Just recently ordered one of these form JLS in the 301 size. Planing on using it for swimbaits and light inshore fishing in the ocean. I'm thinking of spooling it with 50 pound braid. Anyways who owns this reel and do you like it? What are your line preferences?

For me, braid and big baits don't go together.  I would spool it up with 17-25lb mono or copoly, depending on the weight of the baits you plan to throw.

You might want at least a shock leader . I'm not sure how much to recommend for a given weight though. 

You will eventually get tangles and dig ins with braid, throwing such heavy bait. You have to be 100% diligent about your line or you will lose lures. I would go with heavy nylon or fluorocarbon.

 

I have a 301 I use for swimbaits. I like it a lot.  Only complaint is that the spool tension knob it difficult to tighten enough for heavy baits. It still functions well and doesn't backlash, but I'm not quite able to set it up like my other reels. A lot of people will tell you you need to use mono for big baits, but there are plenty of people who use braid.  I listened to the mono people and hated it. I spooled up some 50lb braid for this year, and using the rod for some heavy punching in addition to swimbaits. 

While I haven't fished with it yet,  I've done a lot of yard casting.  I have a 100D JDM.  

The way it feels while casting and retrieving is incredible.  Once it is warm enough,  I will take it to the pond and just see what it feels like throught the water.   From what I have read,  it's power and effortlessness while reeling in a fish is unmatched..

For anyone interested, the Calcutta Ds are 40% off at japan lure shop

30 minutes ago, bootytrain said:

For anyone interested, the Calcutta Ds are 40% off at japan lure shop

WOW !

I.....must.....resist.....the.....bait.....monkey....! 

Is that a reputable vendor?

23 minutes ago, georgeyew said:

Is that a reputable vendor?

Very reputable, I and several other members have bought multiple items from them

Try and get a 400te if you can

9 hours ago, georgeyew said:

Is that a reputable vendor?

One of the best!

I have a couple of 201d' s and I like them. They cast well, are smooth, easy to break down and look nice. They only downside to them is that there is no break access. I have mine set at two and I've forgotten them. It's still nice to have at the price they sell for. 

21 minutes ago, Poolshark said:

I have a couple of 201d' s and I like them. They cast well, are smooth, easy to break down and look nice. They only downside to them is that there is no break access. I have mine set at two and I've forgotten them. It's still nice to have at the price they sell for. 

For those reading this, the JDM Calcutta D's that are the subject of this thread DO have opening sideplates for brake access on the 100 & 200 sizes. USDM Calcutta D's in those sizes do NOT have the opening sideplate as mentioned by Poolshark.

47 minutes ago, Goose52 said:

For those reading this, the JDM Calcutta D's that are the subject of this thread DO have opening sideplates for brake access on the 100 & 200 sizes. USDM Calcutta D's in those sizes do NOT have the opening sideplate as mentioned by Poolshark.

I was wondering about that. I kept looking at the pictures to see if there is a screw to open the sideplate, but I could not see one. The handle was blocking the picture.

20 hours ago, bootytrain said:

For anyone interested, the Calcutta Ds are 40% off at japan lure shop

That's where I got mine...

Good thing I don't need another reel. 

Said no one ever.