11 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

You could get away with a 200 size reel for the 2 oz baits and under, however as Tom pointed out, throwing the 3 oz and heavier baits will be a problem, meaning your casts will be much shorter than if you used a 300 size reel, been there, done that. I used that same Okuma rod with a 201 Cardiff, and tried throwing 3 1/2 oz baits, really never could get em out there far enough, then I bought a 301E Curado, and then the distance was way better, and much easier to cast.

 

Like Boat Squirrel, I use the same set up for my 6" Huds.

Did you like the  Cardiff overall? I'm looking at the  300 for my first swimbait reel.

Just now, Michigander said:

Did you like the  Cardiff overall? I'm looking at the  300 for my first swimbait reel.

For the price, I was happy with it, never had any problems as I kept it well maintained. But in comparison to my old 301 E Curado, no contest. Then again the 301 cost almost $ 100.00 more.

On 2/3/2020 at 4:48 PM, Brett's_daddy said:

I got a Fuego CT already...6.3:1.

B's_d,

 

If you can resist chucking baits 150ft, which you can, and keep the baits in the range I mentioned in my first response then you'll get by with that for now. I'm assuming you're not planning on becoming strictly a full time swimbaiter., right? Pop the handle side plate off and grease the works. Gears and clutch. Grease the thumb bar pad on the non handle sideplate too. Daiwas seem to ship on the dry side. You'll get by until you have the scratch for a more ideal reel. At least you'll have the rod you need which is what you can afford now.

2 minutes ago, Hammer 4 said:

For the price, I was happy with it, never had any problems as I kept it well maintained. But in comparison to my old 301 E Curado, no contest. Then again the 301 cost almost $ 100.00 more.

Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of reels that beat a Cardiff in every performance category when you start ticking up that price tag. I'm just trying to get a reel that isn't  a piece of junk so I can decide if this style of fishing is enjoyable enough for me to take that next step up in gear. And if I decide instead that I'll just be a casual swimbaiter, then I will have a perfectly serviceable combo for many years with proper maintenance. 

46 minutes ago, Michigander said:

Oh, I'm sure there are plenty of reels that beat a Cardiff in every performance category when you start ticking up that price tag. I'm just trying to get a reel that isn't  a piece of junk so I can decide if this style of fishing is enjoyable enough for me to take that next step up in gear. And if I decide instead that I'll just be a casual swimbaiter, then I will have a perfectly serviceable combo for many years with proper maintenance. 

The Cardiff will be a good starting point..