Daiwa Lexa 400 HSP - How is Yours Holding Up? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

SorryCharlie · 01-21-2017, 11:30 PM

I have a lexa 300 that I have been abusing for the past two years, mostly on the kayak. It's held up great, requires the least maintenance of the reels I use regularly (not difficult to service, but not as simple as an Avet).

I mainly use it for bait, rockfishing or as a backup once bait is made (I'm on the no sibiki rod side). I have used it while fishing poppers for smaller YFT, and it was fun... that is until a larger model fish took the pooper and spooled me. Guessing the fish was 30-40 pounds, as it cleared the water completely when it hit, and the reel did not enjoy it. I think the 400 would be better in this situation, more line so you can back off the drag a bit.

I have also hooked a larger YT while rockfishing with it, and again while it was capable of the job it was not the best choice IMO. At least with the 300 the smaller frame didn't like all the pressure it was under and I just felt repeated torchure like that would kill the reel.

Best thing they come in left hand retrieve........ (yes I'm one of those freaks)

GregAndrew · 01-22-2017, 10:28 AM

I have been trying out the Lexa 300 for a few weeks and have the same issue with it that I had with the Calcutta D series. Fishing braid with a non-following level wind does not work for me. It affects castability, and more important your drag setting. Even with the level wind centered you can feel friction of the line on line contact as it is peeled off. That translates into inconsistent drag setting, which will mean some fish lost. You might be able to overcome some of this with the newer (more expensive) smoother braided lines. I just have not invested the time or money into testing those yet. I would love to hear from somebody that has compared them in these types of reels.

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01-21-2017, 11:30 PM	#1
SorryCharlie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Carlsbad Posts: 140	I have a lexa 300 that I have been abusing for the past two years, mostly on the kayak. It's held up great, requires the least maintenance of the reels I use regularly (not difficult to service, but not as simple as an Avet). I mainly use it for bait, rockfishing or as a backup once bait is made (I'm on the no sibiki rod side). I have used it while fishing poppers for smaller YFT, and it was fun... that is until a larger model fish took the pooper and spooled me. Guessing the fish was 30-40 pounds, as it cleared the water completely when it hit, and the reel did not enjoy it. I think the 400 would be better in this situation, more line so you can back off the drag a bit. I have also hooked a larger YT while rockfishing with it, and again while it was capable of the job it was not the best choice IMO. At least with the 300 the smaller frame didn't like all the pressure it was under and I just felt repeated torchure like that would kill the reel. Best thing they come in left hand retrieve........ (yes I'm one of those freaks)

01-22-2017, 10:28 AM	#2
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	I have been trying out the Lexa 300 for a few weeks and have the same issue with it that I had with the Calcutta D series. Fishing braid with a non-following level wind does not work for me. It affects castability, and more important your drag setting. Even with the level wind centered you can feel friction of the line on line contact as it is peeled off. That translates into inconsistent drag setting, which will mean some fish lost. You might be able to overcome some of this with the newer (more expensive) smoother braided lines. I just have not invested the time or money into testing those yet. I would love to hear from somebody that has compared them in these types of reels.