Shimano Corsair Questions

lilnorthfork · 12-29-2003, 12:58 PM

Got a Corsair for Christmas. Don't want to be ungrateful, but don't want a reel that is not going to perform either. Just how bad are they? I would be using it for sh fishing, probably a dozen times a year. Since I mostly chuck flies, I don't want to own an arsenal of casting reels... just one for sh and one for salmon. Should I trade it for a Catala or will it work okay for my needs. Thanks for opinions. lnf

reeldick · 12-29-2003, 01:03 PM

I've used mine for over a year now for both SH and springers. I have had NO problems with it at all. It is not the finest reel I have ever used but it is great considering what I paid.

12-29-2003, 01:03 PM

Go with the Catala! The Corsair has a troublesome history and are still not a good reel.

GOT2FISH · 12-29-2003, 01:06 PM

I had two when I first started, they were what I tought the right price point. As I recall the drag was not very good and the real would kinda skip when you had a fish on, I personaly dont like them and havent heard to many sucsess stories about them.

Hogback · 12-29-2003, 01:11 PM

lnf
If you are only going to own one, why not go for the gusto and get a Calcutta? They are spendy but very versatile.
Randy

Day Late Fishen · 12-29-2003, 04:14 PM

If it was me I would do one of two things... 1 return it or 2 throw it away. You might get lucky and have a good one but I won't loose anouther fish or worse yet day of fishen to that reel!!

Dr Strangelove · 12-29-2003, 04:17 PM

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth; just quietly return it for an Abu Garcia C3 5500 or 6500. The Catala is OK too if it has to stay gold to fool the giver. Friends don't let friends try to land salmon with Corsairs.

HOGTIDE · 12-29-2003, 04:38 PM

FMS has a Catala 300 in its clearance bin for $69 as of this am. It might be the reel for you!

wootersen · 12-29-2003, 05:58 PM

Had mine for a year before I sold it on ebay. Hated that thing. Had drag problems from day one. I took the money and bought a 5501 c4 abu-garcia for about $60.00. If your looking for a good steelhead reel, you might try the abu garcia 5500 c5. Casts very nice, but no left handed model for me yet. I say, return it while you still can and get something functional. Lots of great reels in that same price range.

Corkie Monster · 12-29-2003, 06:40 PM

For the love of god trade it for the Calcutta or Curado :grin: . It's worth the extra $$$$.

CM

12-29-2003, 07:17 PM

I have a gold Corsair and it hasn't caused me any problems. I would sugest upgrading to a Calcutta 400 if you can handle the extra cost.

greenbuttskunk · 12-30-2003, 06:57 AM

Jon,
trade in the reel, and the brother for giving it to you. :grin: Actually, it's a decent reel (for fertilizer).
Hey, we could start a "reel improvement group"
"Hi, my name is Jon, and I own a Corsair"

That FMS deel in the clearance bin sounds good to me too, I may have to beat you to it.
GBS

[ 12-30-2003, 08:00 AM: Message edited by: greenbuttskunk ]