I can't post any pics because I am having a hell time with my dropbox account. I really must get a new computer, my own one!

I recently acquired a lovely little Shimano Calcutta 400D on a BBE rod. Now I'm not knocking the BBE rod they are a great affordable weapon but the reel isn't a good match with that particular rod. The Backbone Elite is 2 piece 7' 5 to 8kg one that is just too light a tip action for a reel with 7kg of drag.

The reel seems to be designed for lure fishing and I would think it's a great option for 60 to 150g lures but that's only my opinion.

Now I was thinking of buying a rod with a PE rating of 1.5 or so but then I had an original Synit Hellbent rod that was a lovely (kind of spiritual rod because Tiny was a friend) stick to use but it has languished in my garage after I gave my only baitcaster to my dad in law who was down on his luck and needed new fishing gear.

Inbetween times a rat had chewed the foregrip (if you have ever been to my place you would understand). A bit of silicone, some sand paper (for the EVA grips) and a dress up and it was looking pretty sharp!

I just loaded it up and it has more power than I remembered. While the rod doesn't bend all the way through like a modern rod (not too far off it though) it's still going to be a fish f***er of the highest order.

I really do like overheads especially on an 'acid wrap' rod. Can't wait to fell a big thumping snapper on it. That will be in 7 when those big spring beasts turn up at the 60m mark off the west coast of Auckland.

I'm getting fizzy now so I better sign off .

ps R.I.P. Tiny look forward to connecting with you through that love of fishing we shared.

Put a hell bend in that Hellbent Smudge

I have
1 on a CD Albergrapt 6kg
1 on a light ugly stik
1 on a really stiff rod my wife bought from Mavrix
1 on a cheap shimano backbone

smudge wrote: Barrie wrote: I have 1 on a CD Albergrapt 6kg 1 on a light ugly stik 1 on a really stiff rod my wife bought from Mavrix 1 on a cheap shimano backbone So which one do you prefer Barrie? I guess it depends on the line weight of the rods but I'm guessing the albagraph?

You got it in one.
I also have a Calcutta 200 thats matched to a longer 4 to 6 kg Albergraph.
I wonder if I could get a Calcutta 50w ??