First - why doesn't Shimano make a Calcutta 300? It would be the perfect 15 lb. reel for Calicos and such.

Second - does anyone know an alternative that is the same high quality (i.e., not a Corsair!) and has the same features (and lack of stupid unnecessary features)? The Penn is as close as I've found but I like the thumb spool release (like on the Calcutta 250) instead of the button on the right side of the reel.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

pete, try the cardiff 300, I'm not sold on the catala series 100% although many folks like their's. neither reels are a calcutta though. many folks are wanting a calcutta 300, they should make one to fill the gap.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.

The Diawa Millionare CV-X 253 is what your looking for. $149 new, and very sweet. All CNC machined with super free spool. This is the reel Shimano needed to make. Trust me, I have a CT 200, 250, and 400, but filled the gap with this Diawa.

JP

http://www.abu-garcia.com/products/Detail.cfm?PassProductInfoId=33&PassPrevious=1300&PassLevel=2

Looks like an awesome reel but a little pricey at $220. Not that much more than the Calcutta 400 though if you look at it that way. Worth checking out anyway.

Tl,
Adam

wait till fall or winter of this year, they're comming out with a TE version, and a 400TE, albiet pricy as hell.

Shimano is comin out with a 300 an a 400 lefty an righty in the TE version which is the bigger drag within the next month. they're gonna cost about 350. ~Angler Andy