Reels? Shimano Curado?

[rgharris83]

I've got another reel question. I've been reading all the past post and can't pin point my choice. I'm looking to buy a baitcasting reel under $200 for trout and redfishing. I've read a lot about the Curado and I like the feel of it. I've noticed most of the saltwater baitcast reels don't have a low profile for the palm fit. Does the Curado hold up in saltwater? Any opinions on the cardiff or calata? Obviously I'm interested in a Shimano but would love an un-biased opinon(s). I just bought the 4000 Stadic spinning reel, now I need a baitcasting reel.

Thanks in advace for all your knowledge

[Ken K]

I have a couple of Curados and like them very much. I have never had any problems with corrosion or anything else. I just don't see how you can beat them for trout and slot sized redfish.

If anything I am biased against Shimano. I think their spinning reels suck.

[Ken K]

If you get one, here is a good tutorial for maintenance.

http://home.att.net/~kelley_brown/reelservice.html

[rgharris83]

Thanks Ken!

[rgharris83]

I'm not familiar with the different models. Any suggestions there?

[Cranfield]

Before deciding, have a look at the Abu range, particularly the 5500 C3, 6500 C3, 7000 C3, 6500 C4 and 7000 HS, you will be glad you did.
I use these reels in saltwater (have done for years) and swear by them.

The 7000 C3 and 7000 HS may be too big for your needs, but all the reels mentioned, are well under your quoted budget.

Shimano for spinning and Abu for baitcasting, until you get real big and then move on to Shimano TLD,s.

[Ken K]

You can get the 200 models with either a 6.2, 5 or 3.8 gear ratio. Respectively they are the B, the B5 and the B38.

The 201 models are lefthanded.

The 100B is a narrower version with less line capacity.

They also offer the "SuperFree" version with a different bearing set up and a wiffle spool. This is the 200BSF, it has a 6.2 ratio. They supposedly cast very nicely. I have never used one myself.


I have the 200B5 models. The 5-1 ratio works for me.

[Ken K]

If you want to spend $200 for the reel you might also check out the Shimano Chronarch series. Just be sure to stay away from the Magnesium models. Otherwise you can get the Curado and a decent rod for $200.

[craSSh]

I love my Curado... very smooth casting and drag. I also love my Ambassadors, not as smooth as the Curado but still fine reels. I recently got 2 Eons, so far I love them, as smooth as the Curado. Hope this helps.

[rocket]

I have a friend who has a lot of Curados in his arsenal, and he swears by them. I've seen him haul in monster trout, and reds with no problem.
Personally, I'm partial to Calcuttas. Both are fine reels. As for the Chronarch, it is a super nice reel, but it is $200+. That trigger is a little hard to pull for me.
Good luck, and just remember to fish with what you are cofortable with, and what you have the most confidence in.

[tin can]

I have Curados, cardiffs, and 1 calcutta. They are all fine reels. I've never used my curados in salt water. I've been using the cardiffs for 4 years in salt water. They're bulletproof. The Cardiff is a less expensive version of a Calcutta (according to the Shimano rep). The difference is the Calcutta has a machined aluminum frane, and the Cardiff has a cast aluminum frame. Any of the Shimano reels (except the magnesium models) will do a superb job.