Another Reel Question

[-Marc V-]

Alright guys, I've seen more than a few threads run through the forum regarding reels and what to get, what not to, etc. I'm in the market for a couple of new reels because I just don't have confidence in Abu's anymore after going through a few of them last summer. I'm sure they'll work fine after sending to the shop, but not really something I like worrying about on the water.

I'm hoping to get two reels. I'm thinking one for general throwing purposes which would be a Shimano Corado. Then the other for bigger baits, and double blades which I'm thinking of the Calcutta 400TE.

I'm wondering if you guys have used a Corado with double double 10's, and if it would work? I'm assuming it would work for a little while, but may burn it out. Would I be better suited with a High Speed retrieve Corado, or just the regular retreive?

The second reel as stated I'm thinking of the Calcutta TE. Would this reel pull the bigger harder pulling baits without issue?

I'm also pondering getting a Trinidad instead of a Calcutta with the bigger, harder pulling baits. Anybody used the Trinidad, and have any feedback about it? Or any opinion whether I'd be better suited with a Trinidad over a Calcutta TE?

I haven't complete crossed the Abu 7000c3i off the list for bigger baits, but I'd have kick my own butt if I bought one, and it burned out after a season.

Thanks.

Marc

[eyehead]

I bought a Shimano Tekota 600 last year for pulling blades and couldnt be happier with it. I was gonna go with the Trinidad but could justify spending the money on a reel that really only throws one bait.

[Esox_Magnum]

I love my Curado for the DBL 10's. My old used and abused Corsair is my go to reel ( no clue how old, got it used, been using it 4 seasons and never touched it yet). I have had good luck so far with the Okuma Indurons for big baits, like Curlie Sues and Mag Dawgs.

[propster]

I haven't tried it so wouldn't know from first hand experience, but isn't the Curado a bear to crank on the double 10's? Even though it's built heavier duty, the hi speed ratio would be a bugger I would think. I would go for the Calcutta 400 and add the power crank handle if you can. If I'm not mistaken the Trinidad is still not made in a level wind, but if you are prepared to work the line with your finger to try to spread it, it retrieves the 10's great. Just be prepared for a few more overrides than you'd have with a Calcutta.

[Esox_Magnum]

I don't find the curado hard to crank at all, I honestly prefer it over the Okuma Induron with a power handle that I originally got for that use.

[pauljpollock]

I've had my share of problems with the 7000 series in recent years. The old 7000 C3 is a great reel, but the new ones....I went through 3 of the 7000 Big Game Wides before I got a couple that worked well. They had a problem with them, and they tried to get the ones with defects off the market....that's what I was told. When they work right they're a great reel. The 5.3/1 gear ratio on the Big Game Wides is nice for burning, but the 6.1/1 on the Saltist blows it out of the water. I like the 4.1/1 on the 7000i's for big minnowbaits or throwing big 10's at night. I've got a couple of the 7000 Big Game narrows and they're good for most baits, but they don't excel on the big blades. You might want to try a Daiwa Saltist in the 40 or 50 model. They retrieve 47 inches of line per crank.....burnin'! I haven't used the Trinidads. I've heard good and bad from guys that have.I've had some clients that like the Calcutta TE'S....I don't use them myself.

Paul.

[b1gf1sh1]

Quote:

I'm hoping to get two reels. I'm thinking one for general throwing purposes which would be a Shimano Corado. Then the other for bigger baits, and double blades which I'm thinking of the Calcutta 400TE.

if your looking for a specialty reel for just big stuff go for the gauntlet. 700 TE. i'm trying to come up with some extra cash for 1. there's so many things i need, it's like 10th on my list. for now my 400 TE's will do though ... it's february,lol... if you choose the 700 TE your probably going to want to get the right rod for correct balance to reduce even more fatigue than just sheer power from the reel. or modify one you have. good luck.

[TrophyEyes]

You might have seen my thread from earlier and I am still pondering what to do. I did manage to pick up an Abu Garcia Record 61HC for under $100. I couldn't pass up that deal, but I don't think that is my answer to pulling Double 10's. I am still considering the Calcutta 401TE or the Luna 301. I cannot decide what to do. I also cannot buy a trinadad or any of those others because they do not have a left handed model. What model Curado are you using?

[Shawn Kellett]

I have a Trinidad 16N, several 400 TE's and a Curado 300. They're all great reels for certain things. The Trinidad for 10's is the bomb (at least reeling them in anyway), TE's are awesome for all around use, and the Curado for lighter baits/baits that don't pull that hard.

[iceman1212]

Does anyone on here know anything about the shimano cardiff? Or is that to small for throwing big blades?

[-Marc V-]

I was told by a sales guy at Thorne Brothers that Abu 7000's trumps the Cardiff since their in the same price range. Also went on to say Shimano shines in the higher dollar reels (Calcutta, etc) - they should for the price tag. About all I know about them.

[10,000 Casts]

Don't compare the 7000 vs the Cardiff, they are 2 different reels for different situations. The Calcutta TE is a great all around reel and if you want to throw double tens with it then you will want the power handle for it ($40-$50) but can be tough to find sometimes. I have a regular culcutta and love it to death but I won't throw double 10's with it. I use a 7000 for those but next year I am going with the Abu Toro in the low gear ratio for the big baits but thats because I like to palm the reel and the 7000 is just too big.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have a Cardiff in my arsenal to, sadly it hasn't held up well. I can't keep anti reverse in them. Now the Corvalus has been a great reel for well under $100, just like my old Corsair, they just dont quit.

[-Marc V-]

You might have seen my thread from earlier and I am still pondering what to do.

I did and read through it thoroughly. The reel question is quite a quandry. If I had unlimited $$$ I'd buy 3 or 4 for the purposes I'm looking to use them for (then would need a couple more rods then too!). Trying to keep it limited to 2 decent reels which will be stretching it for the other "needs" for the upcoming season.

I'm trying to keep weight minimal, but performance high. I casted some buddies rigs last summer, and they were so much smoother and easier to cast. Looking to reduce wear and tear on myself, and the equipment holding up to the task at hand also - while keeping the costs reasonable.

Proving to be a tall order!

A few days last year I was just plain exhausted after pitching for 'skis. I'm sure part of the reason was 80lbs SuperBraid on Abu 6500c3's. Trying to avoid that this year, and hopefully allow my body to last a few years more also! Like to play hard, but want to do it for longer!

[10,000 Casts]

$80 reels are just that... $80 reels. They were fine up until the point of a few years ago when everyone started throwing the big stuff. They are also fine fo the person that fishes 3 times a year. Don't hold the quailty of you last reels against Garcia. It sounds like they were simply over worked. It didn't have anything to do with the line or at leat is shouldn't have.

The new Muskie Low Pros like the Curado and the Toro will be the way to go. Low gear ratio and a power handle and the guts that will last.

[iceman1212]

I have a Cardiff in my arsenal to, sadly it hasn't held up well. I can't keep anti reverse in them. Now the Corvalus has been a great reel for well under $100, just like my old Corsair, they just dont quit.

The corvalus must be smaller than a calcutta? Do you have the 300, 400, or 401? Is that reel decent for throwing Cowgirls?

[Esox_Magnum]

Mines the 400, It throws them ok but I prefer other reels for DCG's over the Corvalus.

[-Marc V-]

Hi 10,000...I know I've been harsh on Abu, but haven't thrown DCG's on them. Thrown an Esox Venom, I think they're called a few times, but didn't like how it bogged down the reels so didn't fish them all that long. Abu does hold there place. Have a buddy that fishes with me a few times a year, and the 6500c3 has done what he asks it to do without issue for quite a few years now.

Have other buddies that swear by 7000's and maybe fish half dozen times a year without too much issue.

Haven't had any expirence with Shimano baitcasters as of yet, so may be back asking about another brand a couple years from now.

Looking forward to giving the low-profiles a whirl. Heard good things about them, and hoping my left hand won't look like the tendons contorted on me after a day of palming the standard round reels.

Any word on the street about the Abu Toro? I can read what marketers say, but can't trust it...

[sbro73]

Check back in the past posts, seems RK was testing them out over the last season, had a good word for them.

[-Marc V-]

Check back in the past posts, seems RK was testing them out over the last season, had a good word for them.

Found it, and he also compared them to the Curado. RK's words were pretty darn convincing...

Think I got it down to two - the Abu Revo Toro with standard retreive, and a Diawa Saltist 50 High Speed with level wind. Now it's shopping around time until deals can be found.

Sounds like the Revo should be good for anything from big to small.

Thanks for the help guys, appreciate it.

[TMF89]

I run exclusively Abu, 6500s and 7000s, all great reels. I have to admit though I've never ran anything else, so I wouldn't know how it stands up to a Trinidad or Calcutta. I will say that I've never had any problems with them though, and will continue to buy them in the future.

[Cooter]

Another option is Penn Int., something like the 975.

Eyehead - does the Tekota 600 have a manual clutch lever or does it engage when you start crankin?

I'm an Abu guy, probably because I have several and do maintenance and most repairs myself. I like the 7000 I have and will torture test the 6500C3s with power handles on double 10s this year - the frame on the 7000 is just too big and destroys my hand in short order, reel palmer guy here....

[eyehead]

Cooter-its a manual engage....at first I thought it was gonna be a pain but once you throw it a couple times it comes second nature. Most of the guys I fish with use a 7000, but when I hand them the Tekota they cant beleieve how much easier it is to bring blades in with it. It might not pick up as much line as the Trinadad,Torium,ect. but it sure beats the 7000 and others like it in my opinion.

[TrophyEyes]

Cooter, roomer has it that the C3's just went through some upgrades. I got one new last year and it didn't make it through the first 5 hours. I put on my first double 10 and it blew out in a matter of 10 casts. I have to admit that I am an abu guy, but the C3's may not have enough backbone for double 10's. I would consider the Toro or Record strongly if you want to stay with Abu and a smaller size reel.

[BrianLucky13]

How do you guys like the Shimano Cardiffs and Corvalus??? I fish 5-7 days a week the last 3 years and havent had any problems with them and the price is right. Ive gone through all the Abu's that they make(normally within a month.) I wouldnt use another Abu if someone paid me!!! Just my 2 cents tho!!!

I havent heard anything bad about the Tekota. I think I might give that reel a try this year!!! Anybody have any issues with that reel???