First Baitcaster

[vegas679]

I just bought my first baitcaster set up. I wanted to get some feedback on how I did. I bought a Curado 201E brand new for $130. I paired it w/ a 6'6 MH Bionic Blade from BPS and paid $60 for it, for a total of $190. Did I get fair deal and is this a good setup for my first baitcaster. What type of line would be best to spool it w/. I've used a baitcaster before, just never owned one. Are there any mods that I can have done to it to make it better, and how much do you think it would cost?

Thanks,

[Packard]

Great reel but I don't know about the rod. I would recommend Yo-Zuri Hybrid line. I like the camo green color but it's personal preference. As far as making it better you don't need much better than that for your first baitcaster. My current line-up is all Shimano Reels and BPS Rods and I couldn't be happier. They are all around $200. I have the BPS Extreme Rods and they are awesome. Yo don't need top of the line stuff to be a good fisherman.

[WdyCrankbait]

yeah, you made a great choice on the reel. Just figure out the brake system and you should be done! Since this is your first baitcasting you might want to try Suffix mono (a little more forgiving initally), but the Yo-Zuri is great line, I use it (it can be a little wiry at first that's why I suggested mono first). Not sure about he BPS rods, havent used one, but if it feels good in your hand that is 1/2 the battle.

Your first baitcaster will tell you what you do and dont like in rods and reeels, so this will be an experiment/learning process. Make notes of what you like and dont like then, if you feel you need to make changes know why.

No mods needed, just play around with the brakes to get it set, enjoy, catch a pig and post pictures.

PS I agree with Packard, I tend to prefer a green tinted line, I think it knocks down the reflection off clear or flourscent line colors.

[piscicidal]

One of the best bass fishermen I know uses almost exclusively BPS extreme rods. BTW, those rods look really nice paired with a curado E (both similar color green)

[endless]

One of the best bass fishermen I know uses almost exclusively BPS extreme rods. BTW, those rods look really nice paired with a curado E (both similar color green)

You might be thinking of the Extreme rod but the bionic blade seem to have a decent review so I would think it would be good for now till your ready to update later. My advice just keep the receipt. You should have a 1 year in store warranty for just incase but if you did use your reward card they should be able to pull up your sale by using that. That's how I return my brother's Carbonlite and got my receipt for my Pro Qualifier when lost it.

[Grey Wolf]

You've got a good reel , can't say the same for the rod. JMO.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You got a good reel at a decent price, however my advice would be to put more of your budget toward a quality rod, especially if you will be using contact baits like jigs and plastics. The rod is what lets you detect strikes and land the fish. The reel basically holds the line. You do need something decent that will be manageable and let you put the bait where you need it though. At least you can hit the water that's what really counts.

[hatrix]

I would maybe recommend some kind of braided line if it's your first bait casting set up. It might not be the easiest to use or best casting but it's more forgiving if you end up getting a bunch of backlashes. If you end up having to pick backlashes out or get deep ones that the line wrapped over tightly it might cause nicks and weak spots in your line and cause it to break. I wouldn't want to loose a big fish or a nice lure cause I nicked my line all up with a bunch of backlashes.

[NBR]

Use moderately priced mono until you develop your skills. Unless you are one of the very few you will backlash to the point of cutting the line off the reel and refilling. There is no need to use expensive fluorocarbon while you learn.

[NBR]

Use moderately priced mono until you develop your skills. Unless you are one of the very few you will backlash to the point of cutting the line off the reel and refilling. There is no need to use expensive fluorocarbon while you learn.

Sorry I said flouro not braid. Same thing with braid.

[Jig Man]

For the money there is nothing wrong with the Bionic Blade rod. Like previously stated, get a mid grade mono till you get real familiar with the setup.

[hatrix]

I don't think you should ever have to cut your line off the reel using braid. For starters make a long cast or pull out more line then you can cast and slap a piece of tape down there so you don't get deep backlashes. Then if the backlash is to crazy for you to fix you can cut off you lure and pull you line out from underneath the backlash and you should be all good to go. As long as you can find you main line underneath the mess you got going on if you cut off your lure you can pull it out from underneath. I tried to teach someone to use a bait caster with cheap BPS mono they got a few overruns like expected they make another cast get another backlash the spool stops abruptly and the lure goes sailing away. More then once it happened and after that they were cut off. It was back to spinning for them.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

The Curado E is a great reel, I'd probably use some type of copoly, my preferences are P-Line CX, CXX, and Floroclear or YZ Hybrid, Trilene XL or Sufix Elite for mono. As for the rod, there's always alot of hate for BPS rods but I'd take a Bionic Blade or Extreme over most sub $100 rods out there.