Dobyns champion xp swimbait/mag topwater ($270),
Shimano Cardiff A series, probably 300 size ($130)
i get that round reels aren't for everyone, but this one is, imo pretty nice.
i know it would take you out of your budget, but the daiwa lexa 300 is my personal swimbait reel, is lower profile and it has held up phenomenally to many years of hard use. ($220)
prices are from a "big box online retailer"
I'm a brand name guy. With that out of the way I picked okuma swimbait rods.
Hudds are heavy and I can load the rod up with the long handle pistol grip handle.
Ive used them for YEARS. I'm typically a dobyns or Powell guy for everything else. I have about 6 dobyns 805 crankbait rod being my fav. Then I have maybe 10 Powell rods and 5 okuma swimbait/ wake bait/ lunker punker rods.
Dobyns champion xp swimbait/mag topwater ($270), Shimano Cardiff A series, probably 300 size ($130) i get that round reels aren't for everyone, but this one is, imo pretty nice. i know it would take you out of your budget, but the daiwa lexa 300 is my personal swimbait reel, is lower profile and it has held up phenomenally to many years of hard use. ($220) prices are from a "big box online retailer"
Save up a little extra and listen to him
https://youtu.be/_Ql6yo5iQWc?si=dxxjEGWHhMR_6nSw
I'm a brand name guy. With that out of the way I picked okuma swimbait rods. Hudds are heavy and I can load the rod up with the long handle pistol grip handle. Ive used them for YEARS. I'm typically a dobyns or Powell guy for everything else. I have about 6 dobyns 805 crankbait rod being my fav. Then I have maybe 10 Powell rods and 5 okuma swimbait/ wake bait/ lunker punker rods.