The Outdoor Line Forum

Hey boys.

I have a consumer question which requires your expertise. I' currently in the market for a new baitcasting reel. I have been doing a little bit of researching and have agreed with myself on the Lexa series of reels. However, I need some help with what size to get.

I am predominantly a Puget Sound guy, but I do make the trek to the Sky from time to time. I would mainly be using these reels for bank fishing for both salmon and steelhead, so I would like a reel which can handle both operations. I know the Lexa 300 seems to be the best bet, but I have multiple "larger capacity" Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reels which I frequently use. My question about this is, how's the casting with the Lexa 300 compared to something like an Ambassadeur reel?

My main concerns with the Abassadeur's are; one, backlashing when trying to cast lighter weight (anything less than about 1/4 oz) and two, casting distance. I sometimes have both of these issues, especially when casting light lures. It's really not an issue when I am float fishing, but when I am trying to cast #3 and #4 spinners, or 1/4 or 1/2 oz jigs for twitching, I run into a little bit of a headache. Either I can't get the lure where I want it, or I get bird's nested.

SO, now that I have strayed from my original question, I shall return to the regularly scheduled program. What would you gentlemen recommend for Pac. NW salmon AND steelhead? Get another large capacity reel like the Lexa 300 or step down in size to a Lexa 100 which seems to be what the bass boys use to cast smaller lures. I also don't want to handcuff myself and get something I will only use to throw hardware. I want something I can use for all the river techniques I employ (mainly; float fishing, spinner casting and jig twitching). The other kicker is Daiwa is currently offering (through June 2014 mind you) a $25 gift card when you purchase a Lexa 100 (which really sweetens the deal by making the hit on the pocket book more bearable).

Thanks for your help boys! I really appreciate it!

Hey T,
Both reels will handle both applications.
I'm running a Lexa 300 on my boat and simply love it.
As far as casting goes, sincerely it is one of the finest levelwinds I've ever had the pleasure of using.
So, in my mind the question you have is line capacity. I think if you're looking at a river reel, the Daiwa Lexa 100 would be a strong choice!

Nelly wrote:Hey T,
Both reels will handle both applications.
I'm running a Lexa 300 on my boat and simply love it.

What boat?

The smaller 100 will be easier to control as the spool is smaller and lighter. Especially with the lighter baits. If you are concerned with line capacity then you may want to fill it with braid. Diawa has a very good anti-backlash system with good range so you can dial them in easily. Control is the key to spending more time fishing and less time picking a nest. Especially with frozen fingers.

Thanks for the info boys!

I went down to Outdoor Emporium today to actually look at them in my hand. I am glad I did that because it made the choice pretty easy. I am going with the Lexa 100 because I am mainly a bank angler when fishing the rivers and I will be doing mostly casting a retrieving. If I had a river sled or something like that I can see where I would need something like the 300, if I wanted to pull plugs or fish the CR, but for right now, I think my entry into the low profile baitcasters will be with the Lexa 100. Plus, I get the $25 gift card.

When I need to upgrade my Penn GTIs for my boat, I will definitely look at the Daiwa line up. Thanks Nelly and Sharkey! I appreciate the help.

Lets see if what I keep hearing about the Lexa line up is all it's cracked up to be.

If you're going to run braid the Lexa 100 will have plenty of capacity, but if you're running mono you'll want to step up to the Lexa 300. I have a Lexa 300 with mono on my steelhead drift rod and 100's with 30 lb braid on my floatfishing rods. These are bad ass little reels and they cast like a dream!

Thanks Robbo.

I pulled the trigger on a 100 last night. I'll be spooling it up with 30lb power pro. I'll give you guys a "non sponsored" update when I've had some time to use it. I'm already rigging up some pink worms and jigs for steelheading.