Picked up  an 867 and a cardif reel for but I prefer low profile reels. I intend on using it for Deps 250, Megabass megadog, Hudd 6 and 8in.  Thats about as big as I will be going, so the 867 should suffice, but what reel?

 

1) is there any advantage in casting distance or power with a round reel vs a low profile baitcaster, or is it just preference?

2) What low profile bait casters would work?  Would a lews super duty LFS be strong enough for this reel, I was also considering a zillion HD.   I've also read about a tranx being used.

3) if I stay with a round reel, what woul dbe the benefit of upgrading to a calcullta or Daiwa Luna 300? 

 

If a low profile is your choice a Shimano Tranx 300A 5:8.1 is ideal.

Tom

I don’t own a Tranx, but if I wanted a heavy duty, high capacity low profile reel for swimbaits it would be a Tranx. I use an old Abu 5600C4 and it works just fine, but I haven’t got the swimbait bug nor a real swimbait rod. I’m using on old Browning 7’6” flippin stick.

does the tranx come in Left hand?

if it doesn’t come in lefty, any other ideas? 

It comes in left hand.

 

Is this the model?

Shimano Tranx 301 5.8:1 Left Hand Casting Reel | TRX301A

Retrieve: Left | Gear Ratio: 5.8:1 | Weight (oz): 11.6 | Bearings: 5+1 | LPT: 30" | Max Drag (lb): 22 Capacity (yd/lb): Mono: 12/230, 14/180, 17/150; Braid: 40/195, 50/190, 65/125 | MPN: TRX301A

31 minutes ago, Jeffrey Walker said:

Is this the model?

Shimano Tranx 301 5.8:1 Left Hand Casting Reel | TRX301A

Retrieve: Left | Gear Ratio: 5.8:1 | Weight (oz): 11.6 | Bearings: 5+1 | LPT: 30" | Max Drag (lb): 22 Capacity (yd/lb): Mono: 12/230, 14/180, 17/150; Braid: 40/195, 50/190, 65/125 | MPN: TRX301A

The 1 in Shimano model numbers indicate left hand retrieve. RH is 300, LH is 301.

is the 867 rod the best for what i am trying for throw or should i move up to the 908?

5 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

The 1 in Shimano model numbers indicate left hand retrieve. RH is 300, LH is 301.

what gear ratio?

58 minutes ago, Jeffrey Walker said:

what gear ratio?

I would go with the 5.8 or the Curado 300k in 6.6

I toss both 6 and 8" Hudds with a Diawa Tatula 300. Works very well. My old swimbait reel was a Shimano 301 Curado E7, the tatula works just as well. Oh, it's a 6 speed.

The lures the OP listed are all under 7 oz ( 2-6 3/4).

The Dobyns 908 is designed for 8 to 10 oz swimbaits.

The 867 is ideal for 3 to 7 oz swimbaits.

5.8:1 is what I recommended earlier.

Tom

 

34 minutes ago, WRB said:

The lures the OP listed are all under 7 oz ( 2-6 3/4).

The Dobyns 908 is designed for 8 to 10 oz swimbaits.

The 867 is ideal for 3 to 7 oz swimbaits.

5.8:1 is what I recommended earlier.

Tom

 

The Dobyns 867 is labeled for 4-16oz which is definitely off.

Rating vs sweet spot isn’t the same. This is a 8’6” XH rod and loads up nicely with the same lures as the 806 Dobyns SB Rods. The 908 on the other hand is 9’ but more ridged or faster action and doesn’t load up well with lures under 8 oz.

Tom