Shimano
Shimano Tranx 301 A
Predator reels · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Shimano Tranx 301 A
Left-hand retrieve
The left-hand Shimano Tranx 301 A is a strong, sensible baitcasting reel for pike, zander and big lure work. Not the lightest bit of kit, but it’s built for getting stuck in.
- Left-hand baitcasting reel with a 5.8:1 gear ratio and 75 cm retrieve per crank.
- 10 kg maximum Cross Carbon Drag for strong, controlled pressure.
- 330 g aluminium frame and aluminium spool: built for heavy lure work rather than ultralight finesse.
- VBS braking system, 42.6 mm spool diameter and useful mono capacity for predator fishing.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the left-hand Shimano Tranx 301 A, not the right-hand version or a different Tranx size.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A strong, specialist predator reel that earns its high price through build, drag power and useful heavy-lure performance.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.6/10
- Performance9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.9/10
- Ease of Use8.6/10
- Value for Money8.7/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Pike anglers throwing medium to large lures. The strong frame, sensible capacity and powerful drag suit heavier predator tackle and hard-pulling lures.
- Anglers wanting a dependable left-hand workhorse. It gives you a robust baitcaster with useful adjustment and enough reserve for proper predator fishing.
Maybe skip if
- Finesse lure anglers. The 330 g body and larger format are more kit than you need for tiny lures and light line.
- Anglers who like a very fast retrieve. A 5.8:1 ratio favours torque and control over quickly picking up line.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano Tranx 301 A
The left-hand Shimano Tranx 301 A is a strong, sensible baitcasting reel for pike, zander and big lure work. Not the lightest bit of kit, but it’s built for getting stuck in.
- Left-hand baitcasting reel with a 5.8:1 gear ratio and 75 cm retrieve per crank.
- 10 kg maximum Cross Carbon Drag for strong, controlled pressure.
- 330 g aluminium frame and aluminium spool: built for heavy lure work rather than ultralight finesse.
- VBS braking system, 42.6 mm spool diameter and useful mono capacity for predator fishing.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The Tranx 301 A is a cracking choice when your predator fishing involves bigger lures, heavier line and plenty of graft. It feels like a proper tool rather than a dainty finesse reel, and that’s exactly the point.
It’s not the lightest option and the 5.8:1 gearing is more about controlled power than ripping a lure back at warp speed. For pike and general heavy lure work, though, it’s a bob-on package with the muscle and capacity to make sense on the bank.
A strong, specialist predator reel that earns its high price through build, drag power and useful heavy-lure performance.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.6/10
- Performance
- 9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.9/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.6/10
- Value for Money
- 8.7/10
The aluminium body and spool, Cross Carbon Drag and Shimano build make it a serious bit of kit.
The controlled 5.8:1 retrieve, VBS braking and 75 cm pickup suit demanding lure work.
It won’t find the fish for you, but reliable casting control, capacity and drag help you fish confidently around cover.
It offers useful adjustment, though baitcaster setup still takes a bit of practice and the reel has noticeable weight.
It’s not a bargain-bin purchase, but the robust construction and predator-focused specification justify the premium for regular users.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Shimano
Shimano Tranx 301 A (this one)
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Shimano Tranx 301 A
If your predator fishing leans towards proper lumps of plastic, chunky hardbaits and lures that give your wrist a workout, the Shimano Tranx 301 A is right in its wheelhouse. This isn’t a tiny finesse reel for flicking little jigs into a canal margin. It’s a solid left-hand baitcaster built for getting stuck in.
The first thing to get straight is the format. The 301 A is the left-hand retrieve version, so it suits anglers who want to wind with the left after casting. That sounds obvious, but reel numbering can send you down the wrong rabbit hole when you’re buying online. Check the handle side before you part with your quid.
At 330 g, it has some heft. You’ll feel that compared with a compact bass-style baitcaster, especially after a full day of repetitive casting. On the flip side, that extra substance matches the job. The aluminium frame and aluminium spool give the reel a purposeful, hard-working feel for predator tackle rather than making it seem a bit flimsy or delicate.
The 5.8:1 gear ratio is another clue about its character. With 75 cm of line coming back per crank, it’s geared for controlled winding and useful torque rather than screaming a lure back at top speed. That’s handy when a big blade is thumping away, a swimbait is pushing water or a heavy lure needs steering around weed and snags.
There’s plenty of drag on tap too. The Cross Carbon Drag is rated to 10 kg, which gives you a healthy amount of stopping power for pike and other hard-fighting predators. You won’t need to fish it locked solid every time, of course. A smoother, sensible setting is usually kinder to hooks, traces and fish. The important bit is having reserve when a fish turns for cover.
Line capacity is practical rather than silly. The stated mono figures are 210 metres of 16 lb, 160 metres of 20 lb or 135 metres of 25 lb. You’re unlikely to need every metre for normal lure work, but that reserve is dead handy if you’re using heavier line, backing the spool sensibly or fishing somewhere with snags and a bit of room to play with.
Casting control comes from Shimano’s VBS braking system. As with any baitcaster, the brakes aren’t a magic button that removes every chance of a bird’s nest. They’re there to help you match the reel to the lure and conditions. Start conservatively, keep your thumb involved and ease things off once the cast is behaving. A five-minute setup saves a right faff later.
The 51 mm handle is a good match for the reel’s power-focused nature. It gives you leverage without turning the whole setup into a winch, and that matters when a lure is pulling hard or a fish is trying to bury itself in weed. The 5+1 bearing setup rounds out a package aimed at smooth, dependable operation rather than ultra-lightweight bragging rights.
So, who should buy one? If you’re building a serious pike outfit around medium-to-large lures and want a reel that can take regular punishment, the Tranx 301 A makes a lot of sense. If your fishing is all tiny crankbaits, light plastics and delicate canal work, it’ll probably feel a bit overcooked. But for robust predator fishing, it’s a proper workhorse with useful capacity, strong internals and no nonsense about what it’s for.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Retrieve
- Left-hand
- Gear ratio
- 5.8:1
- Maximum drag
- 10 kg; Cross Carbon Drag
- Weight
- 330 g
- Capacity
- 16 lb/210 m, 20 lb/160 m, 25 lb/135 m mono
- Bearings and braking
- 5+1 bearings; VBS braking system
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The big angle
This is a reel for anglers who’d rather have a bit of extra strength and capacity in reserve than shave every last gram from the setup. The Tranx 301 A is particularly appealing if your lure box includes chunky hardbaits, swimbaits, spinnerbaits or large soft plastics.
The left-hand retrieve matters too. If you cast with your left and retrieve with your right, this won’t be your cup of tea. But for left-hand winders, it gives you a solid, balanced platform for repeated casting and playing hard-pulling fish.
Closer look
What you’re buying
The Tranx 301 A is a left-hand baitcasting reel with a 5.8:1 ratio, 75 cm retrieve per turn and 10 kg Cross Carbon Drag. Its aluminium frame and spool keep the build purposeful, while the 42.6 mm spool diameter gives it the sort of capacity you want for heavier predator line.
The VBS braking system lets you tune casting control for different lure weights. That’s useful when one session involves a chunky rubber bait followed by a hardbait, although you’ll still want a tidy thumb and sensible spool tension. The 51 mm handle adds leverage when the lure or fish starts pulling back.
Worth knowing. This is a 330 g reel. That’s not a deal-breaker, but you’ll notice it on a long day of casting. Pair it with a balanced rod rather than an ultra-light blank, and the whole outfit should feel much more natural in the hand.
Who it suits
Where it earns its keep
Pike anglers throwing medium-to-large lures are the obvious match. The capacity covers sensible mono options, while the drag and aluminium construction give you confidence when a fish heads for weed, snags or the margins. It also suits anglers who like a more muscular reel for big soft plastics and swimbaits.
The retrieve speed makes it a good fit for steady presentations where lure control matters more than frantic line pickup. For buzzed-back lures or situations where you need to gather line in a hurry, a faster reel may feel more lively.
Worth knowing. If you’re new to baitcasters, practise with a cheaper lure or a bit of lead before tying on your favourite pike plug. Set the VBS brakes safely, thumb the spool near splashdown and only back the control off in small steps.
FAQs in full
The questions anglers actually ask
Is it only for pike? No. The Tranx 301 A is a predator reel, so it can cover other lure fishing where a robust baitcaster and heavier line make sense. Its sweet spot is still powerful, repeated casting rather than delicate finesse work.
Can it handle heavy line? Yes. The published capacity covers 16 lb, 20 lb and 25 lb mono options, giving you plenty of flexibility for different predator setups. Match the line, leader and rod sensibly rather than simply fishing the biggest number available.
Does the left-hand retrieve change how it fishes? The reel’s performance doesn’t change, but your casting and winding habits do. If you’re used to a right-hand retrieve, give yourself time to adjust before heading out for a proper bite-time session.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Strong aluminium frame and spool for hard use.
- 10 kg Cross Carbon Drag gives plenty of stopping power.
- Useful line capacity for heavier mono and standard predator braid setups.
- VBS braking offers adjustable control for casting different lure weights.
- 51 mm handle gives good leverage when a lure is pulling hard.
Worth knowing
- At 330 g, it’s a fairly substantial reel for all-day casting.
- The 5.8:1 ratio isn’t the fastest choice for burning lures back.
- A high-value reel, so it’s a bigger outlay than basic baitcasters.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Is the Shimano Tranx 301 A suitable for pike fishing?
Is the Shimano Tranx 301 A suitable for pike fishing?
Yes. Its sturdy aluminium construction, 10 kg drag and useful capacity make it well suited to pike lure fishing, especially with heavier lures and leaders.
02What does the 301 A retrieve?
What does the 301 A retrieve?
The 301 A is the left-hand retrieve model. It brings in around 75 cm of line per handle turn.
03Is the Tranx 301 A a good reel for beginners?
Is the Tranx 301 A a good reel for beginners?
It can be, if you’re starting with heavier baitcasting tackle and want something durable. Just take your time setting the VBS brakes and spool tension before launching expensive lures towards the far bank.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are strong aluminium frame and spool for hard use. and 10 kg cross carbon drag gives plenty of stopping power.; the main trade-off is at 330 g, it’s a fairly substantial reel for all-day casting..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Strong aluminium frame and spool for hard use.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Pike anglers throwing medium to large lures: The strong frame, sensible capacity and powerful drag suit heavier predator tackle and hard-pulling lures.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “At 330 g, it’s a fairly substantial reel for all-day casting.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Shimano Tranx 301 A
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Owner reports
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Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Shimano Tranx 301 A. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
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