|
|
Posts: 12
| Hi! I am about to start my second season of muskie fishing and am looking to invest in some good equipment. I already have decided on a 7'6" St. Croix MHF, but still need advice on a reel for it. Basically, I am down to either the Curado or the Lexa in either 300 or 400 (is the 400 too big for a 7.6' rod?). Best reel for the rod I'm getting? Hoping you veterans can help me out! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 132
| If those are the 2 options, hands down the Curado. |
|
| |
|
.jpg)
Posts: 140
Location: Scandia MN | Personally I like a lot of drag for boat side hook sets - Lexa has 25 pounds - Curado something in the low to mid teens. Might make the difference a that critical moment. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 162
| No question the curado. Awsome reel. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | LOL- Curado 200 - I know its a bass reel, right? Can't handle large muskie lures, blah, blah, blah! Only been using them for~20 years. Maybe one will break someday, I have 6 of them, including my first one!
Yes, I have other reels, Calcutta 400TE, Daiwa Luna 300, Abu Revo. I like the 400TE the least for casting. The ABU Revo is a very smooth reel..
Have fun!
Al |
|
| |
|
Posts: 427
| If you have not gotten the rod yet and you are not limited to a 7ft 6in because of storage issues I would strongly recommend a longer rod. The longer rod is nicer for almost all applications in muskie fishing with the exception of jerk baits. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 94
| Curado EJ!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1000
| curado 300 is the most comfortable reel in the musky world. I wish they'd update it to have Xship and HE gearing.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 785
| Just seconding what hoosierhunter said, if you haven't bought the rod already consider going with something longer. Better casting distance, easier figure eights and better for both keeping the line tight as well as shock absorption on a hooked fish. I've even gone to an 8' rod for jerkbaits and WTD topwaters. It's not as easy to work them with as a 7'er but I feel I keep fish pinned a lot better. If you've already bought it don't sweat it. It'll still get the job done. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 7109
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | MY advice would be to stay away from any gear ratio faster than 5.4:1. You can always reel faster, but an over geared reel versus hard pulling baits leads to fatigue and broken reels. A 5.1:1 or 5.3:1 should do you for almost all applications that you're going to use that rod/reel for. Now if you're JUST throwing jerkbaits, then go with a Curado. Otherwise you might limit yourself in what you can COMFORTABLY throw. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | I would try and buy a used Calcutta 400 TE. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 247
Location: Grand Marais, MN | tolle141 - 3/15/2016 12:44 PM
curado 300 is the most comfortable reel in the musky world. I wish they'd update it to have Xship and HE gearing.
The curado DSV, E, and EJ are all "HE" gearing, just look at the gear box compared to a curado bantam. Anyway, I have the 300DSV and its very comfortable, and can almost cast off all the line with a whopper plopper.
I too would like to see a 400 size curado in a low and high gear ratio. would be a very good concept. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 12
| If I go with an 8 foot will a 400 size be easier to use with it? |
|
| |
|
| No - it's personal preference. I'd suggest trying out some friends gear if you have the opportunity before you buy anything. Or go to a retail store and check out different reels and rods. Put the reels on the rods and see how they feel to you. An 8'+ rod and a 5ish:1 reel is what I'd be in the market for... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 247
Location: Grand Marais, MN | Andphilliam - 3/15/2016 8:11 PM
If I go with an 8 foot will a 400 size be easier to use with it?
If I was you I'd get an 8 foot heavy rod, something like the mojo musky 8'H, and put the lexa 400p on it. That will cover practically everything you would want to throw, and do most of it quite well. the thing about a lexa 400 is that it may feel like overkill on a 7'6" MH rod. I know I wouldn't like it as much as if I put it on a little bit longer, heavier rod. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 537
Location: Gilberts IL/Rhinelander WI | Pm sent |
|
| |
|
Posts: 30
| Ditto to most of what Bigfoot said, but the high gear ratio will make pulling big bucktails in wearisome...the solution would be save big blades for specific conditions or moon events. Gear ratio around 5:1 can cover most everything comfortably. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1405
Location: Detroit River | I have both the Curado 301 & Lexa 400 & I'd take the Curado over the Lexa any day of the week. The Lexa gets to be a pain because I have to constantly adjust it to prevent back lashes. That said I prefer my Komodo 350 over the Curado and prefer my Revo Toro over the Komodo. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 12
| Thank you all for your input! I think at this point it looks like the Curado wins out. I think I will stick with a 7.6' rod, as I occasionally fish in some narrow channels and it would give me more leverage- unless you can convince me otherwise! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 668
Location: Wisconsin | What type of lures do you like to use? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 12
| Kinchou musky minnows, rapala magnums and super shads, some storm, and bucktails. |
|
| |
Best Muskie Reel