Expride 7’2 Med Lt + Curado 150 mgl

[Nathan Garlinghouse]

Hey everyone just wanted some opinions. I’m looking to get an expride 7’2 medium light and put my Curado 150 mgl on it. I’m curious to how the Curado 150 mgl will perform with 8-10 pound fluorocarbon on it and if the reel will pair well with that rod. Mostly using it for smallmouth fishing. Finesse swim jigs, Shakey heads, chatterbait mini max are what I was hoping to use this for. Thanks 

[J._Bricker]

Nice setup, I’d be looking forward to chucking jerkbaits or poppers on that puppy this fall. Good luck with your decision @Nathan Garlinghouse

[T2DM]

I think the Curado 150 MGL will handle the baits mentioned well combined with the said line, but I think the rod would be too light for the chatter bait mini max? I use Poison Adrena 6'11 M+ with a 3/8 to 1/2 mini max with trailer and it felt like I couldn't do any heavier. Maybe an Expride 6'10 M or 7'2 M?

 

Unless you're using all 1/4oz.

[Nathan Garlinghouse]

Yes I only really use the 1/4 oz ones in my lake. I couldn’t find the 7’2 M expride on tacklewarehouse 

[JN94]

Sounds like a pretty sweet combo. Reel will be able to handle all that well. I prob wouldn't throw a mini max on a ML since it's got a little heavier hook though. I tend to only use medium and light wire hooks once I get to ML and below. I'm sure others will have different opinions though

[Nathan Garlinghouse]

I’ve also been hearing a lot of fuss about the rod being too stiff therefore affecting overall comfort and casting distance? I just want to make sure I get myself the right rod, this will be my first expride and just want something lightweight, sensitive, that can throw some smaller baits as well. If you guys have any other suggestions that would also be greatly appreciated. What’s everyone’s opinion on the zodias? 

[waymont]

2 hours ago, Nathan Garlinghouse said:

If you guys have any other suggestions that would also be greatly appreciated.

I exclusively use 1/4oz minimax cb, and my favorite rod is an IMX-Pro 852 JWR. It’s a perfect match, and great for tons of other things too.

[JN94]

2 hours ago, Nathan Garlinghouse said:

I’ve also been hearing a lot of fuss about the rod being too stiff therefore affecting overall comfort and casting distance? I just want to make sure I get myself the right rod, this will be my first expride and just want something lightweight, sensitive, that can throw some smaller baits as well. If you guys have any other suggestions that would also be greatly appreciated. What’s everyone’s opinion on the zodias? 

I own a 6'10 MH Zodias and a 7'2 MH Zodias. Love both of them. The 6'10 is more of an all around rod for me that I use for lots of different techniques. Will easily cast down to it's lower end of 3/8 really well. It's one my favorite rods I own. I also own a 7'2 MH Expride. Tbh I don't notice a massive difference between the Zodias and Expride blanks/actions. I think the Expride is prettier with the cork grips. 

[Darth-Baiter]

i think it will work.  i would however go to 12 lb flouro.  Sunline Sniper if i could.