Calcutta 250

[RIJIMMY]

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?

[keeperreaper]

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

[MAC]

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.

[RIJIMMY]

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?

[Saltheart]

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.

[JohnR]

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.