I need a good swimbait baitcaster for around $150 or under that has easy access to the braking system, be it an easily removable sideplate or an external system. I need good line capacity because I will be using 17 pound test mono or fluorocarbon. Gear ratio of 5.2:1 or better. I tried the Abu Garcia C4 but the sideplate was so hard to remove and put back on to replace the brakes that I took it back.

Lew's Tournament Pro, This guy is a great sellar and Smokin fast shipper, FREE SHIPPING! just another 10 bucks and any speed you want from 5.4:1 6.4:1 7.1:1 That would be my choice, you don't hear the owners complain'n.

http://www.ebay.com/...=item460532f19e

Are you looking for a 300 (shimano size) reel? The smaller Daiwa Lunas (all but the Luna 300 which is comparable to a Shimano 400 size, confused enough?) have externally adjustable magnetic brakes.

I got mine (Luna 253L) for $125. Another (Luna 253) sold for $150 last week on swimbaitnation. The gear ratio is 5.1:1, and the IPT for the 253 size is ~23.5.

The Curado 300 D/E, and the Revo Toros also have "easy" access to the braking systems, but you probably already know that. They go for a bit more than $150 usually.