I sent in my Shimano CL-820XFA rod and cte-400 reels because it kept chaifing the line and rod became jerky and noisy. I did check the guides multiple times and even did the q-tip test. Shimano returened the reel 2 days later having changed all the internal gears and I am still waiting for word on the rod. They obviously have great service. Has anybody else had to re gear their reels, I have been throwing the 12 castaic but have not been out much so it needing all new gears it surprising. Before I sent it in I did notice a slight amount of slop in the handle. This is obviously the rod I am waiting for to get back for the post below.

There was a message on my machine from Shimano Service when I got home tonight. They are sending out a new rod to me, but it is backoudered 3 weeks,Doh! Great Service though. I did send back a Daiwa reel at the same time I sent back the shimano stuff and I have heard nothing from them. Shimano gets my vote. They did not say what they had found on the rod though.

Shimano service is the best bar none. They have fixed or repaired every reel I've sent in for 6 or 7 years. I just got the CTE 400 and it's just scandalous. I can't wait to stick my first fish on it. The gearing is so strong that winding in the big baits requires so much less effort than any other reel I've ever used. The rigidity of the frame makes the spool spin more uniformly on the cast which makes for a longer cast with a heavy lure. It really puts my Corsairs to shame. I'm spoiled for life :-)

Yes, I have to say that the CTE-400 is sweet. I sprung on your recomendation of the reg 400's and I couldn't be happier. I did also get shimano to replace a old Corsair so I am going to order a calcutta rod for it also. I did notice a report from ya on night fishing whick insighted me to post the castaic trip below unfortunalely the rod is still out. So it looks like its going to be a flippin stick and smaller trout plugs. I must say you are the man, every time I read one of your reports it gets me going. Teen fish or bust, thanks for the stories and tips!

No problem, glad to see you back on the forum. There are some good ones in the afterbay there at Castaic still, although it's always kinda quiet. I bet those fish don't see many slammers going by, especially at night. I'd bet you might get a good one in November or December there at night with it.

hope you get a good one.

-Rob

That is exactly what I was thinking! I wanted to throw the big slammer, I forgot what size it is 12"? Anyways I can easily throw the next size down, I think 9" on my flippin stick. I went out night fishing for panfish there about 1 1/2 months ago and it was very enjoyable. Coons, rabbits, coyotes and fish. I'll post if I have any bites, but the BIG lures are my confidance baits now. I don't trust throwing my castaic at night, but the slammer, up on top, no problem. I also have Piru on my "to do list" before winter. It has just been hard to get myself out this year, and taking someone else is usually a good excuse to make shure I go. I kind of lost my drive, among other things. But yes, I have been off the board for a while. I usually bounce around inbetween Varmint Calling and fishing. Ice fihing always grabs my interest and obviously so does the trophy stuff. You should see my tackle box, a dozen lureds that weigh 9-16 ounces and the a bunch of micro jigs that weight 1/200 oz. Definately a wierd combo. Bye, Rob Olling.