Saltwater Casting Reels & Gear

Tournament-tough quality and superb dependability, the Shimano Curado 300 Casting Reel is for anglers who aren’t just chasing fish but those targeting quality over quantity. Incorporating a deep 300-size spool intended for heavy-pound line and the needed capacity for extra-long casts, the Curado 300 features a long handle with wide-grip knobs to provide anglers with the extra power that’s necessary when pulling on big fish.

At the backbone of the Shimano Curado 300 lies its rigid HAGANE Body that prevents flex when that giant finally decides to commit. Available in two gear-ratio options — a standard 4.7:1 and an HG 6.6:1 — the Curado 300 allows anglers to find the right reel to match their fishing style and needs. Engineered with power in mind, the standard 4.7:1 model pulls double-duty for anglers fishing slower, methodical presentations, or when fishing with Alabama rigs or magnum crank baits.

The HG’s 6.6:1 gear ratio provides a slightly faster retrieve and is ideal for anglers aggressively working baits or for quickly picking up topwater slack. Built to fish big baits for big fish, Shimano created the Curado 300 to perform and never back down.

Features:

Built for anglers who demand maximum line capacity, 30 lb drag, and a full aluminum frame in a baitcasting platform, the Daiwa Lexa 500 HD is a heavy-duty conventional-style baitcasting reel engineered for saltwater and freshwater big-game applications — tuna, yellowtail, calico bass, white seabass, and any situation where you need serious line capacity and drag power in a baitcasting form factor. The aluminum frame and side cover provide a rigid, corrosion-resistant foundation that maintains precise gear mesh under the sustained loads of hard-fighting fish.

MagForce cast control delivers smooth, precise casting across a wide range of lure weights without manual adjustment, while the stainless steel drive gear ensures long-lasting performance under heavy load. The Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) system provides consistent, smooth drag pressure up to 30 lbs, and the 130mm swept handle delivers the leverage needed to work large lures and fight powerful fish. Available in 5 gear ratio options from 5.1:1 (Power) to 8.1:1 (Extra-High), including a left-hand retrieve model. 

Key Features

• Aluminum Frame & Side Cover — Full aluminum construction provides a rigid, corrosion-resistant frame that maintains precise gear mesh under the sustained loads of hard-fighting saltwater and freshwater species.
• MagForce Cast Control — Magnetic cast control system delivers smooth, precise casting across a wide range of lure weights; reduces backlash without manual spool tension adjustment.
• Stainless Steel Drive Gear — Stainless construction ensures long-lasting gear performance under heavy load; resists corrosion in saltwater environments.
• Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) — 30 lb maximum drag with consistent, smooth drag pressure throughout the fight; engineered for the sustained demands of large saltwater and freshwater species.
• 130mm Swept Handle — Long, swept handle provides maximum leverage for working large lures and fighting powerful fish; reduces fatigue during extended sessions.
• 6CRBB + 1 Bearing System — 6 corrosion-resistant ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing for smooth, reliable operation in saltwater environments.
• Massive Line Capacity — 60/380 and 80/200 J-Braid capacity handles the heavy braid needed for deep water and offshore applications.

Product Specifications

Gear Ratio Selection Guide

• LX-HD500P-P — 5.1:1 / 27.1" per crank (Power): Maximum torque for slow-rolling large swimbaits, deep jigging, and applications where cranking power matters more than retrieve speed. Best for heavy lures and deep water.
• LX-HD500-P — 6.3:1 / 33.4" per crank (Standard): The most versatile gear ratio; covers a wide range of techniques from medium-speed retrieves to moderate jigging applications.
• LX-HD500H-P — 7.1:1 / 37.7" per crank (High): High-speed retrieve for burning lures, fast jigging, and applications where line recovery speed is critical. Right-hand retrieve.
• LX-HD500HL-P — 7.1:1 / 37.7" per crank (High — Left Hand): Same high-speed performance as the 500H-P for left-hand retrieve anglers.
• LX-HD500XH-P — 8.1:1 / 43" per crank (Extra-High): Maximum line recovery speed for fast presentations, burning topwater, and situations where the fastest possible retrieve is needed.

Best For

• Tuna & Yellowtail — 30 lb UTD drag and 60–80 lb braid capacity handle the demands of tuna and yellowtail on heavy baitcasting setups.
• Calico Bass & White Seabass — Aluminum frame rigidity and MagForce cast control for precise presentations on calico bass and white seabass in kelp and structure.
• Heavy Freshwater — 30 lb drag and massive line capacity for muskie, pike, and large freshwater species on heavy braid.
• Left-Hand Retrieve Anglers — LX-HD500HL-P left-hand model available at 7.1:1 for anglers who prefer left-hand retrieve on baitcasting reels.

The Shimano Tranx 500 Baitcast Reel is in a class of its own. This powerhouse reel delivers 25 pounds of drag, a super-strong levelwind, a comfortable power handle, and X-Ship technology for increased torque and casting distance. Built to handle big fish in both saltwater and freshwater, the Tranx 500 is the ultimate choice for anglers targeting trophy-caliber species.

Available in two gear ratios to match your fishing style and conditions. The HG (High Gear) model features a 6.6:1 ratio with 43 inches per crank, perfect for throwing lures like irons, Waxwings, or Rapala X-Raps where faster line retrieval keeps your lure at the optimal speed. The PG (Power Gear) model offers a 4.6:1 ratio with 30 inches per crank, delivering maximum torque and power for deep structure fishing where you need serious cranking power to turn big fish away from cover.

The Tranx 500's compact yet robust design houses advanced Shimano technologies including HAGANE Body for rigidity, MicroModule Gear for smooth retrieval, and Cross Carbon Drag for consistent stopping power. Pair it with PowerPro Maxcuatro braid to maximize line capacity and target fish up to 100 lbs with confidence. Whatever you're fishing for, this bulldozer of a reel will get the job done.

Key Features:

• HAGANE Body
• X-Ship
• MicroModule Gear
• Cross Carbon Drag
• S3D Spool
• 25 lb Max Drag
• Super Strong Levelwind
• Comfortable Power Handle

Specifications

Line Capacity

Inshore anglers need no longer worry about baitcaster durability. The Shimano Tranx 200 Baitcast Reel represents the culmination of more than 10 years' study on the effects and prevention of corrosion. With advanced CoreProtect construction, the Tranx 200's body is impervious to saltwater, while additional technologies – including S-ARB Shielded Anti-Rust bearings and the rubber-gasketed Waterproof Drag system – further protect key internals from environmental degradation.

The Tranx 200 also boasts a number of high-performance features that bode well for anglers targeting inshore beasts. The all-metal HGN Hagane Body design translates to ultimate strength and rigidity, for maximum cranking power under heavy load; the S3D Shimano Stable Spool Design incorporates a thin, solid aluminum wall for smooth running on both the cast and retrieve.

• Super-durable, low-profile baitcaster
• Ideally suited for inshore use
• Saltwater-safe CoreProtect body
• S-ARB Shielded Anti-Rust bearings 
• Gasketed Waterproof Drag system
• All-metal HGN Hagane Body design 
• S3D Shimano Stable Spool Design
• High-efficiency 3+1 bearing system
• External-adjust SVS Infinity Brake
• Wide-ranging Cross Carbon Drag 
• Up to 13 lbs. of max drag 

The battle-tested Lexa line has been upgraded and reintroduced as the Daiwa Lexa Type HD Casting Reel — built specifically for the rigors of big bait fishing where standard baitcasters fall short. A completely redesigned heavy-duty clutch system handles the demands of large swimbaits, heavy jigs, and big bait presentations that stress conventional clutch mechanisms. Paired with an all-grease bearing system for smooth, silent operation without sacrificing freespool or casting distance, stainless steel drive and pinion gears for long-term durability, and Magforce cast control for precise, adjustable braking. Available in 300 size (22 lb drag, $319.99) and 400 size (25 lb drag, $389.99) across multiple gear ratios and both right and left hand retrieve.

Key Features

• Redesigned Heavy-Duty Clutch System — Clutch mechanism specifically engineered for big bait fishing; handles the sustained stress of large swimbaits, heavy jigs, and big bait presentations that cause premature wear and failure in standard baitcaster clutch systems.
• All-Grease Bearing System — Full grease bearing system keeps the reel running smooth and silent without sacrificing freespool or casting distance; grease lubrication provides long-term bearing protection in heavy-use applications.
• Stainless Steel Drive Gear & Pinion Gear — Stainless steel main and pinion gears for maximum durability and corrosion resistance; maintains smooth, precise gear mesh under heavy drag loads and sustained big bait fishing pressure.
• 6CRBB + 1RB Bearing System — 6 corrosion-resistant ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing; CRBB placement at key load and exposure points for long-term smooth operation.
• UTD (Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag) — Up to 22 lb max drag on 300 size and 25 lb max drag on 400 size; carbon drag washers for smooth, consistent drag pressure from the initial hookset through the full fight.
• Magforce Cast Control — Magnetic cast control system provides precise, adjustable braking for a wide range of lure weights and casting conditions; reduces backlash without sacrificing casting distance.
• Aluminum Frame & Side Plate (Gear Side) — Aluminum frame and gear-side side plate for precise bearing and gear alignment under load; reduces flex and binding during heavy drag applications.
• Swept Handle with Weight-Reducing Cutouts — Extended counterbalanced swept handle with machined cutouts for reduced weight and maximum power and torque; 100mm handle on 300 size, 120mm handle on 400 size.
• EVA Custom Handle Knob — EVA foam handle knob for comfortable grip during extended casting and retrieves; resists water absorption and maintains grip in wet conditions.

Product Specifications

Model Selection Guide

• 300 Size (22 lb drag, 12.3 oz) — Lighter, more compact platform for freshwater big bait applications; 12/240 mono or 30/240 braid capacity for swimbaits, large jigs, and heavy presentations in freshwater and light inshore applications. 100mm handle.
• 400 Size (25 lb drag, 17.1 oz) — Larger platform with more line capacity (17/245 mono, 40/300 braid) and 3 additional pounds of max drag for heavier big bait applications, calico bass on large swimbaits, and inshore saltwater use. 120mm handle.
• H (6.3:1) — Standard Retrieve — Balanced gear ratio for big bait fishing where a moderate retrieve speed is preferred; best for slow-rolling large swimbaits and heavy jigs where retrieve speed control is critical.
• HS/HSL (7.1:1–7.4:1) — High Speed — Fast retrieve for burning swimbaits, covering water quickly, and fast line recovery after long casts; HSL = left hand retrieve.
• XS (8.1:1) — Extra High Speed — Maximum retrieve speed for burning presentations and fast line recovery; best for techniques requiring the fastest possible retrieve or for anglers who prefer to slow down a fast reel rather than speed up a slow one.
• PWR (5.1:1) — Power Retrieve (400 only) — Lowest gear ratio for maximum cranking torque; best for deep-diving crankbaits, heavy bottom contact presentations, and situations where maximum power is needed to turn large fish away from structure.

Best For

• Big Bait Fishing — Heavy-duty clutch system and stainless steel gears are the defining advantage for large swimbait fishing; handles the sustained stress of 3–8 oz swimbaits that cause premature wear in standard baitcasters.
• Calico Bass — 400 size with 25 lb drag and 40–65 lb braid capacity for calico bass on large swimbaits and heavy jigs; Magforce cast control for precise casting accuracy around structure.
• Freshwater Bass — 300 size for freshwater bass on large swimbaits, heavy jigs, and big bait presentations; 22 lb drag and 30–40 lb braid capacity for heavy cover applications.
• Heavy Jig Fishing — UTD carbon drag and stainless steel gears handle the sustained pressure of heavy jig fishing; PWR model (5.1:1) for maximum torque when working heavy jigs in deep water or strong current.