Low profile jigging baitcaster reel recommendation

I own 2 Daiwa Lexa 300, and I love them, but both have a problem where sometimes the gear won't engage (after pressing the thumb bar to put the reel in free spool). I tried fixing them myself and even sent them to Larry’s reel repair, but the problem persists. So I’m thinking maybe it’s time to get a new reel.

Can someone recommend a low profile baitcasting reel for saltwater jigging that is durable & serviceable? It has to be low profile (not round), have a thumb bar, and a handle that engages the gear.

I've had that issue with mine as well. I've heard good things about the Okuma Komodo. Fast with lots of drag like the Lexa. Note the drag on the chart is in kg not lbs.

https://www.okumafishing.com/en/product/Komodo-SS-Low-Profile-Baitcast-Reel/komodo-ss-baitcast-reel.html

I've also had that problem with the Daiwa Lexa, which other than that problem I think is a nice reel.  I have a Shimano Tranx 300 which is a good reel if you like the standard two-paddle handle.  But I prefer power handles, and the Tranx power handle isn't counterbalanced.  As a result, the power handle repeatedly flops down and reels in line when I don't want to reel in line, which is a pain in the buttocks when I want to stay in contact with the bottom.  No other manufacturer appears to make a counterbalanced power handle for the Tranx, so I added my own counterbalance. Now the reel works quite well. But you shouldn't have to modify a reel to make it work properly.  Shimano needs to produce a counterbalanced power handle for the Tranx.

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.

Shimano needs to produce a counterbalanced power handle for the Tranx.

I hear good things about the Tranx. Seems like it was designed for hauling heavy fish, cast heavy baits. Perfect what I need. Also I heard more suitable for saltwater compared to the Curado. As for the power handle, I agree. I think J & H Tackle has them though.

Have u tried sending them into daiwa?

Shimano needs to produce a counterbalanced power handle for the Tranx.

I hear good things about the Tranx. Seems like it was designed for hauling heavy fish, cast heavy baits. Perfect what I need. Also I heard more suitable for saltwater compared to the Curado. As for the power handle, I agree. I think J & H Tackle has them though.

J&H has Tranx power handles, but they aren't counterbalanced. https://www.jandh.com/products/shimano-tranx-300-and-400-power-handle.html. Counterbalanced power handles are now being made for the Tranx by Dave’s Reel Service, http://www.davesreelservice.com/parts-store/, and Gomexus https://www.ebay.ca/itm/275195682916?hash=item4012f0e064:g:9SoAAOSw2gVh37jg.  These weren’t available when I made my add-on counterbalance.  My add-on was easy to make, was inexpensive, requires no modification of the Tranx reel, and works great, so I don’t have any motivation to buy a commercially produced counterbalanced power handle.

A closer picture of my counterbalance is shown below. It's made from a piece of 3/4" x 1/8" aluminum bar stock held onto the Tranx power handle by a flathead stainless steel bolt which goes through an existing hole in the Tranx handle, with a lock nut and a nylon spacer. A hole in the bar stock fits over the knob at the end of the shaft of the Tranx.  The counterbalance is a big stainless hex head bolt and lock nut.  I put a screwdriver through the hole in the Tranx handle and added stainless washers to the counterbalance until it balanced the power handle. 

Have u tried sending them into daiwa?

Thanks. Good idea. Maybe I would

I just picked up the new tekota 300hg. Max drag 20 lbs, 35” per crank. I chose this over the lexa and the tranx. I was very tempted to go with the tranx, but am hoping I can get close with the tekota at a little better value.

I have two of the older model tekotas and find them to be awesome trolling reels. Hoping this new version will work for my jigging setup. Both the 300 and 400 have the thumb bar, the  400 has a power handle (without a counterbalance)

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.

For reference the 300 size Komodo holds 210 yards of .32mm braid (40lb jbraid grand) with 30 feet of cxx 30lb mono leader.

I have a Lexa and its a great reel. I love it. But I also have a Tranx, which I love so much I picked up a second. I definitely prefer the Tranx. Smoother drag and gearing. Just a nicer reel all around in my opinion, although the higher gearing with the Lexa can be nice. If I were you I would take a look at the Tranx. Ive always liked the Komodo but don't have any experience with it. Seems solid and well built with stainless gearing. I think you might even be able to get with a clicker, which is interesting, but im not sure. There's also the new Penn lineup. Ive heard good things and they seem like quality. Funny enough, like 3$J, I also got an Accurate (a 300 Valiant in my case) and hardly ever use my low profiles. Accurate and Avet for me now. But for a low pro I would definitely recommend the Tranx.

I just picked up the new tekota 300hg. Max drag 20 lbs, 35” per crank. I chose this over the lexa and the tranx. I was very tempted to go with the tranx, but am hoping I can get close with the tekota at a little better value.

I have two of the older model tekotas and find them to be awesome trolling reels. Hoping this new version will work for my jigging setup. Both the 300 and 400 have the thumb bar, the  400 has a power handle (without a counterbalance)

We must be related...

I used older (round) Tekota reels for several years and upgraded to a Tekota 500HG last year. It's been great so far. The higher retrieve ratio (as compared to the older Tekota models) saved much stress on my wrists and made it possible to keep tension even on hard-charging salmon.

It’s helpful to read everyone’s experiences here. I’ll add mine.

My Daiwa Lexa had the same issue after two seasons of regular use. After overhauling it works fine, but we will see if the issue comes back. Fortunately you can flick the thumb bar back up to engage the reel, so you aren’t completely out of luck if it happens on the water.

I also have a Shimano Tekota 401HG and after one season the thumb bar would not depress. I figured out that the mechanism that disengages the gears was gummed up, and that is now working nicely as well.

but ever since I picked up the Accurate Tern 300 I barely use them.

Thanks. Does the Accurate’s handle engage the gear? It looks like it has a clutch and you manually engage/disengage. Do you find that to be an issue (e.g., one hand operation, accidental free spool, etc)?