I plan to use it in freshwater mostly for bass and in saltwater inshore/pier fishing.  

  

I'm leaning on Shimano Calcutta 200B, but I'm worried it wouldn't be enough drag. Would 400B be too large?

 200 is ok for lighter to moderate inshore fishing. I dont use my 400 for casual bass fishing. I can't cast the lighter baits as well with it and the reel weighs as much as the average bass I catch. 

I actually use a Calcutta 200 d series for snook/red/bass fishing and that  would be my reccomendation. it palms nice, it's more powerful and it has super free, so casting is easy with light lures. It can also handle big snook and bull reds. A good all around choice if I had to make one. 

 

 

 

Thank you for your advice, it is appreciated!  

 

Have you had any experiences with St. Croix Avid Inshore Saltwater rods and/or Daiwa Luna reels?  

 

I'm thinking about either:  

 

G. Loomis Greenwater 7' MHF or St. Croix Avid Inshore 7' MHF  

to pair with

Shimano Calcutta B 200, 400 or Daiwa Luna 300

 

I'm really torn, they're all around the same price.  

I use my Calcutta 100A for Bass, Speckled Trout, & Bull Reds

 

Never a problem with not enough drag  ?

21 hours ago, SaltyRunback said:

Thank you for your advice, it is appreciated!  

 

Have you had any experiences with St. Croix Avid Inshore Saltwater rods and/or Daiwa Luna reels?  

 

I'm thinking about either:  

 

G. Loomis Greenwater 7' MHF or St. Croix Avid Inshore 7' MHF  

to pair with

Shimano Calcutta B 200, 400 or Daiwa Luna 300

 

I'm really torn, they're all around the same price.  

Before one could answer that.... You'd need to know what inshore species are you going for. Tarpon? Sea trout? 

2 minutes ago, Poolshark said:

Before one could answer that.... You'd need to know what inshore species are you going for. Tarpon? Sea trout? 

Ladyfish, Sheepshead, Pompano, Mackerel, small Sharks, when fishing in saltwater shores/piers.  

  

Striped, Spotted, Largemouth, Smallmouth, Trouts, when fishing in freshwater.  

  

Nothing too crazy, they're all fairly small fish. Although, I'm always optimistic and hopeful.

200 sized reel since you'll be shallow. Though a small shark is a far cry away from a lady fish. 

Either one of the rods will be fine... Though people generally use softer rods for trout... 

Just now, Poolshark said:

200 sized reel since you'll be shallow. Though a small shark is a far cry away from a lady fish. 

Either one of the rods will be fine... Though people generally use softer rods for trout... 

Small baby sharks, around a foot long. I've hooked them occasionally by accident.  

You're right, I shouldn't use it to catch trouts with it.  

  

Thank you for your help!  

 

I've always fished with other people's equipment and never had my own.  

I should probably start out with something cheaper, but I like to start with something decent. I like the idea of adding to the arsenal rather than putting/giving it away when I out grow them. My first guitar was an American Standard Fender Stratocaster and it's still my favorite guitar after 20+ years. It just feels so right in my hands, because I've never knew any other guitar. I like to replicate that feeling.

When Shimano first introduced the Calcutta their commercial was 2 anglers catching 5-6' sharks of the coast of Florida with a 100A!

 

Line capacity 

CT100B mono 14#/110 yds, braid 50#/105

CT200B mono 14#/120 yds, braid 50#/130

I'd say step up to the 200D. They can be had on the auction site much cheaper than their normal retail price.

2 minutes ago, DenhamBruce said:

I'd say step up to the 200D. They can be had on the auction site much cheaper than their normal retail price.

I'll look for it, thanks! 

I've fished Calcutta 100A reels for 35+ yrs along the Texas/Louisiana Gulf coast. I've caught bass over 10# & bull reds over 30#; you wanna test drag catch a 30# red in a foot of water.

 

For the difference in price for the  "D" model in my opinion aint worth it.