Shimano Calcutta 400 reel

[Quackaddict9]

Sorry if this topic has been discussed before. I am looking at buying a Shimano Calcutta 400b reel, this reel has 5.0:1 gear ratio. Will this reel work well for about anything from small bucks/jerk-baits to big bucks/jerk-baits? I have also been thinking of the Abu Garcia 7000iC3 reel and is lower gear ratio. There is a $60-$100 difference depending on where I buy it from. Although the 7000ic3 may be a better reel for pulling these bigger bucktails.

On the other hand, the Calcutta 700b is maybe a better reel than the 400b but the price range is pretty high. What do you guys think?

Any inputs, opinons or whatever will be appreciated. Thanks

[Esox_Magnum]

I wouln't hesitate on the Shimano anyday. I have been using Shimano 400's for 5 years now without issues.

[PDXFisher]

I have a 400B and a 400TE. If you're not going for the TE, for about the same money is a Daiwa Luna 300, which I prefer to my 400B. Also check out the Okuma Red Isis, only $125 from one of our sponsors.

[cjac]

Tough to find one reel to handle big and small baits, fast retrieve and low geared all at the same time. Kind of like trying to find a 35mpg truck that'll still pull your boat.

I don't use one, but the 7000 Abu you mentioned is about as close as you can get. Low geared, but big enough spool size and line take per revolution to work the smaller baits. Downside is the weight.

700 Calcutta? Personally I'd say to save your money. One reel to do all you're asking...look at the 7000 Abu you mentioned, I think you're on the right track. Guys like RK have more fish caught on them than most of us have days on the water period.

Also, take a look at the Shimano Cardiff line, often called the "generic" Calcutta. The 400 has the ratio you want, the 300 is 5.8;1, a nice mix between slow and fast, but not too fast. At $100-$110, it's better than a 2 for 1 on the Calcutta. Not a bad option if you have a couple empty rod blanks.

Lots and lots of options, more opinions to follow I'm sure.

[Quackaddict9]

Thanks for the feedbacks. I have a couple of 6500 C3's and basically they work well for the smaller bucktails, jerkbaits, topwater but a little harder on the cowgirls/mojo xx. I suppose I could get a 7000iC3 to throw big/heavy lures on one rod and use the other two 6500 C3 for everything but the big ones!

keep the feedbacks coming guys!

[cjac]

Since you asked for more......kinda fun to spend other people's $$$......

Take a look at the Shimano Curado 300DSV, if you have the 'belas VISA you can get into one for about $150 after their deal and the manufacturer rebate thru the end of April. 6.3:1 gear ratio, sweet reel for burning the smaller bucktails and line pick-up on lighter topwaters. Pair it up with a longer and haevier bass-style flippin' stick with 65lb braid and you have a great rig.

For me it'll be used for pike, lighter muskie lures, and bass in the 'foil on 'tonka. Not bad to get three specific applications out of one combo, and very good application/set-ups at that, no real compromises.

[Rebel9921]

 Originally Posted By: Quackaddict9

I suppose I could get a 7000iC3 to throw big/heavy lures on one rod and use the other two 6500 C3 for everything but the big ones!

That definitely would work... I know I'll be having two 7000iC3 and one or two 6600SSC3 ready to go for this season... Always nice to have choices...

I did think about Okuma Red Isis... but personally, I'd rather try first before buying... And for me, its kinda too early to have a verdict out on using Red Isis for big blades... maybe in the fall... with more feedbacks...

[10,000 Casts]

Last 2 years I used my 400B for all the bucktails that I threw. I had no problems and the resistance really wasn't that bad. Yes, more than a 7000 but not too bad.

A 7000 would be nice to have, I just haven't talked myself into buying one. I have a 5 year old 400 Calcutta (4.7-1)that I am going to put a power handle on this year and see how that handles the big baits.

I would certainly agree that the Lunas are sweet $209.99. Just me, but I would stay with your Garcias before I went with a Cardiff, that reel has just never impressed me.

Take a look at the Garcia 40 Record. Solid tank of a reel that you can get a power handle on and throw everything. $139.99

[MJBo]

I have a 400B and am happy with it. Has performed (much) better than the other reels I have used (maina series, abu 6600 C3 and C4). I could recommend it comfortably. Can't speak to the Luna though I've heard more good than bad and I just bought the curado which has been getting pretty close to rave reviews as far as I can tell.

Mostly use it for smaller bucks and jerk-baits (because it tends to cast smaller baits better than my other rigs) by the way.

[PDXFisher]

Maybe this will be easier. These are the reels I have and therefore use frequently, and my general thoughts on each.

1. Calcutta 400TE: smooth as butter in every way. Definitely my favorite, but I won't be replacing all my other reels since I don't think the extra $100+ is worth it over #2, or $200 over #4.

2. Luna 300: I've used these more than anything but the 400B. They cast great and seem very solid mechanically as I haven't had an issue yet, which is more than I can say for the others below in this list.

3. Calcutta 400B: *almost* as nice as the Luna, not quite as smooth casting. Also have had two busted gears on it, which I haven't had on the Luna. I've used this reel for longer than any other. Freespool adjustment a little too sensitive, seems like barely adjusting it makes a huge difference. People that aren't used to it seem more likely to get backlashes than with the Luna (longer adjustment period). I go back and forth with the power handle on/off it. Just to be clear, I do *like* the reel quite a bit, I just like Lunas more and don't like it enough more than a Red Isis to justify the extra $90. It was my first muskie reel, so I've had it the longest.

4. Okuma Red Isis: Love the power handle, casts like a Luna. Don't like the freespool adjustment range. Tightened all the way down is barely past the point I would set it for myself. Maybe there's something inside the reel that I could adjust that would change this, but unless a given piece of equipment runs UNIX, I'm kinda lost. If I could find a way to change this and if I were a guide, this is the reel I would have in my boat on all the customer rods. I think it has the best value for the dollar spent.

5. Pete Maina Bass Pro Shops: I think their quality control blows. If you get a good one, I guess it will work for a while for you. They were the reels in Chad Cain's boat (not for long, though, he's going St. Croix (Luna) now). I got two bad ones in a row that broke within an hour of use, one on a cast, another on a fish. Freespool adjustment is better than Red Isis, and the power handle is a nice addition, but for a little more money I'd rather have the Okuma, which casts better and has a smoother drag and feels all around "less clunky". It's going on a trolling rod this season.

6. Garcia 6500c: I don't use it much, I bought it for my fishing buddy as part of a Gander combo three years ago at the same time I got my 400B. He uses it as little as possible compared to the ones above it on the list. He spends a lot of time with backlashes that he doesn't get with other reels. We always put it on our least favorite rod. This year, it's also going to go on a Talora for trolling purposes.

Wildcard: Shimano Curado 300DSV. I like it for Salmon and Steelhead fishing, I just haven't tried it for Muskies yet. I hope to change that in the next week or so. I got my second one yesterday. High retrieve rate, but smaller spool diameter so it's probably a wash there. My assumption is that it will cast the small stuff well, as MJBo said.

I would like to try a 7000i sometime. Maybe I would throw double10s more if I had one.

[JRedig]

I throw a 300 TE and 400 TE for everything except WTD/jerkbaits. 300 on a big rod, 400 on a bigger rod.

Two Curado 300's on the WTD/jerkbait rod and smaller rod. Love these combo's.

[slipperybob]

PDXFisher

Nice list and breakdown...

I personally purchased the Cardiff 400A over the Abu C3 & C4's. I've been thinking of upgrading, and the Abu Record Reels look very promising to me and priced less than either Diawa Luna or Shimano Calcutta B. I am considering to get a Calcutta TE in long future. I admit a nondisengage levelwind is a high sell point me.

[PDXFisher]

Just check out the Red Isis, too. Great value.