I need advise on buying the right size reel online.

[urban cowboy]

Going to buy a Shimano Cardiff online from bassbro for my jerkbait rod.

Question.... Should I get the 300a or the 400a.

The reason I ask is because at my local basspro they dont have the 300a in stock so I cant compare it to the 200a and 400a that they do have. I guess I am just wondering if it is that much bigger then the 200a. 400a seems bulky.

Any help would be much appreciated.

[TrophyEyes]

Think about the line you want to put on it. If you are ok with fishing 65-80 then I believe the 300 would work, but look on line capacity suggestions and see if it meets your needs. I hate bulky reels so I go as small as I can, but in most cases the 300 is about where you need to be.

[cbrooks]

I don't mind the bulk so much so I would error on the side of large and go with the 400 model. I imagine its the same size as the calcutta's and I have a 400 there and wouldn't want anything smaller. Try comparing other shimano models and maybe you will have a better idea of what size reel you will feel more comfortable with.

[AWH]

The 300 is much more comparable to the 200, not only in size but in how it will function as a reel. The 400 has a lower gear ratio (5.2:1 as compared to 5.8:1 on the 300). The 400 will hold up better to the abuse of musky fishing. Gear ratio can be a bit deceiving when you are comparing reels that have different spool sizes. So keep that in mind as well. Bigger spool means a fuller spool, which will result in maintaining a more consistent line intake per handle crank through the entire retrieve.

I'm not positive on these two things. So you'll want to verify this. But I believe the 400 has a clicker where the 300 does not. The 400 also has a non-disengaging levelwind system. I don't believe the 300 has this either.

Aaron

[Esox_Magnum]

In the Shimano line up I run all 400 series. The Cardiff is a bit smaller in the 400 than the others for some reason but a great reel. Only 300 Shimano I can recomend is the Curado, a powerhouse of a reel for it's size. I'm not a big guy, 5'10 145 on a good day and I palm the 400's with ease.

[HugoBox]

I'm not positive on these two things. So you'll want to verify this. But I believe the 400 has a clicker where the 300 does not. The 400 also has a non-disengaging levelwind system. I don't believe the 300 has this either.

Aaron

Aaron's right - the 400 has a clicker but the wtich is pretty small and kind of tucked away. I used one for the first time last year and while I didn't beat on it too much, I was pretty happy with how well it worked.

[ole matty]

I would go with 400. Bought one last mid summer and loved it for topwater and small bucktails. It's slightly smaller than Calcutta 400b

[10,000 Casts]

400 all the way, because of the line capacity.

[urban cowboy]

This is good stuff. Thanks for all the info.

400 it is.