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What is the best reel for swimbait fishing?

When selecting a fishing reel for swimbaits, it's essential to consider the size and type of swimbaits you'll be using, as well as the conditions you'll be fishing in. Based on the video context provided, here are some recommendations for reels when fishing with swimbaits:

  1. Reel Size: For larger swimbaits, dedicated swimbait gear is crucial. A 300 or 400 size reel is recommended because they are stronger and more durable, which is especially important when targeting larger bass. These reels can handle the stress of casting and retrieving big baits without failing. The TacticalBassin video suggests that while some anglers may prefer a 200 size reel, like the Bantam for its durability, a 300 or 400 size reel is generally better suited for throwing big baits.

  2. Reel Type: Both round reels and low-profile reels can be used for swimbaits. Round reels typically have a larger line capacity, which is beneficial when fishing deep or long-lining swimbaits. Low-profile reels, like the Shimano Tranx mentioned in the video, are also popular because they are comfortable to use and have sufficient line capacity and strength for swimbait fishing.

  3. Gear Ratio: The gear ratio of the reel should match the retrieval speed you intend to use. For a steady, consistent retrieve, a reel with a moderate gear ratio around 6.3:1 to 7.3:1 is suitable. This allows you to maintain a good speed without exhausting yourself during long days on the water. The BassResource videos mention using a 7-3 gear ratio reel for paddle tail swimbaits, which provides a good balance for speed and power.

  4. Drag System: A smooth and strong drag system is important for keeping big fish pinned and ensuring they don't break off during the fight. Reels with a high-quality drag system will give you better control over the fish and help prevent line breakage.

  5. Line Capacity: Depending on the depth and technique, you may need a reel with a good line capacity. For example, when fishing soft swimbaits deep or long-lining, a reel that can hold a sufficient amount of heavier fluorocarbon line (like 20-pound test) is beneficial.

In summary, for optimal performance with swimbaits, choose a reel that is robust (300 or 400 size for larger baits), has a smooth and strong drag system, a moderate gear ratio for versatile retrieval speeds, and sufficient line capacity for the fishing conditions you'll be facing. Always match your reel to the specific swimbait presentation and the size of the fish you're targeting.

Related videos
Transcript
103:03
106:09
Video
SWIMBAIT FISHING FOR BASS | Beginner And Advanced | Baits, Gear, Rigging, Tricks! by TacticalBassin ways to specifically target them there are times a year where i crush giants on crankbaits jerkbaits a-rigs but i'm catching big ones and small ones this is a way to specifically key in on the larger bite now let's talk gear dedicated swimbait gear is really important i learned some hard lessons early on we already talked about these lighter rods for the smaller baits that's a separate animal true swim bait gear at a minimum i personally use a 300 size reel i use 300s and 400s because they're stronger they're bulletproof they're made for it and i don't want to buy new reels all the time if you use 200 size reels i would say with the exception of the bantam the bantam so far for me has just been bomb proof that truly is a low profile big bait reel and there are guys who love a 200 size reel if you love a 200 and you're stuck to it i mean that in my opinion that's the best reel you could be throwing uh but i like to throw my big baits on dedicated gear on 300 and 400 size reels in the old days i used all big round reels and then the corrado and the tranks happened and it just replaced everything for me they're just too good the tranks is my main reel i use all high speed so in the trunks that's a power handle
Transcript
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03:01
Video
Mastering Swim Worm Fishing: Essential Gear and Techniques for Bass | Bass Fishing by Bass Fishing Tips & Techniques by BassResource this instance. So, a 6.3 is perfect for that. What  I like is a reel that's got a real smooth drag.   That's important to me because when you're... Once  you set the hook and you're fighting the fish,   you want that smooth drag to be able to keep  the fish pinned and get 'em back to you. So,   that's the key thing about the reel. The line, I use 15-pound fluorocarbon line,   straight up, no braid leader, anything like  that. The reason is fluorocarbon is super... It's   universal, 15-pound... Actually, Seaguar InvizX is  what I prefer because it's just a universal line   you can throw it anywhere and it actually works  better than braid. Braid is not universal, guys.   For an example, braid, you throw it in rocks, on  rip rap, that sort of thing, it's gonna get frayed   and nicked up, and you get to tie it more often  than you would if you're throwing fluorocarbon.   Yeah, fluorocarbon withstands abrasion better  than braid. So, that's why I use it because   with the swim worm, you want to be able to throw  it virtually anywhere and not have to worry about   your line. So, that's the primary reason why  I use straight-up 15-pound fluorocarbon line.  Now, rigged with it, I've got a 3/0 extra-wide  gap hook. That works great if the worm is less   than 6 inches long, which this one's about 5  1/2. For longer worms longer than 6 inches,   you want to bump it up a bit and go to a 4/O  extra-wide gap hook. That said, there is times  
Transcript
01:19
03:53
Video
Round Reels Vs. Low Profile Reels For Fishing Swimbaits! Which Is Better?! by crazybassfisher has a pretty deep spool I like to spool mine up with 20 pound fluorocarbon it holds a lot of line so a lot of times when I'm fishing these soft baits albama calf super deep out into like 60-foot every now and then I'll even longline so where I'll fire calf get on the trolling motor go another you know 30 40 yards down the bank and then pick up the retrieve so with this size of reel you have that that lying capacity to be able to longline those soft baits you know during the winter time and another plus speaking on the soft baits is when you make that cast down there the bigger size reels like this one here when you're reeling it the line the inches per turn that you reel it's always going to be the same just because of the real size and the spool size so when I'm reeling it I'm picking up the same online when I make the cast way out there and when it gets all the way to the boat so when you're doing that slow steady retrieve like this your baits gonna constantly come up the same exact speed the entire way back to the boat on some of these smaller reels when you first make it out there it's gonna pick up the line a little bit slower but when you get closer to the boat it's gonna be
Transcript
20:56
22:22
Video
The Setup: Ideal Rod/Reel/Line Combos For All Presentations | Bass Fishing by Bass Fishing Tips & Techniques by BassResource All right. The next lure that I wanna talk about  is the paddle tail swimbait. It's like a 6-inch or   smaller soft plastic paddle tail swimbait.  Here, you're using a keel weighted hook,   or it's usually a stouter hook like a 4/0 hook.  It's got some backbone to it. So, you have to   use a stronger rod. However, these baits overall  are fairly light. And so you need a limber rod   tip to be able to fling it out there.  Plus, the bite is kind of interesting. So,   let me get into that a little bit. We've  got a lot of interesting dichotomy going on   that's gonna dictate what kind of rod to use. So, because it's a stouter hook, you can use   stronger gear. So, here I'm actually using 17  to 20-pound fluorocarbon line or braid. Braid   works really well for this as well. I'll go  20 to 30-pound braid on it. Whichever you feel   most comfortable with is fine. I like to use the  fluorocarbon because I can cast further with it. But the rod is interesting because I use  a medium-heavy power like a 7'2" to 7'4"   foot rod, medium to heavy power rod. But the  rod tip, I'm using a lighter action rod tip,   a light action or a moderate action  rod tip for two reasons. Number one,   the bait is a bit light. So, to cast it out  further distance, I load up more and a limber   tip's gonna allow me to cast it out further. But  also with paddle tail swimbaits, in particular,  
Transcript
01:59
03:26
Video
How To Choose A Combo: Paddletail Swimbaits (Rod, Reel, & Line) | Bass Fishing by Bass Fishing Tips & Techniques by BassResource s a reaction kind of bite. So, I like to move the bait pretty fast. Personally, I like to cover a lot of water, so I'm reeling it rather fast. So, 7-3 is a pretty good size reel gear ratio. I don't need a super high-speed reel. So, you don't need to spend the money on that just for fishing these baits. But if I happen to have one of those, I'll use that as well. But the 7-3 works really well for me. The drag on it is what I like. It's a 24-pound drag on it. Super strong. Super smooth. It's great for fishing these baits. If they tend to bury up a little bit in the cover, I can wrench them out. Because, again, that's what I throw these in. There we go! Oh, he took it. Wow! You know, you know when they want it when they do that. That's awesome guys. Awesome. Boy, he took it. All right. And that's how you fish those paddle tails. I hope those tips help. For more tips and tricks, visit BassResource.com.
Transcript
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02:31
Video
Swimbaits For Summer Bass Fishing | Bass Fishing by Bass Fishing Tips & Techniques by BassResource At the summertime, I'm using that kind of paddle tail bait. Do you know why? It's they go in deep water, and chasing shad a lot. Also, they are make a schooling especially summertime. So, before fishing deep water, we gotta using the electronics, to found the school. That's most important. Then you gotta choose a little bit compact, small heavyweight swimbait I'm using. I'm using the 3/8 jighead right here with Keitech single impact 3.3. It's a little bit smaller, but they are looking for the little bitty shad. They sometime eating big shad, but I recommend to the 3.3 because it's easy to eat for them. So, that's why I'm using the little bitty swimbait with the tiny, tiny 3/8th jig head. But basically, in the summertime the fish going, it's pretty close to the 20-foot range, so it's okay the quarter ounce, but it take a time... Also, I want to make a kind of reaction bite. So, the heavy-weight jig head make a reaction bite, and make a slow retrieve, and sometimes faster retrieve, and it depends on where the fish are. Then also I'm using the Shimano Zodias 7'2" medium heavy and 14-pound Fluorocarbon Line. But the line, it depends on where you fishing. If you fishing close to the timber, I recommend the 16, yeah, 14, 16. Then if we don't have anything around your fish, I chose the 10, 12-pound fishing line for the baitcasting reel. Then I'm using the Shimano Metanium HG, which is a little high gear ratio.

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