Rod for Shimano Calcutta 251

[scubapro]

Hi Folks,

I was given one of these for my birthday.

Can some please tell me what type of line to use & which rod would be a good match for it without breaking the bank.

Scubapro

[craigie]

Scubapro,

More information ???? What fish do you want to target ??
It's a great reel so I would reccomend getting a quality rod to match it. That size Baitcaster is well suited to trolling/casting small to medium sized lures. 10 lb Braid or Fireline would be a good allround size (catch everything from Bass to Flathead). I would suggest A 4 kg Wilson Live Fibre rod, would be a good match to complete this outfit.
It's a bit difficult to give a full reccomendation without knowing what your intended target species will be.

cheers
Craigie.

[scubapro]

Craigie,

Thanks for the info. I will be using for bream, bass, flathead etc. So I guess I am trying to find a rod that can toss lures, squidgies as well as bait fishing.

I will be using inthe boat, canoe & from estuary banks. I am trying to find one around the 6 ft plus mark as I do not want a short rod.

Taking into account this is my very first baitcaster & I still have to learn to cast :o :o.

How long is the wilson & how much does it cost please?
Would I get the rod cheaper in Qld?

I will be iin the Gold Coast on the 11th July for a week. My daughter wants to do the theme park routine ::).

Thanks again.

Scubapro

[craigie]

Hi Scubapro,

I'm on your wavelength now, but still a bit tricky to pick a rod that will fish lightweight soft plastics for Bream and then use heavier gear for Lizards ?
The live Fibre is only 5 foot 6 inches so it may be too short for your likeing ?
Look for a rod that is rated about 3-4 kg, I have a rod called a 'Braid Buster' that is built on a 'Pacific Composite' Blank that I fish for Bass/Flathead using Soft Plastics. It's very versatile, fished with 8 to 10 pond Fireline gives enough finnesse to be successful. I think this one is a bit over 6 foot long.
The 'Live Fibre' and the 'Braid Buster' are priced around the $120 to $150 mark (I think), have a look at A/mart all sports Fishing section.
The Gold Coast has a couple of good Tackle stores to check out when you get there.

It's unlikely that you can find a rod that will successfully throw various size lures (hard body and soft plastics) and Bait fish as well ??? But you never know until you have a look around ???

Drop me a line if you need any more help,

Cheers
Craig.

[scubapro]

Thanks Craig,

I looked at a Daiwa Heartland rod today. It looked OK but I do not know anything about these rods. I might wait until I get to Qld & check out the rods there.

Cheers

Jeff

[StuH]

Jeff,
Have a look at the Steve Starling range of Shimano rods, particularly the Calcutta or if you want something with a little more grunt the new Squidgy Barra Buster. Both top quality and excellent value.

Stu.