How do I use my new rods to its strengths???

[FishBass207]

I recently purchased myself a new rod and reel combination. I have a Shimano Curado 7'4 Medium xFast rod with a Shimano Ultegra 2500HG Reel. I've used it a couple of times with some cheap mono they threw on at Cabelas but its been pretty awful with hook setting so far. So I was gonna use some Braid, But I have no idea what to use for the weight of the line. I like to fish topwater and jigs, and other soft plastics. But I wanna know what I can use for baits to really have the most success with this current setup. Thank you for the responses.

[flyfisher]

Why would you get a rod & reel without knowing what you are going to use it for?  

I have that same rod but in the 6'10" length and use it almost exclusively for weightless soft plastics.  I use braid with it as well.  I will throw smaller topwater on it as well but not that often, mainly because i have another rod to do that but this rod will do it just fine.  

So i will say weightless soft plastics, smaller topwater and light shaky heads would be your best use of that rod.

[FishBass207]

It's not that i don't know what to use it for, I was just looking for some tips. Thank you for your help

[new2BC4bass]

Almost all of my rods have been purchased based on reviews and comments of others.  It is amazing at times to read how many different lures get used on a model.  The best way to know is simply to try a variety of lures and see which ones feel right to you on the rod.

 

I will say that an extra fast tip is normally associated with jigs and plastics.

[jimmyjoe]

   I'm a shorecaster. You haven't told us whether you're on shore or in a boat.

   If I had that setup, I would put 10 lb. test Sufix 832 on it, and use it for 1) bottom contact techniques, and 2) smaller twitchbaits.  The line is significant (for me), because I hate braid. Sometimes, though, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.    ? ?     jj

[Bird]

Line really doesn't dictate what a rod is used for nor does bank or boat.

 

Look at lure rating on rod.

 

Med in my boat usually has treble hooks, like Jerkbaits.

 

A more versatile rod would be a MH, covers a wider range. Imo

 

 

[JustJames]

I also got the curado 6’10 M/XF version as a crucial replacement. Even though it not as light nor as sensitive but not really bad for type of finesse fishing I want it for (Ned/Neko/wacky and light shakey head).

Your 7’4 got same spec as 6’10 3/16-5/8oz. It might work with 1/8oz finesse jig but might be a tad too soft for 1/4oz jig. For topwater I’m not sure if 7’4 suitable for any type but cast and reel like whopper plopper 90 or small buzz bait. For long rod, I think might also work well with light paddle tail swimbait for lift and drop technique, dropshot and light Texas rig.

I have mine pair with ci4 2500 and use 10lb braid with it, but you can up the size to 15lb for more versatility.

Im not sure why you have problem with hookset on this rod. The tip is not super soft plus xtra fast tip and the length of rod, you should be able to set hook easily.

[dodgeguy]

7 hours ago, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I also got the curado 6’10 M/XF version as a crucial replacement. Even though it not as light nor as sensitive but not really bad for type of finesse fishing I want it for (Ned/Neko/wacky and light shakey head).

Your 7’4 got same spec as 6’10 3/16-5/8oz. It might work with 1/8oz finesse jig but might be a tad too soft for 1/4oz jig. For topwater I’m not sure if 7’4 suitable for any type but cast and reel like whopper plopper 90 or small buzz bait. For long rod, I think might also work well with light paddle tail swimbait for lift and drop technique, dropshot and light Texas rig.

I have mine pair with ci4 2500 and use 10lb braid with it, but you can up the size to 15lb for more versatility.

Im not sure why you have problem with hookset on this rod. The tip is not super soft plus xtra fast tip and the length of rod, you should be able to set hook easily.

nice fish dude

[FishBass207]

Thanks everyone for your help. I know it was a bland question. I spent 4 years away from fishing and I feel like I'm relearning how to fish all over again and its very fun but also stressful because of how much information their is out their. I was reading earlier about anglers adding leaders to their lines, which is something I've never heard of but its really cool to see what people are doing 4 years after not being around the sport, even though I'm sure this is something thats been done for a while now.