Shimano Catala

[TUMBLEWEED]

I see a lot of Ambassador guys out there.
Anyone using one of these Shimano Catalas??

I just put a Catala 400 on one of the
Rapala Tournament Extra Heavy Long Cast
rigs. I went with some 50# Spider and
regret not going 65# or 100# stuff. I
have never spent 25-30 bucks for line
before, so I went the budget route this
time. I think its okay for now, but I
will most likely upgrade to something
heavier next year.

Thanks for any input on the Shimano......

[guideman]

I have never had much faith in shimanos bait casters, other than the Calcutta 400TE models.($260.00) Way to expensive
for my budget.
The Catalas do work fine for them small baits but unfortunately they just don't hold up to muskie fishing.

------------------

Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
aceguideservice.com
Lake Vermilion
Muskies and More.

Pro Staff Member.
Catch-n Tackle.
CKat Custom Muskie rods.
Bearpaws Handpoured Baits
Ohio Pro Lure.
Muskie Nut Tackle.
Big Chimney Muskie Baits.
Marcum.

[Giant_Jackpot]

I went through three Catalas last year before I wised up and went back to a 6500. All were replaced under warranty but enough was enough. Never again...................

[rod-man]

have used 2 calcutta 400s for 4yrs now never any trouble
I use 100lb prower-pro and change every two years NEVER A FAILURE good stuff
I fish 150-350hrs per year
I use 250s for pike/bass
and 50s for walleyes & crappies with 4 & 8 lb test mono
I don't know about the "TEs" but the ones I have are great

[David Swenson]

I used a Catala for about 3 days and it was toast. As Ace said, it is only good for light duty. If you only muskie fish a few times each year, the real may hold up for you.

As for the line, skimping will cost you baits and fish. The baits cost to much and the fish are just to hard to hook and loose one because of inferior line. I would invest in the 80 lb Tuf Line.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[TUMBLEWEED]

Thanks for the replies everyone. What exatly
was going to he## on these things?? I
am usually only on the prowl for the ski
a couple of times a year. I also only
have one or two 10 inch plus tackle in
my musky box. I mainly go with the
bucktails or troll the bigger cranks.
I have caught plenty of the forties fish
with these techniques. They have got me
hooked into getting more gear for the
bigger ones I know I am sure are in the same
lakes. Looks like another reel when I get
tired of returning this one, or it might be
okay for the occassional outing??

[Bushwacker]

I had one for a fishing season and it worked great for bass and northerns. I took it out on my first Muskie outing last year. It did go bad after only about 3 hours of burning bucktails. The gears started making a grinding noise and really started slipping bad. I took it as apart as I could and sprayed reel magic all over it and lubed what I could now it works ok for bass size baits but does occasionally start grinding when fighting a fish. All of my muskie reel purchases will be Ambasseduers from here on out. In fact I picked up a sweet Trophy series Abu 6500 on Saturday. It has the level wind cranking, an extra paddle handle, and even a engraved muskie on the side. It was in the display case right next to the Catala 400 and the Abu was $11 cheaper.

[This message has been edited by Bushwacker (edited 05-04-2004).]

[TUMBLEWEED]

I may try to dig up the receipt and
swap it in for an ABU I found the box
and receipt last night, will be going
in for a swap out for one of the
6500/7000 series Ambassador units. Oh,
and some heavier line!!

[This message has been edited by TUMBLEWEED (edited 05-04-2004).]

[TUMBLEWEED]

Ah, the fix is in. I went with a
model 6500C4. It should fit into
the multi function role I want
for jerks and top-waters, plus okay
for the medium bucktails. I also
upgraded to 80lb power-pro line.

[Bushwacker]

Tumbleweed,
I think you made a wise decision. All the others try, but the Ambasseder is still tops in my book. I especially like the 6500. I have a couple of jointed crank baits that are deadly with my 6500 C4 and when I use a 5500 they never get touched. The gear ratios in the 6500's just have the right pace for muskies.