Shimano Caenan 100 Baitcaster CAE100

Shimano still making good low profile baitcasters – I got this Shimano Ceanan on top of a Mexican Fire 2 Barra Magnum rod as a combo from BCF the other day and for a measly price of $160 - about right for what the rods and reels go for separably. What I liked about it - and I am finding it hard to like most reels these days as they are usually flimsy and cheap to make and expensive to buy is that this reel shares about 99% of its parts with the bigger brothers within the range. The reel is 7 ball bearing which equates upto nothing in the real world - it accounts for smoothness in most peoples mind but for me it accounts for keeping parts from moving too much and wearing out.

The reel itself is easily held and while atop the rod is easily held onto unlike a old Abu Ambassadeur - this reel is really ergonomic and a joy to hold for long fishing trips! The feel of the reel is solid enough to use for Jacks or Jewies up to a certain range in size, I wouldn't suggest that this reel can live up to the rods 'Barra Magnum' claims however there are a few review on some US e-shops that state the reel struggles with a 4lb largemouth bass? I did notice that there is a little flex somewhere in the body and that the left 1/8th turn cover has a little play in it more than I would like to tolerate while holding it.

While on the left hand side plate this is the side that you have to open to either engage more of the casting control friction weights - its a simple fplip - twist and spin and you have access to the inner workings of the reel itself. The casting weights are simple clicked up and down - gone are the days of key type 'zzzzz' sounding knob magnetic control system on the older series of baitcasters pre 2010 (which I do miss), however this system keeps the weight down and the size slim on this reel!

The reel handles are round and are supposedly the same as if the original Ci4 spinning reel, and the ergonomics of winding are pretty good, casting this is excellent and its easy to control. Casts are long and noisy - this has to be the noisiest baitcast reel I have other than the Ambassadeur's which are built on 60 years of overbuilt / built too strong and utilitarian tradition.

Inside the reel itself is exactly the same as most of the Shimano baitcasters from 2000 onwards - they share the same inner workings and are very very easy to work on and repair. There are about 3 body vents that I noticed these to shed water from the internals of the reel when after being washed or heavily used while on the water. I personally drill minute holes in some of my reels that collect water internally - however these holes that Shimano put in are too big and this could let sand and dust into the reels if people are not careful or travel in sandy boats / cars or windy locations - I particularly did not like this feature and wish they make these smaller in the future!!!

Other than that there is plenty of drag available and I have my reel loaded up with 15lb 8 carry weave PE and it's very nice to use for long periods and extremely easy to set up, cast and retrieve for long periods especially on the Raider 2 Barra Magnum rod it came on!

Now hoping that I can test this reel with a decent fish or three! Extremely light and low profile, round handle knobs made from EVA foam, aluminium low mass spool, 7 ball bearings, 10 year Shimano warranty, lots of body vents to vent water and reduce internal corrosion. Water shedding holes in the body are tooooo big - can let dust and sand in! Level wind is facing outward and can let water onto and into the wind when water is being stripped off the line from the level wind guide. No external magnetic cast control - have to open the left side plate and adjust with miniature casting control weights - can let dust and sand in if wind blows across a beach etc.