SHIMANO’S Tranx range of baitcasters has been around for a few years and over that time have gained a reputation for a solid and reliable mid-price-point reel.
The Tranx size range includes a 200, 300, 400 and 500. The latest iteration is the 300B, an ideal size in the fresh or salt for throwing big swimbaits, topwater lures or even jigging micro plastics around the reefs. There’s also a HG version (high gear) available with a single handle in the larger sizes. The standard 300B has a retrieve ratio of 5.8:1 while the HG has a ratio of 7.6:1. The “retrieve per crank” is 78 vs 103cm. Meanwhile the difference in drag is 10kg for the standard model and slightly less at 8kg for the HG version.
I recently got hold of the 300B and matched it with the latest TCurve 641BCH rod.
It’s a nicely matched combo and ideal for chasing Murray cod, golden perch, barra, sooties and more.
In the tropics, you’ll appreciate the generous line capacity and solid construction, while down South, cod and golden perch fishos can take advantage of its smooth and long casting and smooth retrieves.
Looking at the spec sheet, the 300B features Shimano’s CoreSolid and HAGANE Body technologies, which integrate the B-side plate, level guard, and reel frame into a single, ultra-rigid aluminium piece.
It also features Shimano’s SVS Infinity MD Tune braking system. This allows easy adjustments via an accessible external dial. Dial it up for more control or down for longer casts and manual operation.
Another feature is the X-Ship technology that Shimano says significantly reduces friction between the spool shaft and gear. It enhances gear durability and reliability.
The test reel was loaded with 30lb braid and I was running 20lb fluorocarbon leader chasing Murray cod in a crystal clear Central West NSW river.
The reel performed as promised. It was super smooth to cast and retrieve. Long casts were easy and I didn’t experience a single “birds nest”, testament to its precise brake control. The reel felt sturdy and comfortable in the hand and the overall weight was about average for a reel of its size (335 grams).
The TCurve 641BCH was 6’4” with a suggested cast weight of 15-65 grams. It’s rated as “heavy”. And as mentioned above, it’s a nice match for the 300 size Tranx. This TCurve would make a great barra rod with great versatility around other tropical species and natives in the south. It had plenty of power down deep and a lighter tip for sensitivity and casting lighter lures. That said, it did feel a bit under gunned when I attached a bigger swimbait and lobbed it out. Of course, no one rod does it all and ideally, the Tranx would be swapped over to a dedicated swimbait rod capable of handling bigger lures when required. Overall, the T-Curve handled it nicely and the combo reviewed here makes a fantastic mid-priced set-up.
More info at fish.shimano.com/en-AU
