I have been struggling with the same exact question. I will be using it for the same reason you are in and outside of the bay. I have talked to a lot of people and read a lot of articles and have decided to go with the Shimano Citica over the Cardiff 300. This years Citica 200 is actual last years Curado. I just checked them out at Squidco this morninng and came away convinced. The man I spoke too had used them both and said the Citica was the way to go and he owns one himself. He told me that this years model is last years Curado. The price is only $99.00 which is a great deal. Good luck and let us know what you decide.