Last week, utilizing TW’s Demo Program, I received the 200 & 300 sized reels.
This was the first time I’ve participated in the Demo Program. I think it’s a good idea.
The ability to “Test Drive” a reel a bit clearly assists in determining if it’s the right equipment before purchasing it. You will only pay for the shipping ($20) and TW provides a return label. There is a Deposit required; how much depends on the value of the reels you Demo. The deposit is returned (credited to your credit card) once they receive the reels back.
My experience with Shimano gear is not extensive. I do own a Calcutta 400B, 700B and a Sustain Spinning reel 2500. I am very happy with them and consider them quality tackle for sure. I’ve been using the 400B for tossing swimbaits but after many years of chasing striped bass on the East Coast – she is ready for retirement and replacement. I was hoping the 300 D would be it. Testing the 200 was just a “hey while I’m at it” evolution.
Out of the box, these reels are small for their size and line capacity. The solid sturdy construction, silver color and finish and large comfortable handle are all very appealing. Shimano says that they combine advantages of both low-profile and round reels. Perhaps, but they felt and fished like a round reel to me. The D Series Baitcasters have a much smaller profile than Calcutta B models and are said to be 15% smaller in height, 11% narrower, and 11% lighter; this is very apparent. The reels feature a one-piece aluminum frame, an aluminum sideplate, and Shimano’s smooth X-Drag. A lightweight machined aluminum body and Variable Braking System make these reels easy to like. Other features include a five-bearing system and HEG gearing. The 200 size reel has a double-paddle freshwater handle. The 300/400 size has a double-paddle saltwater handle.
One of the more innovative features on this series reel is the location of the X-drag star. It’s on the outside of the reel handle rather than in its traditional placement between the reel and the handle. Shimano says that with the handle moved closer to the body cranking under pressure exhibits a powerful and fluid retrieve that is completely devoid of any play or wobble whatsoever. I agree. Additionally, the X-Drag knob is quite easy to operate with your thumb or index finger to adjust the drag pressure. I did not find the smaller drag knob to be a concern.
In fact I like the new location and operation better. Both reels came spooled with braided line, I think it was 50lb suffix 832, it was lime green.
I was able to make 3 trips with these reels before having to ship them back. Before heading out on the water I mounted the 300 reel on a new 7’6” Okuma Guide Select swimbait rod rated 1-5 oz. I left the braid on the reel, added a 15ft 20lb mono leader and threw a 6” Huddleston 68 swimbait exclusively on each trip. I managed to get 1 decent lmb which didn’t really challenge the drag at all but was fun.
The reel matched / balanced very nicely on this rod. It was very easy and comfortable to cast / retrieve. The reel’s casting ability is Fantastic. The Narrower spool design fits my semi-educated thumb nicely and the VBS system required only very minimal feathering. Removing the spool assembly is the only way to access the six adjustable brake weights. It is not possible to change the brakeweight settings on the fly without a quick access sideplate. Not wanting to dismantle the demo reel, I committed to the adjustments the reel came with (I do not know what it was set at). This was not a concern at all. After getting the feel of the reel, I was confidently launching casts with little worry of overspin. The retrieve was very smooth; it almost felt like the reel/gears were not engaged. I know that sounds silly but if you fish this reel I think you’ll agree. This allowed for an excellent feel/sensitivity of what my bait was doing. Feeling virtually every tail thump during the retrieve just added to the whole experience. The 5.6:1 gear ratio was just right to work the bait correctly. And for anglers that place a high priority on the ability “To Palm” a round casting reel – you might be in heaven. I’m a medium sized human (5’10”) and both of these reels fit in my hand easily. I hear the bait Monkey.
And now for the 200 – Wow – what a nice reel. The two advertisements I’ve seen for the 200, Mark Zona and Dave Mercer discuss the reels suitability for crankbait fishing, so that’s where I started. My cranking is done with 2 Quantum KVD cranking reels mounted on a Lamiglas SR 765R & SR705R Glass rods. After re-spooling the 200D with 20lb Sufix braid, mounting it onto the 7’ glass rod, I set out to cranking. An SK 6XD and a Spro "John Crews" Little John DD Crankbait were my weapons of choice. I did use a 10-15 foot 12lb Big Game mono leader.
I guess a good way to describe what happened next would be – “effortless” – the casts were effortless, the retrieve (even with the large billed baits) were, you guessed it, effortless. It was just so smooth. The reel really is small. The size may have be the hardest thing I had to adjust to. And hard is a relative term here. It only took a few minutes and I felt right at home hurling baits out across the water. This Lamiglas rod has a relatively thick (larger diameter) handle. Despite this, I was able to palm the 200D very easily.
This particular day included some wind and light rain which helped put a handful of decent bass and pike in a very cooperative mood. Casting into, across and with the wind was not a problem.
I do not fish with a particularly loose drag, however during the few decent surges made by fish, mostly at the boat, the reel predictably fed line to the fish quite smoothly. The level wind, which disengages during the cast, handled and laid the thin diameter braid effectively. The large handle and knob set on this reel makes chunking and winding all day a much less arduous task, especially when the bite is a little slow. I found myself really enjoying the winding and was gladly anticipating the next heave knowing that I would get to do it all over again. Catching a fish was like a bonus !
After an impressive showing as a crankbait reel and despite being advertised as such, I chose to mount the 200 on a 6’6” MH rod and take her out to toss a few swim jigs. For this next trip, the 200D went on a Quantum PCT666F and got re-spooled with 30lb Sufix braid. The gear ratio on the 200D is 5.7:1 perfect for most deep cranking but I prefer a faster rate of pick up and often fish 7.3:1 on jig rods. After it was all said & done, the 200 did do a nice job. Target casting isolated weed clumps in 10-15 fow was a pleasure. As I worked the swim jig/craw trailer over, around and through them looking for willing participants, a couple of respectable lmb were foolish enough to test the power of the 200D. They were quickly dispatched by the reels seemingly unlimited power and stout drag system. The ample knob and handle set up came in handy here while fighting fish in somewhat close quarters and on a short leash.
And then, it was over, all too quickly. After re-wrapping these 2 beauties back up in a couple layers of bubble-wrap, they went in the box and were on their way back to TW. Despite the fairly short visit, these reels were impressive. The same innovative high quality features and components that made the original Calcutta a very popular reel and the only choice at that price point exist here, in the
"Little Silver Beast" that is the Callcutta "D" Series.
A-Jay
