Upgrading My Gear

[Chickamauga]

I'm new to the sport and new to this forum. About a year ago, after joining a club, I took all my rod/reels to a custom rod builder. He put custom handles on my St. Crois rods, built me about a dozen custom rods, and I junked the rest. I started out with all Quantum Accutist reels and they began falling apert. I fish so hard I literally have wore the names off the sides of the reels so I started buying a few other brands. I now only have two reels that are holding up to my abuse and they are the Calcutta 200B and the Curado 200HDSV. The common denominators the Shimano brand and the Centrifugal Brake System. So now I feel comftorable updrading to all Shimano reels and I'm stuck. I want to stay in the $200 range. I like the size, feel and line capacity of the Curado 200 series but they only have a 5:1 that I can use for deep cranking and slow spinner baits and a 7:1 that I can use for frogs and buzzbaits. The 100 Series Curado seems to be their 6.2:1 solution but it has much less line capacity and is smaller in my hand. I carry 24 rods on my boat and I don't want to have to mentally switch gears everytime I pick up a different rod. Is there another series or manufacturer I should be looking at?

[Catt]

First off welcome to the best bass web site on the net

I fish Shimano Calcutta 100A's which hold 100 yards of 14 pound test line and I have never had a bass come any where close to taking all the line off; even with my Calcutta 50 which hold considerable less line I've never been spooled by a bass.

[Chickamauga]

Thanks for the feedback!  The lower profile Curado just feels more comfotable for all types of presentation than the Calutta, especially pitching.  Do you think the Calcutta is a good choice for flipping and pitching? I guess I could get used to it.

[Catt]

I personally do not believe there is not a more rock solid reel made than a Calcutta  

But if your concern is the line capacity of either the Calcutta or Curado100 series reel I can tell you I've never seen a bass spool a reel.

[Chickamauga]

Line capacity was not high on my list.  I'm not one of those guys that respools all my reels everytime I fish a tournament, but I do reitie all the time because I fish alot of grass. And, before you know it, I'm down twenty or thirty yards on a spool.  The 200 series Curado just felt good in my hand, especially pitching and I haven't tried the Calcutta except cranking.  I do like the ability to cast all the way across the lake with the Calcutta.  I junt need to decide if it's the best all around choice for most every application.

[Catt]

If the Curado feels good in your hands then that's the answer, you must be comfortable; I like Calcutta because a round reel feels natural in my hands where a low profile does not.

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

We have a lot of members that are part of what is sometimes called the "Shimano Posse."

It's sounds like you are already saddled up!

You gotta draw a hard line

When the gunsmoke settles

We'll sing a victory tune

And we'll all meet back

At the local saloon

We'll raise our glasses

Against evil forces

Singing "Whiskey for my men, beer for my horses"

8-)

[Branuss04]

Welcome aboard.

Have you looked into the deep spool version of the curado 100. 8/165, 10/140, 12/120.  I was like you, looking for something around the $200 mark, but wanted the line capacity with the small profile.  I actually scored one from ebay.  Got it new for $130.  Should be in any day!!!  Good luck

B

[.dsaavedra.]

if you dont mind saving 100-80 bucks you could get the citica (100 at delo's, 120 everywhere else). thats a great reel which is practically the same as the older curados.

[allenriddle]

Check out what Branuss04 mentioned. The model is called Curado 100 DSV, I believe it's new in 07 and the only difference is the deep spool. I'm about to pick one up myself to put on my next rig. The Calcutta is my favorite baitcaster other than than the high quality low profile Shimano's. Once you're in that price point, anything by Shimano is gonna be solid, it's just personal preference from that point. So if you say the Curado feels great, then go for it. I've got a Curado on my spinner bait rod and have never had a problem running out of line. Enjoy your purchase.

[flechero]

Another vote for thw 100 DSV.

[FishTank]

I would stay with the Curado series but if you want to look at a different line of reels you might consider the Daiwa Zillion.  I think they have one of each available in a 5.1:1(JDM), a 6.3:1 and a 7.1:1 ratio.  They will set you back about $250 each.  You can sometimes find them cheaper on ebay.

[David P]

Get the curado, if that's what you like, get it.

If you want to save money, the Citica is a step down but still a great reel as well.

[AnthonyRSS]

I've had both the Citica 200 and the Curado 200DHSV and didn't find enough difference between them to pay the extra money for the Curado.  I switched to the 100 series Citicas and the only thing I would upgrade to would be the 50mg, but not until I win that lotto.  

Anthony