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Cranking to Bass with the Shimano Cardiff.

Data for Review

Date – 2005 Fishing Season
Manufacturer – Shimano
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas

Shimano's Cardiff line of reels were redesigned in 2005. Compared to its older replacement, the newer models sport a lighter frame, new color scheme (previous model was solid gold/ bronze) one-piece die cast aluminum frame, and a gold-silver metallic side-plate which makes this reel attractive, especially for a reel at $100, and for a reel being one level less than Shimano's high-end Calcutta reels. One other new feature on the Cardiff is the addition 4 A-RB bearings, super-stopper, assist stopper, and VBS variable brake system.

Truly a great reel. Here's more!

Impressions:

I purchased the Cardiff 200A during the winter of '05 with the intentions of mainly using this reel as a river Smallmouth Bass weapon. Despite the lack of river smallies caught during my '05 season, I put this reel to other uses, primarily for cranking and spinnerbaiting. Throughout its season in review, this reel has seen all types of water, from large lakes, flowages, rivers, creeks and ponds.

The Cardiff is a reel that excels in both fresh and saltwater fishing situations. However, I find it to work best while fishing heaver lures and while quickly covering water.

Setups for the 2005 Season
 

On the water uses (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System and Presentation)

Casting & Retrieving.

The Cardiff is a pleasure to fish with, thanks to the VBS (variable brake) system. With this feature, you will be in control of your baits and presentation. With this reel, I feel that using heavier lures, weighing 1/4oz or more leads to fun and trouble-free fishing. However, fishing light lures and plastics was a bit tough on this reel. This led to a poor feel for sensitivity.

In 2005, this reel was matched with a 6ft rod. Though not your optimal rod for spinnerbaiting and cranking, it suited just fine for the type of fishing I was doing, which was power fishing.

The retrieve of this reel is as smooth as silk. This can be credited to its A-RB's (anti rust bearings). Regardless if this reel is not in the same category of smoothness such as the Calcutta, it is exceptionally smooth for a reel in the $100 price range category.

Drag System.

Its drag is smooth, though not Dartanium like the Calcutta and other Shimano casting reels. As shown from tests, the Cardiff will handle 10.5lbs of resistance on the drag. Even though I did not catch any "horse-fish" on this reel, nowhere near the 10lb mark, the drag remained consistent throughout the season and managed to land myself plenty of both Large and Smallmouth Bass.

Presentation.

At a light, 8.6oz, the Cardiff is a comfortable reel to use when fishing with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. It seems as if this reel is known as a multi-species reel because there are so many applications one angler can put forth on this reel when used properly. On the aspect of presentation, I enjoy fishing for Bass the most with this reel.

Wading rivers for Bronzebacks, or covering water for Largemouths, this reel is my "playa" for the power fishing. End of story. Let the photos here speak for themselves!

A 17" Largemouth Bass taken while fishing crankbaits in August.

With its gear ratio, cranking speeds remain consistent whether you burn or slow-roll the bait.

Throwing 3/8oz Spinnnerbaits proved to be effective for the Smallmouth Bass in 2005.

Extra Features:

I think the best feature on this reel is its price-tag. For a reel this smooth and loaded on power, I'd say the $100 spent was well worth it.

Not only is its price a strong feature, its padded handles add comfort while casting and fishing your water quickly.

Shimano Cardiff 200A Casting Reel - (0/5)

Construction & Quality: A+ material. Very durable and clean to operate. So far in one full season, I have yet to find any flaws to this reel. 5/5

Design (ergonomics): Lightweight, palmable and simple to maintain. 5/5

Presentation: An excellent choice for heavier lures and for power fishing. Not a great reel to use for fishing plastics and when sensitivity becomes an ingredient for fish catching success. But anyways, it handles multi-species angling with pleasure. 4/5

Price: $100. Affordable and made from light and durable materials. End of story! 5/5

Total Score - - - 4.8/ 5


Positive and Negative Thoughts
 

Positive
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- Addition of A-RB Bearings.

- Easy Maintenance.

- Great Price.

- Padded Septon handles are comfortable.

Negative

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- No dartanium drag.

- Could use a better thumb bar and not plastic.