Limitations Of 50 Series Baitcaster

[bass1980]

I have two Shimano 200 series baitcaster and one 50 series. I like the 50 so much more. To me it just feel perfect in my relatively small hands. Oddly it feels smoother than the 200. I use the 50 series for weightless flukes and occasionally wacky rigged senkos when my spinning setup is used for drop shot.

I use my 200 for frogging, spinner baits, swim baits, and anything that needs long cast and extra lines. I recently bought another 200 series for jigs 3/8-1/2oz and usually fish in heavy cover in our natural lakes. Rarely will I fish football jigs in rock bottoms. So my question is can I get away with fishing a 50 series with 50lbs braids in heavy cover pitching 1/2oz jigs? It's not like I'll need line capacity and it'll be easier on my hands. I've heard from many people that the 50 series is meant for finess fishing with small lines like 12lbs mono or under.

Are there any difference between the 50 and 200 other than spool size and body profile like stronger or weaker gears? Any input will be great because I have only used my 200 for jigs a few times and didn't like it for its size and have put it on the shelf. Thinking of trading it for a 50 series.

[thehooligan]

Theres no reason why you cant use a 50 series reel for that. Alot of guys use 50 series shimanos and daiwa px-r reels for frogs and pitching.

 

I had a 201e7 and just didnt like the size, got rid of that and stick with my core 51.

[Jrob78]

Theres no reason why you cant use a 50 series reel for that. Alot of guys use 50 series shimanos and daiwa px-r reels for frogs and pitching.

x2

[tracker01]

I have a 50e and squeeze everything out of it I can. I am not to concerned about what it will not throw until after I throw it.

[iabass8]

lots of my reels are 50 sizes. their uses range from topwater to pitching. they really can do it all for the most part. i still prefer 201e7s for frogging and swim jigs purely for the gear ratio and line capacity.

[bassinbrian]

I also preferred the shimano 50 sized reels. For the most part they can accomplish most tasks well, just some things better then others.

[Hi Salenity]

Not to go all off topic but I use my core 50 for light baits and a 50e on one jerkbait rod but to me the 200 series reels are huge so I've sold them and replaced them with smaller profile reels (TP's)

[rockchalk06]

I have a 50E and bought it for cranking. With heavy baits, it was too much for the reel. A 2.5 would make the reel scream when I made even the lightest cast. I ended up using it for light top water.

[21farms]

Are there any difference between the 50 and 200 other than spool size and body profile like stronger or weaker gears?

the gears are not weaker or stronger but the available ratios are different. the 200s are rated by shimano at 11 lbs. of drag versus 10 lbs. for the 50s. the handles, however, are slightly different in length though: 84mm on the 200s and only 80mm on the 50s. i think people just naturally associate smaller with "not as powerful" or "finesse" but that doesn't really apply here except that i put on 90mm handles on mine and swapped out the gear set to 7:1.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The internals of the 50 & 200 size reels are identical. The only limitations are line capacity and gear ratios offered as stated above.

[roadwarrior]

50 series fits me perfectly.

[tomustang]

Just line capacity compared to my 200's

[bass1980]

Thanks everyone for the reply. Oddly I came upon this notion from doing extensive research before I bought the 200 reel. I guess can't believe everything you read on forums and people. Heck even a sales guy told me he recommends the 200 for pitching jigs in cover. I mean not once did I hear you can't use a 50 for this technique but just that a 200 is better and more recommended. Sorry but don't have the time to link up references where I read this and it was on different forums.

Anyone want to trade

[Catt]

I've owned my Calcutta 50 for some 15+ years, it has been used for every technique known.

The only limitation I've noticed has to do with the 5.0:1 gear ratio being slow when fishing "Run-N-Gun", something I seldom do.

Loaded with 65# braid I've had no problem pulling bass out of matted Hydrilla.

[21farms]

Heck even a sales guy told me he recommends the 200 for pitching jigs in cover. I mean not once did I hear you can't use a 50 for this technique but just that a 200 is better and more recommended.

the 200Es were out for quite awhile before the 50-size came out. many guys probably cut their teeth on the 200E and didn't even think about the 50Es.

[Hogsticker]

I think the 50 series can do most anything the 200 can, however when ripping 3/4 oz. lipless cranks the reel feels a little stressed IMO. Or maybe I'm just a little stressed? I think the 200 serves better for this, but the frame size is just to large for me.

[lmbfisherman]

Thanks everyone for the reply. Oddly I came upon this notion from doing extensive research before I bought the 200 reel. I guess can't believe everything you read on forums and people. Heck even a sales guy told me he recommends the 200 for pitching jigs in cover. I mean not once did I hear you can't use a 50 for this technique but just that a 200 is better and more recommended. Sorry but don't have the time to link up references where I read this and it was on different forums.

Anyone want to trade

When I first purchased my 50E last year (1st season of bass fishing, well going hardcore), I asked my local tackle guy what would be a good flipping and pitching reel.  He then pulled the Curado 50E out and said, the best I ever used and it's on clearance.  If I only knew what a great buy it was back then, I would've bought all 4 that day (130 each), when I went back to get another he sold out.  So yeah used it for flipping and pitching with no issues, however I don't use it for flipping/pitching now..I use it as my finesse shaky head baitcaster setup, not that it lacked the power though.

[bass1980]

Yeah I hope to get a trade soon. Got some offers. I will say that 5/8oz cranks, medium to deep, does feel like its too much for the reel. Maybe it's the shorter handles?

[iabass8]

ya it's the shorter handle and the fact it seems you nearly spool it bombing heavier cranks.

[tomustang]

Yeah I hope to get a trade soon. Got some offers. I will say that 5/8oz cranks, medium to deep, does feel like its too much for the reel. Maybe it's the shorter handles?

I've never had that problem, I run up to 1oz deep divers on the 50 and it doesn't break a sweat.

I must say using a 50 after a 200 conditions you to think the 200 is huge, but it's not that bigger to the point of discomfort.

[Greeneye8181]

A Daiwa PX for frogging? Oh the humanity!