Which Reel?

[Scott McKee]

I'm looking to treat myself to a new casting reel; manly for chucking crankbaits like Toothy's, Perchbaits and 10" Jakes, as well as some Monster, Twisted and Big Sexy tubes in the fall.  I'm looking at the Tranx, Calcutta 700TE, Revo Toro (30" per turn), the Shimano Curado 300 or the Daiwa Saltist 20 or 30. Any suggestions based on your experience with any of these reels, or another that would be a better option, would be greatly appreciated.

[John Pensyl]

Love my revos but the high speed 6.4 has no balls, it is a labor to turn the handle with a big bait. It's fine for working lures with the rod and picking up slack but pulling a bucktail or just straight ripping a crank is more work than it should be. My fav one is the 5.4 model, perfect for an all around casting reel imo. I'd certainly recommend it if you can find one, seems they only sell high speeds and winches now. If you buy a tranx you will find me at your boatside asking to try it out this fall. That thing is a monster.

[jojo wilczewski]

Good Day

After fishing for 40 years I have come to the conculsion that ALL  reels are disposable or in need repairs after a few years. First I beat the crack out of them. Second I leave the drags set like a winch ( extremly tight)and always forget to turn them down except when I take them in the house or have a fish on.  I hate to try and set the hook and the drag slips when it should be making a point. If you have ever fished with me  you know I am not a gentle person, I tend to get violent especially when fish are around.  I take it personel and hit him and hit him hard a few times.  Third  they are there to be used and abused as a tool, easily  replaced. 

I have found that Penn Internationals 975 hold up the longest. But still need repairs especially the drags. Penn will do it for under 20 bucks if you mail it to them in. The reels are on ebay for a little over 200. DO NOT buy a used one, Musky humps like me need a brand new one for maxium life expectancy.  Plenty fast enough to burn blades and heavy duty enough to beat your Grandmas. I find the Diawa's to fast for casting, but nice for jigging and trolling. Have not had it that long or used it that much to know life expectancy?

ALA BALA BALA

jojo out

[John Miller]

my saltist is running into to problems.  The lever to engage casting is getting locked up and I can't get the reel into free spool to cast.  After several attempts it engages, but feels rough as if there is metal to metal.  Just my experience so far.  I'm gonna have to send it for repair.

[Scott McKee]

Anyone have any experience with the Daiwa Lexa?  It looks like Daiwa's answer to the Revo Toro; a low profile, high gear ratio, high line capacity, slick as snot looking thing.