What are the limits of a standard Calcutta 400?

[fishlawsophy]

The stats on the standard Calcutta 400 list it's max drag at 17.5 pounds. For comparison, an Avet sx can withstand about 9-10 pounds of drag at strike.

Could you spool a calcutta 400 with 50 pound spectra and a short top shot of 40 pound test and expect it to perform well against 40 and 50 pound tuna?

Do the limitations of the calcutta 400 have more to do with overall strength of construction and its parts? For example, although the Avet sx may offer less potential drag, it is built like a tank and will most likely do a better job of holding up against a big fish?

Have any of you guys fished your calcuttas hard on big fish? What were the results?

I caught this fish last month on my calcutta 400 and 15 pound test.




I was impressed by how well the reel held up, but then again, I was on 15 pounds test. I was wondering what the fight would have been like if I had used 50 pound spectra and a short 40 pound top shot. Would the reel have held up if I would have been using 10 pounds of drag or so during the fight?

[hucklongfin]

I fish mine with 40# spectra topped with 20# CXX mono. Albacore are no problem on it.

[Mo Betta]

X2

[coryellk]

"Could you spool a calcutta 400 with 50 pound spectra and a short top shot of 40 pound test and expect it to perform well against 40 and 50 pound tuna?"

I think 12 to 15# of drag is pushing it for a CT 400. That's what you need to fish 40# line. My CTE 401 is a great 20 to 25# reel for throwing lures.

[SSUfish]

On a 2day in the heat of the YFT bite I fished my Calcutta 200 with straight 12lb and was catching YFT to about 20lbs...granted I'd crank the drag down to max one it hit 5 or less wraps from being spooled, but it held up time and time again. My 400 has never failed me on Albacore or YFT, spectra I guess would be nice...but it's too expensive and I don't want to maintain it. Great reels when serviced!!

[djd35de]

I think if your going to run mostly spectra you'de be way better off with a Calcutta TE. They are made for it and much more robustly built.

Reels that are made for spectra generally have a forged frame, stronger gears etc... Plus the TE versions have way more cranking power.
Even if you don't use a lot of drag, the mere shock of straight spectra will break the weakest link. Its kind of like towing a car with a chain using straight spectra. The only thing to absorb the shock is the piece of floro, rod tip and drag. They all have to work together. If yer just using spectra for backing with plenty of mono say 100 yds, then it should be a non issue.

I've caught some good size Yellowtail to 30 lb and Yellowfin to 35 lbs no problem. Never got close to being spooled with the 300TE and mostly 400TE

But I've moved to the Daiwa Plutons and fish straight spectra with a piece of floro. Much smaller reel but waaaay stronger. You might want to check and see how the Pluton is built. ( Check Tackletour.com ) there is a good write up on these reels. Forged Billet Frame, and side plates. Feels like a tank with no give or flex whats so ever. All torque and a drag that s smooth as smooth can get. Good luck
David