Need a large bait reel

[cortman]

I'm looking for a swimbait/a-rig reel. Going to be going on my Lucky Craft 7'6" XH XF rod. Not the perfect rod for moving baits, I agree, but it's what I have at the moment and I am planning to use straight 20 lb. mono, so that should help make up for some of the rod's stiffness. Probably going to be throwing 1-4 oz. baits.
I'm trying to decide between a Curado 300e or a Calcutta 200B. Which would you recommend?

[reason162]

I'm looking for a swimbait/a-rig reel. Going to be going on my Lucky Craft 7'6" XH XF rod. Not the perfect rod for moving baits, I agree, but it's what I have at the moment and I am planning to use straight 20 lb. mono, so that should help make up for some of the rod's stiffness. Probably going to be throwing 1-4 oz. baits.
I'm trying to decide between a Curado 300e or a Calcutta 200B. Which would you recommend?

The new Tranx 300 by a long shot.

[spookybaits]

Conquest 400

[Randingo]

I can't think of a better low profile, big bait reel than the new Shimano Tranx 300 based on reports from a trusted source and the build quality comparison video I posted.

[Mike and Pike]

Something that has 2020 in the name.

[Slazmo]

I'm trying to decide between a Curado 300e or a Calcutta 200B. Which. would you recommend?

I recently bought a BNIB 300e, for went the Tranx option due to cost and the unproven name so early on in the piece, they're near $400 here...

So far its been great, outcasts Z200H's with the exact same lures and is typical quality. Not worried about seals and all that jazz of all this new reel tech.

All I've done is a good polish job on the spool and associated parts, buzzed the bearings and kept the standard ones, banged on some Daiwa SLP medium cork knobs and put that onto a Majorcraft Benkei and I'm off happily casting.

The new 200 Curado silver with the dicky drag star avoid. Have heard quiet a few reports about the drag going soft, worked on a 300 and the drag just couldnt crank down to get more than 3 kg of drag even with carbon washers.

[stingray23]

I just bought a JDM Daiwa Tatula HD Custom and MB XX Leviathan for my swimbaiting needs. I will be using baits in the same range as you. I havent tried it yet, but I know it will be more then up to the task. I am also gonna use 20lb fluoro(Invizx)

[IAY]

Definitely Tranx 300. It's the next gen 300E.

[Randingo]

While the 300/400 Tranx are new, the 500 has been put for years and has been bulletproof and a complete game changer for saltwater and musky guys. Check out the YouTube video I posted elsewhere in this forum: no other reel in its size class is as well built, plus Shimano has some unique and brilliant features in the new Tranx, most notably the fact that the gear box is sealed. I know people have budgets, but, at least at US prices, it would be unwise to get a reel because it has a long history and is a little less expensive like the 300E when a reel that is overbuilt and superior is available for not much more.

[cortman]

Thanks for all the replies and info.
As far as a conquest goes, goodness knows I'd love one, but I sure don't have the 4 c's to drop on one at the moment.
I may be giving the Tranx a second look. Looks like not too many people have used or like the calcutta 200B?

[Randingo]

Looks like not too many people have used or like the calcutta 200B?

I don't know whether or not people here own them, but I doubt anyone has much negative to say about any version of the Calcutta. I've got two of the originals that have done battle with countless big pike as well as bass, and they're still pretty close to flawless. The Calcutta B is a simple and bulletproof reel, but the D and the Conquest both palm better and are nicer, each in its own way. Most swimbait guys I see fish the 300 and 400 sizes of Calcuttas rather than the 200 for more power and line capacity with heavy mono/fluoro or 65-80# braid.

[Slazmo]

Looks like not too many people have used or like the calcutta 200B?

Good reel but very bits and pieces IMHO. They can be worked up to perform beautifully. Just a pitty that the gearset case inner is plastic. The reels however have been a tireless staple in Barra and Jack fishing here in Aus.

[JigginOG]

If you prefer low profile, I too agree with the Tranx. That price point is hard to beat.
If money and round reels aren't a problem, the Conquest is a solid choice.
Or....
Ryoga 2020 if you can find one...

[DenhamBruce]

How about the 13 Concept A3. Looks like a beast of a reel for a good price.

[Cristo]

Curado 300e for sure!