My First Shimano

[Red]

Got my first Shimano for Christmas, a Curado 51E. I am wondering where you think this reel would best fit into my arsenal. Here are the options. I could put it on my 7' ML I use for smaller cranks, generally around rocky areas/open water. I could put it on a 7' M and use it for lighter texas rigged worms/shakeyheads, light wood cover. Or I could put it on a 7'3 M and use it for weightless senkos/flukes etc etc, light to heavy wood cover. Line choices are somewhat limited, I currently have 10lb CXX, 50lb PP, and 20lb Sunline FC Sniper, however I can go buy some more line. Also, the reel that will be used to fill the other applications listed that this reel does not, will be a Revo S-L. In short, where would you use the Revo and where would you use the 51E?

Thanks for reading, I am kinda bored tonight.

Cliff

[NorcalBassin]

Welcome to the club! That is a sweet reel that can be used with a ton of applications, but I'd vote for #2 or 3 that you mentioned. It would also probably be fine for the small cranks, but I'm personally more comfortable with a 5.2:1 for that application. Awesome reel for both weightless Senkos and light T-rigs. The 10# CXX should be just fine as well.

[Northern Strain]

I think the CU51e would work very well on your 7' M rod for lighter t-rigs. As for the Revo S I have no experience with at all. I think floro would be the best line for that set up, but I would go less than 20#. I would use 10# or 12#, I would use 10# here in Indiana, but I know in Texas you guys handle some big fish.

By the way if you are bored Moonshiners is on Discovery Chanel tonight at 10pm eastern. In my opinion it is the most interesting show on TV.

[BASSclary]

Option 2 or 3 for sure. I'm going to use mine for light t-rigs and jerkbaits.

[Hi Salenity]

Simply put, use it to throw your lightest baits.

[Red]

Thanks for the info y'all. I am gonna go with the light t-rig set up. I planned on working with a t-rigged worm more this year anyway, so it will get plenty of use.

[Fat-G]

My stock 50E could throw a weightless Trick Worm a d**n long way. It's a sweet little reel, and can handle anything from ultra-light rigs to flipping/frogging. The only area it doesn't shine in is big baits with a lot of drag, ie a heavy spinnerbait with big blades or a deep diving crank.

I can't even imagine what that reel could do with an aftermarket spool, drag and bearing upgrades, and a full internal polishing.

A big part of throwing really light rigs Cliff is the line you choose. I had mine spooled with 4# Hybrid when I was casting the Trick Worm. I'm assuming stepping up to 8# would have made a big difference.

[Red]

I will give it a run this weekend, supposed to warm up a bit, hopefully they will be biting!!

[Red]

Well the fish weren't biting too good, I caught one on a jig, not with the Curado. After that bite died off I grabbed the Shimano and figured I would run a worm through the same area seems I did have a few bites. Well I boned on the first cast!! Backlashed like a big dog!!! I haven't had a backlash like that in a long, long time. Ruined the entire spool of line, so I put it away for the day. I was a bit ticked as I wanted to try out my new reel. After I got home I respooled and played around in the yard for a while, I think I have it dialed in now. I can cast (in my front yard) a 5" roboworm zipper shakin worm with a 1/8 tungsten weight a good long ways with little effort. Hopefully next time I will actually get to fish it!! FYI, this reel balances perfectly on my 7' Lamiglas Excel 704.