Calcutta 200B

[*Hootie]

What do you use yours for?

Hootie

[J Francho]

It's on my small to medium "big swimbait rod."

 

It's right here on the deck, with a 6" HPH tied on:

 

[baluga]

I used mine to trade to a 100 size. 

[Goose52]

I have a Calcutta TE200GT with 17lb line on a 7'11" mod-fast St. Croix Rage rod.  It's used for stuff from about 1 to 2 ounces - could be smaller swimbaits, umbrella rigs, any other heavier stuff that I can't throw on any of my other rods.  I have some 1 ounce lipless cranks that I've played with on this combo. If I ever buy some SK 10XD deep cranks, they would be tossed on this rod.  Unfortunately, with my tennis/fishing elbow in it's current condition, I can't really effectively use this rod right now...

[Hanover_Yakker]

It's my deep diving cb and Bullshad Swimbait reel - it is currently spooled with 20lb PLINE CXX.  In a pinch, I can use it as a live bait rod for flounder and striper in the Chesapeake Bay or even as a catfish reel on the James - they are tanks!

[quanjig]

Jerk bait

[*Hootie]

So, you really wouldn't use this reel for wormin, jigging, or spinnerbaits?

Hootie

[Hanover_Yakker]

You can - I mean, I used mine when I first got it for Rat-L-Traps and swimming jigs.  With a 6.0:1 ratio, it is pretty versatile.  I started off using 30lb. braid on it, so you use it for what works best for your fishing style.  A spinnerbait would be no issue in my opinion.  Just spooli it up with some 12lb and roll.

[Goose52]

So, you really wouldn't use this reel for wormin, jigging, or spinnerbaits?

Hootie

 

I wouldn't.  It's not that the reel won't work for those techniques...it's just that it's a big reel. I only use the 200 size when I have a need for the line capacity.  A 100 size reel is a bit more comfortable to palm and still has adequate line capability for those techniques. Actually, for the lighter baits and lower line test applications, the 50 size Shimano round reel is a delight to palm.  I'm fishing a 50 size every day right now for light soft plastics.

 

[5dollarsplash]

^^^Got the same rod with my Curado 50e and its a great to fish.  I may have to look for a Calcutta 50 soon.....

 

 

 

Back on topic- I use my larger reels sparingly for bass, I don't fish the big swimbaits up here targeting them.  I'll use them for C-Rigs or BIG deep cranks. 

[Goose52]

.........  I may have to look for a Calcutta 50 soon.....

 

 

Keep in mind that the Calcutta 50B has a 5.0:1 gear ratio that gives only 16 ipt - if that works for your intended applications then it's a nifty reel. The 50-size reels I have are a TE50GT and a couple of Conquest 50s - these have 6.2:1 ratios and a more usable 23 ipt.  Something to keep in mind if you start shopping.

 

Hootie - sorry for drifting off-topic..

[*Hootie]

Keep in mind that the Calcutta 50B has a 5.0:1 gear ratio that gives only 16 ipt - if that works for your intended applications then it's a nifty reel. The 50-size reels I have are a TE50GT and a couple of Conquest 50s - these have 6.2:1 ratios and a more usable 23 ipt. Something to keep in mind if you start shopping.

Hootie - sorry for drifting off-topic..

That's fine. All this information is very useful. I am going to follow your previous suggestion and take a look at the 100. I am working Friday at BPS, so I am going to pull one, and put it on a rod and see how it feels. Haven't had a round reel since the old silver Ambassadeur 5500c's. I really like the looks of that Calcutta. Thanks a bunch Goose.

Hootie

[Goose52]

...........................................Haven't had a round reel since the old silver Ambassadeur 5500c's........

 

Hootie - if your point of reference is a 5500 - then you'll be pleased with the Calcuttas.  I just checked, and a Calcutta 200 is a bit smaller in diameter than my Ambassadeur 5000 and the Calcutta ALSO has a recessed reel foot that makes the actual palming dimension considerably smaller.  A 100 size Calcutta will feel small compared to your old 5500s.

 

On shopping for Calcutta Bs - watch the IPT - the 200 is listed at 27 IPT, the 100 at 23 IPT - don't know if you're concerned about that difference.

[*Hootie]

Actually it was the smaller profile that caught my attention. So, that part I like. I don't think the IPT will be a problem.

You remember all the old Ambassadeur reels{5000 series} were 3.5 to 1. Then with the C series they went 4.7 to one.

Have some of my best memories using those old SLOWPOKE REELS...lol.

 

Hootie

[Capt.Bob]

I use to use mine for deep cranks, till I got the Lew's Super Duty, and the BB1, so I sold mine, I had the 200GTB, It was probably a bad move, as I don't think you can ever wear a Calcutta out, they are the most durable reels I have owned, but I like the smaller more ergonomic feel of the Lew's and the longer cast's and stronger drags are always a welcome plus!!! Time will tell how long they will hold up to the heavier crank'n!!  

[Maxximus Redneckus]

I've used them before .I will say this and I'm Hardcore abu garcia.if I was not collecting or had so much invested into my abus id be a Calcutta pirate.they are great reels

[*Hootie]

I wouldn't. It's not that the reel won't work for those techniques...it's just that it's a big reel. I only use the 200 size when I have a need for the line capacity. A 100 size reel is a bit more comfortable to palm and still has adequate line capability for those techniques. Actually, for the lighter baits and lower line test applications, the 50 size Shimano round reel is a delight to palm. I'm fishing a 50 size every day right now for light soft plastics.

Checked out the Cacutta 100B. Liked it, bought it. This thing is buttery smooth, and slings a 1/4 oz. practice plug a LONG WAY! Thanks again Goose.

Hootie

[Goose52]

Outstanding!  Have fun with it - they are nifty reels.

 

I'm a relative Calcutta newb myself...but I like them well enough that I now have 6 of them...