So basically you want around 300 series bait cast reel. 200 series reels are not made for the big heavy swim baits.

Go to 400 series bait cast and then you have a reel on the heavy end and not as versatile.

That�s right. You really can�t beat a 300e curado. You could always just burn out a wearing out 200 sized reel that u might have on hand too, I think you�d be surprised what they can handle.

Butch Brown says a Calcutta 400 is the reel to use. I found it too big for my liking and ended up with a Shimano Curado 300 DSV. No complaints from me.

Conquest 300/400

I'm a bass fisherman not a swimbait fisherman so I got by throwing that class of bait (not 6oz but up to bbz1's and the like) on my regular heavy tackle and 200 class reels and it's miserable. Imo you need to commit to a dedicated setup if you really want to get any kind of serious about throwing 3+ oz baits. It still serves good a-rig and decent 10xd duty if you need it to.

Butch Brown is undeniable one of the most best trophy bass fishermen alive and he specializes in big baits.....but his is just another opinion. I agree that the Calcutta 400 is ridiculously big for going after largemouth bass...even trophy ones. Using too light of gear for heavy baits can become a beat down but so can using huge gear! That Diana Luna 253 is old school round with decent capacity but is comfortable for throwing all day. The Curado 300 is an excellent choice also.

I agree the Calcutta 400 will wear you out but that's what I use. I like having a big chunk of metal to hang on to when I have to horse something out and between the wide spool and smooth drag, nothing feels better in my hands. Got accustomed to it fishing for snook and tarpon and just have a lot of confidence in it. It definitely slows me down as I'm much more selective on my casts and don't throw the 10XD on it as much as I used to either. The older I get the less I use it but nothing has held up better in my opinion. Just bought a Calcutta 200 the other day and it feels dainty.

I've settled in a Daiwa Lexa 300 but I swapped out the Winn grip handle for a custom Daiwa handle. I use a Daiwa Ryoga Shrapnel for the really big baits.