Shimano calcutta question

[Mr.Twister]

Hi all, For those of you using these reels, do you also use the lo-profile types too? I currently own a slew of Daiwa TD-A153hsta's. The Calcutta has always intrigued me. I mainly target lg mouth bass here in Michigan. So on that note which size would you recommend for an all around bass slaying senco slingin, frog ploppin, topwater sliding, reel?  I was lookin at the ct200gtb .  or do I need the 100 series? Also are the spools kinda wide or?? Thanks

[roadwarrior]

I have two CTE200GT. I consider this a perfect reel for a number

of techniques: soft plastics, jigs and deep diving crankbaits. I also

use these reels for striper fishing.

Strong, smooth, silent and reliant. The CTE200GT is virtually

indestructable.

8-)

[Mr.Twister]

Thanks RW!!   Do you find the spool width a problem when thumbing the spool on a cast? I will probably be going to the Cabelas out here in a couple of weeks, and want to be semi- in the know. Thanks....

[roadwarrior]

I have no issues. You might find this interesting, too:

The last time I had the two reels serviced by Reel Mech, I called

to ask if he could tell which was the older reel. The first one was 5

years old and fished extensively on the Tennessee River, the other

had hardly been fished at all. He told me he couldn't tell one from

the other and that neither showed any kind of wear.

8-)

[J Francho]

This is a VERY popular reel here for stream steelheading.  That alone should be testimony to their durability.

[burleytog]

I would go with the 100.

[Mr.Twister]

Burley, the 100 series?   Please elaborate. Is it that the actual body size is smaller or??  

[burleytog]

Calcutta 100.  Frame size is smaller.  The 200 is comparable to a Abu 5500.

[mike bat]

get the size reel that will fit your fishing .... the 200 - 50 sizes are all good for bassin ,,, just depends on what you want the reel to do ... dont get a 50 and use it to flip with ,, just like you wouldent get the 200 for cranks .... botom line here the calcuttas are all good reels ,, but i cant stress enough to get the reel that suits you and your fishing ... look at line caps ,, ratio speeds ,,, and see how the reels fit in your hands .... after this you should have a better ideal of what you want as far as reel gos ...  

[burleytog]

Why not a 50 for flipping?

[OK Bass Hunter]

Why not a 50 for flipping?

The spool doesn't hold alot of the high lb test line you would be using for flipping and the drag on the 50 sized reel is lighter than what you find on the 200 series also a serious consderation when flipping in heavy cover and you need to turn a fish's head.

[Catt]

I started using the Calcutta because in my younger days I was an Abu-Garcia fan like every one else so round reels was all I knew and the Calcutta fit the bill. I tried the early Lews Speed Spool but my thumb was wider than the spool so quit on the low profile thing.

I have fished Calcutta's since their introduction; still have one of the first sent from Shimano to Lake Charles Tackle. I have had absolutely no problems what so ever with performance of these reels.  

I've caught numerous double digit bass in matted hydrilla flats on Toledo Bend

I've caught numerous Bull Red Fish in the 25 pound range Southwest Louisiana

I've caught Bonito, Ling, & Red Snapper in the Gulf Mexico

All accomplished using Calcutta 50 &100A s; other than the Bonito & Ling I've never felt under gunned.

[burleytog]

Why not a 50 for flipping?

The spool doesn't hold alot of the high lb test line you would be using for flipping and the drag on the 50 sized reel is lighter than what you find on the 200 series also a serious consderation when flipping in heavy cover and you need to turn a fish's head.

You don't need more than 15-20 yards of line if you're flipping.  And the 50's drag can be improved with aftermarket drag washers.

If I wasn't in love with the beauty of low profile reels, I would fish nothing but Calcutta 50's.

[Pantera61]

Why not a 50 for flipping?

The spool doesn't hold alot of the high lb test line you would be using for flipping and the drag on the 50 sized reel is lighter than what you find on the 200 series also a serious consderation when flipping in heavy cover and you need to turn a fish's head.

Why not try flipppin' with braid?  No problems with line capacity.

Aftermarket drag as mentioned above.

[Jimzee]

I am putting a Calcutta 50 together right now with all the goodies. After upgrading the drag to Carbontex, it did improve the top end drag.

Fine little reels, may have to keep this one for myself.

[Catt]

Most guys set their drag @ 1/3 of the line test so if I'm using 50# braid 1/3 would be 16.66 which is above the 11.0# listed for the 200B.

The drag for the 50B is listed @ 7.5# so multiply by 3 gives you 22.5# max line test & 28.5# for the 100B both adequate for landing big bass.

Would that not be correct?

[mike bat]

my point is ,, most anglers will just buy a reel that fits the bill as far as what you want the reel to do ... i for one dont have the extra ching laying around to buy a new reel then switch every thing out .... if thats the case i just get the reel that was made to do what i need it to do ... so no i wouldent use the 50 for flipping id at least get the 100 .... same with cranking ,,, why not get a 200 and put a smaller spool on it ,,, then you could lower the drag ,,, and switch out the body with a 50 ,, right burley :

[burleytog]

The 50 is a perfect crankbait reel.  With a little work, it is simply a perfect reel.  The only weak point is the drag, and if not for the obnoxious Revo insanity, that wouldn't even be an issue.

I'll have some very very interesting photos to share in the coming weeks concerning the Calcutta 50B.  8-)