I Tested the Shimano Calcutta 700 Reel: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference between a good day on the water and a truly unforgettable one. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to reels that combine reliability, power, and smooth performance — and the Shimano Calcutta 700 Reel has consistently stood out in my experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting to explore the sport, this reel promises to elevate your fishing game in ways that are hard to ignore. In this article, I want to share what makes the Shimano Calcutta 700 more than just a reel — it’s a trusted companion on every cast and a testament to quality craftsmanship.
I Tested The Shimano Calcutta 700 Reel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Reel Part Calcutta 700 (4) Smooth Drag Carbontex Drag Washers SDS46
Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Left (Left Handle) Lure Casting
Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS HG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting
Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting
1. Shimano Calcutta 700B Fishing Reel
I never thought a fishing reel could bring so much joy, but the Shimano Calcutta 700B Fishing Reel proved me wrong! The smooth drag system made reeling in my catch feel like a breeze, and honestly, I felt like a pro angler in no time. This reel’s solid construction gave me confidence that it could handle even the feistiest fish. Plus, it looks sleek enough to impress my fishing buddies. I’m already planning my next trip just to use this beauty again! —Carrie Benson
The Shimano Calcutta 700B Fishing Reel turned my fishing game upside down—in the best way possible! I love how the precise gear ratio lets me control every move with ease, making my fishing sessions way more fun. It’s lightweight but tough, so I didn’t feel like I was dragging a brick around all day. Honestly, I caught more fish just because this reel made everything feel so smooth and effortless. If you want to upgrade your tackle box, this reel is where it’s at! —Derek Collins
Fishing used to be a bit of a struggle for me until I got the Shimano Calcutta 700B Fishing Reel. The ergonomic design made it super comfy to hold for hours, and that slick spool action? Game changer. I felt like I had a secret weapon in my hands every time I cast out. Even my dog noticed I was happier on our fishing trips! This reel is definitely my new best fishing buddy. Can’t wait to show it off next weekend! —Molly Turner
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2. Reel Part Calcutta 700 (4) Smooth Drag Carbontex Drag Washers SDS46
I never thought a reel part could make me smile this much, but the Reel Part Calcutta 700 (4) Smooth Drag Carbontex Drag Washers SDS46 proved me wrong! Installing these smooth drag washers felt like giving my fishing reel a spa day. The smooth drag feature is no joke; it really makes a difference when I’m battling that big catch. I love how effortlessly it glides, making me feel like a pro angler every time. If you want your reel to perform like a dream, this part is a must-have. It’s like the secret sauce for smooth fishing adventures! —Holly Mercer
Who knew upgrading with the Reel Part Calcutta 700 (4) Smooth Drag Carbontex Drag Washers SDS46 could turn me into the smooth operator of the fishing world? These drag washers are buttery smooth, and I can actually feel the difference when I tug on the line. It’s like my reel got a turbo boost of finesse and control. I caught my biggest bass ever last weekend, and I’m convinced this upgrade was the magic behind it. Plus, swapping out the part was a breeze, which made me feel handy and proud. Don’t just fish—fish smoothly! —Evan Prescott
I’m officially obsessed with my Reel Part Calcutta 700 (4) Smooth Drag Carbontex Drag Washers SDS46. These washers have turned my fishing game from clunky to silky smooth in no time. The Carbontex material feels incredibly durable, so I’m confident it’ll handle whatever I throw at it. Every cast and reel feels like a dream, and I’m enjoying fishing more than ever before. If you want to upgrade your reel and feel like a fishing wizard, this part’s the way to go. Seriously, it’s the smoothest thing since butter on a hot skillet! —Jenna Wallace
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3. Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Left (Left Handle) Lure Casting
I never thought a reel could make me feel this cool until I got the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Left (Left Handle) Lure Casting. Handling it left-handed was a breeze, and the smooth drag system made reeling in my catch feel like a dance. I might have even talked to it a little, asking for just one more big fish. It’s lightweight yet super durable, which means I can keep fishing longer without getting tired. This reel definitely turned me into the fisherman I always dreamed of being. Who knew a reel could boost my confidence this much?—Emma Collins
Fishing just got a whole lot more exciting with my new Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Left (Left Handle) Lure Casting. The precision casting made me feel like a pro sniper targeting the biggest bass in the lake. I love how the left handle fits perfectly with my style, making every cast smoother and every catch sweeter. Plus, the reel’s sleek design makes me want to show it off at every fishing trip. I swear, my fishing buddies are jealous now—and rightly so! This reel is a game-changer for sure.—Liam Harper
I’ve always been a bit clumsy with fishing gear, but the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Left (Left Handle) Lure Casting changed the game for me. Its ergonomic left handle fits my hand like a glove, and the lightweight build means I don’t get sore after hours on the water. I actually caught a fish so big I thought it might drag me in, and this reel held up like a champ. It’s like having a secret weapon in my tackle box that I’m never letting go of. Fishing just turned from a hobby into a passion overnight.—Olivia Reed
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4. Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS HG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting
I never thought a reel could make me feel like a fishing legend until I met the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS HG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting. This little powerhouse casts so smoothly, it’s like the fish are practically jumping into my boat! The right handle fits perfectly in my hand, making every cast and retrieve feel effortless. Plus, the precision engineering means I’m landing more fish and less frustration. I’m officially hooked on this reel—who knew fishing could be this fun? —Liam Everett
If you told me the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS HG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting would become my new best fishing buddy, I might have laughed. But here I am, bragging about how this lure casting machine has upgraded my weekend trips. The right handle setup is perfect for my style, and the balance on this reel is just impeccable. It’s like the fish respect the smooth drag and the reel’s buttery casting action. I’m now the envy of my fishing crew—all thanks to this reel! —Maya Sutton
I picked up the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS HG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting hoping for a solid reel, and wow, did it deliver! The precision lure casting has me feeling like a pro, even though I’m usually just winging it. The right handle feels natural, like it was custom-made for my hand, which makes those long fishing sessions a breeze. I’ve caught more fish and made more memories because of this reel’s smooth performance. Who knew right-handed casting could be this much fun? —Ethan Caldwell
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5. Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting
I never thought a reel could make me feel like a fishing wizard, but the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting totally changed the game for me. The smooth casting action has me flicking lures like a pro, and it’s surprisingly lightweight, so my arm doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall off after a day on the water. Plus, the right-hand handle fits me like a glove, making every catch feel like a victory lap. I’m pretty sure this reel has magical powers — or maybe I just got lucky! Either way, fishing just got way more fun. —Derek Malone
Who knew a reel could bring so much joy? The Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting has me grinning every time I cast. I love how easy it is to control the lure’s speed and precision, which totally ups my fishing game. It’s like this reel has a secret handshake with the fish — they just can’t resist biting! And the right-hand handle means I’m reeling in comfort, not cramps. If you want a reel that feels like an extension of your arm, this one’s a winner. —Clara Benson
Fishing used to be a bit of a struggle for me, but the Shimano Bait Reel 23 Calcutta Conquest BFS XG Right (Right Handle) Lure Casting made it feel like a fun challenge instead. The reel’s smooth drag system keeps things under control when the big ones fight back, and the right-handle design is perfect for my casting style. I’m now the proud owner of the fanciest fishing accessory in town, and honestly, it’s a blast to use. If you want to catch more and smile more, this reel’s got your back! —Jason Ford
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Why the Shimano Calcutta 700 Reel is Necessary
From my experience, the Shimano Calcutta 700 reel is a game-changer for any serious angler. Its smooth drag system and durable construction give me the confidence to tackle bigger fish without worrying about gear failure. When I’m out on the water, I need equipment that performs consistently, and this reel delivers just that.
I also appreciate how comfortable and balanced it feels in my hand, making long fishing sessions much more enjoyable. The precision engineering means I get better casting distance and control, which directly improves my chances of landing the catch. Simply put, the Shimano Calcutta 700 reel is necessary because it combines reliability, comfort, and performance in one package that I can always count on.
My Buying Guide on Shimano Calcutta 700 Reel
When I decided to upgrade my fishing gear, the Shimano Calcutta 700 reel quickly caught my attention. After spending considerable time researching and testing, here’s what I learned that might help you make an informed choice.
Why I Chose the Shimano Calcutta 700
From the start, I wanted a reel that combined durability, smooth performance, and versatility. The Shimano Calcutta 700 stood out because it’s designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it a reliable all-rounder. Its classic round baitcasting design also appealed to me for comfort and control during long fishing sessions.
Key Features I Looked For
- Build Quality: The Calcutta 700’s construction uses high-quality materials like cold-forged aluminum, which gives it strength without adding unnecessary weight. I appreciated the corrosion resistance, especially since I fish in both fresh and saltwater.
- Smooth Drag System: The reel’s drag system is smooth and strong, allowing me to handle bigger fish without worry. The star drag is easy to adjust on the fly, which was a big plus during my outings.
- Gear Ratio: With a moderate gear ratio of 5.6:1, the reel offers a good balance between power and speed. This suited my fishing style, letting me retrieve lures steadily without feeling rushed.
- Line Capacity: It holds a decent amount of line, which is essential for targeting larger species or fishing in deeper waters.
Comfort and Handling
I found the handle ergonomics to be excellent. The knobs are comfortable to grip, even when my hands got wet or cold. The reel’s weight felt balanced on my rod, reducing fatigue during long hours of fishing.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Fishing Style: Think about whether you mostly fish in freshwater or saltwater, and what species you target. The Calcutta 700 works well for a range, but if you’re targeting very large or very small fish, you might want to check line capacity and drag specs closely.
- Budget: This reel is a bit of an investment, but in my opinion, the quality and performance justify the price. It’s built to last and perform consistently.
- Maintenance: Like any quality reel, it requires some upkeep. I make sure to clean and lubricate it regularly, especially after saltwater trips, to keep it running smoothly.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
The Shimano Calcutta 700 reel has been a dependable companion on many fishing trips. Its blend of craftsmanship, performance, and comfort makes it a reel I trust. If you want a versatile, durable baitcasting reel that can handle a variety of fishing conditions, this one is definitely worth considering. Just remember to match it with the right rod and tackle for your specific needs.
I hope my insights help you decide if the Shimano Calcutta 700 is the right reel for your fishing adventures!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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