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Learn More »Shimano Caius Baitcaster 150HGC: Budget-Friendly Power and Precision
Sleek, low-profile, and ready to rock, the Shimano Caius Reel is your passport to fishing thrills without breaking the bank. Whether you’re experienced and chase barra by flicking lures into mangrove roots up in the NT or just starting your baitcasting journey, the Caius Reel delivers impressive performance for its price point.
The Shimano Caius Baitcaster Reel has features that'll have you casting confidently in no time. Its user-friendly design is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, making transitioning to baitcasting smoother than ever.
Why settle for less when you can experience the precision and power of a top-tier baitcaster at a budget-friendly price?
Key Features
- Model: Caius 150HGC
- Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
- Max Drag: 5Kg
- Reel Weight: 185 g (approx.)
- Retrieve Per Crank: 72cm
- Ball Bearings 3+1
- Super Free Spool
- VBS (Variable Break System)
- Right Hand Retrieve
Line Capacity
- Mono (approx.): 120yds/10lb, 110yds/12lb or 90yds/14lb
- Braid (approx.): 150yds/20lb, 135yds/30lb or 105yds/40lb
Where to Use Your Shimano Caius Baitcaster
Estuaries and Rivers:
- Prime Targets: Barramundi, mangrove jack, threadfin salmon, fingermark, queenfish, Australian bass, Murray cod, and estuary perch.
- Ideal Locations: Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia.
- Why it Works: The Caius's high-speed retrieve and casting accuracy is perfect for working lures through snags, covering water quickly, and targeting these species in their natural habitats.
Lakes and Dams:
- Prime Targets: Impoundment bass, golden perch, and redfin.
- Ideal Locations: Queensland and Victoria
- Why it Works: The Caius's smooth operation and casting control are well-suited for finesse presentations and lure fishing in open water.
Inshore Reefs and Structures:
- Prime Targets: Snapper, flathead, bream, and other inshore species.
- Ideal Locations: Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
- Why it Works: The Caius's moderate drag power and smooth operation handle these species around rocky outcrops, jetties, and other structures.
Specific Hotspots
- Northern Territory: Barramundi, mangrove jack, and threadfin salmon in the NT's estuaries and rivers.
- Queensland: Bass and golden perch in impoundments, mangrove jack in estuaries, and bread-and-butter species on inshore reefs.
- New South Wales: Bream, flathead, bass, estuary perch, and smaller snapper in estuaries, rivers, and inshore reefs.
- Victoria: Snapper, King George whiting, flathead, and redfin in Port Phillip Bay, other waterways, and freshwater lakes/rivers
- Western Australia: Barramundi in the Kimberley and other northern WA estuaries and rivers.
Shimano Caius Advantages
✅ Smooth Operation: The Caius features three high-quality stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing strategically placed to minimise friction during casts and retrieves. While not as many as higher-end Shimano baitcaster models, these bearings deliver smooth performance, especially considering the reel's price point.
Shimano's Super Free Spool technology complements these bearings. This system minimises friction between the spool shaft and the spool when casting. In theory, this reduced friction allows the spool to spin more freely at the beginning of a cast, potentially leading to improved casting distance and accuracy.
✅ Backlash Management: The Caius is equipped with Shimano's Variable Brake System (VBS). This system is designed to help control spool speed during casts, which can reduce the occurrence of backlash. The VBS allows anglers to adjust the braking force to match different lure weights and fishing conditions. While it's not a guarantee against tangles, this feature aims to improve casting control, potentially benefiting both novice and experienced baitcasters.
✅ High-Speed Retrieval: The Caius has a 7.2:1 gear ratio, categorising it as a high-speed reel. This means that the spool turns 7.2 times for every full handle rotation. In practical terms, this translates to approximately 72cm of line retrieved per handle turn for the Caius fishing reel. This high-speed retrieve is perfect for quick line pickup techniques, such as burning crankbaits or working topwater lures.
Considerations
Casting Performance - Expectations vs. Reality: The synergy between the bearings and the Super Free Spool design aims to create a more fluid casting experience. However, real-world performance can vary based on factors like line type, lure weight, and angler technique.
While the Caius strives for smooth casts, results may differ among users. Anglers might notice an improved feel compared to other entry-level baitcasters, but the difference could be subtle for some.
As with all fishing gear, personal preference and experience heavily influence how one perceives the reel's performance.
Power vs. Speed: The Caius reel 7.2:1 gear ratio, while not the fastest on the market, offers a solid balance of speed and control. This high-speed retrieval excels at covering water efficiently and quick lure presentations. However, it comes with a trade-off: slightly reduced cranking power compared to slower reels, which may be noticeable when battling large fish or working through heavy cover. Despite this, the ratio's versatility makes the Caius baitcaster suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques.
Angler Fatigue: The faster retrieve speed can increase hand fatigue during extended fishing sessions, particularly if you're not used to high-speed reels. It's essential to be mindful of this and take breaks as needed.
Why Buy From Ocean Storm Fishing Tackle / Fishingtackleshop.com.au
✅ Expert Advice, Aussie Style: We're not just a faceless online store. Our team that works the mechanics of our physical store lives and breathes fishing in Australian waters. Got a question about the Shimano Caius or need help choosing the right rod and line to make it a combo? We're here to share our firsthand knowledge and ensure you're ready for success.
✅ Price Match: We're confident in our competitive pricing, but if you find the Shimano Caius reel cheaper elsewhere, let us know! We'll do our best to match or beat the price.
✅ Authorised Shimano Dealer: We're proud to be an authorised Shimano dealer, meaning you get 100% genuine Shimano Australia products backed by Australian warranties. There are no grey market reels or questionable knock-offs here! – Our Caius reels for sale are brand new.
✅ Fast Dispatch: We know you’ll be itching to hit the water if you order a Shimano Caius reel from us. That's why we process and dispatch orders quickly. Most orders go out the door within 1 business day, so you can spend less time waiting and more time fishing.
If the Caius is marked as in stock, it’s in stock! There are no special orders and waiting games for the Cauis here.
Order Now
Experience the smoothness and precision of a Shimano Caius baitcaster. The Caius is your gateway to improved casting and fast retrieves, all for a budget-friendly price. Expand your fishing possibilities with a baitcaster - order your Caius now!
