Been looking for a light converntional. I have a few light action rods which need a smaller size reel. My main reel on my surf rod is a Abu 7000 BG.
Is the Calcutta 250 or 251 a decent saltwater reel? It looks primarily freshwater. I would be using 10-12lb line line and throwing small swimmers, bombers and lighter lures.
Thoughts? Is it a durable surf reel?

Great reel for catching schoolies. Line capacity is small. It is a bit too small though for practical surf applications. I use the 400 all the time in the surf and off my boat. I think that is the reel you'd like better. Check pm's

I used a 251 when I lived out in Nevada for trout and it is an awesome reel. I think it is a little on the small side for the salt though. A 400 calcutta would be a better choice IMHO.

Hmm, thanks for the input, The 400 looks too big. Ideally a ABU 6500 would be a perfect fit for my rods, is the Calc. 400 around thr same size?

calcutta 400 and Abu 6500 are about the same. Abu also makes 5500 series reels. They make some very nice ones. I think they will hold more line than the Calcutta 250.

To your question , the calcutta 250 is an outstanding reel. If you think about using braid , it may be big enough for your application. For 10 or 12 pound mono , its capacity may be too small.

Anyway , check out the ABU 5500 series. Same design as the 6500 reels only smaller.

The Calcutta 400 is one of my favorite reels and I know a few that have and like the 250s for schoolie fishing but you might need a 'tweener reel in which case hunt around for someone with an Abu 5500 Mag Elite. It's a really nice reel for half the price of the 250, a little more capacity, and once upgraded with the power handel and the smoothie drag washers - real schweet.