Shimano Curado DC

[Brett's_daddy]

Okay, I have a new Curado DC on the way. It's a 7.4:1 RH but I'm contemplating what I would like to do with it, should I use it as a reaction bait reel (i.e. topwater, lipless, chatterbait, jerkbait etc.) or should I use it to throw lighter stuff like plastics or should I use it for jigs and spinnerbaits? I was thinking of putting it on my Dobyn's Fury 734C (7'3" Heavy/Fast although I've heard some say Dobyn's are usually a little underpowered so maybe this rod is more of a Medium Heavy)...just not sure if I should spool with fluorocarbon or braid with a mono/fluoro leader? I guess the possibilities are almost endless as this reel should be capable of throwing just about anything...just wondered what some of you other guys/gals who have this reel have it set up for?

[microotter]

I would put it on a rod that you are going to use a lot so that you get to enjoy your new reel. 

[Brett's_daddy]

7 minutes ago, microotter said:

I would put it on a rod that you are going to use a lot so that you get to enjoy your new reel. 

Yup, that's why I choose my Dobyn's Fury...by far my most versatile rod.

[NYWayfarer]

Anything you plan on casting as far as you can. That way you get to hear that sweet DC whine as long as possible.

[jbsoonerfan]

Mine is on a 6'10" MH rod with 14 lb mono and I throw spinnerbaits, lipless, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, underspins, small (4" or less) paddle tail swimbaits, and any other moving bait that will work with that rod. The reel is a joy to use.

[NHBull]

Performs best on long cast.

 

Have a couple DC'S for my jig rods or when casting into heavy wind

[Further North]

I have two...but haven't fished them yet.

 

On dry ground testing, they seem to get it done as well as my Calais DC, but in a smaller, lighter form.

 

I'm going to try one on a 7' 9" ML TFO GIS Inshore rod, which is feeling like a winning combo and the other is hung on a rod a use almost exclusively for chucking T-rigged Smokin' Roosters.

 

We'll see what the season tells us.

 

Unlike most folks, after years of DC ownership, I'm not convinced a DC is better for distance.  I am convinced it's better for wind, and for just banging away without worrying about backlashes.  I feel like I can get more distance out of other reels, if I give them the attention needed to get a long cast.

 

My DCs have a time and place (The Calais is on 7' 9" Heavy I use for chucking spoons at Esox) and I'd not trade them for anything...but they are not the best for every application, as far as I can tell.