Is the Calcutta 400 a good reel for a conventional bait setup? I got the reel as a gift. It has the level wind feature.

I also bought the larger handle for it for better cranking power. Im thinking of putting some Fireline XDS 50lb(15 diameter) on it as it has a rounder profile.

Any opinons appreciated.

Those are junk - send it to me to drill some holes in it. ;)

Folks around here seem to favor the Abu 7000 Big Games/C3, or Newell 229 for chunking.

Rumor has it that the Calcutta's don't like to get to splashed with saltwater & sand.

LOL. Some drain holes would be nice!

Thanks for the input, I heard the same thing from someone else. I guess I'll take a look at the ABU.

Can I put braid on it or should I stick to mono, and is it a level wind?

Calcutta 400 is a fine reel, particularly suited for boat bottom fishing applications such as scup, sea bass, fluking, and winter flounder.

I'm not sure it has the balls for larger bass.

And...don't dunk it in sand. Tolerances are too fine.

All of the newer style Abu Big Game (gold side plates) have levelwinds. Newells are always no levelwinds. Stay w/ levelwind if you aren't use to it. I appreciate the levelwinds in the dark. ;)

Daiwa slosh, or SHV are nice chunkers as well (no level winds).

Mono is more forgiving than braid. 20 lb should be OK, 25 lb if its rocky and may be more if its jagged rocks....lol. If the beach is open you can drop down to 17 lb, or even 14 lb for some added distance.

I've been eyeing the Abu 7000BGN (narrow spool model). :)

Swing smooth/be fluid casting - best advice some one gave me when using a conventional set up.

Thanks for that info.

A final question...what size rod should I match an Abu with?

11' ok? One that can throw ip to 12ozs?

12 oz is a lot of weight.

Allstar 12'6" 2 pc would be my first choice for production rod. Custom built Rainshadow SU1209 (10' one piece) would be next.

For lower $ a 12' Tica would probably do it, or 10' Uglystick.

For the custom - pm mikecc @ M&D's in Wareham, MA, OR you can wrap it yourself.