Baticasting Help Needed

[AnthonyS]

Ok, So I have a BPS Diawa "Procaster 100B" on a BPS Graphite IM6 M/H Rod. I purchased this combo when I was just getting back into LMB fishing and was on a tighter budget.

I am now looking to do a little upgrading. I am looking at getting a Shimano Curado 200E 5:1 or the Team Daiwa Advantage HSTA. Both reels seem to be good and in the $150ish price range.

So my questions is, which would you get? and why? OR would you suggest another option?

Would I be better off upgrading my rod first?

TIA

[War Party]

I would opt for something faster than a 5:1. The Curado 2007E is almost too fast. They really need a Curado 6 or 6.3 to 1. That's a good enough reason to go with a 200B Calcutta. Its easy to palm this smallish round reel and its an all around speed...and its bomb proof!

[rubba bubba]

Definitely the Curado, but I'd try for the 6.x to 1.  You can get the Curado for $150 tyd at various places if you look around.  I prefer Shimano over Daiwa and you have a Shimano support forum right here should you need help.

[Micro]

The TD Advantage HSTA is an excellent reel. I think it is the better made of the two. It's a little bigger, and comes in a more "all around" gear ratio. What seems to be particularly notable about this reel is that it can handle light baits very well. I can't speak to Daiwa's customer service since none of my Daiwas have needed service, but I've read that their customer service is as good as any. I've ordered some parts (plastic handle caps that are easy to bugger up) from them and they shipped immediately.  If you have a problem with your real that you can't fix, you just send it in for service.  You really don't need forum support to tell you that.