In August, the tip broke off my new Fenwick HMX HMX70MFC rod. I requested a warranty replacement but they were so backlogged it wasn’t going to come until October, then November...then December. As I had purchased a Daiwa Aird X AIRX661MFB in the interim, I opted to have the rod replaced with a HMX76H-FC. So now I have a M, MH and a H. Time to start shopping for a new baitcaster. Looking more and more like a Daiwa Fuego CT. 
 

I have some big swim baits to try! 
 

   Be cautious putting heavy loads on the Fuego CT100. Ask around as to the heaviest uses for that reel, and how long the user has had the reel under those conditions. I could just be overcautious, but I had one that went south on me with 1 oz. spoons. It might have just been a fluke of circumstance, too; you never know.      jj

Check out the Bantam MGL from Shimano. Super solid reel. Rugged and smooth as silk with a main brass gear. Should handle your needs perfectly.

I would think so. But that’s about $200.00 over what I was looking to spend. Looks like a nice reel, though! 

BrianMDTX, if your going to buy a CT, look here,

 

https://north40.com/daiwa-fuego-ct-bait-casting-reel

Thanks. Not a bad deal!