Do they make a casting rod that would allow me to easily throw a 3/8 oz squarebill as well as jackhammers/spooks/spinnerbaits?

[Hulkster]

2 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What about 12 lb mono since I use this for topwater as well?

 

Sufix Siege is mono so yes mono works very well on a rod like that 

 

[MediumMouthBass]

6 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

What about 12 lb mono since I use this for topwater as well?

Would a Dobyns Fury/champion cast KVD 1.5s a lot better than the Mojo? What power would you go with?

My 733 paired with a SLX MGL with 30lb braid could cast it, but those reels are meant for being able to cast lighter baits. Not sure if it could or how it could with a normal casting reel.

Probably could do it but the distance wouldnt be the same

[Boomstick]

21 hours ago, MediumMouthBass said:

My 733 paired with a SLX MGL with 30lb braid could cast it, but those reels are meant for being able to cast lighter baits. Not sure if it could or how it could with a normal casting reel.

Probably could do it but the distance wouldnt be the same

You can throw heavier lures too on a MGL 70, they were also made for skipping as well, it just so happens they're the best at bomb casting lighter lures.

[Huckfinn38]

On 5/11/2024 at 2:47 AM, gulfcaptain said:

So I would say the reel is more an issue with 14lb mono on it depending on brake set up (disclaimer....I never have any braking options on ever). Have you thought about swapping to braid with 14lb leader? Also look into Falcons bucco line.  Their 7" mh mod fast is set up as a "trap caster", it's a good all around rod. I've thrown everything on it from plastics to cranks,  spinnerbaits, small topwaters. If you go braid you'll get a bit more distance with 30lb braid to 14 leader then straight 14lb.  

Agree completely.  Would try 10-12 lb mono/fluro first then look at a reel with an MGL spool if that doesnt help.

 

Im currently using a Dobyns Champion 705 CB and it works well the 1.5 squarebills and 3/8 oz spinnerbaits.  Note I am using 12 lb p-line fluoro and a Daiwa Tatula Limited SV TW.

 

[Ohioguy25]

On 5/13/2024 at 4:28 PM, MediumMouthBass said:

My 733 paired with a SLX MGL with 30lb braid could cast it, but those reels are meant for being able to cast lighter baits. Not sure if it could or how it could with a normal casting reel.

Probably could do it but the distance wouldnt be the same

The question is would it be better than the Mojo using the same reel?

[casts_by_fly]

On 5/10/2024 at 10:51 PM, Ohioguy25 said:

I currently have a mojo bass 7’ medium heavy moderate fast paired with a Curado 200XGK as my “do everything” casting setup. I keep it spooled with 14 lb Trilene XL to cover this wide range of lures, which while not ideal for some presentations is easy to cast and work with and inexpensive.

 

I cannot seem to throw a KVD 1.5 or any 3/8 oz crank very far on this setup for some reason without adjusting the breaks or spool tension every time I switch baits which is a pain in the ass.

 

How far is 'very far'?  As in go out and check vs a measured distance, not just estimate how far you're casting.  

 

Any self respecting MH will cast a 3/8 oz hard bait on 14 lb line.  XL is a limp and forgiving line so there's no issue there.  I don't have the curado 200, but I have a chronarch 200e which was the same reel as the old curado 200.  Its not ideal, but if I couldn't push a 30+ yard cast with the setup you're talking about then I'd stop fishing.

 

With a bigger reel like that you're going to have to adjust it now and then.  That said, if you're adjsuting with higher brakes and lower spool tension you wouldn't have to adjust much, just your thumb.  I'm going to say you don't need a new rod or reel or line, just practice. (please forgive me bait monkey, I'll do double duty next time).

 

[Ohioguy25]

9 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

How far is 'very far'?  As in go out and check vs a measured distance, not just estimate how far you're casting.  

 

Any self respecting MH will cast a 3/8 oz hard bait on 14 lb line.  XL is a limp and forgiving line so there's no issue there.  I don't have the curado 200, but I have a chronarch 200e which was the same reel as the old curado 200.  Its not ideal, but if I couldn't push a 30+ yard cast with the setup you're talking about then I'd stop fishing.

 

With a bigger reel like that you're going to have to adjust it now and then.  That said, if you're adjsuting with higher brakes and lower spool tension you wouldn't have to adjust much, just your thumb.  I'm going to say you don't need a new rod or reel or line, just practice. (please forgive me bait monkey, I'll do double duty next time).

 

So basically I’ll have to adjust it every time I switch baits 

[PhishLI]

11 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

The question is would it be better than the Mojo using the same reel?

No. Again, it's the reel that's the issue. Put smaller diameter, lower test line on like 12lb mono instead of 14lb mono, and you'll ultimately end up with a heavier spool which, when combined with SVS Infinity braking, is your problem here. It's glorious with a 1/2-5/8 oz lipless crank, but with a 3/8oz square bill it's a total pain when you're trying to air it out for distance, even when dialed in. The heavy spool just wants to keep spinning which means you'll have to thumb it early to keep from over running which will kill the distance. So, you'll then "up" the brakes to fix that and the distance is gone again.

 

It's the reel, dude. It's the wrong tool for the job you're asking it to do. Depending on your skill level, most any 70-150 sized reel out there will be better as an all arounder as you'd mentioned, and all will have enough line cap for bass fishing, although the 70s might be borderline if you're able to truly bomb cast consistently with the heaviest or most aerodynamic baits in your rotation.

 

 There are many underappreciated or underrated reels out there, but the Curado K is the most overrated reel I've ever bought, unfortunately, because I need most of my setups minus BFS or swimbait setups to be good all arounders. My brother hated his Ks and his Tranx 200 and sold them off. However, he loves his SLX MGLs. No problem zinging out light baits or heavier baits in the wheelhouse of a typical MH rod.

[KP Duty]

Loomis mbr 843 will throw a 1/2oz chatter+ trailer as well as a 1.5 squarebill no problem.

[casts_by_fly]

10 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

So basically I’ll have to adjust it every time I switch baits 

 

No, only if you go to extremes.  For me, I run low spool tension and higher brakes.  I only adjust if I'm starting to fluff the spool.  I can throw 1/4-5/8 easily enough without touching anything assuming there's no wind.  With wind, I'll up the brakes a little for lighter stuff.  Any adjustment should be minimal also.  You're not doing anything extreme (extra long bomb casting, very heavy or very light lures, etc) so you're right in the sweet spot of what just works without adjustment.

[Ohioguy25]

On 5/16/2024 at 12:54 AM, PhishLI said:

No. Again, it's the reel that's the issue. Put smaller diameter, lower test line on like 12lb mono instead of 14lb mono, and you'll ultimately end up with a heavier spool which, when combined with SVS Infinity braking, is your problem here. It's glorious with a 1/2-5/8 oz lipless crank, but with a 3/8oz square bill it's a total pain when you're trying to air it out for distance, even when dialed in. The heavy spool just wants to keep spinning which means you'll have to thumb it early to keep from over running which will kill the distance. So, you'll then "up" the brakes to fix that and the distance is gone again.

 

It's the reel, dude. It's the wrong tool for the job you're asking it to do. Depending on your skill level, most any 70-150 sized reel out there will be better as an all arounder as you'd mentioned, and all will have enough line cap for bass fishing, although the 70s might be borderline if you're able to truly bomb cast consistently with the heaviest or most aerodynamic baits in your rotation.

 

 There are many underappreciated or underrated reels out there, but the Curado K is the most overrated reel I've ever bought, unfortunately, because I need most of my setups minus BFS or swimbait setups to be good all arounders. My brother hated his Ks and his Tranx 200 and sold them off. However, he loves his SLX MGLs. No problem zinging out light baits or heavier baits in the wheelhouse of a typical MH rod.

That’s just unusual that what is arguably the most popular well known casting reel is incapable of throwing the most popular well known crankbait.

[casts_by_fly]

59 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

That’s just unusual that what is arguably the most popular well known casting reel is incapable of throwing the most popular well known crankbait.

the 200 sized curado is not what I would call the most popular well known casting reel. 

[PhishLI]

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

That’s just unusual that what is arguably the most popular well known casting reel..

The Curado nameplate is well known. That's all. Notice that nobody has chimed in to say that the K is a great 3/8oz squarebill reel? That aside, why do you think there's a Curado BFS, Curado 70, and Curado 150? Because as you go down in spool size and weight, capabilities change regarding casting lower weight baits. My point is not to bash the K. I have one and know what it does well and what it doesn't. I made it to steer you away from an unnecessary rod purchase that would not address your particular issue.

[Ohioguy25]

3 hours ago, PhishLI said:

The Curado nameplate is well known. That's all. Notice that nobody has chimed in to say that the K is a great 3/8oz squarebill reel? That aside, why do you think there's a Curado BFS, Curado 70, and Curado 150? Because as you go down in spool size and weight, capabilities change regarding casting lower weight baits. My point is not to bash the K. I have one and know what it does well and what it doesn't. I made it to steer you away from an unnecessary rod purchase that would not address your particular issue.

Appreciate it. So I guess now my question is do they make a reel that handles both heavy spinner/chatters and spooks as well as 3/8 cranks?

[rangerjockey]

49 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Appreciate it. So I guess now my question is do they make a reel that handles both heavy spinner/chatters and spooks as well as 3/8 cranks?

You should be able to throw those baits on any reel you have. It's just not that difficult.

If you need a little help, buy a MGL or SV or go to a medium powered CB rod for the 1.5s.

[casts_by_fly]

5 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Appreciate it. So I guess now my question is do they make a reel that handles both heavy spinner/chatters and spooks as well as 3/8 cranks?

any of the 70/100/150 sized reels would be just fine.  It’s just when you start into the 200 sized reels that you start dropping lighter lure capability. 
 

not sure how much you want to spend, but the pair of SLX mgls in the classifieds here is a deal for someone. I considered picking them up myself. 

[Ohioguy25]

2 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

any of the 70/100/150 sized reels would be just fine.  It’s just when you start into the 200 sized reels that you start dropping lighter lure capability. 
 

not sure how much you want to spend, but the pair of SLX mgls in the classifieds here is a deal for someone. I considered picking them up myself. 

So those 150 sized reels can handle 1/2 oz spinners/chatters w trailer? Wondering if it’s really worth compromising spool capacity just to widen the variety of cranks I can throw. I like crank baits as search baits but it’s not my go to, and on my existing setup I have several 1/2 oz options (RK crawlers, Yozuri, etc.)

[MediumMouthBass]

SLX MGL, its been mentioned by myself and several others for a good reason.

It excels at casting lighter crankbaits/lighter chatterbaits/weightless soft plastics/anything light.

And it also excels at heavier stuff like chatterbaits, big crankbaits, jerkbaits, anything heavy.

And you know what, the MGL spool also does good with those spinnerbaits too.

 

Try to find one of the last gen models they were going on sale at some big discounts the past month, just not sure if any of those places have any remaining stock. If not the new version is even better.

 

And you arent sacrificing usable line capacity much between a 150 size and a 70.

(keyword is usable, ive got a reel that holds 200-300 yards, i only cast it about 30).

10lb line gets 100 yards on the SLX MGL, unless you are casting 90 yards and plan on hooking a tarpon thats more then plenty. And if you use braid or braid to leader like i am with it, im able to cast even the same distance that most of my larger long distance casting reels can, and theres still plenty of line left. If its line capacity was a problem we would be hearing about it, i dont think ive ever heard 1 person on here talk about how they made a cast and were able to get down to the knot.

 

I just started using it this season for chatterbaits/swim jigs and i really like using it for them.

If it were a 6 speed ratio reel it would be moved to my main chatterbait combo.

[PhishLI]

8 hours ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Appreciate it. So I guess now my question is do they make a reel that handles both heavy spinner/chatters and spooks as well as 3/8 cranks?

Every 70-150 can do that easily and beyond.

[casts_by_fly]

28 minutes ago, Ohioguy25 said:

So those 150 sized reels can handle 1/2 oz spinners/chatters w trailer? Wondering if it’s really worth compromising spool capacity just to widen the variety of cranks I can throw. I like crank baits as search baits but it’s not my go to, and on my existing setup I have several 1/2 oz options (RK crawlers, Yozuri, etc.)

for all of the things you’re talking about throwing, you’re in the 14-16# mono range depending on the brand. A 70 size reel can hold twice as much of that mono as your furthest cast. And a 150 reel is probably the perfect buy once size for bass. It will do everything. 
 

The mgl and sv spools are great for throwing light and heavy. I have both and use both. The only time I adjust anything on them is when I start throwing 3/4 and up and the only thing I do it add a little more spool tension to save my thumb some work. 

[Ohioguy25]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

Every 70-150 can do that easily and beyond.

Last q - could I possibly just put less line on my 200 to the same effect?

[rangerjockey]

1 hour ago, Ohioguy25 said:

Last q - could I possibly just put less line on my 200 to the same effect?

No. My favorite crankbait reel is the old Citica 200E with 10lb invisx crankin' FC. I can throw any 3/8oz.1.5, wiggle wart RK crawler etc. just as far as I need to with them and that's at least 12-year-old technology.

Changing the reel is not going to magically make you a better caster.

[WRB]

Shimano SLX MGL 70, 2024 model dropped the MGL but has the MGL spool is a sweet smooth casting reel using .011/.012D mono, copoly or FC line without braid. Just set the breaks 3 on 3 off.

If you keep the lure weight 1/4 to 5/8 oz most medium / 3 power fast 6’8” to 7’ will perform good. Remember square bills are target lures where accuracy is important.

 

[Gnarwhal]

On 5/19/2024 at 1:49 PM, WRB said:

Shimano SLX MGL 70, 2024 model dropped the MGL but has the MGL spool is a sweet smooth casting reel using .011/.012D mono, copoly or FC line without braid. Just set the breaks 3 on 3 off.

 

2 on, 2 off right?  My SLX MGL and SLX 70 2024 have 4 brakes.  Great reels.  The 70 MGL was good but the new 70 with the MGL III spool does give a little more distance.

[waymont]

On 5/10/2024 at 9:51 PM, Ohioguy25 said:

I currently have a mojo bass 7’ medium heavy moderate fast paired with a Curado 200XGK as my “do everything” casting setup. I keep it spooled with 14 lb Trilene XL to cover this wide range of lures, which while not ideal for some presentations is easy to cast and work with and inexpensive.

 

I cannot seem to throw a KVD 1.5 or any 3/8 oz crank very far on this setup for some reason without adjusting the breaks or spool tension every time I switch baits which is a pain in the ass. I am stuck with 1/2 oz or heavier crank baits to get any sort of casting distance which is very limiting. I am assuming this is because the rod is too heavy? I know St Croix are underrated power wise, I’m wondering if a Fury or Champion may offer more flexibility in this regard.

 

What power rod do you crank with? I’m on a kayak so sort of limited to only 4 setups hence why I am trying to squeeze so many applications into this one rod.

G Loomis 843 mbr in what ever series you can afford. Can do all that and more

30lb braid to 12-17lb leader, depending on what you’re doing