thinking of buying a shimano ca200 sf with the instagage thumbbar for flipping has anyone used this reel and what do you think about it for flippin

I'm not that experienced of an angler...but with that said...I bought it for the same reason a few years ago. Problem is, when you get a big'un on, the drag setting maximum is about 9 pounds (or something like that) and anything of size will drag you around and realing doesn't do anything to help. I still have and use it, but not for that now...now it's for light tackle and line and finese fishing. I bought a Revo Winch and use that for flipping. No switch or bar, but that's okay it's working for me.

Anyway, just what I've found.

There's a Shimano Castaic 201 SF on my flippin' stick. It's been there for years and I love it. Haven't noticed any problems with the drag as the other poster noted. Maybe I haven't caught big enough fish?

I've got five of the Castaic 200 (old version) and two of the sf models... I like the original version more with the thumbar extending all the way across but both are great reels. I as Bass Raptor have not had any problem with the reels drag and have turned some very good fish on the hook set.
Justin

For reference, I like to keep my reels set at 25% of my line strength. 9lbs should be enough for bass fishin, unless you are in really heavy cover and need to ski 10 pounders to the boat. You might need to take your reel apart and wipe some of the grease off your drag washers.

With that being said, I never had any problems at all with my castaics. Great reel!

Check your drag no matter what reel you use period.

The old green curados are the best in my opinion as you can flip and cast with them with no backlash, the revo STX is a very close second.