New rod for old Curado reel

[Sifuedition]

I have a 20+ year old Shimano Curado. This is from when Academy Sports first started selling them in Oklahoma, 20+ years ago, just after the Chronarch came out and brought the price of the Curado down. It is currently on a 6'6" Falcon rod that was nice, in it's day. The rod is still in good shape. However, having bought some new rods, I'm loving the distance I get with the new "normal" 7' rods with the longer handles allowing a better 2-hand toss. I have a total of three baitcasters and 2 spinning.

 

Lew's Orange Crush - 7' M-F

Abu Garcia Black on All-Star 6'10" M-F cork handle (cheap combo to test left-handed retrieve)

Curado on 6'6" short-handled Falcon M-F

 

Mitchell 300 7' spinning

Lew's Orange Crush 7' spinning

 

I'm looking to replace that Falcon rod. I don't have a boat (yet), so I do mostly pond/bank fishing. I still feel I should be buying an all-around rod, rather than technique specific. Another reason for thinking all-around is the break on the Curado. While it is still functional and I can still cast it well, the difference between a light T-rig and my biggest swimbait is a surprisingly small turn on the break. I have to tweak it back and forth in that small zone a bit to get it just right. I suspect this is due to age and it not really functioning 100% right. I may find I need to replace the reel sooner or later and I have no idea what direction I will go at that time. Due to uncertainty on the future reel on this rod, not sure if I should commit to a technique specific rod.

 

These are the two I am looking at currently:

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Denali_AttaX_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-DASCR.html

 

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Bass_X_Casting_Rods/descpage-TCX.html

 

1. Should I be looking to start building technique-specific set-ups?

2. Should I at least look to a MH, since my other two are medium?

3. Of the two linked, any input that might help me decide?

 

I LOVE the carbon fiber look of the Denali and online reviews seem to be solid, but looks catch fishermen, not so much fish. The St. Croix is a brand name that can't be argued with.

 

(On a tangent, rumor mill is that Shimano is supposed to be giving the new models of Curado a make-over to get them up to par with these old original models that have been so be-loved. If they deliver on that, I may just update to a new Curado.)

[Dwight Hottle]

Between the two I would suggest the St Croix. They are a proven winner with a great warranty & a great company. A MH rod would give you a little more flexibility since your other two rods are mediums. The new curado K is getting really good reviews.  

[Sifuedition]

14 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Between the two I would suggest the St Croix. They are a proven winner with a great warranty & a great company. A MH rod would give you a little more flexibility since your other two rods are mediums. The new curado K is getting really good reviews.  

I didn't realize the new Curado is already out. Reviews do look good. I'm a little surprised at the 11 lb drag. The Lew's Orange Crush is a 14. Not really sure what is "normal" anymore on a baitcaster, though.

[Dwight Hottle]

6 minutes ago, Sifuedition said:

I didn't realize the new Curado is already out. Reviews do look good. I'm a little surprised at the 11 lb drag. The Lew's Orange Crush is a 14. Not really sure what is "normal" anymore on a baitcaster, though.

Take a look at this review if you haven;t seen it yet.

 

 

[Sifuedition]

I've found three reviews already where the cosmetic cover on the thumb spool release broke off. That's a little worrisome. Everything else seems to come up aces, though.

 

Edit: Multiple comments on the external SVS dial being stiff to turn, as well.

[J._Bricker]

Sifuedition, while you’re on the Tackleware site, I’d suggest taking a look at the Powell 3D Max line of rods. On sale at roughly $15 more than your current two candidates. They are very good rods and might be what you’re looking for. I have a 734 and 735 paired with original green Curados, that I had tuned up about 5 years ago. I can chuck a plopper 110 and 130 a mile with them, not to mention frogs, buzzbaits, various other top water and bladed baits. 

 

BTW, Bassresource released a video on the new Curado rods and made mention of the new reels if you’re interested. 

 

 

 

[WRB]

It might interest you to know that Elite Bassmaster Steve Kennedy still uses the original green Curado reels. Take a look at Dobyns FR734C.

Tom

[Catt]

Send the Curado to Delaware Valley Tackle!

 

Powell Inferno 7' MH Extra Fast, excellent T-rig or Jig rod

[rangerjockey]

The Attax is a solid rod. I use the 7ft. Heavy as a buzzbait, 1/2oz. spinnerbait and plopper rod. It's plenty sensitive to drag a jig or T rig with.

 I think they fish a touch light, but I would still stick with the MH for a all purpose deal.

[J._Bricker]

10 hours ago, WRB said:

It might interest you to know that Elite Bassmaster Steve Kennedy still uses the original green Curado reels. Take a look at Dobyns FR734C.

Tom

It’s my understanding Dobyns first rod line release was based on the Powell Rods as he was once on their staff. Both the Powell 734C and and the Dobyns FR734C are comparable, and I’d have to agree with Tom, the Dobyns offering is closer to Sifuedition’s price point. 

 

Good fishing all, JB 

[Poolshark]

I still use my old bantam curados. Some of the best reels ever made. Mine were all on 6 1/2 foot avids for years. I think they balance nice on shorter rods. 

 the newer curados are light years away in comfort and casting performance (lighter baits). I am skeptical of the hardware on the newer reels though. 

If you are replacing the rod, I'm a fan of St Croix personally. The bass x is ok, the mojo bass is better. I own quite a few of the newer sc111's and find that the slim handles fit the old greenies nicely. 

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

Im not a shimano guy but have a cittica 100 dsv and love this little guy my 200e aint to bad either

[Chris_97TJ]

On 11/13/2017 at 10:45 PM, Catt said:

Send the Curado to Delaware Valley Tackle!

 

Powell Inferno 7' MH Extra Fast, excellent T-rig or Jig rod

 I have 4 old green Curados (2 SF, 2 regular) with DVT right now. Just jumping into this thread to follow as I will need to pick up some rods once they come back to match with them!