Question? Time for a new Halibut reel.

socalkid · Nov-01-2009, 01:26 AM

Hello,

After 5 years of heavy saltwater fishing its time to retire my Calcutta 400. I never had one thing go wrong with it. It was my go to kayak and surf reel for the last two years. Its gotten dunked, filled with sand and never once let me down.

The reels Im looking at are: Calcutta 200B or 200GTB, Luna 203, Toro 50, and the Curado 300E. I have a Revo inshore that Im using now and I like that alot but it only holds 130 yards of 50lbs braid. I want something that holds 200 yards of 30lbs or 40lbs braid with a short 20lbs mono topshot. 250$ is the max I want to spend. It needs to have a smoooooth drag.

Its going to be put on a 8' trigger stick that Ill be slow trolling 4" and 5" swimbaits or slow trolling a carolina rig with 2 to 4 oz of weight.

Any thoughts on the reels? Any other reels I should look at?

Thanks,

Chris

kelpbass_kid · Nov-01-2009, 08:23 AM

consider the calcutta 300TE.

SeaBasstard · Nov-01-2009, 08:26 AM

Check out the DAIWA LUNA 253.

spdjunke · Nov-01-2009, 10:11 AM

If you like the Revo Inshore you are using now you will love the Toro 50. Mine is spooled with 40 braid and normally 20 topshot. I fish it on a 7'9" trigger stick and the combo feels very balanced.

Its A Keeper · Nov-01-2009, 11:18 AM

I have the Curado 300, Castiac 200, Calcutta 100 and 400...

for halibut fishing, I like reels with a lite clicker...I really like the Abu Garcia Record 60's and 70's...I hate to admit it, but I have been playing with some spinning reels (diawa regal 4000). That have a live bait feature with its own "drag" setting...I can set it just tight enough that the bait doesnt take line, but lite enough that when a fish hits the bait he can swim off with it with feeling the rod n reel.

That way I can put the rod in a holder and help my kids or grab a beer or sandwich.

To me the rod is as important as the reel for halibut...I prefer Glass rods with light tips. I think I wrapped a Seeker 196 as a spinning rod for the Diawa Regal,,,which is a great combo.

kelpbass_kid · Nov-01-2009, 12:08 PM

if you can find the the Calcutta 400S, that would be the ultimate halibut reel. the S means it topless and doesn't have a levelwind. It does have a clicker, and you can get a power handle for it. At the same time, it is also small and sturdy. My uncle fishes halibut out of channel islands harbor, and loves the reel. I know hes caught several fish over 40 pounds on it, as well as big yellows.

word-doctor · Nov-01-2009, 08:21 PM

Two things: consider an Abu 6500. And be careful on the Regal. I have one that has been fished fairly lightly in the salt, cared for, and is having bail issues. I'm happy about the reel but am bringing it in to see whassup... will report back.

Its A Keeper · Nov-01-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by word-doctor

Two things: consider an Abu 6500. And be careful on the Regal. I have one that has been fished fairly lightly in the salt, cared for, and is having bail issues. I'm happy about the reel but am bringing it in to see whassup... will report back.

I have several Abu's...5500's and 6500, Record 70
Regal, I havent had any problems, but you are correct. The spool did discolor were the gold is on it...which did make be a bit concerened about long term saltwater use.

socalkid · Nov-01-2009, 10:58 PM

Hello,

Thanks for the input guys. Im going to use the reel for calicos too so I want something with a levelwind. Its between the Toro50 and the Luna.

Thanks,

Chris