Baitcaster for the yak - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

JohnMckroidJr · 10-18-2015, 06:27 PM

Have landed 40lb tarpon on the Diawa Lexa 400HS and 15lb Jack Cravelle on the Lexa 300HS. Reels have high level of drag for their size and seem to be pretty durable. One thing I don't like is that when clicked into free spool the level wind locks and stops working. This has to restrict cast range somewhat.

TheToxicJon · 10-18-2015, 06:34 PM

Cardiff 300 is 110$ and I have caught rat yellows and throw 10oz swimbaits on it for freshwater bass. And everything in between. Super nice reels
I have a Cardiff 400 on my xxh parabolic too
And a Calcutta 200 on my 25# salty bass rod

Shimano is tried and true

YakDout · 10-18-2015, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnMckroidJr

Have landed 40lb tarpon on the Diawa Lexa 400HS and 15lb Jack Cravelle on the Lexa 300HS. Reels have high level of drag for their size and seem to be pretty durable. One thing I don't like is that when clicked into free spool the level wind locks and stops working. This has to restrict cast range somewhat.

You would think so, but the alternative is having a non disengaging level-wind which adds much more friction to the reel when you cast. I much prefer disengaging level-wind.

JohnMckroidJr · 10-18-2015, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YakDout

You would think so, but the alternative is having a non disengaging level-wind which adds much more friction to the reel when you cast. I much prefer disengaging level-wind.

Yeah, I was surprised to see that even the high end Shimano Tranx's have that same feature. Awhile back Garcia had a bait caster that had a mechanism that disengaged the levelwind so that it freefloated during the cast, but it appears to be phased out. Diawa T-wing system reduces the friction and they are starting to use it in on more of their models, but as of now, only on the smaller baitcasters.

sandico · 10-19-2015, 10:52 AM

Revo Toro NACL is a great reel. Comes in a 50 and 60 size. 60 is going to give you a ton of line capacity and both have power handles. I fish calico bass tournaments and my partner and I both fish these reels. Great for bass and will work on the bigger models. Partner has caught yellows and dorado to 20lbs and tuna to 30 lbs. A fellow tournament angler who helped in the design of the Abu Volatile rods uses both the 50 and 60 to fish for yellows with bait and iron. Abu for Life!

Kerry
OEX MB

10-18-2015, 06:27 PM	#1
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 1,960	Have landed 40lb tarpon on the Diawa Lexa 400HS and 15lb Jack Cravelle on the Lexa 300HS. Reels have high level of drag for their size and seem to be pretty durable. One thing I don't like is that when clicked into free spool the level wind locks and stops working. This has to restrict cast range somewhat.

10-18-2015, 06:34 PM	#2
TheToxicJon Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Posts: 42	Cardiff 300 is 110$ and I have caught rat yellows and throw 10oz swimbaits on it for freshwater bass. And everything in between. Super nice reels I have a Cardiff 400 on my xxh parabolic too And a Calcutta 200 on my 25# salty bass rod Shimano is tried and true

10-19-2015, 10:52 AM	#5
sandico Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: San Diego Posts: 94	Revo Toro NACL is a great reel. Comes in a 50 and 60 size. 60 is going to give you a ton of line capacity and both have power handles. I fish calico bass tournaments and my partner and I both fish these reels. Great for bass and will work on the bigger models. Partner has caught yellows and dorado to 20lbs and tuna to 30 lbs. A fellow tournament angler who helped in the design of the Abu Volatile rods uses both the 50 and 60 to fish for yellows with bait and iron. Abu for Life! Kerry OEX MB