Megabass has come out with the Megadog and I want to buy a couple for stripers and largemouth when summer rolls around. I just recently got into swimbaits and big/magnum type topwaters. So...I need a rod and reel that can handle most magnum topwaters like the Megabass Megadog, Lunker Punker and ABT Lures Dirty Donkey in that 1-5oz range. 

 

Megabass Megadog Specs: 8.6" - 4.6oz

 

For rods...

1. Megabass Destroyer TS Casino _ 7'7" Heavy Med. Fast 16-30lb 2-6oz

2. Megabass Destroyer TS Baccarat _ 7'8" Ex. Heavy Med. Fast 20-40lb 4-10oz

 

For reels...

1. Daiwa Tatula 200 spooled with 50/65lb braid to a mono leader.

2. Shimano Tranx 300 spooled with 50/65lb braid to a mono leader. 

 

Some concerns/questions...

 

The stripers in the lakes I fish get pretty big (20+lb). Therefore I need a rod that has a lot of muscle in order to fight these big fish. I am leaning towards the Baccarat since it is a extra heavy and can probably handle some big fish. But...the baccarat's lure rating is a little high for 4 oz so I am afraid the baccarat's power/action might be a little too stiff for working the megadog correctly. 

 

On the other hand...The casino's lure rating seems like a better fit for a 4oz bait since 4oz is in the middle of its lure rating and would probably have the right amount of power/action for working the megadog correctly. But...I am afraid the casino might not have enough power when fighting big fish in that 20+lb class. Which one would you guys go with...?

 

I am also concerned with line capacity when it comes to fighting a big fish. So...should I go with the Tranx 300...? On the other hand...I have small hands so I am leaning towards the Daiwa Tatula 200 since its smaller and will feel/fish more comfortably than the tranx 300. Its going to be a wrist/arm saver when fishing big swimbaits and topwaters all day long compared to a bigger reel like the tranx 300. Would I be 'ok' line capacity wise with a tatula 200 spooled with 50lb braid and a mono leader...? Which one would you guys go with...? 

 

I would recommend going to this swimbait group on Facebook.
There is plenty of seasoned swimbait fisherman who can guide you on this question.
From the sounds of it, I would be grabbing the 2nd rod with the tranx 300 simply because power.

 https://www.facebook.com/groups/swimbaituniverse/

If anyone in here has any experience with the Megabass Destroyer TS Series of rods...I would love to know what your review/experience is. 

 

Tranx 300 sounds about right. I think the extra line capacity with the tranx 300 over the tatula 200 would be most beneficial for the baits I am planning to throw and the size of fish I am targeting. Thanks for the info.