Inshore low profile baitcaster

[bmachale]

I am thinking of getting a low profile bait caster for 20lb (20 lb spectra with a top shot of mono less than 20lb) for fishing the kelp beds for calicos or sand bass/halibut. The reeel should be sized for the "normal" kjelp size fish and maximizing fight. Castbility and control (low backlash) is important. What do you guys think would be the best options for power versus size.

[crazy hawaiian]

Originally Posted by bmachale

I am thinking of getting a low profile bait caster for 20lb (20 lb spectra with a top shot of mono less than 20lb) for fishing the kelp beds for calicos or sand bass/halibut. The reeel should be sized for the "normal" kjelp size fish and maximizing fight. Castbility and control (low backlash) is important. What do you guys think would be the best options for power versus size.

The hell with the low profile, get a Shimano Cardiff 200 or 300.

[kidflex]

curado 300 and be done with it

[calicopro]

Originally Posted by kidflex

curado 300 and be done with it

Ditto that, and I would start at 50lb spectra for the kelp. The other stuff breaks more easily when caught in the kelp...at least when I'm fishing anyway

[sandiegosteve]

Love the Curado 300. I use 30# P Pro on it. The #20 was a pain; it likes to look around the rod tip and really digs in on itself. The narrow stuff (#30 included) needs to be spooled on very tight or it will dig in on itself and takes away from the fun.

I've also got a Diawa Coasta which is ok. It works well, and is very good for the price.

[bmachale]

Curado is a beautiful reel. A little pricey, but no doubt worth it. Cardiff 300 looks okay. What about the Citica 200 DSV. Any thoughts on that one?

thanks,

bob

[hucklongfin]

I think the Citica is about like the prior generation of Curado (green) which are nice reels.

[Produce Man]

I went in another direction. Bought a Penn Pursuit. They also have another one (Sargus) which has a cast control dial. I figured that I'm just throwing FT's and stuff 1/4 oz and up and the Pursuit's just fine for me. Both use basically the drags from a 965 Int and mine scales @ 10.75 lbs. Filled mine w/30# PP.

Penn The Biggest Name in Fishing!
Penn The Biggest Name in Fishing!

[tinfish]

I bought a Citica two weeks ago and have fished it twice and really like it. Ive only fished Bass in the bays but so far so good. Like the price also. I also here the Caostal is good for the $$ also and is made for salt water.

[WoodsKeeper]

You can get the curado 300dsv $189.99 or the sargus w/th100 drags (same as intnl)for 199.99 @ jimmy's outdoors in anahiem 714-630-6580. Both reels will get the job done.

[golfneveresq]

pricey -- calcutta 400...........reasonable -- curado.......inexpensive -- penn 500

[duanediego]

i picked up a citica 200dsv awhile back as a back-up reel while my other reels get serviced and i havent taken it off my swimbait rod yet. spooled it up with straight 30lb spiderwire ultracast and have plucked tons calico from the weeds on it this year. i really dig the reel and havent got one complaint about it. for the price, its killer.