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Posts: 125
| I have a pretty good idea of the rod I want, but I need help with a reel. Looking specifically to up my game in the spring for throwing smaller bucktails and crankbaits. This would also be my outfit for musky/pike kayak fishing.
anyone have any recommendations for a reel and or what gear ratio I should be looking at? I'm thinking low profile. Like a Citrix? thanks for help |
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Posts: 145
| callworth - 2/10/2018 5:55 PM
I have a pretty good idea of the rod I want, but I need help with a reel. Looking specifically to up my game in the spring for throwing smaller bucktails and crankbaits. This would also be my outfit for musky/pike kayak fishing.
anyone have any recommendations for a reel and or what gear ratio I should be looking at? I'm thinking low profile. Like a Citrix? thanks for help
What is your price range? |
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Posts: 125
| Not sure i have one. Id like to do it right, but could do value too... |
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Posts: 668
Location: mercer wi | I think any of the 300 or similar size reels would be fine. I like shimano but Abu 50 size, the new 13 I heard is nice, Daiwa Lexa 300, okuma makes a great reel. Maybe look for a used curado too. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. I would stay away for bass reels because they are just not built for musky |
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Posts: 125
| Is the komodo and lexa too big? I have only seen komodo...
What about gear ratio? |
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Posts: 145
| While the Citrix 364 is a nice budget baitcaster, there are multiple other 300 baitcasters for less then $200. The Citrix 364 does not have bilateral bearings supporting the levelwind worm gear; combined with the engaged levelwind, this reel is not going to be ideal for casting lighter lures.
The Lexa 300 would be my preferance, and can be found in the HD or Winn version for under $200. Lexas have the longest span between spool and levelwind guide of the larger low profile baitcasters that I know of. This longer span decreases the angle of the line coming off the spool which leads to less friction. From my experience, Lexas cast lures down to 1oz superbly.
If you want to drop $300, both the Beast 60 and Tranx 400 will launch your lighter lures a mile as well and either will be a good choice for lighter lures, ergonomics a brand preference being the only real reasons for buying one of these two over the other IMO. I am still playing around with the Tranx, but I see it doing really well as a reel for fishing oversized cranks (like the Rapala Original 18) for large walleye. The Beast can get really squirrely at times, especially when casting lighter lures, so care must definitely be taken to prevent backlashes.
The Komodo 364 casts light lures very well, just not as well as it's Lexa 300 counter part. I do feel the Komodo 364 is a more durable reel over all, but that is because I have had one since the first came out and have yet to be able to kill it. I feel it is good for lures down to 1.5oz, casting distance seems to taper off after that mark from my experience, though the reel won't flinch when casting 16oz plus. |
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Posts: 125
| Great response. Lexa 300 seems like what im looking for. Casting small bucktails superbly sounds nice. |
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Posts: 145
| upnortdave - 2/10/2018 7:01 PM
I think any of the 300 or similar size reels would be fine. I like shimano but Abu 50 size, the new 13 I heard is nice, Daiwa Lexa 300, okuma makes a great reel. Maybe look for a used curado too. I don't think you could go wrong with any of them. I would stay away for bass reels because they are just not built for musky
Agreed about staying away from the bass reels.
I thought the Abu Garcia Revo Winch would make a decent small bucktail/small musky crankbait reel and after one day of use fishing smaller baby cow girls the reel felt like a coffee grinder. |
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Posts: 125
| Yikes no thanks |
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Posts: 452
| Tranx 400A, great reel. |
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Posts: 32784
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 'The Beast can get really squirrely at times, especially when casting lighter lures, so care must definitely be taken to prevent backlashes.'
I have 5 of them, and none have ever been 'squirrely' regarding backlashes for me. A potentially better choice in the Abu line would the the Toro S because of price and the fact it's just plain a great all around reel. If budget is a consideration, the MaxToro is a very well built reel at an excellent price point. I use mine for smaller twitch baits, crank baits, creatures, and Suicks. |
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Posts: 20178
Location: oswego, il | I have an original toro s with 30lb braid. I have caught plenty of muskies with it up to 48" paid 79 bucks for it refurbished. I like just as much my calcutta 200B. I have no issues using either to catch muskies. |
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Posts: 267
| Anyone use the Tranx 300 series?
https://www.muskyshop.com/rods-reels/shimano-tranx-300-series-reels/ |
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Posts: 297
Location: Not where I want to be! | Tranx 300 in the 5.8 gear ratio. Super reel for light tackle. Another option would be a Curado 300. |
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