Setting Curado K Brakes

[garroyo130]

Morning all, 

 

So after a successful day of throwing an H2O CRD+ crankbait, I decided to give it a go again but remembered that I was likely missing out on some distance based on how i set the brakes. So i turned 1 block off to leave 2 blocks and turned the dial all the way up. I was suprised to find out that it actually shortened my cast. So now I'm wondering how these brakes should be set. The best I could figure things out is the blocks determine how much braking and the dial determines when it begins to take effect. 

 

Anyhow, if 3 blocks and 1 on the dial gives me a longer cast than 2 blocks and max on the dial, what is the progression of braking in terms of numbers? (is 3-1 "freer" than 2-4?)

 

Anyone with any experience similar or different to mine feel free to chime in.

[basser27]

I always fish 2 on 2 off and set the dial between 3-6 depending on the wind And what type of bait I’m throwing. Anytime I went below 3 on the dial I backlashed. If I were you I would play around with the spool tension which would help with distance.  Once you dial this reel in it is sort of a “set it and forget” kind of reel with the exception of adjusting the Outside dial 

[FishTank]

I often find that most of the baits I use are between 3/8 and 3/4 oz so I find a 1/2 oz crankbait to set the spool tension. Then I put two brakes on and set the dial on the outside at 3.  I am able to fine tune it from there depending on the bait I want to use, the conditions and how I am going to cast.  

[Mike L]

The sweet spot for all my Shimano’s are set with 2 on so I knew going in I didn’t want to have more brake than that. 
I played with the dial and found that the 3rd setting gave me the best distance for the majority of what I throw. 
For very windy conditions, 5 was just about right, but that doesn’t happen often. 
 

But keep in mind, the type of cast you use will affect your distance also. If I need a bomb cast I turn up the cast control knob before I play with the brakes. That’s what it’s for. 

Also, particular reel setting isn’t a substitute for an educated thumb. 


Mike

[OnthePotomac]

Every Shimano I own (Curados, Chronarchs) has 2 brakes on and the outside dial on "2" and no matter what I throw they never change.

[LCG]

I found that 2 on, 2 off and the dial set at 3 with a spool tension loose enough to close the cover with issue has been the best for me. Usually throwing 3/8-1/2oz spinnerbaits and texas rigs with a 1/4oz weight. You still have to pay attention, but no complaints with backlashes or distance. 

[r83srock]

5 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

This.  Also back off on the spool tension.  

I always have two brakes on, and the external dial set around 2 or 3. If it’s windy 4-6. The cast control I set to remove the side to side play in the spool, and turn it tighter until the “fluff” is gone when I cast, and the line comes off the spool smoothly.