I read Rich Pedros listing, 2/21/05, about casting reels. Nothing was mentioned about the Shimano Corvalus 401or the Cardiff 401. And while we are at it how about Pflueger Trion 66? I have been looking at these to use on a 9 foot heavy salmon rod. They fit my budget better and I wonder if anyone out there can give me information on them. Thanks, you are All a great resource!


Lon

Hey Lon,
I am a big Shimano fan and have a couple of buddies that have used the cardiff for Fluke fishing here on the east coast. Althought they are not as costly as the Calcutta's or others they do not perform as well under the preasure of big fish. And lets face it a Fluke will not test a reel like a Salmon would! I have learned the hard way and in my opinion it would be worth the few extra dollars and upgrade to the Calcutta or the new Tekota. Buy it once and take care of it and you will have it for a long time! I have had excellent luck with the Calcutta 400 for Striper fishing! And will be purchasing the new Tekota 500 or 600 for this spring. If you have any other questions just let me know.

Best of Luck, Tom

If you want a Calcutta 250 baitcasting reel get it now! They have been discontinued and are no longer being manufacturered. I would almost bet the cost of production for this reel is too high for the established "market" price. I am not sure about the 400 but would guess it is no longer available also.

I've caught lots of salmon (and steelhead) on my Garcia 5500 that I've had for about 14 years. I have many other salmon reels, but Garcias are my personal favorites. You'll also see the 5500 and 6500 on a lot of guide boats. They're inexpensive, durable, and easy to maintain and repair (and parts are cheaper and easier to come by since they are so popular.) I always keep my eye out for the older 5500c (with the black grips on the handle). For some reason, I find them easier to cast than the brand new ones.

Sorry Nick! I forgot about those!!! I also have 3 Abu 6500 that I use for Fluke... Very good reels as well! But I do not think they cast as well as the Shimano's. I know some guys have had custom sets of berrings made for their Abu's that seem to improve the reel even more. But none the less a great reel for the money.

Haven't tried a Cardiff , but the Corvalus hasn't done well reliability wise as Tom mentioned.
Nick said it all about the Abu reels, some of the reels I've seen on the river look like they were dragged behind the truck from all the bangs, dents, bent handles and scrapes they gotten from being dropped and dragged around on the rocks, but they keep on ticking(15, 20, 30 years old) and everyone has parts.
A reel I tried this year that I really liked was the Tica Caiman reels, casted great, super smooth, great drag and salt tight, but they are about $25 to 30 dollars more.
Didn't know Shimano was pulling the Calcuttas, I thought they were just upgrading them with ARB bearing, etc.
Forgot the Plfueger, only know of one guy that has some, so far so good. Nicer casting that the Abu reels. If they hold up as well as the President reels seem to be doing, they would be a good choice.

I have 4 of the Pfleugers now, price was a consideration at first but I love those things now. Smooth casting, easy brake adjustment and nice drags. I use them for all my salmon and steelhead rigs. Also just bought a President spinning reel. Unused yet, but if it's like the Trions, I'll be a happy camper.