I just bought this beautiful rod from Turners for live bait party boat fishing. I want a good quality baitcasting reel to go with it with a infinite antiThe -reverse. Rod size is 8' 12~30 lb.

well, I'm more of a Loomis guy, but i'll admit, californias are nice for the price!!! I have a loomis bbr965 (17-40) and a bbr904c (12-25)They both have calcutta 400te. They sit sweet on the rod which are pretty close to your action! If you dont wanna spend so much, a regular calcutta 400 is also good. I still have mine after 6 years and it slays anything from sandies, calicos, yellow, and albies!!! The te is a good investment though, you get 2 more bearings and trinidad like drags!!!

I've owned a lot of saltwater baitcasters from Abu, Daiwa, Shimano, & Quantum. Hands down my favorite is the Daiwa Millionaire CV-X 253. Small enough to fish 10 or 12#, but big enough with enough capacity to fish 15 or 17#. With that said, I also own a Shimano Calcutta 300TE it's a great reel, but to pricy IMO for most applications.

JP

i have the same rod. i used to use a calcutta 400S (non-levelwind) on it then when to a pro gear CS550. judging from what youre looking for in terms of anti reverse, the calcutta would fit the best. but doesnt hold enough 20lb test for my taste. and that rod LOVES 20lb line.

i got to agree with pescador. That progear cs 500 and 550 are great for 15lb to 25lb. The drag power is unbelievable!!! Ive broken 40lb. buttoned down. By far that reel is great for th wall also. You cant beat the 6 to 1 ratio. You have to get use to the wait seeing it is all one piece aluminum and your not going to find any plastic in these! Even though it is 6;1 it's a crane and a half. If you have a chance to fish it "you'll get hooked!"

i would strap on a Daiwa Sealine-x20SHV. gotta love the freespool. 420yds. of 12lb, 350yds. of 14lb, 210 yds. of 20lb.
i fish 20 on mine, flyline for surface fish.

I don't think Calcutta has "real" infinite anti-reverse. It's called super stopper.

Does CVX-253 offer a leftie?

Super Stopper is Shimano's trademark name for infinite anti-reverse. Other brands have their own monikers for the same feature. They might be pricey (to some folks) but I think they are a great VALUE. Many other factors come into play after purchase--like service, parts and customer care. Shimano is awesome at all.

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

I did get a chance to compare the Calcutta and Daiwa CVZ. The Calcutta's anti-reverse has a lotta of back play compare to the CVZ which has vertually no play. I did find that the Shimano "Catala" was pretty close to the Calcutta but almost 1/2 cheaper.

i agree about the Calcuttas, but they are too expensive. i dont like the daiwa's. i had a sl20, it did me well but the dogs went out. they seem to go out real early on those reels....i think you should get a newell 220. i am a believer in the newells. they last forever! I dont care if they make funny noises after awhile, they are great reels. if they make funny noises, that means you got a good reel! haha


joe

I have the same rod, the 8' Heavy. I put an Abu on mine but it hasn't been working to well. If you don't oil it down frequently, the thing that you push to freespool the reel (I don't know what it's called!) will start sticking. It won't pop into gear when you start cranking and you have to lift it up with your fingernail. I recommend a Calcutta 400 cuz I just got one and it's really smooth and casts really well.