What do you guys think of this reel for big bait purposes? If I replaced the stock drags, got the TE handle, and lubed it up, would it make a decent reel? Also, I've got an 800xl wrapped up for swimbaits but it has corktape. Does the reel clamp for the Calcutta work for the Catala? Thanks for any input.

Jake

Pick up a Cardiff 300, swap the handle out for one from www.fangard.com ($25.00), the Calcutta TE's WILL NOT work!!!! The shaft size is different. Now you have a real nice budget swimmy reel that will cover all your swimmy needs!!! You can also add ABEC7 bearings later if you's like to better your smaller bait distance as well. Thanks and God Bless, Nicholas
nshinkle@adelphia.net

when you change the handle on your reel with any handle not recommended by shimano you throw the torque off and will burn threw your gears and void the warranty. If you lube your reel keep oil away from your drag, spool shaft or any other part of the spool and gears. as far as bearings with the weight off the swimbaits you will be throwing it is not necesarry to upgrade them. I've never fished a cardiff but I know it is the best of the cost efficient reels and is fine out of the box. GOOD LUCK FISH ON and FISH OFTEN

Handle sizes are the same, just the paddles are of the larger TE variety.A bearing switch to 3 ABEC7's (ends of spool shaft and the spool bearing itself), WILL enhance performance on the smaller baits. What works even better though is "Super-Tuning". Email me for more info on the "super-tuning". I have 2 Cardiff 300's that have been "Super-tuned" and the larger paddle handles installed, and they're just a step below my 300TE. Thanks and God Bless, Nicholas nshinkle@adelphia.net