5-20 Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Need a 200 sized reel. I always seem to be fidgeting around with the Curado 200 k series reels' cast control knob. I've never got that reel dialed in where I can cast it in my sleep like I can with all of the other Curado e reels I've owned. The size and weight of the 200 k is perfect for the Bantam 168XH-SWB rod I just got. But I'd like a better reel. The Bantam MGL is too small to bomb baits with #20 Big Game. Is there a similar sized Shimano reel in the JDM market? Don't want a round reel. Only low profile reels. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fizz Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Imo the Daiwa zillion hd 1520. Best 200 size reel unless you wanna step up and get the Antares md. But the zillion has been money for me the last couple years. Outufbass and 5-20 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-20 Posted October 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Thanks, Fizz. I am pretty partial to Shimano bait casters. I've been fishing them for forever. Seems like I am going to sell some gear to fund an Antares MD. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brootalititties Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 I think the tranx 200 and Antares are gonna be the only other options from shimano in a low profile format, that being said I’ve been fishing a bantam mgl (1 older and one newer model) for baits up to 3 oz and I really like them, you’re never gonna have a bass pull drag on you if you’re locked down so imo the line capacity isn’t an issue. Big game is really thick line tho I think, I run 20 lb seaguar no issues so far for a few months now 5-20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rbalden Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 The new 23 Antares dc md is awesome!! got a few and a few of the 18s. Love them all. Probably sale the 18s and get more 23s Kbfrenchies and 5-20 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BPayne Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 I know you said you don’t want a round sized reel, but the Conquest 200’s are much smaller than you would expect and can be palmed easily. Those Conquests are truly built like tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-20 Posted October 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Broo. I thought about the Tranx 200. But it seems like 3 out of the last 4 or 5 300/400 Tranx reels I’ve gotten have had a bearing or two go bad quickly. Did not want to have to worry about that right now. And I have some Bantam MGLs. I can almost spool one with #15 big game and 1 oz lures. It doesn’t have enough capacity to fish #20. Rbalden. Sounds good! Bpayne. I would need to see and try the conquest first before ordering one from Japan. Maybe later on. Even if it’s smaller, round reels are never as ergonomically comfortable in the hand the way low profile reels are. Appreciate the suggestions, all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon P Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 I'm a big fan of the Tatula 200HD, perfect balance of affordability and quality. If you've ever fished the normal tatula 200 it's the same thing but smoother, less spool play, and better components. Gotta have that T-wing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene6a Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 2023 Antares XG Rbalden, Dark_sleeper and Dink whisperer 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
717liprippers Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 4 minutes ago, Eugene6a said: 2023 Antares XG has that thing even seen water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PKNNH Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 2 hours ago, 5-20 said: Even if it’s smaller, round reels are never as ergonomically comfortable in the hand the way low profile reels are. I said the same thing until I tried the Conquest. I have baby hands but the way the 200 size fits is amazing. Naturally low profile reels are more comfortable but there is zero issues when I use my Conquest all day. 5-20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5-20 Posted October 5, 2023 Author Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Went with the Antares MD HG. Do you really need to fidget with all of the settings if you're throwing a wide range of baits from 1-4 oz or can you set it up once and just forget about it? PKNNH. Interesting. Will have to check the conquest out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene6a Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Yup 5-20 and Dark_sleeper 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dink whisperer Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 Definitely the 23 Antares Monster Drive DC if you can swing the price. Best 200 reel I've ever used. Set it and forget it braking. 5-20 and Dark_sleeper 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jscarbr Posted October 5, 2023 Report Share Posted October 5, 2023 I use Bantam MGL’s and Curado K’s for most of my baits. Wade hoggs, Minks, K9 etc. I use braid to leader so spool size doesn’t matter on the Bantam (it’s a 151). My Curado K 201’s are money for these baits. I think maybe you should give the K another shot. I use 1 break on and loosen the spool just to the point I can kinda move it back and forth with my thumb on the spool. I never have an issue with adjusting. Of course adjustments are needed based of factors and conditions changing, but I wouldn’t consider this an issue. I like the K’s because Shimano has a 5:1 ratio and the 7 and 8. Consider the brand new Curado M if you don’t need the super slow ratio. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Curado_200_M_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCRM.html 5-20 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.