(Provided by Shimano)

Calcutta 200DMark Zona says he was no different than most anglers in his early days when it came to choosing a baitcasting reel.

“Let’s face it, low profile reels are just cool looking,” said the host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show seen on the The Outdoor Channel. “I remember when I saw my first low profile reel; it was sleek, had a Star Wars looking hood over the spool and I was like, come on, dude! That is cool!”

But Zona says experience has taught him there’s more to tackle selection than “cool” Star Wars aesthetics.

Sure, he still prefers low profile reels for what he calls “sniper” fishing – making short, impact casts at specific targets – but he insists the round, Calcutta D gives anglers a power edge when it’s required.

“There are certain situations where a round reel simply performs better,” he explained. “You can’t throw a big crankbait, umbrella rig, spinnerbait or a swimbait all day with a low profile and not be tired. But with the Calcutta D reels, I feel just as good the last hour as I did the first hour of the day.”

Zona said he’s always wanted to be a deep cranker, but avoided the big baits because he had to do all the work.

“When I used other reels, I’d pick up the big bait, throw it 20 minutes, then say, ‘this is stupid,’ and put it down,” he said. “But with the Calcutta D, the difference is staggering.”

The zany TV host became a believer last year on a trip to Falcon Lake, where he caught giant bass on Strike King’s 20XD – a crankbait that dives to 20 feet or more – while field-testing Shimano’s new Calcutta D reels.

“First, I owned those fish because of the reel’s incredible power,” he offered. “And this is not a goofy sales pitch; for me to throw that plug for eight hours and my butt not get wore out? Oh yeah, I’m a believer.”

The secret lies within Shimano’s “X-Ship” technology that offers massive cranking power from the gears and added casting distance from the positioning of bearings. He says there’s no loss of power under load, so when you are hooked-up, cranking is ultra smooth and easy. Plus, with friction being reduced by the spool and bearing support, he adds, it helps him launch baits farther and have better command of lures that deliver a lot of torque.

“It feels like you’re just cutting through the water compared to the grind and pressure you’ll feel with most low profile reels,” Zona added. “It’s all about power, and when you’re cranking all day, you need a reel with the gears and durability that can handle it, and just as important, make it easier on you.”

That’s not to say that low profile reels don’t have a place. Zona prefers them for many of his fishing techniques.

“If skipping under docks, flipping, or casting soft plastics, I prefer the low profile because it’s about accuracy and comfort,” he described. “But if I’m going to be out chucking and winding all day, the round reel is a much easier and more appropriate fishing tool.”

It’s a reminder, he added, that anglers should apply the same logic in reel selection as they do with other elements of their tackle. Very few reels are universal and each type has its strengths and is best suited for specific applications.

“We are so picky about getting the right bait and color hue, or matching the right line and rod action for precise presentations,” he noted. “We’ve overlooked the reel, yet when you think about it, the reel is one of the most critical elements in that equation!”