SHIMANOTranx 300 Baitcast-Rollen

Initially, I had purchased the 400 AHG (higher speed) and a similarly sized Daiwa LX reel to see which I preferred for adding more of this size reel (for musky fishing primarily). The decision was easy! The Daiwa failed right out of the box - the thumb button/clutch constantly failed to work properly (engage) upon casting out and starting the retrieve. Fortunately, I was in a boat with a fishing guide in N. Wi. who also owned a fishing shop. He said flat out, return the Daiwa, they are known to have such problems. He sells Daiwa's and we fished a few Daiwa's that day. Even the one's we used had some problems with clutch engagement (sometimes engaging in mid cast).The Shimano Tranx has never once encountered this problem, has continued to perform very well throughout this season. The Shimano Tranx is simply a smooth operating, and so far, very reliable reel.I have seen the Shimano Tranx encounter a single episode of inexplicable drag change (literally down to no drag), but I am not sure if this is the result of an action I took that resulted in this. Since it's happened only once, has not repeated it, I tend to believe it is something I did.What I don't really like about the Shimano Tranx is their spool tension system (centrifugal). It works, I just don't like that I have to open up the side plate (w/ quick release) and try to manipulate the little/tiny plastic pieces (without pulling them too far out - and potentially off) and hopefully not lose them. The end result is that I find that fine tuning adjustments that I would normally make on a casting reel, I simply don't feel comfortable making (on the water) with these reels. As a result, I find that too often, I am not fishing the reel ideally adjusted to the lure I am throwing - or more likely - to the person who is currently using the reel.Overall, I can highly recommend these reels. I have 3 of them, the 401H, the 401 AHG (higher speed) and the 301 AHG (higher speed). At least I think I have the correct numbers indicated. All of my casting reels are left hand retrieve. Everybody who used them is right handed. Personally, I just don't understand the concept that we are supposed to buy reels that force us to change hands either in mid cast or upon cast completion. It's been funny watching people use my reels who have always bought the right hand retrieve reels. In most cases, they initially respond by saying that they are not sure if they are going to be able to cast/use them as well. In every single case, those who claimed to prefer and only use right hand retrieve reels, after using the left hand retrieve reels for a day, say that they prefer them and in the end found them much more natural and easier to use (not having to change hands after/during casting) and using a retrieve that they (most people) grew up with. Cast right handed, retrieve left handed (ie. spinning reel style).I have also found that bringing in a larger fish is easier - controlling the rod with my stronger right arm while reeling with my left. I don't get the rod twist (as I do catching sharks with right hand retrieve reels), as I am controlling the rod with my predominant hand/harm/strength.I run the Tranx 300 and 400 reels with 20 pound mono backing and 80 pound braid to a flouro leader (for musky fishing).FYI - I don't hate Daiwa, I use their SGB 27 & 47 line counter reels for trolling.

Just a great swim bait reel 5 stars from me!

Bought this reel (model 400) for a trip to Nicaragua. Fishing for King Mackerel, got a lot of decent sized 'couttas as well. Had 30lb braid on the reel, looking to up-grade the braid to 50lb for use in New Zealand off-shore conditions. No issue with this after using the reel. Great feel to it, smooth drag and a seriously fast retrieval rate. Boated around 40 fish in the first trip, first couple helped sort out the settings, after that it was all go. Matched the reel with a heavy action rod (not through choice, it was just the travel rod I had available) - will change that to a medium action unless chasing sharks. I expect I will be purchasing a second reel very soon.

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I read some bad reviews about the reel because people ordered the wrong one. I ordered the 400 with the power handle and I'm very pleased, already put a bunch of fish on it on so Cal boats. If you are on the fence just order it