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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