Hey guys,

I got $300 to spend and I wanna try out throwing bigger crankbaits. One particular bait that I will be aiming to throw out is the Megabass Big M 4.0 which is 2 oz. Heavier baits in general are a foreign area for me as I mainly fish cranks that are 7/8 oz or lower so I really have no idea what I'm doing. Currently, I am looking at the Shimano SLX XT 6:3:1, but I am a bit worried on how it will handle heavier baits and Spiralite Maverick casting rod 7'10 Med Hvy. Any thoughts or help on this would be highly appreciated. 

I dont have a lot of experience throwing bigger baits myself.  My only concern with ur suggestions would be line capacity on the slx. I'm sure others with more experience will chime in. Guess it depends too if its going to be a dedicated bigger bait combo or something you need to be more versatile.  I have one combo I throw bigger baits on and I use a lews super duty on it with no complaints but it has a little more capacity than the slx. Good luck

2.0z, you're getting to swimbait weight.  I am not sure the SLX is equipped to handle something that big. When I tried it out, it reminded me more of a finesse reel.  I would look at a Shimano Cardiff, Calcutta, Tranx, Daiwa Lexa, and maybe the Abu Garcia Beast or the Winch.

Yeah, now that I'm looking at it the slx most likely isn't a good option. The shimano Cardiff looks does fit my budget more out of those reels. I could look for a used calcutta on ebay too. 

I use the SLX xt and it is a great reel. I use it for a lot of applications but mostly medium depth crankbaits which are usually 1/2oz, and spinnerbaits anywhere from 3/8 to 3/4 oz. I've even thrown a 1oz berkley choppo 130 and it seemed to handle it fine. As good of a reel as it is, im not sure it's ideal for baits that are up to 2oz.

 

 Fishtank mentioned the Shimano Tranx and i've heard its a great reel but it wont leave much space in your budget for a nice rod. I once bought a used Okuma Citrix 364 for pike and musky fishing. It worked great and it sounds like it would be ideal for you too as i was easily casting 2-3 oz spinnerbaits on it. It also leaves more space in your budget for a nice rod as its cheaper than a tranx. It never slipped up on me but i sold it because I just wasnt using it enough and I decided to cut my losses because i got such a good deal on it anyways

Okuma citrix does seem like a good reel then. If I'm right doesn't it have a bait clicker or drag clicker also or was that just the komodo? Did you have a power handle on it? Was wondering if that made a difference at all.