Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Dennis.t on November 24, 2011, 07:18:54 PM

Title: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 24, 2011, 07:18:54 PM
In the market for a new levelwind for fishing steelhead. Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: 1son on November 24, 2011, 07:24:47 PM
Abu Garcia c4 this will be my second season using it for steels works great for me ;D
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: EZ_Rolling on November 24, 2011, 07:48:11 PM
if it's just for steelhead I would choose one of the low profile models

light weight and easy to cast all day
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: BCfisherman97 on November 24, 2011, 07:51:23 PM
If your looking for a reel just for steelheading that's affordable, an Abu Garcia Black or Silver Max is great. If you just want an all around reel that if affordable and durable, I would go with an Abu Garcia C4 series reel.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 24, 2011, 07:59:57 PM
if it's just for steelhead I would choose one of the low profile models

light weight and easy to cast all day

Could you recommend a brand? Have had a look at the Shimano Curado.Doesnt look like you can fit much line on the spool.I fish 12pd test mainline.Fished the ambassadors alot over the yrs and highly recommend them.Looking to upgrade to something such as a Gold Calcutta or one of the new low profile Shimanos.Any advice on these reels much appreciated.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 24, 2011, 08:37:27 PM
Dennis.t, check this Abu. I've been using one for three years and not a single problem. Excellent drag. Luv this reel and its landed everything. http://www.abugarcia.com/products/reels/low-profile-baitcast-reels/revo/revo-toro
Wow! Nice product! Larger spool,black in color. Is there any advantage to the low profile reels?
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: mzmann on November 24, 2011, 08:45:42 PM
Wow! Nice product! Larger spool,black in color. Is there any advantage to the low profile reels?

X2 on the revo toro reels. To answer your other question.....better look, sleeker, more comfortable to use (for most) and most importantly for long cold steelie days....lighter!
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Nitroholic on November 24, 2011, 10:10:25 PM
curado 200e7 or 201e7 can be had for ~$130 online, holds plenty of line
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 25, 2011, 04:38:54 AM
curado 200e7 or 201e7 can be had for ~$130 online, holds plenty of line
Thanks for all  the replies.Would like to see and hold the reel before I buy.Bought a reel on line a couple of yrs ago and was disapointed.The Gold Calcuttas come in different model #s,what would be the best one too buy? Leaning toward the Abu Revo for now.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: EZ_Rolling on November 25, 2011, 07:09:52 AM
Dennis... I have heard good things about the Revo but personally I am a Shimano guy, I have a Curado and a Calais I also fish both of them with braid and line capacity is not a issue.
Like the Curado ...Love the Calais  ;D
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 25, 2011, 08:09:38 AM
Personally, I really like my Shimano Calcutta 200B.  I use this for coho and steelhead and it casts small presentations very smoothly.  I spool this with 12 lb. Maxima Ultragreen, and line capacity is not an issue on small to medium sized rivers like the Vedder/Chilliwack.  I also have an Abu Garcia C3 5500 as a backup, but have only used it a few times.  It's a fine reel, but the Calcutta is much nicer to use.

One piece of advice I'll offer is if you are going to be fishing small to medium size rivers like the Vedder, go with a smaller reel like a 200.  Don't go with a Calcutta 400B.  It is a very nice reel with tons of line capacity.  But for steelhead on a river like the Vedder, you don't need a 400 size reel.  A 200 size reel will handle smaller weights and lighter line much easier, plus it will be lighter in your hand which could mean avoiding the physiotherapist after a hard day's fishing.

I haven't used a low profile reel before, so I cannot comment on them.  Good luck and have fun!!! :)
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Jewelz on November 25, 2011, 10:31:21 AM
http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shopsreg;-Pro-Qualifierreg;-Baitcast-Reels/product/102287/72586?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

My dad bought this one at the beginning of the summer. Been fishing with it ever since (except for Chinook). Loves it. He replaced his Abu Morrum with it. For only $90 and a average rating of 4.8/5 over 476 reviews, how can you go wrong. Anyways, happy searching!
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Bassonator on November 26, 2011, 07:57:31 AM
[url][/http://www.berrysbait.com/products/casting-209/quantum-14/cabo-pts-30-series-13595.aspx[url] Bought this puppy in the summer nice light weight, got it spooled with 300 yds of 30# braid and I can use it in salt water too if I have to.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 26, 2011, 11:58:05 AM
Personally, I really like my Shimano Calcutta 200B.  I use this for coho and steelhead and it casts small presentations very smoothly.  I spool this with 12 lb. Maxima Ultragreen, and line capacity is not an issue on small to medium sized rivers like the Vedder/Chilliwack.  I also have an Abu Garcia C3 5500 as a backup, but have only used it a few times.  It's a fine reel, but the Calcutta is much nicer to use.

One piece of advice I'll offer is if you are going to be fishing small to medium size rivers like the Vedder, go with a smaller reel like a 200.  Don't go with a Calcutta 400B.  It is a very nice reel with tons of line capacity.  But for steelhead on a river like the Vedder, you don't need a 400 size reel.  A 200 size reel will handle smaller weights and lighter line much easier, plus it will be lighter in your hand which could mean avoiding the physiotherapist after a hard day's fishing.

I haven't used a low profile reel before, so I cannot comment on them.  Good luck and have fun!!! :)
Yes, i have the Gold Calcutta 400B. Yeh for sure i would get a smaller size.Whats the difference between the B and the TE models?
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on November 27, 2011, 09:25:26 AM
Sorry, I haven't tried a TE myself.  However, my friend Stratocaster has one and has been alternating between the TE and Calcutta 200B for coho.  I know it's a very smooth reel, but it's also a bit more pricey.  Stratocaster also has an older Calcutta 250 that he repaired and has being using as well.  He mentioned that he found the 200B and 250 to be very similar, but perfers the handles on the 200B.

Maybe Stratocaster can add some info when he's back from vacation... ;)
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Stratocaster on November 27, 2011, 10:59:58 AM


Maybe Stratocaster can add some info when he's back from vacation... ;)

maybe I can add some info while on vacation!

The te has more bearings than the B reels making them smoother. Not sure if its worth the extra cost though.  Also the te has metal level wind line guides as opposed to plastic.

Unless you are on a very tight budget,  go for a Calcutta 200b over an Abu.  The Calcutta will remain smooth much longer than an Abu c series reel.  Also go for the 200 over the 400 if you are using it on the Vedder.  A Sage 2106B is perfect with the 200 B
If you can't afford a Sage, try a lighter Lami certified pro series.

Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on November 27, 2011, 01:25:41 PM
maybe I can add some info while on vacation!

The te has more bearings than the B reels making them smoother. Not sure if its worth the extra cost though.  Also the te has metal level wind line guides as opposed to plastic.

Unless you are on a very tight budget,  go for a Calcutta 200b over an Abu.  The Calcutta will remain smooth much longer than an Abu c series reel.  Also go for the 200 over the 400 if you are using it on the Vedder.  A Sage 2106B is perfect with the 200 B
If you can't afford a Sage, try a lighter Lami certified pro series.


Just bought a Sage ;D.Thanks for the info.Going to be a Gold Cacutta 200 TE or 250 TE or the ABU low profile Revo.Tough choice to make? ???
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Nitroholic on November 27, 2011, 01:53:06 PM
how about a conquest 200 off ebay
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Ken D on November 28, 2011, 11:52:37 AM
Hio, Dennis.....I'd fish a 2500C IAR with braid. In chrome.   But if you go the smaller Shimano, you'll be just fine as well.
(http://tanemura.net/lure/reel/2500ciar.jpg)
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on December 19, 2011, 07:51:44 PM
Ended up buying the abu revo! Silky smooth! Paid 289.00 at Cabellas in Edmonton.Both smaller size Gold Calcuttas,i noticed the line guide doesnt move back and forth when casting.Didnt like that.The feel ,color and smoothness of the revo,sold me!Thanks for the info guys! ;D
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Brook Trout on December 19, 2011, 09:09:24 PM
I recently have bought a Abu Black Max i have been using it on a certain interior river which i wont name.. but i have landed a 10lb rainbow and many bulls/rainbows in the 3-5lb range it works great and is very affordable
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: mzmann on December 19, 2011, 09:38:42 PM
I recently have bought a Abu Black Max i have been using it on a certain interior river which i wont name.. but i have landed a 10lb rainbow and many bulls/rainbows in the 3-5lb range it works great and is very affordable

Very few rivers period that will entertain those numbers you speak of and especially "interior rivers" (unless you are talking more northern interior, lol).......other than that only one really comes to mind and its a large and stable enough system (imo) that I dont think its a problem naming it. However for the sake of maybe offending someone I as well will leave the river with "a part of home" in it "unnamed" as well  ;)
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on December 19, 2011, 09:48:32 PM
Ended up buying the abu revo! Silky smooth! Paid 289.00 at Cabellas in Edmonton.Both smaller size Gold Calcuttas,i noticed the line guide doesnt move back and forth when casting.Didnt like that.The feel ,color and smoothness of the revo,sold me!Thanks for the info guys! ;D

Congrats on your purchase.  I'm sure you'll enjoy that reel for many years to come.  Btw - I felt the same when I first tried out my Calcutta 200B, but now I really like the fact that the line guide only moves during the retrieve.  First off, there's less overall friction/resistance and increased smoothness when casting.  Second - there's less wear on the worm gear and pawl.  But go with what you like and what gives you confidence.  ;)
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: lapa on December 19, 2011, 10:15:45 PM
Congrats on your purchase.  I'm sure you'll enjoy that reel for many years to come.  Btw - I felt the same when I first tried out my Calcutta 200B, but now I really like the fact that the line guide only moves during the retrieve.  First off, there's less overall friction/resistance and increased smoothness when casting.  Second - there's less wear on the worm gear and pawl.  But go with what you like and what gives you confidence.  ;)
X2. I have Calcutta 250 for 5 years. Still perform like new, with all original parts.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Dennis.t on December 20, 2011, 04:00:58 AM
Congrats on your purchase.  I'm sure you'll enjoy that reel for many years to come.  Btw - I felt the same when I first tried out my Calcutta 200B, but now I really like the fact that the line guide only moves during the retrieve.  First off, there's less overall friction/resistance and increased smoothness when casting.  Second - there's less wear on the worm gear and pawl.  But go with what you like and what gives you confidence.  ;)
Yah,my buddy bought the te and was unhappy with the guide not moving back and forth during casting.It does on my 400b.Thats what ultimately swayed my decision.My first choice would have been to stick with the calcutta.After hearing your comments.I might have to try it out for myself.The 200te was  349.00 at the Edmonton Cabellas.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: bigblockfox on December 20, 2011, 01:07:11 PM
cant believe no one mentioned the luna
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Animal Chin on December 20, 2011, 01:26:50 PM
cant believe no one mentioned the luna

Yeah, actually i've been thinking about a new baitcaster along lines of the OP. I was thinking same thing with the level wind moving on cast, glad I read this thread. I'm looking for it to be able to cast out spoons and light presentations well. So far it's the CalcuttaB, or Revo, but Luna 253 as well.

I have a Abu Black Max now, works fine, but I just want something smoother.

The lady at Mike''s Reel Repair said Calcutta is excellent reel but from their perspective Daiwa parts are more readily available.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Stratocaster on December 20, 2011, 02:35:34 PM
Actually, Calcutta parts are easy to get.  Just a quick e-mail to Shimano and I had my parts in a week.  Price of the parts are almost always cheaper than that of Mike's.  I was able to fix the Anti-Reverse Ratchet and ARB bearing on my 14 year old Calcutta 250. 
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Animal Chin on December 20, 2011, 03:46:55 PM
Actually, Calcutta parts are easy to get.  Just a quick e-mail to Shimano and I had my parts in a week.  Price of the parts are almost always cheaper than that of Mike's.  I was able to fix the Anti-Reverse Ratchet and ARB bearing on my 14 year old Calcutta 250. 

So your vote is for the Shimano? I've been following yours and magician's posts. Sounds good. Especially rods, but I'll start a new thread so as not to hijack this one more than i already have. Thanks.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Fish Assassin on December 20, 2011, 03:52:37 PM
The downside of Shimano is that they moved their repair center to Ontario. >:( Recently bought a Daiwa Luna. That reel is super smooth.
Title: Re: Levelwind Advice
Post by: Stratocaster on December 20, 2011, 04:17:20 PM
Chances are you won't need to service a calcutta until much later.  My 250 only required a few parts to fix and its lasted me a long time.  The Calcutta, Luna and Revos are all fine reels.  You won't go wrong with any one of them.  I guess it just comes down to personal preference for me.  Always been a Calcutta person.  BTW I believe the 200B's are priced at 219.00 at Wholesale Sports.  This is their regular price.  Quite reasonable for what you are getting.