for their intended purpose.

I have a couple BPS house brand reels that I use to throw cranks and jerkbaits. They are the only reels I have that I could drag around the lake all day in the water and still have them working when I pulled them out.

I have had them for over 5 years, never been disassembled or cleaned.  Still working fine.

You'll love the Cardiff for the big baits. If you buy a left handed one and don't like it, I'll probably buy it from you.

Wayne

[mikesjet]

I will def being getting a lefty.  Only reel I have left that is a right retreive is my cranking reel.  I keep it like that so I remember the ratio is 5.2 to 1.  Everything else I have is 6.3, with one 7.3 KVD I bought last year. 

[MarineMichael]

If you want low profile Tackle Warehouse has the Revo Toro lefty on sale through the end of the month.

http://www.***.com/Abu_Garcia_REVO_Toro_Casting_Reel/descpage-AGRT.html

[Sherlock 60]

For $89 you can get an Abu-Garcia C4 5600. It's a fine swimbait reel.

[SDoolittle]

X2 on the Cardiff. I never should have gotten rid of mine.

[DTack]

I just have to throw in a vote for the Cardiff 300.  Reel is great, I have caught A LOT of big fish on mine and it's still tickin' probably could use some maintenance but I honestly haven't even opened the thing up to clean it in over a year.  It put my pb in the boat for me and I'll never part with mine as it was a gift.

[VolFan]

X afew more on the Cardiff... but there's a couple Abu 4600's for sale in the Flea Market right now that would serve you well if you wanted to save some money, $40 apiece.

[mikeeasttn]

X2 on what Sherlock said.  Very good swimbait reel as I use 2 of them on Crucial rods.  Also use the 6500 on my Crucial XH for the biggest baits.  Look them over.

[Sherlock 60]

X2 on what Sherlock said. Very good swimbait reel as I use 2 of them on Crucial rods. Also use the 6500 on my Crucial XH for the biggest baits. Look them over.

I use a C4 6600 on a 7 1/2' MH Muskie rod for larger swimbaits. Casts a mile and never a problem. I can't remember the last time I had a backlash.