I went with the 5600c4. I felt guilty about letting someone else pay for the calcutta and the c4 should last a long time. I also plan to try the cardiff...I've heard good things and it feels solid. If I don't like the abu, I'll keep it as an extra and use it to throw bait. Can't go wrong either way

fishtales: NOt to bash or anything but I have never seen a good fisherman be able to cast a spinning reel further than a casting reel, especially on larger rods and reels. Once you learn to cast a bait cast well, you will cast further with the baitcast then you will with your spinning rod. Whenever I need distance, I pull out a daiwa advantage or any casting reel, even my calcutta can outcast any of my spinning reels. I do modify my casting reels slightly but even if I didnt modify at all, the casting reel will still cast further. If you are wondering if I use a good spinning reel, yes I do, very very good spinning reels. Emblem x-3000c(japanese model),x-2500ia, quantum Cabo Pt, and penn reels. You can catch a trout on any reel that works, even a zebco would work. Reds are much stronger but I still think I could catch a small one on a zebco. Get a reel you like and if you cant afford the one you like, save until you can afford it. It sucks to buy a reel and then realize that you want a better one. Save the money and get one that will make you feel good about what you are using and will give you confidence.

You're probably right...to be honest, I've never actually had comparable setups to test it out. I do use both styles but maybe I should just say I prefer spinning for saltwater and baitcaster for fresh.

As a matter of fact, I've got a castaic super free that will probably out cast the spinners as you suggest.
Jeff

Calcutta 250 won't corrode or rust, it's made for the coast mainly.

I went fishing in Louisiana this weekend (cocodrie...well south of New Orleans) and brought the curado on the falcon cara. We went to academy for a license and misc do-dads that I MUST get when at academy. I ended up with an american rodsmith Ti series 7' MH and an ambassadeur 5600c4. I'm getting the sidewinder rod and another 5600c4 for christmas but HAD to have a backup for this trip. The combo was excellent for the specks and reds...and the occasional bull red. It won't throw the light bait like the curado but I already knew that. I'm happy with the setup and it should last a long time.

Kit, I got my sidewinder today! The rod looks fantastic. Unfortunately, I had to wrap it back up and stick it under the tree because santa's supposed to bring it. I can't wait to try it out! Thanks again and you'll probably hear from me soon.