Choosing the right big bait casting reel is a challenge. a crucial element for those wishing to focus on this type of fishing. By definition, big bait fishing requires equipment to match the lures used.
A dedicated big bait casting reel is therefore a key element in optimising your performance and accuracy over time. Casting and reeling in lures weighing between 100 and 400 grams can quickly put a lesser quality reel to the test. In this article, we present a selection of casting reels specially designed for big baits. Whether you prefer a low or round profile, a single or double handle, a fast or slow retrieve, we have classified these reels according to their characteristics, allowing you to make the choice that suits you best.
Shimano Calcutta conquest: The best top-of-the-range big bait casting reel
The Calcutta Conquest is Shimano's top-of-the-range big bait casting reel. This casting reel is a concentrate of technology, performance and design. As such, it is designed to offer powerful, unrivalled performance when fishing with the biggest lures.
If you're looking for the best top-of-the-range casting reel for big bait fishing, the Calcutta Conquest will be your best ally.
This reel offers power and reliability thanks to its state-of-the-art technology. The brake is powerful, the spool smooth and the handle extended. All features that will help you master your battles in all circumstances. Finally, it features X-Protect for use in salt water. So you can count on this casting reel to stalk the biggest fish without any problems.
Abu Garcia Revo beast LP : The best big bait low profile casting reel
TheAbu Garcia Revo Beast is a low-profile casting reel specially designed to cast big lures and resist big predatory fish. The frame is light and compact, but no less powerful. This is made possible by the 14kg Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System.
For a price that seems more than fair, this big bait casting reel is a war machine. After more than two years of intensive use and several catfish and pike, it has never let us down. L'Abu Garcia Revo Beast doesn't flinch, allowing long-range shots to be fired without the slightest hint of a wig. In our opinion, this is the best low-profile big bait casting reel on the market.
Shimano Tranx: The most powerful big bait casting reel
The Shimano Tranx is, in our opinion, the most powerful big bait casting reel on the market. For big bait specialists who fish for large predators, the Tranx is second to none. This casting reel is renowned for its impressive reeling torque and powerful multi-disc drag.
Indeed, the Tranx is a special reel for fishing with lures weighing over 150 grams and targeting catfish or exotic fish such as papuan bass. You'll never feel short of weapons and power again when using the biggest crankbaits, swimbaits and spinnerbaits on the market. We recommend the 300A and 400A models with a 75 cm ratio, which we think are very versatile.
The only drawback is its weight (300 grams), but you have to make choices.
Daiwa Prorex XR TWS : The best value for money reel
The Daiwa Prorex XR TWS is also a casting reel designed for big lure pike fishing. Its large capacity, rigid frame and oversized 110mm crank handle with EVA grips make it a reel perfectly suited to large specimen anglers. This allows you to fish both slowly with swimbaits and quickly with propbaits!
The Daiwa Prorex XR TWS has anti-corrosion bearings, a UTD carbon disc brake for 10kg of braking, and a hyper drive control wheel.
Priced at under €300, the Daiwa Prorex XR TWS In our opinion, this is one of the best big bait casting reels out there, offering excellent value for money.
LEW'S Super duty 300: The most affordable reel
Do you want a reel that's built for combat? Able to withstand the toughest conditions in both fresh and salt water? But still with a reasonable size and price? The Lew's Super Duty 300 is a good alternative in our opinion!
In fact, this casting reel is the most robust model in the American brand's entire range. With its 11kg drag, you'll have no trouble coping with the most powerful fish.
Designed to be as robust as possible, Le Super Duty 300 has an aluminium monocoque frame and a system of 11 top-quality ball bearings to ensure that it runs smoothly in any situation.
All the parts that make up the reel are treated to resist corrosion. Its longevity will be nothing short of excellent.
The Lew's Super Duty 300 available in crank handle version with oversized single handle and counterweight.
Useful links on big bait casting:
Our selection of the best 2023 casting reels
How to choose your casting reel?
Casting or spinning: which choice to adopt?
Which fishing rod to choose according to the lure used?
