Curado DC Frustration

[MossyBackDaddy]

Wifey surprised me the other day with buying me the Shimano Curado DC I had my eye on. Due to work I have not been able to spool it up or anything until this morning. I put a spool of PP Slick 8 V2 on it and put it on a rod and couldn't wait to throw it. Very first cast about 20 feet...$%^* bird's nest! I don't understand? I put it on 2 for braid and everything (left tension knob alone as per company instructions) but still got a huge backlash. Went online to learn how to remove backlash. Watched a couple of vids and it seems pretty easy. Nope. My backlash is pretty deep and complex one of the worse I've ever had (the irony with a DC reel). So over $20 is PP line ruined 5 minutes after spooling and a let down after anticipation with using this reel for a while. I'm so frustrated I feel like returning the stupid thing. I wasn't expecting perfection but I wasn't expecting the mother of all backlashes either. 

[jbsoonerfan]

First off, what lb line are you using and second, why would you not touch the tension knob? Obviously I didn't read the owners manual on mine, so I didn't know it even said that. But that should be fine tuned with every bait or so I have always thought. Maybe I am wrong though, I have been a time or two thousand.

[Junger]

Either your DC unit is defective, or you need to adjust the tension knob to the actual lure you've tied on. I would start by doing the old "drop your lure straight down to the ground" method. Start with the tension really tight so it drops slowly, then decrease tension until it drops down fast enough where it makes 1 or 2 backlash coils. Then try doing a full cast again and check the results.

[MossyBackDaddy]

4 hours ago, jbsoonerfan said:

First off, what lb line are you using and second, why would you not touch the tension knob? Obviously I didn't read the owners manual on mine, so I didn't know it even said that. But that should be fine tuned with every bait or so I have always thought. Maybe I am wrong though, I have been a time or two thousand.

30lbs test.

[CrankFate]

5 hours ago, Junger said:

Either your DC unit is defective, or you need to adjust the tension knob to the actual lure you've tied on. I would start by doing the old "drop your lure straight down to the ground" method. Start with the tension really tight so it drops slowly, then decrease tension until it drops down fast enough where it makes 1 or 2 backlash coils. Then try doing a full cast again and check the results.

Always this. Especially with new reels.

[offsidewing]

DC units don't replace a thumb or prevent backlashes.

[Stephen B]

The DC units aid in the prevention of backlashes. You still have to set the reel as different lures and situations call for different braking thus different settings. Once you dial the reel in through practice, you'll love it. The DCs are sweet!

[diehardbassfishing]

A review I read said they preferred Mode 4.

 

"With the Curado DC set in Mode 4, I was able to cast into a headwind with braided line and with my thumb completely off the spool, and the reel not only prevented any backlashes but also helped me cast farther than I would normally be able to cast with a traditional baitcaster in these conditions. Anglers of all skill levels can benefit from the Curado DC’s easy to manage and reliable I-DC4 system."

 

Reel might be a bit "loose" for Mode 2 for the situation you were in. Discounting a head wind, and maybe not too light of a lure, Mode 3 might have been OK too. Try again, but start high and work down through the Modes.

 

Karl

 

[Junger]

8 hours ago, MossyBackDaddy said:

I put it on 2 for braid and everything (left tension knob alone as per company instructions) but still got a huge backlash.

Just FYI, I'm not sure where you're getting instructions to leave the tension knob alone, but I think what Shimano is suggesting is to first set the tension knob to remove side to side play, and then no need to adjust it. Personally, I like to remove side to side play, and then add another quarter turn or so.

 

[diehardbassfishing]

Yup - kill the side to side play, and give it 1/8 turn (or so) to make it "reasonable".

 

Karl

 

[TBAG]

Try the tension knob as others have said and let us know.

[diehardbassfishing]

Keep in mind - our recommendations on proper spool tension will not cure this backlash issue. This would require dialing in way too much spool tension. It's much better to use the DC cast control to tame any backlash problem. Start casting at "4", and work down.

 

Karl

[MossyBackDaddy]

Hey gentlemen after reading and considering all of your recommedations and checking out a few vids online I restrung and retied the casting plug for another try (after wifey cut out the backash when I was sleeping as a surprise). Can't lie I was kinda nervous. Started on #4 and all went well albiet the cast was a little short. Couple of casts later and put it on #2. The plug took off like it's hair was on fire! But into the trees lol. Got it out with no problem and made about half a dozen more cast and only had one small lash that was my fault because I was late with the thumb. 

 

I would like to thank yall for all of your advice and words of encouragement. I think yesterday boiled down to a few things that led me to having issues (not counting the ones only a shrink can fix). #1 Wimpy cast. #2 Believing I could get by with no thumb action. #3 Only having 2 hours of sleep prior to foolin' with it. 

 

One thing I learned today is your thumb has to be "educated" differently for the DC than you do for any other reel. The only down side is I was casting into my mono backing since wifey cut away like 20 yards of line getting the ash out so now I'll have to buy another spool and switch it out but I'll take it. I will still need to practice to get it burned into muscle memory but I feel more confident taking it out tomorrow with plans on throwing swimbaits for those pretty brown bass. Again thank you Bass Resource bros.

[Junger]

12 minutes ago, MossyBackDaddy said:

Hey gentlemen after reading and considering all of your recommedations and checking out a few vids online I restrung and retied the casting plug for another try (after wifey cut out the backash when I was sleeping as a surprise)

Keeper Trophy Wife!

 

Glad it all worked out, the Curado DC is very fun to throw, you'll enjoy it on the water even more.

[Fishingmickey]

You might want to practice with it as it is before refilling the spool. Much easier to learn on 3/4th's of a spool then a full one.

FM

[MossyBackDaddy]

5 hours ago, Junger said:

Keeper Trophy Wife!

 

Glad it all worked out, the Curado DC is very fun to throw, you'll enjoy it on the water even more.

Yes sir! No doubt. I think I will "mount" her. Plus it helps that her Pops was a tournament fisherman back in his day. As a matter of fact now that he does not fish anymore he gave me his PB 12lbs. LM skin mount as a gift. I have some big ole shoes to fill.

[Vilas15]

9 hours ago, Fishingmickey said:

You might want to practice with it as it is before refilling the spool. Much easier to learn on 3/4th's of a spool then a full one.

FM

Why would that be the case? I'd think it would be worse since the spool is going to spin faster to let out the same amount of line.

[Dogface]

Just an FYI. I had trouble with mine. I sent it back to Shimano. They replaced the spool and the side plate.

 

When I got it back I still had some problems when the spool tension was adjusted as they suggested. I kept playing with the tension until I got it right. My tension is a little tighter than they suggest but it works. I may make future adjustments as I get more familiar with it.