Shimano® Cardiff® Round Baitcast Reels
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- Silky smooth, reliable performance
- 4 A-RB® stainless steel ball bearings
- Diecast aluminum frame, aluminum spool and sideplates
- Handle-side VBS® centrifugal brake
- Super Stopper® anti-reverse plus Assist Stopper
Shimano's Cardiff Round Baitcast Reels are equipped with 4 A-RB® stainless steel ball bearings for long-term reliability. Very smooth; high retrieve speed. Diecast aluminum frame, aluminum spool and sideplates, Diecast aluminum frame, aluminum spool and sideplates, handle-side VBS® centrifugal brake,Super Stopper® anti-reverse plus Assist Stopper™. Recessed reel foot puts the reel closer to the rod for comfort and leverage. 400 Series reels have non-disengaging levelwind and clicker.
Line recovery in inches per handle turn.
Rated 4.5 out of 5Â by 64
reviewers.
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Livetotfish It great reel
I love it really smooth great with big lure reel grip soft
May 21, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by wallikiller great reel
Love this reel, second one I have now and it works great and the price is acceptable.
May 20, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by inshoreslam19 specktackler
Shimano never lets me down. But non the less this reel is great in saltwater! There is no difference between this reel and the shimano Calcutta other then price!
April 15, 2013
Rated 5 out of 5Â by Kahunaz A Great entry level swimbait reel.
I picked up the Cardiff 300A last year as my first dedicated Swimbait/big bait reel. I researched this reel on forums and read tons of reviews before making my decision. The Cardiff doesn't feel as tight as higher end reels like the Calcutta, but it does its job well. I have it spooled with 80lb samurai and it casts further than the low profile reels I had been using. For the past year, I have been throwing 6-8" bbz's, larger pencil poppers, shell crackers, umbrella rigs, etc.. with no problems. The only thing I don't like is that you have to remove the side plate with thumb screws in order to adjust the reel. every time I hand tighten the screws, they will eventually back themselves out after some use. I have to snug them down with a penny or a tool to get them tight enough to not back out. I consider the Cardiff to be a great entry level Swimbait reel, though I can foresee a Calcutta upgrade in the future.
April 15, 2013
7 Questions | 22 Answers
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i have used this reel (The 300A Model) for the past 3 years switching from between salt and freshwater just make ssure you always rinse and oil it!
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noA:Â
They have special bearings that are corosion resistant. I use them and have read several reviews of people who use them in saltwater. I would definately rinse them off with fresh water after use and keep them well lubed.Images for this Answer
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Have been fishing the reel in the salt for over 4 years. I even dip the reel in the water to lube the line before the first cast. NO RUST YET. the main thing about reels being used in the salt is care. rinse down the reel in warm freshwater when you get home. take it apart and apply some light cleaning agents. SOME those drags need to stay dryish.
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This reel is not recommended for saltwater use. Since the reel is specifically made for freshwater fishing, the saltwater may dramatically reduce the life of the reel. Thank you!
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yes I use it in saltwater all the timeDetails:Â
I'm thinking lighter for musky, pike, and walleye, and for travel considerations.Answers
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Think you will be disappointed whith that real! I recommend a Abu Garcia C3. The 6500 model has a bait clicker which would give you more versatility.A:Â
I use the 400 on a similar rod for muskie so I would say go for it!Images for this Answer
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I personally like round reels for baitcasters. I got the 300a for the sole purpose that it has a 'clicker' for live bait striper fishing here in Ca. I wish we had muskies, pike and walleye here. For chucking lures all day I would go for the 200 series.Details:Â
Can it handle big spinners and is a power handle available? ThanksAnswers
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I use the 400 model for everything from Muskie to big catfish. I love them they have a lot of power. I dont know if you can order some kind of power handle for them. I did not see it as an option when I ordered mine. There might be another one that would fit on it though. Big spinners wouldnt be a problem. Great reel for the price.Images for this Answer
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It's a solid, decent reel. Basspro sells an aftermarket power handle item 38-350-834-01 that will fit it. It has the same paddle spacing as the ABU revo winch. I use mine to throw double 10 spinners. It works well for me.Answers
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the size and the amount of line it holds.the 200 is a little biggerDetails:Â
What rod could i match this reel up withAnswers
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BIGB Bob the 300 & 400 series reels are a beast there a perfect match for hualing in big monsters.A:Â
I matched it with the Ocean MasterOM20CB 7'. Combo worked great for me. I added Power Pro line and found that I feel the slightest tap on the line
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yes, and the ugly stik striper rod should give you the perfect striper comboDetails:Â
Im trying to find out about the drag i looking at this reel for med to light muskie and heavy bass. thanks for any help!!Answers
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The Cardiff is a great reel. I use mine for sturgeon fishing out here in ca. For musky I would use the 200good class reel. I use the larger class and its profile is to large to be using it for casting musky spinners and other lures all day.Images for this Answer
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I would say no. I prefer a high speed reel like 7 to 1 ratio for throwing frogs. (Hny toad) It's just easier to get those legs kickin with the higher ratio. If you are OK with the lower ratio, then the Cardiff will work fine for the slop.A:Â
I don't forsee any adversity, I've used this baitcaster for just about and in all kinds of senarios from throwing big saltwater surface plugs at Cobia and Tarpon to cut bait for many different species of fish and bottom bouncing jigs for anything and everything. Give one a try, you won't be sorry. I mostly use the CDF400A model for both salt and fresh water1 of 1
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7 Questions | 22 Answers
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