Most of us inshore/bay fishermen use whatever the bass fishermen are using. Those “inshore” model reels are just bass reels dollied up. Now fishing jetties or offshore, different gear. I’d get a 300 Tranx and be done with it.

I'm actually torn between this reel and the new shimano antares dc md

PISCIFUN 300 @ $99.00. I have been using one for over a year now and have no problem recommending it. One thing to consider when launching larger swimbaits is sooner or later that hawg you have been dreaming about will grab your offering as soon as it hits the water. There is something to be said for 8.1:1 gear ratio when this happens. Gathering line quickly under this situation can make the difference between keeping your fish pinned or losing it. I have used other 300 size reels in the past and always had concern for damaging or loss of those $250.00 - $300.00 gems. Now I just beat the heck out of my PISCIFUN and concentrate more on fishing hard.

+1 The Lews super duty wide spool is perfect for large swim baits and deep diving crank baits. They hold a ton of line, they don't feel too big in your hand and they have several gear ratio's to choose from.

Just get the most expensive one of the two.

Ive actually experienced breaking the anti reverse out of a reel. WE went offshore fishing off the coast of Alabama a while back and I caught an almost 50 pound Jack Cravalle fishing with 300 spinning tackle. That fish destroyed that reel. Luckily for me it was our fishing guides reel. If I remember right it was a Diawa reel. He said it was due. It had a ton of hours on it.

The JDM Antares DC MD it is and it’s only $540. Gonna go great with my Conquest 905 MBR

Or you could put the Antares DC MD on the new Shimano Adrena that retails for $880. Just something to think about. Why settle for less???

I definitely agree with the larger reel size. makes for a lot more enjoyable day!

Have the same rod paired with a curado 300 awesome combo!
Also have an 806 with tatula 300 equally awesome combo
But the daiwa lexa is nice too and can be had for a little less money not as nice in my opinion but also half the price
I have used all of these on snook and tarpon they are a little light for large tarpon I won't lie lol

I have 1 300 size reel for large baits but I like the Super Duty wide spool better because it fits my hand better, holds a ton of line, and comes in several gear ratio's. The 300 is nice but just doesn't feel as good fishing with it for long periods of time.

I hear ya bro. I throw the big baits on my big setup until my shoulder & wrists hurt then I set em down and throw a jig of big Fluke to rest.

On the cheap would an original Shimano Curado CU 200 work. Buy one on ebay with 6:3:1 gear ratio??

It would work fine for a 6" Megabass magdraft that weighs 1 1/4 oz, but I would not use it for baits weighing 3+ oz. A cheaper option would be the Piscifun® Alijoz Size 300 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel for $99. I have no knowledge of this reel, but another TFF'r on a different thread stated he had used the reel for over 6 months and was pleased.