I was wondering if the Lews BB-1 speed spool would be an alright swimbait reel? My other choice would be the Shimano Cardiff but I have small hands so I don't think it would be to comfortable. The reel can take 160 yards of 12 pound test. I was going to pair this reel up with an Okuma Big Bait rod 7'6" Medium Heavy for 6 inch huds and big topwaters like MS Slammers and BBz spro 6" floaters. Possibly some lunker punkers also. Would this be a good first swimbait setup? I know someone will say get the shimano curado if size is the problem but I can't afford it right now.

I was wondering if the Lews BB-1 speed spool would be an alright swimbait reel? My other choice would be the Shimano Cardiff but I have small hands so I don't think it would be to comfortable. The reel can take 160 yards of 12 pound test. I was going to pair this reel up with an Okuma Big Bait rod 7'6" Medium Heavy for 6 inch huds and big topwaters like MS Slammers and BBz spro 6" floaters. Possibly some lunker punkers also. Would this be a good first swimbait setup? I know someone will say get the shimano curado if size is the problem but I can't afford it right now.

 

I really don't like the Cardiff to be honest but that's me. A lot of guys do like it.  I had the 300 and it was an okay reel. I'd go with the Daiwa Lexa 300 if you want a reel with line capacity and serious drag....you can find one on Ebay for around $160. Very nice reel. Also, you can probably get away with a regular sized baitcaster. I use a  REVO S for my Hudds, Ospreys and Mattlures...nothing over 7" or 2oz but that reel handles my swimbaits well. I saw some of the pre-white Revo S reels for under $100 on ebay, new and free shipping. A steal really. 

The important issues are line capacity and how the reel would hold up over time to the stress of casting and retrieving heavy baits. The Cardiff is a proven reel (I have three!); haven't heard much about the Lews in the big bait side of bass fishing.

 

P.S. Hearing good things about the Lexa too, lately. But I fish only Shimano reels.

 

P.P.S. The slammer pushes a lot of water, and you probably want a reel would good strong gears.