SHIMANO CALCUTTA CONQUEST 401 $ 579.99 FISH. SHIMANO. COM
SHIMANO CARDIFF 401A $ 109.99 FISH. SHIMANO. COM
the reel
Gilbert owns his share of low-profile baitcasters, but when it comes to throwing jumbo swimbaits he is a much bigger fan of round reels, including Shimano’ s 400-series reels such as the Cardiff, Calcutta( B or D) and Calcutta Conquest.
The bigger round reels are built around very rigid frames with beefed-up gears, reliable drags and gobs of spool space to accommodate the large-diameter lines typically matched with baits weighing a half-pound or more. They also have low gear ratios( the Cardiff at 5.2:1, Calcuttas at 5.1:1 and Calcutta Conquest at 5.6:1) designed for slow retrieves and optimum power.
It’ s worth noting that Gilbert’ s reel recommendations represent both ends of the price spectrum. The manufacturer’ s suggested retail price on the Cardiff is $ 109.99. The Calcutta Conquest, which Gilbert has been using quite a bit, will set you back $ 579.99, while both the Calcutta B and D will fall somewhere in between.
“ I’ m a huge fan of the Cardiff because it’ s a real workhorse and is dirt cheap in the grand scheme of things,” Gilbert says.“ It’ s a great entry-level reel. It doesn’ t have all the bells and whistles the Calcutta does, but for the money you can’ t beat it.”
Gilbert says there is plenty to like about round reels when it comes to chunking and winding jumbo swimbaits.
“ It’ s mostly about performance, power and ergonomics,” he says.“ You can throw big swimbaits on a [ low-profile ] baitcaster, but the bigger round reels just do a much better job. I feel like they provide me with way more control when it comes to casting big baits. The big reels fill your palm, and they are much better suited and balanced for the big rods that I prefer.
“ They also provide plenty of winching power,” he adds.“ I keep my drag buttoned down pretty tight, so once I lay into the fish the big reel helps me keep that fish coming my way. That’ s a huge key with big fish. It makes it pretty difficult for them when they can’ t turn their head and their mouth is open like a parachute.”
bigger, beefier handles
Another benefit of round reels for big-bass hunting is that they come equipped with big handles and knobs that allow for superior control and winching power when a lunker comes calling. Gilbert adds even more winching power to his swimbait reels by swapping out the stock handles for custom DRT Varial Reel Handles.
He says the heavy-duty machined handles are longer than stock handles and come equipped with oversized knobs that provide solid cranking power. The knobs even have their own ball bearings for smooth operation.
“ Once you put them on it’ s hard to go back to stock because you get used to the extra size,” Gilbert says.“ The handles are about 5-10mm bigger than most handles out there. It makes a huge difference once you get used to it.”
DRT is a Japanese company, but its reel handles are sold in the U. S. by Outdoor Pro Shop( monsterfishingtackle. com). The handles are favored by die-hard big-bait throwers who’ ll pay any price for performance, but at about $ 200 per set are definitely optional for average anglers just dabbling in the swimbait game.
DRT VARIAL REEL HANDLE $ 199.99 DIVISIONREBELTACKLES. COM MONSTERFISHINGTACKLE. COM
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