Hey guys,

I'm in the market for a reel I can use for swimbaits and musky. Can one reel handle this task? Also more so as a side note, would there be a reason to buy a round reel vs a low profile? I'm more comfortable with lps than rounds. 

Of course that one reel can handle the task, just when you select the reel take in consideration the spool depth and capacity, and yes, there are low profiles that fit the bill, right now Zillions are a lot cheaper and they are magnificent reels woth plenty line capacity.

If I was in the market, I would be looking at the Daiwa Lexa 400, but that's just me.  

I have both for swimbaits, have a Cardiff 300 and a Lexa 300.  If you wanted something bigger the the 400 size in the Lexa or Cardiff/Calcutta is an option.  On mine, I have 40lb pp on the Cardiff and 65lb pp on the Lexa and fish both with topshots, the Cardiff gets 25lb mono and the other 25lb fc. But to answer your question of weather one reel could handle the task, I would say yes.  Of the two I have if I was to fish Muskies as well as large swimbaits, I'd go with the Lexa as it has a bigger handle and better drag over my Cardiff.  And I can get a little farther casting distance out of it as well.  Just my opinion.

Yes, a sturdy reel with appropriate line capacity will serve well in both applications and are available in round and low profile styles. The Curado 300E is another low pro that would fit the bill and I'm sure there are others. An Ambassadeur round reel will do well and can be had at very reasonable prices. 

Revo Toro, The big Lexa, Cardiff, Calcutta, Curado 300, Ambassadeur Rocord, Morrum, Luna, Millionaire,....all work for this.

 

Low pro/round, I don't really care which, so long as the spool diameter is large, and there's enough thumb access to let me get the leverage I need to hold the spool when casting big baits.  Line capacity is a secondary consideration.  I use a Calcutta 200B on my 2-5 oz. swimbait rod.  With 25# CXX, I can nearly spool it on a long cast.  The 300 would be a better choice, though the 200 works for me.

Currently I use an older 7 ball bearing Calcutta GT spooled with 65 lb test braid to throw frogs, A-Rigs and swim baits/wake baits up to an ounce and a half (don't have any heavier, A-rigs are obviously heavier, 3 to 5 ounces)  No issues.  Once, I had a chance to go muskie fishing ( trip didn't work out, had to work) and I called Shimano to ask if the Calcutta would work for muskies, and they doubted if I could tear it up fishing for muskies.

 

When I get some spare money a Curado 300 E is in my future, but I don't know when that is going to happen, probably not this year or next.

5500c3 answers both questions.

5500c3 answers both questions.

Doesn't answer the second question at all.

I don't like the bulkiness of the round reels in 300 sized spool either, so I would just go for Curado/Lexa/Toro reels. It will be more than enough to handle both muskies and swimbaits. I would go for one with higher IPT, since you need to be launching and reeling quickly for muskies based on my limited understandings. If you really want to spend the money, wait for the new Conquest 300 or 400 that's rumored to be released this winter. If the palming is anything like the 200s and 100s, it will be absolutely sublime.

Awesome! Thanks guys, I found a Luna for rather cheap. I may buy that one. 

Great reel, not a ton of buzz on them, but a very solid choice.  Save your $coots, and get a Hawgtech for it.

I just realized that I can get a new Toro NaCl for a bit less than the Luna. So i'll probably get that instead. Not too sure how I feel about that handle though

For musky and swimbaits go with Curado 300/301E, perfect for this application, if low profile is what you are comfortable using.

Tom

I like the Luna over Abu, I like Calcuttas over the Luna, I know the 300e is a awesome reel too.. One of those in the flea market at a great price.

I was wondering when that Luna was going to get picked up awesome deal.