[pjm66]

Is a Calcutta 401 TE a good choice for striper fishing on a party boat or am I better off going with a Penn 321 GT? Love the Calcutta, hadnt really planned on using it for stripers, but it is so smooth I am dying to try it out. I just dont want to be undergunned, especially on a headboat.

What do you guys think?

 

[Hunt n' Fish]

Doing what kind of fishing for stripers? That's an expensive, and fancy reel, for just letting out a clam belly to a stiper. I'd go with the 320 GTI over the Calcutta for bait, but for casting lures, yes, the Calcutta's a much better option.

 

[pjm66]

This time of year I would imagine we are going to be clamming. My concern is that it doesnt have the onions to stand up to a 25 lb fish. I'm not real interested in losing control on a party boat. I really like the reel...very smooth. I just want to make sure I am not asking it to do too much.

 

[DandJfish]

Calcutta

We have landed Albies up to 35 lbs on that reel. No problem

.

 

[rubicon]

I have 2 400's that i chunk with. Great reel, light in weight, but up to the task. I've caught 25lb bass on them and bluefish up to 15lbs. You won't be craning them in, but a lot of fun.

 

[pjm66]

Thanks---I think I am gonna give it a shot then and see how it works out.

 

[YMMV1]

You will have no problems with that reel.

 

[Slick56]

Just an FYI, for party boat fishing for bass I have an Ugly stick BWB1140 with a Penn 320 and never had a problem getting the bass up from deep water. Cheaper option imo.

 

[pjm66]

I hear ya, it is definitely cheaper. I already own both reels though, the Calcutta was my most recent purchase and I really like it. I guess I am just looking for an excuse to use it. I have one of those BPS muskie rods, I think i am going to put it on that and see how it goes.

I talked to the guys at Ramsey Outdoor today and they claim that there is no power handle for the 401TE, instead i need to get Trinidad 14 handle and use that...does that sound accurate?

 

[Leprechaun]

That is correct. Also, just so you know, the Abu power handles also will direct fit that reel. Have you seen the new Abu handles with the big soft rubber knobs? Pretty nice stuff.

best, Lep

 

[Slick56]

Leprechaun wrote:
That is correct. Also, just so you know, the Abu power handles also will direct fit that reel. Have you seen the new Abu handles with the big soft rubber knobs? Pretty nice stuff.

best, Lep

are you talking about these Lep

 

[pjm66]

That sounds like it would be a lot easier to get my hands around than a Trini 14 handle. Is there anything special i need to know about the install?

 

[Skolmann]

I've been using the same pair of Calcutta 400's since the late 1990's for clamming/chunking bass in the spring and jigging in the fall. I have them serviced yearly and the drag washers replaced as needed.

I fish them from both private & party boats.

Both are spooled with #20 Momoi Diamond mono.

I've taken bass to just under #30 with them.

Only modification I made was to replace the double paddle handle with a live bait handle.

I own a Penn GTi 320 and to me it's just to heavy to be holding all day.

IMHO, go with the Calcutta.

 

[Leprechaun]

Slcik - no, those are the old style, hard plastic handles. I'm talking about the newest ones out there that look like this - a real nice upgade:

 

[Slick56]

Thats what I thought. Those look sweet!

 

[pjm66]

Thats the ticket--is there anything special I need to know about the installation?

Second question---are the right/left hand specific or are they universal? FYI I have a Calcutta 401 TE if it matters.

 

[Leprechaun]

The handle will crank either way - good to go.

Lep

 

[pjm66]

Thanks

 

[MattAng]

your calcutta has way more than enough cajones for a 25 lb striper.
I use my 250 for light chunking on private boats.