Best Braided Fishing Line Best Fishing Line Fishing is a wonderful pastime enjoyed over millennia, and it continues to be popular today. With the advancements in technology, we enjoy newer features in virtually every aspect of our lives, and fishing equipment is no different. If you are a more experienced angler, you’ve probably encountered the baitcasting reel, or have been in the market for one.
If you’re looking for accuracy in being able to put the lure exactly where you want it, then a baitcasting reel is for you. We’ve reviewed one of the best baitcasting reels on the market, the Shimano Caenan 101 Baitcasting Reel. Read on to discover more about this awesome piece of equipment.
Features of Shimano Caenan 101 Baitcasting Reel
Versatility
If you are looking for plenty of versatility in your baitcasting reel, the Caenan 101 might be a good fit for you. You can use it with anything from jigs to worms to speedy spinnerbaits and crankbaits. This means that you can use whatever is in your tackle box whenever you need it. This reel is especially useful as Shimano has approved it for saltwater use, so you can fish anywhere you’d like without worrying if your reel can handle it.
Exclusive Lo-Mass Spool
It’s important in any baitcasting reel to have good start-up inertia. Since the spool rotates as the line is cast, the inertia needs to have a strong enough force to be able to move the spool without creating a tangled mess. The Lo-Mass Spool makes casting the lightest baits effortless, making for smooth and easy casts every time. This real makes casting so easy that one customer reported his 8-year-old daughter being able to use it!
Variable Brake System
The Variable Brake System, or VBS, is a great help in controlling the cast as it uses centrifugal force instead of magnets as a means of aiding it. It helps to prevent backlash at the beginning of the cast after it is turned on as the individual brake weights are brought outward. This helps to cause friction that controls the speed of the spool, without the expense of the spool stopping its spinning.
Super Stopper
The Super Stopper anti-reverse utilizes a one-way stainless steel roller bearing that helps to prevent backlash, giving the user instant hook setting ability without the threat of messy tangles. Anyone who has tried fishing with any reel before knows that the over-run is difficult—nay, downright infuriating to deal with, so this is an excellent addition to prevent this from happening. Preventing back-play is important, and this reel handles it well.
Ergonomics
Ultra-lightweight, the Caenan 101 is easy to balance with plenty of rods. It is made of aluminum, which makes it lighter and more resistant to corrosion than if it were made of metal. The reel uses high density, non-slip EVA power grips to provide easier handling. It also uses the ergonomic Quickfire II thumb clutch bar for easier grip and control. All in all, this model is great in terms of ergonomic design.
Pros:
- Great price point
- Saltwater application
- Smooth handling
- Easy baitcasting, good for beginners
- Well-designed brakes
- Lightweight, easy-to-balance
Cons:
- Lacking more of the features of higher-end models
- Some prefer flat grips
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:“Is this a left-handed model?”
A: Yes, the Caenan 101 is a left-handed retrieve. The Caenan 100 would be the model for right-handed users.
Q: “Is there an online manual?”
A: The reel comes with an instructions manual but at present, does not have an online one.
Q: “How many bearings are in the reel?”
A: It has 6 Shielded stainless steel ball bearings.
Q: “What is the line capacity?”
A: The line capacity is 8/180, 10/155, 14/110.
Q: “What is the gear ratio for this model?”
A: The Caenan 101’s gear ratio is 6.5:1.
In Conclusion
The Shimano Caenan 101 is a great reel, especially for the price. The below-$100 price point makes it an accessible model that gives an excellent amount of features without having to dive into the deeper end of the price spectrum. It gives good control without sacrificing comfort and ergonomics. It is easy to use enough for beginners. This is particularly impressive because baitcasting reels often have a difficult learning curve before they can be used efficiently. However, the Caenan 101 is able to be used with minimal effort, making it an excellent tool even for first-timers who have never used a baitcasting reel before. All in all, the model is a solid one and is well worth the money to buy it. It’s a great catch!
