calcutta size question??

[rob allen]

OK.. after 20 years of being out of steelheading my dad wants a reel for steelheading. I want to get him a calcutta because he wouldn't like the funky"new age" shape of the Curado.. having never looked at the Calcuttas before i am wondering what sizes you guys like. It's hard to tell from the capasities because they are all 120 yards just varying in line size. I am sure if he has his way he'll find a broomstick to put it on and sling eggs 99.99999% of the time.. Anyway what size Calcutta would be good?

[Flatfish]

C'mon Rob,
you know size shouldn't matter. Sorry, simple humor for simple minds. I am not too famaliar with the shimano line, but I would reccomend the 5500 sized unit. That way if he ever decides to chase salmon too, he can do it all with one reel. I think the size is 250 rt. hand and 251 leftie. Not sure. 200 yds of 12 or 14# mono and you are good to go.
Have fun with Pops.
Mark and the dog.

[Straydog]

The 300 is the mid range size and would likely be the best bet for your dad.

I have to respectfully disagree with your comment concerning line capacity.

In my mind, that is pretty much what it is all about.

Consider his usage, boat or bank? Large winter steelhead in big water or more smaller fish? Big water or smaller streams? Does he fish heavy line or like to fish lighter?

One thing to remember..... if a hot fish gets more than a hundred yards from you, it is likely a gonner anyway, in my opinion.

[Nanook]

[ 11-25-2002, 10:40 AM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[Keta]

I use a 51 but wouldn't recomend this small of reel. A 251 would be what I'd get him, not one of those backward 250's :grin:

[ 11-15-2002, 09:36 AM: Message edited by: Keta ]

[Nanook]

[ 11-25-2002, 10:40 AM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[Keta]

******,
If you can find a bright chum I'll use it. :smile:

[rob allen]

Straydog i was just saying that in the catalog i looked at all the capacities were listed as 120 yards just with different size line on them..

[wetaline]

250 is a great size for what your looking for, and i've caught many large (28 lb range) chinook on it w/ out any problems of line capacity...

[Straydog]

Rob,

Oh, sorry, my mistake..... your right, the Shimano catalog just gives line diameter, dosen't it. As Keta would say, "Doh!!"

Maybe this will help..... Maxima 8lb Ultra Green is .25mm diameter, 10 is .30mm....

Dog

[Nanook]

[ 11-25-2002, 10:41 AM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[skein]

******, that won't work! The eyes are down. Everyone knows that Keta's fish all have "eyes up!"

:grin:

Skein

[STRIKE ZONE]

Steelhead useing 10lb or less I'd go with a 151 / 150.If useing 12lb or 15lb I'd get a 251 / 250.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE
P.S. He'd probley like a 5500 / 5501 better if he's that old school.

[Stz ll]

No question for steelheading the 250 or 251. This is about the same size as an ambassador 5500c.

[drifter]

Ditto what Strikezone said. I like my 151 for small streams, ie. Eagle Creek, maybe the Trask. 251 covers all other rivers.

If you really want a cool Calcutta, try to find the Japanese model 201. It is just like at 251 in size and shape, but has an extra ballbearing and has several holes in the casing to eliminate extra unnecessary weight. I found mine on Ebay, but there are other sources on the internet. The lighter reel balances much better with my 1082 rod. My .02. drifter.