First baitcasting reel since a green Curado

[PatrickKnight]

So I am thinking of picking up my first baitcaster in many years. 99% of my fishing is better done with spinning tackle so I have never felt the need for one but for some reason I just want a new one. I have been looking at the Curado K (and 70), Daiwa Tat CT Type R, and the Lews Pro G. I know nothing of modern bait casters so I was hoping you guys might be able to point me in the right direction. I am going to try to buy a used reel to save some money but the 200ish range is where I am looking (this is the new price not the price I am hoping to pay).

 

Also this reel might see saltwater action from time to time when I visit family on the coast.

[The Bassman]

You can get a new Curado K for under 150 on the Bay.  Daiwa  SV TW can be had for less.  Both are great reels.

[CroakHunter]

Since you're beginning again, if suggest super budget friendly daiwa fuego ct off of ebay for about 65 bucks. Then if you decide you want another you can grab the sv tws, tat ct, or another fuego and still be under your $200 budget

[HookRz]

A few years back I would thought this a no brainer...just upgrade to a newer Curado. 

 

But now now there are a of good reels out there. Daiwa, the top line Lewis, even the company we can't mention have good options. Daiwa in particular has great reels that make casting easier if your still learning, and in some situations like skipping make good casters better. 

 

I guess my answer isn't much help. Sorry. Lol! 

[fishnkamp]

Go for the Daiwa Tatula CT. The difference between a CT and a CT Type R may notbe worth the money difference, at least not for someone just getting their first new baitcaster.  Both reels function the same in terms of break system, same size and frame.  The differences are minor. One is cosmetic, there is a splash of red.  There both have a total of 8 bearings, In the CT Type R there are two corrosion resistant bearings + five regular bearings and one roller bearing. In the regular Tat CT there are 7 regular bearings and 1 roller. Those corrosion resistant bearings will not matter.  They both will be just as smooth and be fine if you occasionally see some light salt use. In both cases just rinse afterwards.

 

Noe there is one difference in them and that comes if you were looking at a left handed 8-1 like I use for frogging, you will need to go to a Type R.  I do not mean top say don't go for the Type R if you like its appearance better, I just did not want you to expect it is somehow a big jump up.  The performance will be identical.  I use a bunch of Tatulas, some original models, some original Tatula Type Rs, and some Tatula CTs. I am happy with performance of all of them.

 

By the way Amazon has a supplier called ABCD. They have both of these reels from $99 to $140. I have purchased 4 reels from them, been happy with them every time. Now having seen these prices go for the Type R. The regular retail price difference is usually $60 or more, so that was what I was basing my first statement on. Either way, if you get one let me know, these reels adjust different than any other reel out there and to get it to perform you need to adjust it properly. I will give you the links to two videos that explain it easily.

[LonnieP]

Daiwa CT SV. I bought my last one on eBay for 125

[TylerT123]

I picked up a Lew’s Custom Speed Spool (10 bearings), and it wasn’t as smooth as the Curado K (7 bearings). I’d say Shimano uses a higher rated ABEC bearing. The Curado K is kind of heavy, like 8 ounces. Do you know what kind of brakes you want?

[Stephen B]

The Curado Ks are great reels, however, I do agree that they are a bit on the heavy side IMO (7.6 oz)

[Dtrombly]

Tatula CT is a great choice, as is the Lews Tournament MB for $140 on TW

[npl_texas]

38 minutes ago, Dtrombly said:

Tatula CT is a great choice, as is the Lews Tournament MB for $140 on TW

You can find that particular Lews reel for much cheaper on Amazon and ebay.

[PatrickKnight]

Due to a really bad experience with ebay a while back I won't purchase from there but those Daiwa reels are priced really well on Amazon.

 

Really thinking about a Tatula at this point. After seeing a couple reviews of water ingress into the Curado K I dont know how well it would handle the salt. 

 

Surprised more people don't fish the Lews reels. They seem to be priced right for the features they offer. Thoughts?

[TylerT123]

2 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

Due to a really bad experience with ebay a while back I won't purchase from there but those Daiwa reels are priced really well on Amazon.

 

Really thinking about a Tatula at this point. After seeing a couple reviews of water ingress into the Curado K I dont know how well it would handle the salt. 

 

Surprised more people don't fish the Lews reels. They seem to be priced right for the features they offer. Thoughts?

Lew’s are good reels, they gave Shimano a run for their money so they came out with the Curado K. They do have great customer service, although it’s slow. They do lie about their drags on the website, go to the reel schematics to see the real reel’s drag. I’d buy a Lew’s for salt, I’ve heard stay away from their rods though.

[new2BC4bass]

2 hours ago, PatrickKnight said:

Due to a really bad experience with ebay a while back I won't purchase from there but those Daiwa reels are priced really well on Amazon.

 

Really thinking about a Tatula at this point. After seeing a couple reviews of water ingress into the Curado K I dont know how well it would handle the salt. 

 

Surprised more people don't fish the Lews reels. They seem to be priced right for the features they offer. Thoughts?

I get the opposite impression.  I feel quit a few on here like Lew's.  I'm something of a Daiwa fan, but I do have 3 Lew's.  Can't say anything bad about them.  I feel the finish on my Lew's is better than on some of my older Daiwas.  I like the dual brake controls.

[PatrickKnight]

So I took a trip to my local Field and Stream to check out some reels in person. 

 

It might have been that these were demo reels but every Lews I tried felt "loose" lots of pay in the handle as well as handle knobs.

 

The Daiwa Tatula CT felt amazing and fit my hand well. Is it possible to swap an SV spool into a regular Tatula? I would like to be able to swap spools around based on what I want to do with the reel if that is possible.

 

The Curado K felt like a great reel but a good bit heavier than the Daiwa. The Curado 70 also felt extremely solid.

 

Looks like Lews is out and Daiwa is currently the head of the pack simply because online I am able to get them a good bit cheaper than the Shimano offerings.