Best Convential for Boat Casting

[parker23]

Hey Striper,
I really like the Shimano Calcutta reels. They cast a mile, smooth drag and the level wind is essential for plugging. I have the 401 TE (left), this is my second year of hard use and abuse. At least 100 fishing sessions/year. Nothing has failed yet.

I rinse them once a week and a good cleaning while changing the line (at least once a month).

The TE series are expensive ($350.00). The casting brake is great. I cast 95% braid while fishing from boat and backlashes are minimal once the brake is tuned to your casting style. The only negative is casting lightwieght rubber. The brake system is funky w/light weight application and I still get the nasty birdsnest nearly every outing. I carry 2 on the boat,one tuned for light weight, the other heavier. It is much easier to turn up brake friction than to tune it down for the light stuff.
They also have the B series (1/2 price of TE), however, I have not used one.