Calcutta Reels?

Tanner · 12-10-2003, 07:06 AM

I have talked my wife into getting me my first Calcutta for CHRISTmas. I have a couple of questions for you all.

1. What is the difference between The Calcutta TE and the regular Calcutta?

2. What model would you go with if you were going to get one to use for Chinook fishing (back bouncing, anchor fishing on the columbia etc.) and for running on a plug rod for steelies? (I plan on filling it with 50 pound power pro).

I really prefer a left handed reel but for what I will be using it for I can live with a right handed model. I notice the C300 does not come left handed but the 300CTE does

Corkie Monster · 12-10-2003, 08:00 AM

Calcutta 401TE, Very Spendy, about $350. The regular Calcutta's largest reel in a left hand model is the 251. Maybe kinda small for Chinook.

Calcutta
CalcuttaTE

CM

[ 12-10-2003, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: Corkie Monster ]

hookumhi · 12-10-2003, 08:00 AM

hey Tanner, I got the green light from my wife too have you shopped around as far as price ?? I've been eyeing that reel for a long time along with the penn 975 have you checked penn and if so what did you think?

Hooker · 12-10-2003, 08:10 AM

I have several Calcutta 251's that I use for Chinook. Works great for pulling herring, anchoring on the Columbia, and fishing all the coastal rivers. I load mine with 50# Tuff...plenty of line. Great reel. You'll really enjoy it.

freespool · 12-10-2003, 08:17 AM

Tanner I have 4 Calcutta's,2 50's for steelhead and 2 251's for Mr. Smiley. I run 50# tuff line on the 251's and trust me they can handle any salmon out there. They also make excellent bobber reels.

free

STRIKE ZONE · 12-10-2003, 08:29 AM

Don't stop @ the 250-251's go straight for the 401 or 400 which ever you prefere,why'll you have the green light you must max it out.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

Hogback · 12-10-2003, 08:34 AM

I just purchased a TE. I think it is an excellent reel and probably the best one for chinook fishing. Unfortunately I got it a little late for fall bobber fishing, but I did backbounce with it and it is undoubtedly the best reel I own. I also used it on a few sturgeon recon trips and I came home realizing this reel is probably the best all around reel one could buy. In fact, when we were sturgeon fishing I couldn't get to my rod because my son, the KKH, or danthfishman would grab it just because of the reel. When any of the other rods would go off they would look at me wondering if I was going to get it. The one thing that always put me off of Shimano reels was the fact that the guide bar would disconnect when you cast. However, the TE stays engaged. The only stumbling block is the price, and the fact that now I need at least four if I'm ever going to get to use one! If the 300cTE is the same functionally as the 400 it would be a little handier for BBing and bobber fishing. Loaded with 50 or 60lb. braid the 300 should have enough line capacity for anchor fishing or trolling.
Randy

12-10-2003, 08:36 AM

400 for Chinook Tanner. TE if she loves you that much. :grin:

Fish Finder · 12-10-2003, 10:21 AM

And if she love you more than anything else then the Calcutta Conquest 400/401

ProCastinator · 12-10-2003, 10:23 AM

GI Joes has the CT-400 on sale until 12/13 for $179.99, regularly $199. That's as cheap as I've ever seen it. I have this reel and love it for salmon or sturgeon.

Tanner · 12-10-2003, 10:27 AM

I just talked to Doug at Ollie Damons and he said the Calcutta TE should not be used in saltwater.

12-10-2003, 10:39 AM

Tanner - I am not a Calcutta saleperson, but I've beat my two 400's up everywhere, with the drag nailed down, in the Columbia to tidewater and the bay. Some Daiwa Millionaire fans will tell you they love those. I really like my 400's.

Have run 50 tuff plus on them for 4 years now with no problems.

Rick

Tanner · 12-10-2003, 10:41 AM

******, ya got me sold buddy. I'm gonna go pick up one of the on sale 400's tonight at Joes and wait for Santa to bring me my 251. :grin:

12-10-2003, 10:48 AM

You will like that one too. :grin: Have one for steelhead, shad, etc. Merry Christmas. Nice
photo of you and your son on the Christmas
thread. :smile:

Captn · 12-10-2003, 10:50 AM

If you are thinking of spending that kind of money, take a look at some other options. At Charkbait.com there are some heavy duty reals that are also great for casting, take a look at the Avet. You will probably still go with the Shimano because it is tried and true, but the LX sounds like a lifetime reel. Just a thought....

Gun Rod Bow · 12-10-2003, 10:51 AM

I think I've got all the reals mentioned above. I really think if your gonna use them for Chinook in the big rivers a 400 or 01 has the right line capacity.

I've burned through the drags in a 251 in a couple months.

The 251 would be better for steelies. The 400 are a bit of a heavy spool for much casting, other than bobbers with weight.

I like the 401 TE for bbing, in the sled I've got my left hand on the tiller, rod in the right. I notice with the TE all I need to do is touch it against my chest to put in gear.

I like the TE (because it's lefty) for bbing and bobbering, where a quick move to the real handle is key.

I have used the 251's for bbing in the drifter, where I don't have a lot of line out and and fish don't run as far as they seem to do in the big water.

Good Luck

Ollie's Rocks!! :grin:

12-10-2003, 12:16 PM

Tanner I have the 400 and the 251 along with the 151 so you can see I'm a big fan of the Calcutta series.
Just wish they made the 400 in LH retrieve without having to step all the way up to the TE series.

fatfish · 12-10-2003, 12:25 PM

Hands down the Shimano 401 TE with a big chinook hooked to the other end is a match made in heaven. Only drawback as mentioned previously is the price. You only go around once in life and if you can spring for the $'s the 401 TE is the way to go.

To paraphase:

Shimano 401 TE = Powerstroke (aka Chinookie)
Shimano 251 = Small Block (aka Silvery Steel)

Both are design to do a fantisic job for you.

greenbuttskunk · 12-10-2003, 01:57 PM

Tanner,
I have the 400's too. LOVE THEM! From chinook to big keeper sturgeon in the estuary, they are tops.
The GI joes price sounds good.
GBS

fishing is life · 12-10-2003, 03:31 PM

dont have one but wish i did. check out ebay you can buy new ones pretty cheap.

5-Cents · 12-10-2003, 07:31 PM

THIS CALCUTTA is probably one of the best you can buy!

:shocked: :shocked: WOW :shocked: :shocked:

I have 6 400's and they are awesome reels... you cant go wrong

but I still want one of these TE DC's

Flatfish · 12-10-2003, 07:52 PM

There is one in every crowd...

Abu Direct Drive.

Happy Holidays Tanner.

Mark and the dog.

Twitchs_Tackle · 12-10-2003, 08:04 PM

5-Cents, those reels look awesome! :shocked: WOW, I'd love to try one, but I'd be affraid that I'd fall in love :blush: Don't knwo about the "electroninc beep" to asure that the braking is working...imagine that multiplied X times on a brisk winter morning...

ZaQ · 12-10-2003, 11:23 PM

I have a couple of the 400's I use for most of salmon fishing. Good reels. I have a 151 I use for side drifting for steel and it is the nicest casting reel I have personally fished with. I would recommend it to anyone for steel, way to small for salmon or big hands like Nanooks.

:tongue: :grin: :grin: :grin:

Tanner · 12-11-2003, 07:31 AM

Thanks for all of your replies. I went out last night and bought my first Calcutta 400 loaded up with 50 lb Power Pro.
I got it home and played with it all night. I was going to sleep with it but my wife wouldn't let me. :grin:

Killertraylor · 12-11-2003, 10:14 AM

Welcome to the Calcutta ownership club, Tanner. I used to think 6 calcutta 400's were plenty until I found out 5-cents also had six. I now have 7 including a 400TE.

5-Cents · 12-11-2003, 10:46 AM

:shocked: [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img] Joe I am going to get one of those TE DC reels :grin:

Killertraylor · 12-11-2003, 11:44 PM

Figures....