Swimbait Reel 2024
Scarborough817 reply :
okay so i was given a $100 bass pro gift card for valentines, so now i'm looking into things i could be getting or at least cutting the cost of down. i have been looking into the shimano cardiff. having never owned a round reel i am a little hesitant, i went in a held one but im still not sure i would love it. are there any other reels from bass pro you guys recommend for fishing swimbaits i was looking for either a 5:1 or a 7:1 ratio i was hoping to keep it under 150.
I was also potentially looking at upgrading my jig rod are there any recommendations for that as well?
Crestliner2008 reply :
ABU Ambassadeur 6500-C. You will not find anything much better.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/9/2018 at 11:01 PM, Crestliner2008 said:ABU Ambassadeur 6500-C. You will not find anything much better.
what makes it better than any other reel?
J Francho reply :
Bullet proof, easy to disassemble and clean, reliable, strong, fits your budget. I like them, but I like a Calcutta better. You may be able to find a used one in your budget.
Scarborough817 reply :
By them you mean an Ambassadeur? i would love a calcutta but I can't really pay for a used one with a bass pro gift card though
J Francho reply :
https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/abu-garcia-ambassadeur-c4-classic-round-baitcast-reel
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 1:52 AM, J Francho said:https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/abu-garcia-ambassadeur-c4-classic-round-baitcast-reel
i'll have to take a trip to bass pro this weekend to hold some stuff , you think if i bring my rood they would have an issue with putting the reel on it?
J Francho reply :
I do it at my location all the time. You have them check it in at the front counter before you go through the turnstyles.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Cardiff all the way, you won't be happy with 6500c. You might try 300 size.
J Francho reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 2:32 AM, JustJames said:you won't be happy with 6500c
I'd like to hear your logic here. Both are fine reels, and will suit the task. The Abu will be a bit smoother.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 2:58 AM, J Francho said:I'd like to hear your logic here. Both are fine reels, and will suit the task. The Abu will be a bit smoother.
Nothing much, 5600 and 6500c series come with non-disengaged level wind which will effect cast distance plus he might not use to with non-disengaged level wind where you don't want to reel the line all the way in, also more maintenance since it is non-disengaged you need oil on worm gear more frequently. It is also heavier and especially 6500c3 come with push release button (I saw you link to c4 after I posted which I don't have one). I recommended Cardiff 300 since that reel should have line capacity enough to handle medium to big swimbait.
BTW I still have both 6500c3 (been using this series for over 20 years) and 5600C (with thumb bar release and line clicker), also have Cardiff 200 to compare and I like Cardiff better.
Crestliner2008 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 1:34 AM, Scarborough817 said:what makes it better than any other reel?
Never said it was "better". Just that it will do anything/everything any other hefty baitcasting reel can do at any price. I've used one for over 2 decades and it still casts beautifully. Have had 4 other Ambassadeurs; two of which I've handed down to my grandkids. So, yeah, I love the darn things. Never failed me yet.
WRB reply :
The logic between Shimano Cardiff and Abu 6500C is better drag and stronger frame, far better reel for the price point.
Tom
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 3:32 AM, WRB said:The logic between Shimano Cardiff and Abu 6500C is better drag and stronger frame, far better reel for the price point.
Tom
so what you're saying is the cardiff compares better to an Ambassadeur SX?
also i understand the added drag but is that really a big deal being up north? or am i just not understanding drag properly
On 3/10/2018 at 3:08 AM, JustJames said:Nothing much, 5600 and 6500c series come with non-disengaged level wind which will effect cast distance plus he might not use to with non-disengaged level wind where you don't want to reel the line all the way in, also more maintenance since it is non-disengaged you need oil on worm gear more frequently. It is also heavier and especially 6500c3 come with push release button (I saw you link to c4 after I posted which I don't have one). I recommended Cardiff 300 since that reel should have line capacity enough to handle medium to big swimbait.
BTW I still have both 6500c3 (been using this series for over 20 years) and 5600C (with thumb bar release and line clicker), also have Cardiff 200 to compare and I like Cardiff better.
you're correct i have not used non-disengaged level wind, how different is it?
J Francho reply :
It does that to allow for better casting, less backlashes because the spool is so wide. I disagree that it impedes casting, and rather helps getting distance.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 4:09 AM, J Francho said:It does that to allow for better casting, less backlashes because the spool is so wide. I disagree that it impedes casting, and rather helps getting distance.
If it impedes or not it depends on who using it but if compare reel to reel of course disengaged reel should cast better, another logic? Instead of spool spin freely by itself to let the line out now spool have another piece of plastic gear attached to it to spin another piece of plastic gear that attached to worm gear. And what do we use on gear of course grease which will also slow down spool spinning.
Now on the other hand if I compare with someone else using reg bass gear and me use my Abu 6500c3 with proper weight and rod, I might get more distance than them.
I don't know about you but I did take off the whole worm gear assembly on my old 6500c3 to gain more distance.
J Francho reply :
There's a reason they use these reels for long distance casting tournaments.....
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Tournament and everyday use? Apple and orange may I say?
J Francho reply :
Not really. Set up properly, they can out cast a disengaging reel. Just a simple fact. One of the farthest casting reels I've ever used was a Conquest 400 OWNED AND FISHED WITH BY @Maico1 with a non disengaging line guide. I'm talking unreal distance. Now that is a silly high end reel, but is a real world example. I've set up quite a few big round Abus, and they also cast very far.
Scarborough817 reply :
okay but all around big bait reel is the cardiff a good reel or should i save another 50 and get the calcutta keep in mind that i have never had a round reel
J Francho reply :
The Calcutta will be a more refined retrieve. It's a bit beefier construction as well. Really, any of them will work great. If it comes down to budget, keep in mind, we probably have some more hard water ahead, so waiting might not be a bad idea.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
Like I said, I might outcast other(reg bass gear) with my pure stock 6500c3 with proper weight and rod, but that not the point isn't it?
The OP gonna be the one using it, he's never own round reel, let alone disengaged vs non-disengaged reel.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:04 AM, J Francho said:The Calcutta will be a more refined retrieve. It's a bit beefier construction as well. Really, any of them will work great. If it comes down to budget, keep in mind, we probably have some more hard water ahead, so waiting might not be a bad idea.
well bass isn't open until june here so i have time but pike is open right now and they like eating some swimbaits
Caliyak reply :
Go look at the Diawa Lexa 300 or 400, if you want a big baitcaster instead of a round reel.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:09 AM, Caliyak said:Go look at the Diawa Lexa 300 or 400, if you want a big baitcaster instead of a round reel.
i have but the price is what kills me, any opinions on the max toro?
J Francho reply :
I've seen lots of reports about issues with the Lexas on swimbait forums.
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 3/9/2018 at 10:36 PM, Scarborough817 said:okay so i was given a $100 bass pro gift card for valentines
BTW congrat on your 100 gift card for valentines. I only got some strawberries dipped chocolate on valentines and only $25 gift card on new year.???? Believe me it d**n hard to shop BPS when you only have 25 bucks on hand.
Scarborough817 reply :
good or bad ones?
J Francho reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:15 AM, Scarborough817 said:good or bad ones?
Issues are never good. 
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
You can find lexa 300 pretty cheap now.
my local got both on sale for 109 I think. I was looking at it for maybe spares for my luna 253 but decided against it(actually not me decided but my wife)
Caliyak reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:14 AM, Scarborough817 said:i have but the price is what kills me, any opinions on the max toro?
I have not handled the Toro. But, if you are looking for that mid-large reel, check out the Piscifun Thunder.
J Francho reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:17 AM, JustJames said:luna 253
Those are very nice reels.
WRB reply :
The reason you use a round reel is the increased spool capacity without going to extra wide reels. The 400 series Calcutta and Cardiff are narrower deeper spools then Abu 6500. I use 300 series Callcuta or Cardiff for swimbait reels, they hold 165 yards of 25 lb Mono* and sense I can only cast 50 to 60 yards, no reason for a larger reel.
Level wind worm gears are exposed and get dirty quickly and nearly every round bait casting reel uses the disengaged level wind design today, the wider reels no level wind.
If you are a Garcia Abu reel fan, go with that brand. I personally don't know of a swimbait angler that uses Abu reels.
Tom
*Armilo Deifer
Bass_Fishing_Socal reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:20 AM, J Francho said:Those are very nice reels.
Thanks but because I can't find reg Calcutta 300, or 300GTE anywhere and the price was too much for some of the used one.
J Francho reply :
You have to usually go to JDM sources for those.
CroakHunter reply :
Since you are unsure about using a round reel, what about a tatula 200hd, lews super duty wide spool, or another with a bunch of line capacity
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:25 AM, WRB said:The reason you use a round reel is the increased spool capacity without going to extra wide reels. The 400 series Calcutta and Cardiff are narrower deeper spools then Abu 6500. I use 300 series Callcuta or Cardiff for swimbait reels, they hold 165 yards of 25 lb Mono* and sense I can only cast 50 to 60 yards, no reason for a larger reel.
Level wind worm gears are exposed and get dirty quickly and nearly every round bait casting reel uses the disengaged level wind design today, the wider reels no level wind.
If you are a Garcia Abu reel fan, go with that brand. I personally don't know of a swimbait angler that uses Abu reels.
Tom
*Armilo Deifer
the only one i am aware of is tim from tactical bassin who uses revo toros but his other setups (dobyns 806sb) are setup with cardiffs
On 3/10/2018 at 5:16 AM, J Francho said:Issues are never good.
What kind of issues?
WRB reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 6:01 AM, Scarborough817 said:the only one i am aware of is tim from tactical bassin who uses revo toros but his other setups (dobyns 806sb) are setup with cardiffs
Should have added 6500C! I was a fan of Abu Ambassadeur reels for decades when they were made in Sweden, the Chinese made are very questionable reels do to the uncontrolled materials used. Each to his own madness.
My Calcutta's as are over 25 years old now and work just as smooth and cast perfectly with minimal maintenance, annual cleaning. The Daiwa Luna is an excellent reel.
Tom
bigturtle reply :
If BPS sells tatula HD, those are good options. I have the HD 153 on my swimbait setup
OnthePotomac reply :
If this will help, my brother lives in Michigan and often ends up with toothy critters on the line and he uses the faster speed BPS ProQualifier and loves it for swim baits. He calls it a little work horse.
Shimano_1 reply :
I'll back up the lews super duty..regular one or wide spool if you need more line capacity. I can't make myself use a round reel even tho I grew up with round garcia reels. May be a little over budget but if you can afford it I think it'd be worth it!
MassYak85 reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 5:14 AM, J Francho said:I've seen lots of reports about issues with the Lexas on swimbait forums.
Seconded, I have experienced it first hand. The reel is still usable but if you aren't used to holding down the thumb bar during the cast it will catch you off guard.
On 3/10/2018 at 6:27 AM, bigturtle said:If BPS sells tatula HD, those are good options. I have the HD 153 on my swimbait setup
Also seconded, just got one for lighter swimbaits. It's a great reel.
J Francho reply :
On 3/10/2018 at 6:01 AM, Scarborough817 said:What kind of issues?
Spool engagement/release mechanism issues, symptoms similar to what MassYak85 detailed.
Scarborough817 reply :
On 3/12/2018 at 10:22 PM, J Francho said:Spool engagement/release mechanism issues, symptoms similar to what MassYak85 detailed.
i've decided on the cardiff i had it on the rod yesterday and it just fits perfectly in my hand, now i just have to wait for my bps to get some in stock
RB 77 reply :
On 3/9/2018 at 10:36 PM, Scarborough817 said:okay so i was given a $100 bass pro gift card for valentines, so now i'm looking into things i could be getting or at least cutting the cost of down. i have been looking into the shimano cardiff. having never owned a round reel i am a little hesitant, i went in a held one but im still not sure i would love it. are there any other reels from bass pro you guys recommend for fishing swimbaits i was looking for either a 5:1 or a 7:1 ratio i was hoping to keep it under 150.
I was also potentially looking at upgrading my jig rod are there any recommendations for that as well?
The Cardiff is a fine reel. I have owned one and it performed just fine. I know own all Calcutta's and they are outstanding reels for the money if you would like to move up in price a bit, otherwise the Cardiff should service your needs for years just fine.
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