I am currently penciling out my next fishing trip.  I think it will be Brazil (again).  the fish are so powerful.  they slam baits and try to rip your arms off.

 

last time, I took a Curado 150 and a Daiwa SV TW.  both were okay, but way abused. Daiwa needed a trip to DVT.

 

I think a Tranxs 200 is on my list.  

what about the Zillion HD?  is it really HD?

 

Casts are long, so a DC would be fun.   I need a hard hard drag, for sure.  

 

thoughts?

Suggest increasing line capacity and use the Tranx 300 size. Will do double duty for salt water use.

Daiwa Coastal 200 SV TW works.

Tom

is that what you fished Brazil with?

 

I didnt find line capacity an issue the first time

 

A 300 size is too much. The Tatula HD or  Tranx 200 should be fine.

Any alumimum frame and handle side plate reel.  I'd probably go with a Zillion HD or Bantam if buying new.  If I had to pick from what I already have then my Zillion HD, TD Zillions (megabass IP), 1st gen Ryoga (LIN10), Lexa 300, Engetsu 100 and Tatula 80 would be up for the task.  All are aluminum frame and side plate reels with 90+ mm handles with power knobs.   

 

The Lexa for huge baits and large line, the Zillions for all around and the Tatula 80 or Engetsu 100 for when I needed a lighter bait presentation or wanted a smaller reel and could get away with it. 

 

TT did a few reel reviews where they fished the Amazon.  The old TD Zillion did great but the Zaion carbon fiber blended resin (plastic blended with carbon dust) survived but had some frame flexing that caused braid to groove the reel frame.

 

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwazilliontyper.html

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwat3ballistic.html

If i was going, the Z2020 would be my #1 choice over anything and everything in production.

23 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

Any alumimum frame and handle side plate reel.  I'd probably go with a Zillion HD or Bantam if buying new.  If I had to pick from what I already have then my Zillion HD, TD Zillions (megabass IP), 1st gen Ryoga (LIN10), Lexa 300, Engetsu 100 and Tatula 80 would be up for the task.  All are aluminum frame and side plate reels with 90+ mm handles with power knobs.   

 

The Lexa for huge baits and large line, the Zillions for all around and the Tatula 80 or Engetsu 100 for when I needed a lighter bait presentation or wanted a smaller reel and could get away with it. 

 

TT did a few reel reviews where they fished the Amazon.  The old TD Zillion did great but the Zaion carbon fiber blended resin (plastic blended with carbon dust) survived but had some frame flexing that caused braid to groove the reel frame.

 

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwazilliontyper.html

 

https://www.tackletour.com/reviewdaiwat3ballistic.html

wait.  I have a Bantam.  that is a great thought

4 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

is that what you fished Brazil with?

 

I didnt find line capacity an issue the first time

 

Use smaller diameter increases line capacity but using 20+ lb mono/FC reduces line capacity after marking modest 90’ cast hold the spooled line is out. With very low line the IPT is reduced about 50%, difficult controlling strong fish with 1/2 the line gone.

The larger size 300 reels are stronger imo.

Enjoy your trip!

Tom 

2 minutes ago, WRB-2.0 said:

Use smaller diameter increases line capacity but using 20+ lb mono/FC reduces line capacity after marking modest 90’ cast hold the spooled line is out. With very low line the IPT is reduced about 50%, difficult controlling string fish with 1/2 the line gone.

The larger size 300 reeks are stronger imo.

Tom 

The 200 is more like a Curado 200HG on the inside, while the 300 and 400 are like the beastly Calcutta D that was on the market a few years ago.  Those were brutes and the Tranx 300/400 follows right in their footsteps.  Great suggestion for some jungle fishing.

28 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

wait.  I have a Bantam.  that is a great thought

I do not recommend any shimano with micromodule for 5 day fishing at brazil. I love my bantam but I trust more in the slx xt than a bantam for that fishing. 

Just can’t see using a small bass reel to cast Big Game Wood Choppers used in the Amazon region.

Tom

7 minutes ago, WRB-2.0 said:

Just can’t see using a small bass reel to cast big Wood Choppers used in the Amazon region.

Tom

hahah...w-chopper suck!  they are torture devices. (plus worst factory hooks EVER).  I hope to buy a few giant whopper ploppers, which I have tested locally.  they make a very similar racket and wake, with way less yank from me.  

5 hours ago, Darth-Baiter said:

I am currently penciling out my next fishing trip.  I think it will be Brazil (again).  the fish are so powerful.  they slam baits and try to rip your arms off.

 

last time, I took a Curado 150 and a Daiwa SV TW.  both were okay, but way abused. Daiwa needed a trip to DVT.

 

I think a Tranxs 200 is on my list.  

what about the Zillion HD?  is it really HD?

 

Casts are long, so a DC would be fun.   I need a hard hard drag, for sure.  

 

thoughts?

Zillion HD isn’t really anything but a normal brass geared Zill with a different spool and larger handle. While it’s neat you’re not getting increased drag or anything. And I’m not speaking out my backside, I own a Zill HD and love it for big speed cranks and anything frog related.