Potential new rod and reel

[JamesWatkins]

I am looking for maybe a new nicer baitcaster combo because I have only decent set ups now but I feel I could have a better one. I am a bank angler/ canoe on small reservoirs and ponds. I am looking for a new setup. I currently have a shimano curado 201 with 80 lb braid and it’s with a heavy rod (the braid is heavy because of this one situation I always fish, long story), I have another shimano curado 201 with a medium heavy rod and 50 lb braid. And a lews Mach smash that I took all of the line off because it was floro that was worn down. The rod I would use it with is a favorite white bird 7 4 mh. Should I get a new setup? I was thinking a 7’1 mojo bass st croix, with a shimano slx dc. I feel this would be well over a step better than what I have now. As far as rods go, because I have never spent more than 60$ on a rod.

[LrgmouthShad]

Take a look into iRod Genesis III series. I own two and they are just awesome. One of Tackle Warehouse's best selling rods and the rod series has just about a rod for every technique out there.

 

Only reel i have that I truly love is my REVO Winch and it is a little technique specific so don't have too many recommendations on reels.

[Finessegenics]

What would you throw on that third setup that you currently own? I don't necessarily see the need for you to get a new setup unless you are looking for something that will be technique specific. 

 

Either way, we all get new tackle without the need for it. You won't be disappointed with the mojo bass ?. I love all of mine, spinning and casting.

 

As for the DC reel, it's nice to have but not a necessity. Imo, it's not worth the money, especially at full price. I do have a Curado DC which I was able to buy used. It was practically new when I bought it and it was a good price. I use it frequently to bomb heavier lures which you would want to get the longest possible cast with; crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and just cover water. It's on my moving baits rod. This is where it excels.

 

As I've become more mature of an angler, I realized that for pitching or small casts at specific, close range targets, the DC feature is pretty much useless. The spool can overrun depending on how the settings of the reel are adjusted, how you cast, etc... and the DC will not have time to "catch up" to that overrun, because the cast was not long enough. This results in these annoying minor backlashes. Obviously, all that can be avoided by using your thumb the right way throughout the whole short cast or pitch. But then, you're defeating the whole purpose of the DC reel in the first place. I still have to use my thumb to control the speed of the spool when bombing my heavier lures, but if I have the tension control knob just right, I only need to use my thumb right before the bait hits the water. 

 

I used to really promote the heck out of the curado dc, but like all things in fishing it's a tool meant for a certain job. It doesn't excel everywhere. So, if you're primary focus is on launching any kind of bait out there (doesn't have to be moving baits like in my example), then sure go for the DC. If that doesn't fit the description of what you're looking to do with your third setup, then I'd maybe look elsewhere. Hope this helps and good luck searching!!!

[PressuredFishing]

38 minutes ago, JamesWatkins said:

I am looking for maybe a new nicer baitcaster combo because I have only decent set ups now but I feel I could have a better one. I am a bank angler/ canoe on small reservoirs and ponds. I am looking for a new setup. I currently have a shimano curado 201 with 80 lb braid and it’s with a heavy rod (the braid is heavy because of this one situation I always fish, long story), I have another shimano curado 201 with a medium heavy rod and 50 lb braid. And a lews Mach smash that I took all of the line off because it was floro that was worn down. The rod I would use it with is a favorite white bird 7 4 mh. Should I get a new setup? I was thinking a 7’1 mojo bass st croix, with a shimano slx dc. I feel this would be well over a step better than what I have now. As far as rods go, because I have never spent more than 60$ on a rod.

 

When buying fishing gear thats of higher quality, I go by two rules,

 

1. What do YOU want in your rod (more sensitivity, more durability, lighter in the hand, etc)

2. whats on sale (*cough cough black cough Friday cough cough around corner save money cough*)

[Smalls]

On 10/21/2021 at 1:53 PM, LrgmouthShad said:

Take a look into iRod Genesis III series

Also, if he doesn't mind guides that aren't quite as nice, and a different reel seat, the Fiber series uses the same blanks as the Genesis II, but will cut $50 off the price tag.

[Phil77]

The SLX DC is a good starting point if you want to try a DC reel without breaking the bank, plus it sounds cool. The Mojo Bass rods are good rods, my daughter has three of them and I have tossed them around a bit. The 7'1 MH Jigs/Baits rod she has for jigs and senkos does a great job, I've watched her pick apart docks with it over the last couple of years with no troubles. She has the 7 ft plastics M rod she uses for t-rigs but I think it might be good for spinnerbaits with the softer tip. Shimano and St Croix have been around a long time and are both good choices in my book.