shimano citica

[dilbert]

I'm planning on taking advantage of the rebate and buying the left handed Citica here shortly. I just can't decide if I want to get it with the Fish Eagle II from Cabelas or the Extreme XPS rod from Bass Pro Shops.

Are you buying the combo, or the reels seperate?? I would buy them seperate and match it to a better quality rod.

I was looking at buying the combo, I had pretty much decided on the Extreme XPS one. The combo is $139.98 in the sale catalog(prices good through March 31st even though it's more online) - $30 rebate on the reel, so $109.98 for the combo.

The reel alone would be 119.99 - $30 rebate = $89.99, so essentially the rod is $20. Are there any other rods in the $20 range that would be better? Or other combo deals with the Citica that I should consider?

[danielt]

Baitcaster are meant to be palmed and you cant palm it correctly and push the button with your thumb and also thumb the spool at the same time while you cast.

What did you mean by this?

I am looking into buying a baitcasting outfit for salmon and steelhead and I am worried about my ability to use it. I know that the new reels are better than they were in my youth but I am still concerned.

The way you hold the reel when you cast v.s. when you are holding while fishing in position to set the hook are two completely different ways. So my point was it doesnt matter what had you use to cast or retrieve you still have to re position your hands into "ready" or "fishing" mode after the cast. So basically I dont understand why everyone complains about switching hands. I'm right handed and I use right hand retrieve and I dont consider myself an old-timer, YET.haha.

[tnj8222]

im left handed and use a right handed retrieve. i cant do it the other way.

[Toni]

The way you hold the reel when you cast v.s. when you are holding while fishing in position to set the hook are two completely different ways. So my point was it doesnt matter what had you use to cast or retrieve you still have to re position your hands into "ready" or "fishing" mode after the cast. So basically I dont understand why everyone complains about switching hands. I'm right handed and I use right hand retrieve and I dont consider myself an old-timer, YET.haha.

Thank you danielt. That makes it clear. I am looking at different reels to buy. I am narrowing it down.

[kzoo]

I'm right handed and always used left handed baitcasters. I use to have huge arguements with my bass buddies about this topic. I never thought it was comfortable setting a hook and fighting a fish using my left hand.

Sorry Daniel, I disagree about switching hands. At least for me when I cast vs when I'm fishing, my hand is in the same location, my thumb is the only thing that switches position. Only advantage I notice is engaging your reel immediately after your lure hits the water, like buzzbaits in shallow vegetation. Not a big advantage.

Bottom line, use what your comfortable with.

I just bought the Citca this winter, can't wait to use it.

[bpm2000]

Yup not having to switch hands and HOOKSET power is a big deal. And I know all of you (most?) have had bass blow up on your bait as SOON as it hits the water at times - I would lose those fish if I had to switch hands or try to set with my left hand.

and since we're talking new reels - cant wait to use my lefty revo stx!

[2000subaru]

And since we're talking new reels - cant wait to use my lefty revo stx!

Nice choice, should be great. What reel do you use for your swimbait rod?

[ChrisB]

I'm planning on taking advantage of the rebate and buying the left handed Citica here shortly. I just can't decide if I want to get it with the Fish Eagle II from Cabelas or the Extreme XPS rod from Bass Pro Shops.

Are you buying the combo, or the reels seperate?? I would buy them seperate and match it to a better quality rod.

I was looking at buying the combo, I had pretty much decided on the Extreme XPS one. The combo is $139.98 in the sale catalog(prices good through March 31st even though it's more online) - $30 rebate on the reel, so $109.98 for the combo.

The reel alone would be 119.99 - $30 rebate = $89.99, so essentially the rod is $20. Are there any other rods in the $20 range that would be better? Or other combo deals with the Citica that I should consider?

I wasn't aware of the deal. That actually sounds good.

[danielt]

I'm right handed and always used left handed baitcasters. I use to have huge arguements with my bass buddies about this topic. I never thought it was comfortable setting a hook and fighting a fish using my left hand.

Sorry Daniel, I disagree about switching hands. At least for me when I cast vs when I'm fishing, my hand is in the same location, my thumb is the only thing that switches position. Only advantage I notice is engaging your reel immediately after your lure hits the water, like buzzbaits in shallow vegetation. Not a big advantage.

Bottom line, use what your comfortable with.

I just bought the Citca this winter, can't wait to use it.

I agree, use what you are comfortable with but you must not hold your baitbcasters in the palm of your hand. I hold the reel in the palm of my hand when fishing and hold the handle with my thumb on the spool when casting. Hookset power doesn't come into play what so ever when you palm the reel but if you are holding the rod down by the handle that would matter.

This is how I hold the reel when fishing.



If you dont hold it this way especially for jerk baits and crankbaits that must get extremely uncomfortable.

[cavdad45]

That's the picture! That's why I use a right-hand reel as opposed to a left. All-in-all it's about what you are used to and what you are most comfortable with. I still find it interesting that the Northwest angler is predominantly backwards.

[danielt]

Cav you and me both. Thats the way you should be holding them and it takes nothing away from hooksets.

[bpm2000]

And since we're talking new reels - cant wait to use my lefty revo stx!

Nice choice, should be great. What reel do you use for your swimbait rod?

yea its def my "nicest reel" yet.

Cardiff 301A and Okuma Induron 250LXa on my swimbait rods.

[ChrisB]

Hey BPM, how do you like those two reels ?? How do they compare? I'm thinking of a Calcutta but the price is up there. How is the cardiff, how often do you use it and is it making any funny noises yet? hehe.

[bpm2000]

I used the cardiff for about a year and i tried to do maintenance myself and ended up messing something up so I sent it to someone to repair it. I am having the bearings and drag upgraded as well while this is being done. For $99 you really cant go wrong with it though - it does its job well. The okuma reel is pretty nice too, but ive only used it a few times so far so I cant comment on anything long-term. They are both good workhorse reels.
Of course, some people dont like round reels so if thats a problem you might want to look at the curado 300 or something hehe.

[ChrisB]

I looked at the Calcutta 401 today at the sportsmans show. First time I've really held a round reel, and it felt good. The guy at the Shimano booth is a local pro, recognized his name and he recommended a 300 curado too. Only thing he frowned on was the 6.2 ratio. I think I'm still going with the round style, Calcutta possibly, if I can get a decent deal on Ebay by early spring.

Thanks for the Reply bpm.