While wandering around Academy I found a Rod and a reel I liked. The rod is a Falcon Coastal 7'6" 10-20# Medium Gulf Caster. The reel is a Calcutta 400B.

Has any one tried this combo for redfish/and speckled trout? I am more of a natural bait fisherman, but a little artifical(Saltwater gulps). If so, let me know how it works for you. And what conditions you use it in?

The 400B is an excellent Reel but I feel a tad too much for Redfish and Trout. A 200 or 300 size reel is all that is needed and will cast much better than the 400b for most applications. The 400 size is more designed for heavier weights and items such as a 1-2 ounce weight set up.

YOu will need longer cast with various weights for Trout Especially but on Redfish you need the castability of a bass reel with a beefier Drag and more line capacity. A 200B is excellent for all applications.

I like the feel of the 400. I have not seen a 300, nor had a chance to handle the 200.

I also like to bottom/surf fish with weights up to 4 ounces. Thank you for your input, I will look for a 200 to check out

Im with coast on the 400, IMO too big for the rod you mentioned and overkill for slot sized reds or any size trout. Ive never needed more than 110 yards of line for either fish, but i have never caught anything i would consider a bull red. The 200 size calcutta is about perfect for fishing both artificial and live bait and it holds a decent amount of 12-14lb line, even more braid.

I searched around Beaumont and found a Calcutta 200B. It felt small and clumsy in my hands. And it happened to be another Academy and they had the same rod. The pair did NOT feel "right" to me. It was just not comfortable nor balanced.

I appreciate your input but I am going to make my own decision. And possibly my own mistake. I believe I am gonna go ahead w/ my Idea: Falcon Coastal 7'6" 10-20# Medium Gulf Caster w/Calcutta 400B loaded it up w/ #17 Cajun Red Line.

I did find a smaller Falcon coastal "Flats" in Medium 6'8" that looked and felt good with the 200 on it. But I am thinking for my son (14) to use along side of me.

Wanted to let you fella's know that the combination works very well. just a little trial and error to work through. Hope to work in more fishing