Hey guys, I'm looking for a baitcasting reel for shallow cranks and smaller lipless, mostly in the 1/4 ounce range. So it has to have a smaller spool capable of throwing lite baits, with a low profile frame.  I don't have a set budget, less is better of course though.  I have 2 curado 70s which I love and would buy another, but would like to spend less if possible. Any suggestions?

 

Btw, it will either be paired with a 6 '6" medium mod/ fast rod or a 7' medium moderate depending on what I'm planning on using it for that day. 

My 1st choice can only be found on ebay or swap boards... Pixy 68

 

 

oe

I think a tatula sv would work good for that. I can throw 1/4 oz lures with out any trouble and still get good distance with mine on a medium light rod. 

I throw my crankbaits on a Lews BB1 reel on a 6'rod with no problems.

Geez, y'all can't think of something more affordable to do the job well, lol.  What do y'all think of the casitas and the other lower end shimano reels?

Lower end? Get a fuego ct or lews if’s speed spool

I use a fuego ct for some of my light weight work like drop shotting, shakey heads, knock-off senkos, and smaller finesse jigs. I think that it would be my 3rd choice behind a tatula sv and tatula ct. But my first choice in the sub $100 range

1 hour ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Geez, y'all can't think of something more affordable to do the job well, lol.  What do y'all think of the casitas and the other lower end shimano reels?

You did say no set budget.  If $135 is too much, look at the used market.  Try to find an older gold colored Carbonlite or the Prolite.  The Prolite is the finesse reel, but I have no problem casting #5 Shad Raps (3/16 oz.) with my Carbonlites.

 

If you don't mind a round reel, look for a 1500-1600 series Ambassadeur.  My Black Max 1600C does very well with light lures.  It also casts very well in a strong wind.  You should be able to find the above reels in the $30-$60 range.  If you can find one.    So far I've only used one of my three 1600Cs, but have no plans to sell one of them.

 

If you are willing to spend in the $140-$160 neighborhood, look at used Pixy or TD-Z 105H.  Pixies are easier to find and are the reel which TackleTour compares other finesse reels to.  It wasn't all that long ago you couldn't buy one for less than about $220.  More for the Pixilla....which is a tuned and upgraded Pixy.

I have three Sols and love them for the light stuff. In fact, one sits atop my shallow cranking rod. I also have a ProLite that I use regularly for smaller topwaters and occasional shallow crank. If you can find one, it'll serve you well.

This could also serve your needs and possibly your budget too.....https://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-reels/casting-reels/pc/104793480/c/104760180/sc/104259780/lews-laser-pro-speed-spool-casting-reel/2435981.uts?slotId=0

I use a sol with a deep zonda spool.  It's great for square bill cranks and medium to small topwaters.  The depth allows for a little larger line and still let you bomb it out if you need.  I run 14 lb xl on mine so the lune floats.

The rod is as important as the reel you choose.

Daiwa has several small light weight reels that will perform. The original TD-Z Avantage, Magnesium frame red Feugo, Gold Sol and Pixie all work good when tuned and Shimano Core 50mg can be found on eBay.

I use the red Feugo for small crankbaits on Loomis PR 845 C rod.

Tom 

I can throw 1/4 oz CrankBaits on my Revo X or Shimano Casitas as long as the Rod is a Veritas Medium Moderate. But put those same reels on any Medium Moderate Fast and the lures travel 5 to 10 feet off to the left or right every time....so I agree the Rod is very important when casting light cranks.

Casitas, you can also upgrade it with an mgl spool you can get on eBay.

I like older Japan made Shimano's. The Curado 100D throw light baits well, I have 4 of them and 2 100DSV's, been great reels for yrs. The Chronarch 50mg is even better for light baits.