Question about new baitcasting setup.

[JRuck504]

Good evening, I mainly fish saltwater in South Louisiana targeting speckled trout in deeper water areas (10-15 ft).

Majority of my fishing career I have fished higher end spinning setups but recently had the urge to treat myself to a high end baitcasting setup for the above application. For this setup I plan on throwing 1/4 - 1/2 ounce ball jig heads with my choice of soft plastic.

After tons and tons of research I went ahead and purchased the below rod and reel.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiw...age-DTSVC.html

https://megabassusa.com/product/dest...-bait-finesse/

I bought the reel first but now I am second guessing that it wouldnt be a good fit for both my rod choice and application (1/4 - 1/2 Oz jidhead and soft plastic).

Curious of opinions if the 150 size will be too big and I should return it for the 100 size of the same model.

I planned on using either 12 pd braid with the same size fluoro leader or just straight 12 pound fluoro. Curious on opinions for that as well.

[dragon1]

IMO, with that rod combo, I would opt for a 70 or 80 Tatula if you wanted a Daiwa. Also, a reel with CCRBs would be a benefit for you, as would tearing down the reel and properly using heavier lube to inhibit the SW intrusion from starting its corrosive process (even using plastic bushings in the reel handle knobs would help resist rust).

The Daiwa Coastal 80 is a more SW ready reel, but the spool is deeper than the standard Tat 80 and likely would not perform as well with lighter lures, but you could remedy that with a lighter aftermarket spool.

Another option would be a C-i4 framed Shimano, granted that some people may not like the composite frame, it is very resistant to SW corrosion.

Hopefully others will chine in as well.

[Roy123]

I think that size is just fine for Specks and reds. I'm not a big fan of the tiny reels. I always run 12lb big game or XT on my trout rods. You do not need a Saltwater reel.

[PHolmes]

I fish a lot of specks and reds in the marsh. In fact I’m headed to grand isle in a few weeks for a 5 day trip in the marsh.

I fish exclusively baitcasters. All Shimano/Daiwa setups. Mets, Zillions, and Steez’s.

Never had an issue throwing popping corks, vudu shrimps, rattle traps, cocahoe minnows, etc. using standard bass M, MH, and H setups.

[JRuck504]

Appreciate the responses fellas!!

[dragon1]

Just know that the 2024 Tatula 150 SV is going to hold a LOT of 12lb braid. You definitely want to use some backing filler, lol.

[JRuck504]

I think I am going to just go buy the 100 locally and return the 150 when it comes in

[squib]

My opinion is the 150-size reel is a bit much on that rod. Your plan to go with a 100 size is a good one.

[JRuck504]

My opinion is the 150-size reel is a bit much on that rod. Your plan to go with a 100 size is a good one.

Thank you sir, went and picked up a 100 size at lunch today.