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Shimano Calcutta Reels
I'm looking for a recommendation from guys who use Shimano Calcutta reels n salt water. Last year I splurged and purchased two Shimano Calcutta reels model 400 CTE. I'd been using (often struggling with) vintage Penn Squidders, Model 145 and 146 and vintage Penn surfmaster 200 reels and the Calcutta 400 reels came highly recommended. They certainly cast more easily than my Penn Squidders reels but the Calcutta's seem very fragile, better suited to boat than surf fishing. Both of my nearly-new Calcutta's had to be sent back to Shimano for factory repairs (no cost to me, other than one way shipping costs). On one Calcutta, I was testing the clkicker knob and it stuck in the "on" position. Reel had been used just twice in a local pond for practice casting. The second reel accidentally dropped from the tailgate of my truck and hit the pavement below. Reel handle would not turn after that fall. If these were my vintage Penn reels they'd be scratched but still operative.
Am I expecting too much from a Calcutta reel? Are these reels too fragile for saltwater use? Maybe I purchased the wrong model Calcutta's. I don't need a levelwind device. Is there another model Shimano Calcutta reel I should be looking at? I usually cast 3/4 oz to 2 oz jigs and lures using a 7-foot rod from a boat and 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 ounce plugs and jigs (using 9 to 11 foot rods) from the surf (sandy beaches) in the spring and fall.
If you have any suggestions, I'd be grateful. Thanks, guys.
Bill Brett
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