Reel Honest Review: Shimano Cardiff 401A Reel

[@Korean_Jesus]

These have a flaws but can be fix. People who says it suck and are not handy with things. Never had problems with the drag. Only thing is the button comes off due to the c pin coming out. Get a new one and crimp to almost touching each other ends, problem fix. Catch 10-15 pounds Bonito's and yellowtail's all day with this reel.

[@nestorvega2944]

I'm looking to become more serious fishing for Musky's. I met an area guide, who works at Cabellas's and he walked me througj several types and price points. He recommended the Cardiff400a (I'm lefty so I bought the 401A) Can't wait for Spring to give it a good run for both casting and trolling. Happy Hooking lil buddies🎣👊

[@kellynlorimorris2389]

Thank you for the quick review! I just purchased this reel, and am about to take it out on my first fishing trip. I noticed below that you made the comment that the reel recently broke. Was it a problem with the reel, or did it get broken accidentally? What specifically broke on it? How old was your reel when it broke? Still under warranty? Have you gotten it fixed yet? Sorry to hit you with so many questions, but want to learn all I can about it. Thank you!

[@reelhonestfishing8935]

Hello! Thanks for asking about it! Specifically, the spool release broke. Something inside broke off and the button would not lock back into when you started reeling it in. Sadly, at the time, this reel was only about 2 months old before it broke. Bought it Feb. 2018 and it broke in May 2018. It comes with a 1 year warranty from the day you buy it so you just have to send it to a Shimano repair shop and that takes about 1 month to send, repair and then get sent back to you. I did get it fixed, but I have not used it since. I bought an Abu Garcia baitcaster reel and have been using that for now. I may use this one again when I go catfishing. What is nice is the clicker on this reel so you can hear the line going out when you catch something.

[@otroflores91]

How heavy of lures are you using? My 200 (older all gold model)has stayed alive for over 10 years fishing inshore for saltwater bass and rockfish . Lure weights 1-3oz. They have a trick when putting the side cover back on after adjusting the cast control. Recently put new bearings in it ,worm gear, and a carbon handle , thing is better than it was new.

[@danram69]

how do you know when the brakes are on ?

[@bakhrebah]

Thanks for an amazing report. I would like to know if I can use it as trolling from a boat ???

[@craig221]

Yes

[@thomasr4264]

I got one, the thumb button was very hard to press. Shimano didn’t fix it so I went to an Abu Garcia c4 and been using it for 4 years without problems

[@delvairpedro8222]

Quero saber o preço atual dessa carretilha

[@afzalb2366]

Is it saltwater approved.... and can I used it with jerkbaits, top water lures etc etc

[@craig221]

Yes

[@dragomitar693]

Hello maybe you hav one video how can put line Braid in the reel thank you

[@danielcontreras-vd9ii]

Yes at least 200yds of 40 pound braided line

[@dandeschane]

there is a right or wrong way to adjust the brake. if you adjust it wrong, you won't be able to cast as far as you should. also if not adjusted symmetrically, you will lose performance.

[@michaelMMs]

I use to have one. I use it to throw 1oz and 2oz setting bait for striper and catfish. About a few dozen cast, it didnt want to go far. I owned it for less than a week.

[@randysaur]

I just bought one . 70 USD

[@solaydbak]

I bought the 300A and the drag doesn't work. I can put the line out with relative ease. And the tension knob turned all the way will not stop the bait from falling. And I mean a 1 ounce bait. Any advice to what I'm doing wrong..? Is there too much line on the reel or should I use different line....

[@otroflores91]

Are you using braid? Maybe the braid is slipping on the spool.

[@solaydbak]

Anotherflores91 no I used P line floroclear 20#lb test. I even taped the line and then reel up the line. Still slipped.

[@8.21productions9]

the drag has nothing to do with how loose your spool is. you have to open the reel up and put all of the brakes on, then go from there.

[@revadan]

is the gear on the on the Spool a metal or plastic?

[@reelhonestfishing8935]

@revadan It is metal.

[@EvGeniy29]

What about Lure weight for this reel?

[@reelhonestfishing8935]

Евгений Шурман Thats a great question! Depending on what lures you are using, you have to adjust the brakes and tension so that the lure can hit the ground without knotting up in the spool.

[@EvGeniy29]

Is it possible to use for jigging 100 - 130 grams metal lures?

[@reelhonestfishing8935]

Евгений Шурман I wouldn't know. I didn't really get a chance to really test out lures on this. It broke on me recently so I can't fish with it.

[@enrikomulawarman7617]

Lure weight depends on rod, not reel

[@Mahigeer1]

"line threader" is actually called line winder.

[@AmericanBadAss901]

This is what you do next time it breaks. Buy a new one, then take the old pos and put it back in the box and return it. Wala, you got a new real and the store got your old pos.

[@fabbricatopersonareale]

What is this a review for ants??

[@Dosindapendence]

Garbage reel the stupid bolt on the handle gets loose everytime you use the drag! Sucks never again!