Your recommendations for a round baitcaster for big swimbaits and inshore fishing 2024
freelancer27 reply :
Hi all,
I will be in the market soon for a new reel. I am looking to get a reel that I can use for big swimbaits and also use when I am doing inshore fishing (from the kayak or from the beach).
I see a lot of guys do their big swimbait fishing with round bait casters. I am not super familiar with those reels, so I was hoping to get some expert input from you guys on this.
The benefits that I see from those round bait casters are:
* bigger line capacity
* more torque given the smaller gear ratio
What are the cons, besides weight?
My budget would be around 200-330 USD. I am planning to either use 25# mono of fluro on it.
Thanks for your recommendations.
Cheers,
Seb.
rippin-lips reply :
They were really the only choice as far as line capacity until larger low profile reels started hitting the market. Now you can choose either style and have higher gear ratio options. Some examples of large low profile reels are...
curado 300
lexa 300
tatula hd 200
freelancer27 reply :
Thanks for your response.
I am wondering why I see so many swimbait pros still using the round version then?
rippin-lips reply :
That I'm not exactly sure on. One reason probably is that they're built like tanks. Another reason might be its what they're used to. I do know a lot of guys using a 300 series low profile reel.
timsford reply :
Shaman Calcutta, daily millionaire, ryoga, or pluton, about any abuse ambassador although I'd be looking at the more recent versions with thumbars and more bearings. The upside to round reels are line capacity and low gear ratio for more power. The downside to round reels is weight and how the reel palms in your hand, although many of the 300 size low profiles are hard for me to palm as well. If I was going to spend 300, and was set on a round reel, I'd try to save a little more to put with it and find a used conquest or one of the many limited megabass/daiwa millionares, ryogas, or monoblocks. I prefer a low profile reel for swim baits and currently use 2 different ones depending on size of bait. I use a zillion crazy cranker with ize hlc spool for stuff under 8" Hudds or so, and a daiwa z2020 for the heaviest baits. It's only available in 6 gear or higher, but the 6 gear reels in an a-rig or magnum crank like the 10xd with ease and is comparable to the way my Tatulas feel with a Manns 1 minus. Super powerful, super tough, top of the heap reel from daiwa with the max 3d braking system that is unequaled in my experience. The only reel I might put up against the z2020 would be the conquest. Both can be found used with minor cosmetic stuff for around that price or a little more. Also most 200 size low profiles would work fine in lower gear ratios if you are willing to use braid instead of 25 lb mono or copoly
WRB reply :
Shimano Calcutta 300/301D is in your price range excellent swimbait reel and fresh/salt water usage.
Tom
RafaelM reply :
I use my Abu Garcia Ambassadeur for swimbaits. I'm usually not throwing anything over 4oz.
Dan_the_fisher reply :
I would use a Calcutta D, I think it is sealed better than the abus for the saltwater. I'm not sure how salt proof the Diawas are
Ohio Archer reply :
I just picked up an Ambassaduer C3 and C4 (both left hand) for throwing big baits with my Muskie rods. Been using my old Shimano bass reels but didn't think they would hold up to a larger fish. I liked the feel of the Ambassaduers as well as the price. Hopefully, I'll get to test them out this weekend.
WRB reply :
Calcutta reels are made to handle salt water fishing, superior drags, strong frame, gears, bearings and materials all designed for this harsh environment.
Ambassaduer reels are good fresh water reels, the stock drags are marginal for salt water fish. Before all you Ambassaduer fans start writing a response consider I caught a 37 lb musky using my 2500C legacy reel with 8 lb mono line and a world record Pacific Yellowtail with a 5000C legacy reel using 4 lb test mono. I don't recommend Ambassaduer reels for big swimbaits or for inshore salt water use, the Calcutta reels are far superior.
Daiwa Luna reel is also a good choice, little smaller than a Calcutta 300D series. The Cardiff 300 series reel would be a better choice than Ambassaduer 6000 series, IMO, never used a Cardiff in salt water.
Tom
clh121787 reply :
Calcutta 400te hands down
Angry John reply :
I fish the Luna and there nice
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Abus are fine in salt ..no records here but i put mine through hell here on the Chesapeake Bay salt spray on a kayak dont bother them.wash them after each outing and even if it does break something parts galore .they may not have a big following in the USA but worldwide they do.BTW i use 5000 size abus for swimbaits and 6000 size and 7000 for bait fishing.and you can find used ones in great condition on the bay or fleamarkets for $5 to $50
Bluebasser86 reply :
One of my swimbait reels that I also use for muskie and big catfish occasionally is a 400B Calcutta. It's been through the ringer and still works perfectly.
Crestliner2008 reply :
I use the Ambassadeur 6500C with no problems. Tossing big Hudds and Slammers. I use 25# Triple Fish Perlon and she casts like a dream. Great for pike or musky as well.
WRB reply :
IF you are a Garcia Abu Ambassaduer fan the AMB-6500 Beast would work, out of the OP's price range.
Tom
Chrisran99 reply :
While I love Shimano Calcuttas, you may want to look at the Shimano Tekota 300. One thing I like inshore fishing out of a kayak is a reel with a clicker, and the Tekota is the smallest I can find with this option. It has a lever instead of a button but this may be a better option throwing heavy swim baits.
crypt reply :
ambassadeur 4600,5500. c3 or c4 models. I use a 4600 c3. bulletproof,little heavy but works great.
freelancer27 reply :
Thanks guys for this overwhelming response!!!
I narrowed my search down to the following options and would love to get your thoughts on those:
* Daiwa TD Luna Casting Reel (TDLUNA253L) - Smallest line capacity
* Calcutta B Series (CT400B) - Seems to be great for big swimbaits and saltwater
* Calcutta D Serioes (CT401D) - Almost 160USD more expensive than the B series. Would it be worth to save a bit longer in order to get this reel?
Thanks again.
Best,
Seb.
Panfish Bill reply :
Wait for the Okuma Komodo SS series to release? Is there a reason not to use a low profile 300/400 series reel?
Chris at Tech reply :
What are you planning to throw when inshore? Usually I'm throwing smaller/lighter baits that may be challenging to throw on the reels mentioned above.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 8/21/2016 at 6:51 AM, Chrisran99 said:While I love Shimano Calcuttas, you may want to look at the Shimano Tekota 300. One thing I like inshore fishing out of a kayak is a reel with a clicker, and the Tekota is the smallest I can find with this option. It has a lever instead of a button but this may be a better option throwing heavy swim baits.
The shimano Tekota is a trolling reel. It was not designed as a casting reel. As a rule of thumb Shimano has named all casting reels starting with the letter C for casting. All the trolling reels start their names with a T.
freelancer27 reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 6:17 AM, Dwight Hottle said:The shimano Tekota is a trolling reel. It was not designed as a casting reel. As a rule of thumb Shimano has named all casting reels starting with the letter C for casting. All the trolling reels start their names with a T.
Thank you. I did not know that.
For inshore I would like to throw paddle tail swimbaits, bigger spoons (2oz) and some heavy top water.
So, a 400 series is too big, you say for casting?
I already have a Lews Inshore 2 and a Daiwa Coastal. I sometimes feel though that they are a bit underpowered when I throw the very big bites or fight a big inshore fish.
Catt reply :
Cardiff CDF300A! 
Same reel as the Calcutta, will handle any size swim bait, & will land anything that swims in inland waters.
Chris at Tech reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 2:42 PM, freelancer27 said:For inshore I would like to throw paddle tail swimbaits, bigger spoons (2oz) and some heavy top water.
If you're throwing that big, then you'll be OK with these reels
WRB reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 7:00 PM, Catt said:Cardiff CDF300A!
Same reel as the Calcutta, will handle any size swim bait, & will land anything that swims in inland waters.
I have 2 of these reels and they are good choice for swimbaits. Cardiff is not the same reel as Calcutta, a lot less expensive, different drag system and frame, just not sure how well they will hold up in salt water usage. I have used my older Calcutta's for both swimbaits and salt water use for over 15 years without any issues in salt water or big strong fast salt game fish.
Tom
WRB reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 12:33 AM, freelancer27 said:Thanks guys for this overwhelming response!!!
I narrowed my search down to the following options and would love to get your thoughts on those:
* Daiwa TD Luna Casting Reel (TDLUNA253L) - Smallest line capacity* Calcutta B Series (CT400B) - Seems to be great for big swimbaits and saltwater
* Calcutta D Serioes (CT401D) - Almost 160USD more expensive than the B series. Would it be worth to save a bit longer in order to get this reel?
Thanks again.
Best,
Seb.
The B series Calcutta offers little over the Cardiff, stronger frame and isn't a popular reel for that reason. Big fast salt water fish make long hard runs and you need a reliable drag system. Fresh water bass don't make fast runs and have little stamina compared to salt water game fish. The concern I have is corrosion when used in salt water and that comes down to materials used to make the reel. Machined 7075 aluminum vs die cast aluminum, what series stainless steel hardware and brass gears, bearings etc, etc.
Tom
Dan_the_fisher reply :
I like the feel of my Calcutta b way more than my Cardiff, if you want a Cardiff 400 I got one basically new in box if sell you for a good deal. If I was gonna buy one I get a 400d, they can be had for 260-270 nib on the bay
Catt reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 11:12 PM, WRB said:I have 2 of these reels and they are good choice for swimbaits. Cardiff is not the same reel as Calcutta, a lot less expensive, different drag system and frame, just not sure how well they will hold up in salt water usage. I have used my older Calcutta's for both swimbaits and salt water use for over 15 years without any issues in salt water or big strong fast salt game fish.
Tom
Exact same reel & Drag system!
I've taken both apart & put them on CENTROID's Digitizing machine which will automatically copy any 2D or 3D contour and will automatically create the G code program for a CNC Controls for Milling machines, Lathes & Routers.
First let's clairfy some thing, when I did this comparison it was not to establish interchangeability of parts. It was to determine why two reels with similar specifications could have $100 difference in price.
Being a manufacturing engineer in the aerospace industry I had access to every nondestructive inspection known and digitizing equiptment capable of finding tolerances to 0.0001".
This data was feed into a computer program that compared the two and found no significant differences other than number of bearings (Calcutta 3+1 & Cardiff 4+1). I'm not sure what process was used to test drag but our data showed the Cardiff lacking by 0.331 lbs.
The only real difference is the Cardiff is Die Cast while the Calcutta is Cold Forged, both have the same structural rigidity. Cold Forging requires less machining if final surfaces but the process is more expensive thus the price difference. To farther explain this look at the outer surfaces of the reel frames, the Calcutta is smoother than the Cardiff. That's Cold Forged compared to Die Cast!
WRB reply :
Die cast aluminum alloys contain porosity and metals that perform poorly in a corrosive environmemt, relying on the chemical coating used to protect the metal. I knew the side plates are die cast and avoided using the Cardiff in salt water for that reason. The drags are different design than my Calcutta's and haven't caught any fish on the Cardiff to stress the drag system, it works good catching striped bass and should hold for must inshore salt water fish with the exception the Jacks like Yellowtail Amberjack.
If the Cardiff works in salt water it would save lots money, been good reels over the past 5 years and recommended the 300A several times for swimbait reel.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 8/23/2016 at 1:01 AM, WRB said:Die cast aluminum alloys contain porosity and metals that perform poorly in a corrosive environmemt, relying on the chemical coating used to protect the metal. I knew the side plates are die cast and avoided using the Cardiff in salt water for that reason. The drags are different design than my Calcutta's and haven't caught any fish on the Cardiff to stress the drag system, it works good catching striped bass and should hold for must inshore salt water fish with the exception the Jacks like Yellowtail Amberjack.
If the Cardiff works in salt water it would save lots money, been good reels over the past 5 years and recommended the 300A several times for swimbait reel.
Tom
Both reels are made from the same 6061T6 marine grade aluminum & have the same conversation coating.
I use a Cardiff 300 to catch Red Snapper in the gulf of Mexico.
WRB reply :
On 8/23/2016 at 2:48 AM, Catt said:Both reels are made from the same 6061T6 marine grade aluminum & have the same conversation coating.
I use a Cardiff 300 to catch Red Snapper in the gulf of Mexico.
If you have experience with the Cardiff in salt water that answers my question.
Die cast aluminum alloys are 360, 380 etc. Wrought cold forged or hot rolled like 6061-T6. I may be retired but not retarded, my Cardiff has die cast aluminum side plates.
Tom
Catt reply :
On 8/23/2016 at 3:04 AM, WRB said:I may be retired but not retarded, my Cardiff has die cast aluminum side plates.
Tom
The lower cost 6061 Al attains typical values of 310MPa, which is also superior to, for example, A356 (or 601 type) Al casting alloy whether that alloy is semi-solid cast, squeeze cast or gravity cast. Further fabrication by welding is also available with 6061 aluminium, opening the opportunities for many other applications.
The frames are what is die cast!
WRB reply :
On 8/23/2016 at 4:55 AM, Catt said:The lower cost 6061 Al attains typical values of 310MPa, which is also superior to, for example, A356 (or 601 type) Al casting alloy whether that alloy is semi-solid cast, squeeze cast or gravity cast. Further fabrication by welding is also available with 6061 aluminium, opening the opportunities for many other applications.
The frames are what is die cast!
You are right the frame is die cast, thought it was investment cast from the surface texture however there are ejector pin marks evident, really high quality tooling! The closer I look at the Cardiff the quality for the price is very high. The frame appears to be hard anodized with a dichromate seal.
We are the only ones looking at this through engineering eyes. The company I retired from was the largest user of 6061 bar stock on the west coast, very familiar with this alloy after 50 experience designing and manufacturing millions of parts from it. The bottom line is the Cardiff should be OK in salt water if not abused.
Tom
Angry John reply :
the luna is a wonderful reel and i have both the 253l and the 300l. If i were fishing offshore and i needed the line capacity for large runs i would choose the 300. It is smaller than the shimano's of the same size. They did a great comparison on TT if you can't find the comparison im me and i will send it to you. I use the 253 with 20lb YHB for bass and i use the 300 for salt applications.
Chrisran99 reply :
On 8/22/2016 at 6:17 AM, Dwight Hottle said:The shimano Tekota is a trolling reel. It was not designed as a casting reel. As a rule of thumb Shimano has named all casting reels starting with the letter C for casting. All the trolling reels start their names with a T.
I've never put the Shimano naming convention together, that ingenuous. Thanks for the tip.
I used the Tekota on an eight foot steelhead rod throwing big jigs and bottom fishing in the mouth of lake Ponchartrain, can't say it casts that great but it chunked the heavier baits fine.
Isn't there something different in the thumb bar between the Cardiff 400a and the Calcutta?
Catt reply :
On 8/23/2016 at 7:30 AM, WRB said:You are right the frame is die cast, thought it was investment cast from the surface texture however there are ejector pin marks evident, really high quality tooling! The closer I look at the Cardiff the quality for the price is very high. The frame appears to be hard anodized with a dichromate seal.
We are the only ones looking at this through engineering eyes. The company I retired from was the largest user of 6061 bar stock on the west coast, very familiar with this alloy after 50 experience designing and manufacturing millions of parts from it. The bottom line is the Cardiff should be OK in salt water if not abused.
Tom
Cardiff & Calcutta is like Ford LTD & a Mercury Grand Marquis!
Both are rock solid, one is just a little more refined!
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