How to Use a Shimano Fishing Reel CSO-100

by Shimano North America, with permission

Shimano's CSO-100, commonly known as the Callisto, is a great choice for anglers considering their first bait casting reel. Priced at just under $50 for 2009, the Callisto packs powerful features you'd expect from a more expensive reel. Before jumping in, take a moment to check out some of the functions and features the reel has to offer. You should be able to master the basic use of the Callisto with about one hour of casting practice.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Using Your Shimano Callisto

Things You’ll Need:

Shimano CSO-100 Callisto reel Casting rod Weight or lure
Shimano CSO-100 Callisto reel
Casting rod
Weight or lure

Step 1

Set up your Callisto for casting by tying on a lure or weight and holding the rod out parallel to the ground so the line and lure hang straight down from the rod tip. Press the free spool bar to take the reel out of gear and gradually loosen the free spool control until the lure or weight begins to descend. Put the reel back in gear by turning the handle. You are ready to cast.

Step 2

Set the drag on your Callisto before doing battle with any fish. Shimano has designed the Callisto with its Super Stopper© anti-reverse, and a backup anti-reverse Assist Stopper. Fancy names aside, the important thing to know is that the Callisto is instantly in anti-reverse when a fish bites. That means it doesn't have a hair's worth of give--the reel is rock-solid on the bite. After the initial stop, the smooth anti-reverse takes over. To set your anti-reverse, hook your lure to or tie your line on a stationary object and pull. Adjust the drag so that it's difficult to pull line from the reel in gear but also so that the anti-reverse gives before the line breaks.

Step 3

Most bait casting reels require the user to slow the spool as the weight reaches the end of the cast. Callisto's Easy Mag magnetic cast control system relieves you of the need to thumb the spool, as it gradually slows your spool to prevent back lashes and bird's nests. Allow a foot of line between your rod tip and the weight or lure you are casting. Depress the free spool button on the front base of the reel, and hold the spool with your thumb to keep it from spinning. Make a smooth motion when casting, and release the spool. Your Callisto will do the rest, bringing your cast to completion without tangles.

Tips & Warnings

Casts should be smooth and easy. A hesitating or jerky motion increases the possibility of tangles.

Light weights are the most difficult to cast. Avoid using lures weighing less than an ounce until you are competent with your reel.

Resources

Noreast.com Shimano Product Support Board

Article Written By Stephen Byrne

Stephen Byrne is a freelance writer with published articles in "Nor'East Saltwater," "Sportfishing" magazine, "Pacific Coast Sportfishing" and "Salt Water Sportsman." As a fishing charter captain, he was also interviewed for a feature in "Field and Stream." Byrne studied environmental science at the State University of New York at Delhi.

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