Go with the ci4. I own multiple of both the Curado I and ci4's, and the ci4 is a large step ahead of the Curado. Not that there is anything wrong with the Curado, but the ci4 is just that nice. Or, with the current Curado promotion, I would also suggest buying 2 Curado's.
I've got two.
Dobyns Champion 765CB with a Daiwa Zillion 4.9:1 - I love deep cranking and this setup is perfect for me
Dobyns Champion 684CB with a Shimano Metanium HG - Such a light and well balanced setup, perfect for jerkbaits
The DT cranks are not a squarebill. You can get the DT Fat's, which are more of a squarebill (comes in a 1 and a 3).
Just wanted to clarify that for the OP.
The 6' length is going to hurt your casting distance, regardless of brand. A 7' or 7'6" would be more ideal for longer casting. If you must use a 6' rod, make sure you are using a lure in the recommended weight range for your rod of choice. Also, having the proper amount of line spooled on your reel can also make a big difference in casting distance.
Your temperature range isn't too cold to catch fish, but it will be slow, and don't expect to go limit out in an hour in those conditions. Fish slower and deeper when facing those conditions.
On a side note, thanks for the water temperature update. I'll be up in zone 18 here next month and I've been trying to gauge what the water temperature will be for my trip.
JLS is great. I just picked up the last 09 style Alde that they had 2 weeks ago. That reel showed up in 4 business days. While you're ordering, don't be afraid to pickup some Sunline FC. The prices are much better than here in the US right now with the exchange rate (on both reels and line).
Lucky Craft makes the Kerroll Max (I own one) and it has the same slit on the back. It's for inserting a glow stick (for night fishing I would assume). I haven't used mine yet, but I'm afraid to throw a $15-20 topwater in pike waters.
All of my fluoro spooled reels get a dose of KVD L&L the night before, and then again the morning of, on every fishing outing. It makes a big difference.
Crank setup:
7' M or MH rod with a moderate action
Baitcaster with a 5:1 or 6:1 ratio
12 pound FC or co-poly line
Spinner bait setup:
6'10"-7' MH rod wtih a fast action (some guys may prefer a moderate action)
Baitcaster with a 6:1 or 7:1 ratio
14 pound line (mono, FC, co-poly)
Good cranks to start with:
Shad Rap
DT's
KVD 1.5
Mann's 1-
Rat-L-Trap
Spinnerbaits:
Take your pick. I like Terminators because they don't get bent out of shape.
Dicks owns Field and Stream stores. My town (Cranberry Twp, PA) is the home of the very first F&S store. They have since started expanding and I think they have about 10 stores now scattered throughout the country. I'm sure eventually, one will open up out your way. If you really want one, feel free to send me a PM and I will go to my local store and pick you up whatever you need and ship them to you.
Change color
Change size
Slow down
Speed up
Change hooks (if using trebles, current one's could be dull or too small)
Do something that's just enough to make those fish want to eat whatever it is you're throwing
Slamming doors on compartments in the boat
Noisy trolling motors, or hitting a piece of structure with said motor
Sunscreen or bug repellent getting on finger/lures
Bright colored clothing (I do think this makes a difference, even in a boat)
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