Thoughts on Diawa Capricorn 100H Baitcaster?

[waterfoul]

Was to Dick's today with the $50 gift card that I got for my birthday back in December. They had the Diawa Capricorn on sale for $69, original price $139, normal everyday price $80. So I figure what the heck and I picked one up. 9 bearings, nice smooth gearing, 6.3:1 retrieve, and seems well built.

Anyone ever use one of these reels? Do you like it? How is the reliability?

[ESOX]

Never heard of a capricorn bait caster. I have a couple Capricorn spinning reels, they have been reliable. I also give a couple of TDZ Millionaires and TDX bass reels a good workout every year, no complaints, just good reliabale performers.

[Arin]

Yeah, I don't know what model you're talking about either. I checked the website and there's no Capricorn baitcaster and the Capricorn spinning reel has a different model#. I have a Team Daiwa Advantage 150H Baitcast, which I have used for a season and like it a lot so far. Havent had any problems, but only complaint is the plastic drag star. Havent broke it or anything, but it the plastic 'feel' is there. I think they go for about $100 and I got mine last year at BPS Classic for $100 w/ free $70 Daiwa rod.. :)

[waterfoul]

Here it is, box and all. Mignt be a left over from last year??

[waterfoul]

Damn 48k size limits... I hate thumbnails. Try this instead:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/526/medium/capricorn_baitcaster_001.jpg

[waterfoul]

Here's another view....

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/526/medium/capricorn_baitcaster_003.jpg

[ESOX]

HMMMM Very interesting. My Millionaires and TDX's only have 6 bb's and ran about 200 bucks each. I wonder...that thing made in China? The Japanese are complaining about outsourcing too.

[waterfoul]

Oh well... whatever it is, where ever it was made... it seems like a decent reel to me.

Edit:

On the bottom of the box:

"Made in Korea
Distributed by Diawa Seiko, Inc.
Higashikureme
Tokyo, Japan"

[ESOX]

Might be a heck of a deal. I love that Daiwa Magforce anti backlash system, makes fishing almost too easy.:)

[kp57_what]

I buy one every year (bait caster) cuz I love the feel and just the overall on the reels, the thing is the first day I go to use it it I remember that its so hard to cast, for me anyways. My lines always getting tangled in the spool, dont understand the gear tweaking and such and just end up taking it back. Whats the secret in those reels? How do you cast those things? What am I missing? Quick tutorial anyone? - kp

[Chrome steel]

lol... thats good stuff I know what you mean, First off you can't have a cheap bait caster, stick with brand names. Every reel has to be adjusted for the weight of lure you are throwing. It's usally adjuted by the tension knobe normally located on the right of reel next to handle. You open bail by clicking and releasing thumb pad,by adjusting tension knobe the bait should creep down slowly How slow you may ask??(for me this is more of a feel). Practice, practice and dont try to launch baits take it easy these reels aren't made for long cast like open face reels. As you cast let your thumb lightly glide over spool and as bait nears stoping you then stop bait by pressing thumb this should help prevent backlash. Maybe someone else can pick it up from here this should cover the start??GOODLUCK.....

[kp57_what]

Yep, Ive notice that if I cast short distances I really dont normaly have that problem. Also notice that tension nob and adjust accordingly to the weight of the lure which is probably my biggest trouble, which takes me acouple cast to normaly get it some what under control. The last time I had one I just spooled it with so much line and just casted out till it reached the end of the spool to eliminate that porblem :lol: . Im sure most of ya's that use this kind of reel find very comical. I have purchased decent ones, basically what the guy at the store would recomend (usually $100-$200 range) but when I get out in the field it just becomes more of a frustrating event and switching back to the spin cast. What I would really like to know if there is one that cast's like those closed faced reels becuz that was my first impression of what it would be like. THNX for the advise tho. - kp

[ESOX]

If you are having problems with excessive over run (backlashes) start your learing with a nice heavy spoon, at least 5/8 oz. Set up the spool tension knob as described by Chreomesteel. Then turn the magnetic brake all the way up. Cast downwind, slowly turning down the magnetic brake as your feel for how the line is running off the spool increases. Eventually you will get it. I know one member here with a short, choppy casting stroke. It took him like 4 frustrating years to even be able to toss a big muskie bait, much less a bass sized bait. keep that casting stroke long and smooth till you get the feel for the line.

[Sturge]

Just to add to ESOX, use heavier line than you would normally. 12 or 10#. Once you have mastered the feel than start to drop down in line class.
Sturge

[chamookman]

Plus, the BIGGEST thing is - when You go to cast, turn Your wrist over so the reel handles are UP. This bit of advice is in most directions that come with the reel, but most people (beginners) fail to do so. Don't try to overpower the cast, distance & accuracy will come with an "educated thumb". Best of luck - Bob

[bentrod]

I picked up 2 of them last year on sale at Dickl's. They arn't too bad for the money. I think they are made in China because I cant' find them on Diawa's web site.

They work ok, one of them spools unevenly, but not too bad. Over all I like them. I also have the $200 millionaire, which is an awesome reel. I have a number of Diawa reels and like them all.

bentrod

[waterfoul]

Made in Korea... bottom of the box says so.

[Arin]

I don't think it matters where it was made to where it's sold. My Daiwa Kastor was made in Thailand.

For those that look for the Kastor on the Daiwa website, it was discontinued last year..:lol:

EDIT: I also just asked some other people and it seems it was only sold to Dick's.

[TBone]

kp57_what:
Most of the guys gave you great advice on starting out with a baitcaster. I'd add one thing that might help with some frustration. Spool the reel all the way up, then let out enough for a medium distance cast. Next, put a piece of tape across the spool. Now when you have "professional overruns" the bird's nest can't get down into the bulk of your line. You can only mess up the first part of it. Once you get to the point where you are being stopped by the tape on a regular basis without the backlashes, move the tape deeper until you are ready to give it up completely.

I'd add an emphasis to Esox's "throw down wind". If you have to throw into heavy winds you are better off using a spinning reel. The wind factor really plays a big role.

[ESOX]

Hey Theron, nice to see you coming back around again. We missed you for too long. I was going to give you a ring, but ran over my only phone with your Ph # in it's memory with a 15,000# Hilo. They cell people gave me some piss poor song and dance about not being able find enough pieces of old simm stick to put it in the new phone.

[kp57_what]

Thanks T and others for the advice, After some consideration regarding the allmighty bait caster, after the Houghton/Higgins fishing trip I plan on gearing up for the spring-summer fishing and it looks like a new bait caster is on the grocery list. Well see this time. Just like golf and the driving range, I plan on doing the same with the reel in my back yard :lol: . Again thnx ya's. - kp