Do you fish a Calcutta 200 for calicos?
 

Do you like it / recommend it?
I'm thinking of a new rod and reel and a small Calcutta is in my sights.

I normally use a Calcutta 400 with the power handle. But I have used a Catala 200 (cheaper version of the Calcutta) and have caught calico's as well. While I like the thrill of lighter gear, I hate running the risk of losing a big one. You never know what you're going to catch. That's why I go with the 400.

Yeah, I can see your point. I think the 200 only has something like 9lbs of drag. I won't be yanking any big yellows from kelp that's for sure.

I primarily use a Calcutta 250, I catch all kinds of fish with it. Works great, have caught a 29lb halibut, 40lb Thresher and several large BSB. Not to mention the many Calico and Sand bass. It is a blast when you hook something big.

Do they still make the 250?

Don't know, mine is rather old, you can find them on eBay though. And I think the 200 is just a tad narrower then the 250.

I have an older model 200,the silver one.I fish 12# on it for bass with a trigger stick.Love it.

Good to hear...that's pretty much the setup I want to put together..trigger stick and all. Something I can use for striper and fresh water bass as well.

Holy cow!
Is this the 250 you're talking about?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Calc...ht_2966wt_1037

More than $500 on ebay.....the 200's are only $180-ish...hope there's a huge difference.

The 200 replaced the 250 about 5 years ago. Basically the same reel.

Oh, gotcha.
I just read about them at Shimano's site.

The Daiwa Luna looks interesting as well...
How does it compare to the Calcutta?

The 200 is a great size for calicoes. As far as Diawa vs Shimano? I always go Shimano because of their great customer service.

I own two calcutta's and like them a lot, but honestly, if it is going to be used soley for fishing for calicos you might just consider a low profile reel. I prefer Curados, if you're worried about line capacity look at the 300 series. Calcuttas cast decent, but a low profile reel is a lot more comfortable in your hand, and is a lot easier to cast all day long. I fish with heavy line and the drags locked down, so the LBS of drag each has ins't a big deal to me.

I use a Luna 300 w/ 50lb braid on a California Inshore XH 8' rod. Calicos don't stand a chance, but my new favorite reel for Calico's is my Abu Garcia Revo Toro 50HS w/ 30lb braid on the same rod mentioned above.

X2. Love my Curado 300 for calicos.

I've got a pair of CT250's and a pair of Curado 200's. Same drags in each. Pretty much just a different form factor. Curado's cast better. Calcutta have more power due to the lower gear ratios. I've got a Millionaire CVX253 and a CVZ300. Both have a 3-stack of Jigmaster drag washers... much better than a Curado/Calcutta. The CVZ and newer Luna are better than the standard Calcutta and not as good as the Calcutta TE.

I agree. My 250 is my favorite reel. I have it backed with 50# braid and topped off with 20# mono. Great for hali, bass, all kinds of inshore fish. Only downside is if you find one, shimano does not service or repair them any more.