Keith Lusher 01.29.25
I bear in mind shopping for my first Shimano Curado baitcasting reel within the 90s. It was my first bait caster. It grew to become my trusted companion on what looks like 1,000 fishing journeys.
That Curado was an absolute workhorse. However time and numerous casts ultimately took their toll, and even after a number of cleansing makes an attempt, it simply wasn’t performing prefer it used to. Once I began in search of a alternative, I used to be hesitant in regards to the new Curado 201 M mannequin. Like many anglers, I’d heard the acquainted chorus: “They don’t make ’em like they used to.”
The second I unboxed the brand new Curado 200 M, I observed two vital variations. First was the burden – it felt surprisingly gentle in hand. Now, standard knowledge may counsel that heavier equals higher constructed, however with fishing reels, light-weight building is usually a main benefit if accomplished proper.
The second factor that caught my consideration was the dimensions. Whereas I cherished my outdated Curado, it was admittedly a bit cumbersome. This new mannequin felt nearly toy-like compared, permitting me to palm almost the complete reel. The improved ergonomics instantly gave me higher management over my casting.
I made a decision to place the reel to the take a look at on a chilly day at a non-public stocked lake. I chosen a Shimano Zumverno 95 SP jerkbait. I do know how these bass behave mid-winter, and I used to be positive I may catch a minimum of one working it deep. Making lengthy casts to the center of the lake and dealing the bait again, I instantly observed I may forged additional than with my Bantam, because of the higher grip and management. I may palm the reel and whip the lure out more durable due to the tight grip on the reel.
After about two hours of working that jerkbait with no outcomes, my confidence was beginning to wane – possibly it was simply too chilly for these bass. That’s when it occurred – I observed my line transferring to the best throughout one in every of my pauses (I wish to work my winter jerkbaits gradual, with prolonged pauses between pulls).
Once I set the hook, I rapidly found my drag was a bit too unfastened. However right here’s the place the reel actually impressed me – I instinctively reached for the star dial with my thumb and simply adjusted it mid-fight. The drag system immediately tightened and proved as stout as my outdated Curado as I wrestled in a strong 3-pound bass to the shore.
After a number of months of further testing in varied eventualities, the smaller dimension doesn’t imply it will possibly’t deal with huge baits. These previous few months, I’ve used numerous umbrella rigs and hefty jigs, and I couldn’t really feel any distinction in energy between the outdated Curado Bantam and the brand new.
The Curado 201 boasts a number of key enhancements. The MagnumLite Spool III considerably reduces startup inertia, which I’ve discovered significantly helpful when making these lengthy casts with umbrella rigs. I opted for the 6:1 gear ratio model, which offers wonderful torque when combating huge bass again to the boat.
One other characteristic that stood out is the SVS Infinity braking system. Casting accuracy is essential after I’m utilizing forward-facing sonar to focus on bass. The mixture of the MGL Spool and this braking system allowed for correct casts that I couldn’t constantly obtain with my outdated Curado.
The construct high quality can also be spectacular. The aluminum HAGANE body offers a inflexible really feel that jogs my memory of the sturdiness of my unique Curado however with fashionable refinements. The SilentTune know-how is a pleasant contact – the spool runs noticeably quieter than my outdated mannequin, forged after forged.
Whereas my unique Curado set a excessive bar for sturdiness with its 1,000+ fishing journeys, solely time will inform if this new mannequin can match that longevity. My new Curado stood as much as the comparability and stunned me with its efficiency.
I used to be so impressed that I instantly bought a second one for saltwater. When you’re available in the market for a brand new baitcasting reel, significantly one which excels with bigger baits, the Curado 200 M is unquestionably price your consideration.
Suggestion: Pair this reel with a medium-heavy rod, 12-16 pound fluorocarbon, and also you’ve acquired a combo prepared for every part from jerk baits to jigs.
Don’t inform my outdated Curado; the brand new child is perhaps sticking round.
