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Hello World. I recently purchased a Calcutta 400 reel for my girlfriend and was wondering if anybody else was having the same problems with it that I am. The reel was fitted with line by the tackle shop but it hasn't been working very well. When casting the line is flairing up on the spool with what appears to me to be alot of slack kicking back. This is making it really hard to achieve any distance as I have to really aslow down the spool to stop it from back lashing. I have adjusted the tension with the knob on the side of the reel both up and down but it doesn't seem to really help. My other reel is a Quantum Ironman nad it has never behaved like this. The second problem is that the line seems to "catch" in mid cast and stop dead. I thought at first it must have been wound oddly or had some sort of kink or knot. I peeled all the line off and put new stuff on but it also didn't help. Before I send the silly thing back does anybody in fish land have any great ideas?
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Great, great reel in my book. Have had mine now for 5 years and use it only on the Fraser (July & August) as its too big for the Vedder, etc., in my opinion. The only mechanical complaint I've had is I tightened one of the side plate screws a bit too much and it snapped on me. Warning: Don't use pliers! Hand tighten. The folks at Shimano in Coquitlam were quick to fix it though. What type/weight of main line are you using? I've tried a variety of lines, i.e. Mono, Tuff, Fire but I always seem to come back to Fireline. Its seems to be longer lasting and more versatile (not braided, smoother/longer casts) than the others for the Fraser. I always stick to 30 lb. no matter what main line I use. I do know what you're referring to when you speak of the "catch" in mid cast, and then dead stop. You generally end up losing your ball and leader, right? For me, it doesn't happen too often, but when it does, its generally immediately after I've fought a big Spring. What I found is that when the spool comes under significant tension from a large fish, the line tends to "dig in" between itself and thus catches. But as said, it certainly is not often. Sometimes, it doesn't happen for a few outings, then boom, it happens a couple of times in a row. The "flairing up" or bird's nest problem you're having most definitely has to do with the tension knob. Here's a suggestion. Everytime I change my line or first time out every year, I usually begin by tightening that knob practically to the fullest. Then I cast, which first time isn't too far. Then I loosen that knob a bit, then cast again. I do this over and over, until I get the exact spool tension I want. Maybe 6-8 casts to get it just right. Remember, weight plays an important part too, i.e. if you go from a 3 oz to a 2 oz, you'll have to loosen up a bit more to cast just as far as you did with the 3 oz. Another important thing is that I find you only have to make "micro" adjustments to the 400 to obtain results. Full and half turns are way too much. Start itty-bitty, and go from there. That's the key. When you've got it to suit your style/power, don't play with it. Remember, also, to never allow your 400 to "dip" in the Fraser. That'll give you endless problems,casting being one, until properly cleaned. That Fraser slit can really do a number, quickly, on any reel. Trust my experiences with the Calcutta 400 help you enjoy it to its fullest! Can't think of a smoother reel out there! Tight lines, Craig
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Thanks Craig I'll keep plugging at it and in the meantime I'll let my girlfriend use my Quantum Ironman.
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The Calcutta should never do that-take it back to Shimano. They are very good about upgrades and the like no probs probably just needs tweaking.
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Hi Fishdaddy Are you using the spool brakes? On the spoool there are two tiny plastic bits that fit onto metal pegs ( sorry for the way-technical description!) These will put a bit of tension from centrifical force and stop it from spinning too wildly when you cast. If you are using your tensioner properly, this may be why you're having probs. When I used Fireline I found more problems with the "digging in" thing. Especally after a big fish or snag. Good luck Al
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Thanks for the feed back everyone. I am using a Mono (Maxima Ultragreen 20lb) same as I've always used on my Quantum and it has never eally had a problem "digging in" Alan, I've not noticed the little bits you're talking about but I may just strip all the line off and take a look.
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You don't need to strip line off. They are under the side plate. As my dear old dad used to say 'When all else fails....read the instructions.'
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Hey ya fishdaddy Just undo the plate screws and pop out the spool. They will be on the side that has a clip holding the bearings in place. The brakes just snap on and off. Go back to where you bought it, they'll show you. Cheers Al
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