Swimbait reel

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jiggerjake
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Swimbait reel

Post by jiggerjake » Tue Jun 09, 2020 12:29 pm

Not a lot of activity on this forum lately so I hope I can get some feedback. I'm looking for a good reel to throw DEPS 250's and other bigger glide baits. What reel and gear ration do you guys like ?

Since I may not find or want to spend the coin on the Daiwa Z200HL or Z2020HL I'm leaning toward the Tranx 7.6:1 or the Calcutta Conquest 300 or 400.

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Cal
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Cal » Tue Jun 09, 2020 2:08 pm

Your alternatives to the Z2020 platform are good. You don't really NEED to go to the 400 size in Conquest. I think 300 will do just fine.

I throw the Slideswimmer on smaller reels like the Ryoga or 200 sized Shimano reels like the Scorpioin MGL. A big, round reel you might be able to find on closeout somewhere is the Shrapnel ... that is one bad a$$ reel I continue to rely upon when the application calls for 30 - 40 pound mono. It'd make for an excellent choice for the 250 sized slideswimmer.

Edit: Japan Tackle has the lefty in stock!

If you're willing to look at Abu, the Revo4 Beast is available in two retrieve ratios and can more than fill the bill. I just don't like the oversized knobs.
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by hoohoorjoo » Tue Jun 09, 2020 4:02 pm

Ryoga 2020 is my vote for baits in the 250 size, if you're going with 25# mono or bigger. If you're going with 80-100# braid, my vote is a Lexa 300HD. If you like Shimano, I'd find a nice Curado 300DSV. I know, there's a collective gasp as I recommend a Shimano :shock: ......but that reel is a tank! Besides, I only have a Daiwa preference. I've always said Shimano makes a fine product.
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by jiggerjake » Wed Jun 10, 2020 2:43 am

Thanks guys.I'm going to take a closer look at the Shrapnel and Ryoga.I've been using 2 Daiwa Catalina's I got from TT when they where blowing them out. I opted for the 4.9:1. I'm kicking myself for not getting the 7.1's :doh: They just aren't that efficient for moving and twitching baits,
Cal,thanks for providing the links.

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Cal » Wed Jun 10, 2020 10:37 am

btw... Japan Tackle still has the Z2020: https://japantackle.com/bargain-cave/reg0000206.html
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by ogrich31 » Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:09 pm

I prefer a 300 sized reel myself, but there's an argument for 400 sized reels. Some of the hardcore guys prefer a 400 sized reel for a more consistent line pick up.

If you're looking at the tranx, definitely look at the 5.8:1 as opposed to the 7.6:1. The 300/400 5.8 gets 30ipt (inch per turn) while the 300/400 7.6 gets 39ipt.

The latest conquest gets 33ipt.

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Drakestar » Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:38 pm

Another vote for a 300-size reel. I originally bought a Tranx 400 for my SB rod (Dobyns 806 and 807) and returned it to get a 300. Having had both reels, the 400 was unnecessary (but bulkier and heavier).

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Cal » Sun Jun 14, 2020 9:02 pm

Here's a fish on the gen 2 Baitsanity Explorer... this is a 9.5", 5oz bait

Quickly becoming my go-to combo for testing: Kistler KLX7107XXH + Daiwa Deps DR-Z2020 Limited Edition spooled with Spiderwire Ultracast 50lb (diameter is more like 70#).

DSC07718.jpg
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by jiggerjake » Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:34 pm

Nice toad Cal.
So is that the 8.4 that is currently being offer at Tackletrap?
If so, does that start to wear on you throwing a 5 oz bait all day?

I think I'm going to go with the Train this time around and shoot the wad on the Z for my next combo. Would look pretty sweet on an LDC.
Drakestar,do you have the 5.8 or the 7.6 on your Tranx?

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by jiggerjake » Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:36 pm

ogrich31 wrote:
Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:09 pm
I prefer a 300 sized reel myself, but there's an argument for 400 sized reels. Some of the hardcore guys prefer a 400 sized reel for a more consistent line pick up.

If you're looking at the tranx, definitely look at the 5.8:1 as opposed to the 7.6:1. The 300/400 5.8 gets 30ipt (inch per turn) while the 300/400 7.6 gets 39ipt.

The latest conquest gets 33ipt.
Thanks for posting the gear ratio info.

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Cal » Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:36 pm

jiggerjake wrote:
Mon Jun 15, 2020 12:34 pm
If so, does that start to wear on you throwing a 5 oz bait all day?
Not one bit.
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Fran87 » Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:59 am

Hi Sirs, I'm in the same way looking for a good palmeable swimbait reel;

My options are Shimano Antares DC MD and Daiwa Z2020 , Daiwa likes the drag sound but its too much heavy , Antares DC its ligther and even more palmeable.

The rod is a Gran Cobra until 4oz and its a very light rod so I woulnd't like to add her a eavy reel on it.

Awaiting your comments.

Regards

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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by hoohoorjoo » Sun Sep 13, 2020 4:43 pm

If you like a low profile reel, the Tatula 200HD is a great option. It holds enough heavy mono or heavy braid for 4 oz baits.
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Slazmo » Sun Sep 13, 2020 4:49 pm

Surprised that no one is talking about the new 300 K with its 4.snail:1 gear ratio...

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Cal
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Re: Swimbait reel

Post by Cal » Sun Sep 13, 2020 5:13 pm

Fran87 wrote:
Sun Sep 13, 2020 10:59 am
Hi Sirs, I'm in the same way looking for a good palmeable swimbait reel;

My options are Shimano Antares DC MD and Daiwa Z2020 , Daiwa likes the drag sound but its too much heavy , Antares DC its ligther and even more palmeable.

The rod is a Gran Cobra until 4oz and its a very light rod so I woulnd't like to add her a eavy reel on it.

Awaiting your comments.

Regards
Shimano Antares DC MD is an excellent choice if you can afford it =D> =D> =D>
Cal, Managing Editor
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