Low profile jigging baitcaster reel recommendation

It does not engage with a handle turn. I reel left handed and do all my rod movement with my right hand, so I don’t do any hand changes as I fish. Engage and disengage as well as reel without having to move the rod around much. It works well for me. I like to fish my rod off the left side of my kayak, so the reel handle is facing me. If I need to make an adjustment I can easily turn the handle since it is facing me.

I am surprised to hear you’ve stopped using the thumb bar reels. I like being able to let out a foot or two of line and then re-engage without letting go of the handle or the rod. But obviously it works for you. Maybe I should give the more traditional reels another try.

The reasons I like 300-400 size baitcaster reels with a fast retrieve rate and a power handle for jigging for lake trout on the bottom in 170-240 feet of water are (a) they are real easy to operate (hit the thumb bar to drop your lure, turn the crank to raise the lure), (b) your lure drops quickly because on a baitcaster reel the spool doesn't have to turn a level wind mechanism or a line counter mechanism when you're lowering a lure, (c) the fast retrieve rate brings your lure up quickly from deep water, and (d) the power handle lets you winch large fish up from the depths more effectively than the standard two-paddle handle, which I find to be inadequate for bringing up big fish.

I am surprised to hear you’ve stopped using the thumb bar reels. I like being able to let out a foot or two of line and then re-engage without letting go of the handle or the rod. But obviously it works for you. Maybe I should give the more traditional reels another try.

+1

I’m a “buy once, cry once” kind of guy. I don’t mind spending more on an Accurate; I think it’s mechanically simpler than reels with a thumb bar, and hence more reliable. Maybe my best bet is to send the Lexa to Daiwa for service and if the problem persists, buy an Accurate and give it a go.

Did somebody say Okuma Komodo? 

Great reels, I’ve caught all sorts of fish on them, but ever since I picked up the Accurate Tern 300 I barely use them.

I’ve had zero issues with the Komodo reels. A rinse after use and a few drops of oil here an there. I’ve caught salmon, halibut, lings, stripers, etc etc on them.

If you ever want to sell one... I might know a guy 

my tica titanclaw 300 has been a lovely reel for me. puts in tons of work on big rockfish. video of the reel in action -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CTce0W4FLId/

I am surprised to hear you’ve stopped using the thumb bar reels. I like being able to let out a foot or two of line and then re-engage without letting go of the handle or the rod. But obviously it works for you. Maybe I should give the more traditional reels another try.

+1

I’m a “buy once, cry once” kind of guy. I don’t mind spending more on an Accurate; I think it’s mechanically simpler than reels with a thumb bar, and hence more reliable. Maybe my best bet is to send the Lexa to Daiwa for service and if the problem persists, buy an Accurate and give it a go.

If we end up fishing together again you can borrow it and and see what you think.

Ive had to repair my low profile fishing concepts A3 a couple times. I love it, I got bushings put in it for the salt, but the tech during repair called me and was like, "you don't need to press so damn hard on the thumb bar!"

I realized its when I hit a snag and the line is super tight, pressing the thumb bar to give it slack is what you do right? Well that press right there takes extra strength and can break whatever spring that is attached to the thumb bar and eventually leads to it not engaging anymore.

So now I try to pull some line out, drop my tip, then engage my thumb bar, hoping my reel survives this year with my new found knowledge lol cause i love it for jigging, way more convenient then a lever.

FYI!

John - thanks for the offer! I’ll take it.

Pmmpete - in my opinion, the thumb bar issue with the Daiwa is due to a flaw in the mechanism that causes it to retract. There are springs indeed, and they are super strong, but the design is such that gunk (oil, grease, dirt, saltwater, etc.) can prevent the springs from pushing back the thumb bar.

When the thumb bar is pressed, it pushes springs that push the kick lever into the groves of the anti reverse ratchet. When the handle is turned, the ratchet pushes the kick lever back, like in the photo. Sometimes the ratchet is aligned such that the kick lever pushes against the teeth (rather than the grooves), which, in a properly functioning reel, when the handle is turned, the springs would push the kick lever into a groove, and then the ratchet would catch it, and send it back. But in my reels this doesn’t happen

Pmmpete - in my opinion, the thumb bar issue with the Daiwa is due to a flaw in the mechanism that causes it to retract. There are springs indeed, and they are super strong, but the design is such that gunk (oil, grease, dirt, saltwater, etc.) can prevent the springs from pushing back the thumb bar.

When the thumb bar is pressed, it pushes springs that push the kick lever into the groves of the anti reverse ratchet. When the handle is turned, the ratchet pushes the kick lever back, like in the photo. Sometimes the ratchet is aligned such that the kick lever pushes against the teeth (rather than the grooves), which, in a properly functioning reel, when the handle is turned, the springs would push the kick lever into a groove, and then the ratchet would catch it, and send it back. But in my reels this doesn’t happen

Li-orca, have you figured out how to fix the problem? Does cleaning some part of the mechanism fix the problem?

Pmmpete - in my opinion, the thumb bar issue with the Daiwa is due to a flaw in the mechanism that causes it to retract. There are springs indeed, and they are super strong, but the design is such that gunk (oil, grease, dirt, saltwater, etc.) can prevent the springs from pushing back the thumb bar.

When the thumb bar is pressed, it pushes springs that push the kick lever into the groves of the anti reverse ratchet. When the handle is turned, the ratchet pushes the kick lever back, like in the photo. Sometimes the ratchet is aligned such that the kick lever pushes against the teeth (rather than the grooves), which, in a properly functioning reel, when the handle is turned, the springs would push the kick lever into a groove, and then the ratchet would catch it, and send it back. But in my reels this doesn’t happen

Li-orca, have you figured out how to fix the problem? Does cleaning some part of the mechanism fix the problem?

I have two theories : either I’m putting grease/oil where I shouldn’t (or too much/little) or some parts - possibly the springs, are not seated or worn down and need replacement. Sent to Daiwa today. $13.5 shipping; $40 per reel. Almost a $100 gamble
If the Daiwa tech fix it, I’ll call and ask what they did and will update here.

Ok folks, so here’s what happened …
Two Daiwa Lexa 300 went back for service at Daiwa. Paid about $100 for service & repair & shipping.
Took them out once. No sand, no salt. Just the regular wash in garden hose sprayer after my trip. Second outing and the same problem is back. Reels go into free spool when thumb bar is pressed, but turning the handle won’t engage the gear.
I’m done with these reels.

3$J - I actually ordered the Tern 2 (300). Very nice reel, but heavy, and not as refined or smooth as other reels in this class (say, the Saltiga).
I have a feeling my next baitcaster is a Shimano

3$J - I actually ordered the Tern 2 (300). Very nice reel, but heavy, and not as refined or smooth as other reels in this class (say, the Saltiga).
I have a feeling my next baitcaster is a Shimano

I would give that Accurate a shot. I think you'll find that you really like it. My Valiant has held up great over the last couple years and I found that I like them more and more. The smoothness could be the internal cast control if you have it on your model. Its a new thing with the Tern2. Also it weighs the same as the Saltiga in its class. Sucks to hear about your problems with your Lexa. What a pain in the butt

I have a couple of Piscifun Alijoz Size 300 baitcasting reels and I really like them. They are inexpensive but really solid.  They usually have 25% off sales and coupons.

Do you have both speeds?  I was considering getting the 8.2 for jigging, in your opinion does the reel have cranking power to work 6oz to 60'?

I have a couple of Piscifun Alijoz Size 300 baitcasting reels and I really like them. They are inexpensive but really solid.  They usually have 25% off sales and coupons.

Do you have both speeds?  I was considering getting the 8.2 for jigging, in your opinion does the reel have cranking power to work 6oz to 60'?

I do have both speeds. The 8.1 works great for jigging. The speed is great pulling up from the depths. I have no problem with my 8oz setup and I could easily go heavier. I also like the larger single handle option.