Compared to 20 years ago:

 

Specific rods geared for big heavy swimbaits are now readily available.

 

Braided line has come along way.  (I now have it on my spinning reels).

 

With regards to bait-cast reels, at what point should you go 200 to 300 reel based on lure weight?

This is assuming you plan to use to braid.

 

I am more concerned on what fatigue the big heavy swimbaits can put on the gears of a 200 series bait-cast.

This of course would depend on frequency of use.

 

 

While not all bait-casters are built the same, I would think a Calcutta 200 could handle up to 6oz lure.

With the correct rod of course.

And the use of braid if you choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the rod's parameters for line test and bait weight limits.

 

Your reel should be able to handle anything you want to throw as long as the reel's line test parameters match those of the rod's line test parameters.

The reel's drag can limit stress on the reel, so I see no need to worry about matching specs with the rod.  The main thing with really big lures is that you are going after really big fish, so pick a reel which has drag capacity to match what you want to do with it.

Swimbaits don't have any resistance, so they won't put any stress on your reel unless you're constantly backlashing. Line capacity is the main issue. I use a 300 sized reel or bigger for anything over 2 oz.

Yea you should be able to throw quite heavy lures on a low profile baitcaster but you could run into line capacity issues if you're really chucking them in deep water. I wouldn't think that the gears of a reel would run into any issues when casting because they aren't really being used, more so if you were constantly fighting bigger-than-bass sized fish.

In some cases the only difference between sizes is profile and line capacity. If a bait is heavy enough or has high resistance like deep cranks, a lower ratio reel can be more pleasurable to fish but doesn't have anything to do with longevity. 

As said before, just make sure that the reel you pick is made for the line you would be using on the rod.

Reel size has more to do with line capacity. Heavier lures often require larger dia line and that affects line capacity. The width and dia of the reel spool is the difference between a 200 and 300 size baitcasting reel. Check the line capacity, select the reel size based on your longest cast not exceeding 1/3rd of the line you plan to use. 

Tom

Thanks for all the responses.

 

Based on what I see posted, it comes down to line capacity which to me means braid vs mono.

 

I have recently fished for white bass with a fishing guide who has all his bait-cast reel fitted with braid.

I had no issue casting braid.  I actually think I could cast further. I know I can with a spinning reel.

 

With regards to swimbait fishing, braid versus mono seems to be a hot button issue.

 

What I could do is attach a short mono leader to the lure.

My concern would be that leader knot drifting through the guides could potentially increasing backlashes.

 

 

Do any of you use mono on one reel and braid on another?

 

 

 

 

Not a fan of braid with leaders and in the minority. I use Sunline small dia Defier 

Armilo Nylon 25 lb Nylon line for swimbaits. It's and worms on bait casting I use Sunline 10 to 12 lb Sniper FC or 11 lb Armillo, not a fan of FC line due to random knot failures. 11 lb Armilo for crankbaits and top water.

Finesse spinning Maxima 5 lb Ultra Green copolymer line.

Calcutta 250 & Cardiff 300A for swimbaits.

Daiwa Tatula 100R for baitcasting everything except deep diver crankbait use 300A Cardiff, Medium cranks Daiwa org Fuego.

Finesse spinning Shimano Stradic.

Tom