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| I have had a very costly off-season, as I've finally decided to go all in and purchase new rod/reel combos. So far, I've added:
9'6XH Predator/Trinidad 16NA - Burner
9'2XH Predator/Calcutta 400TE - Big rubber, big cranks, slow rolling cowgirls/supermodels
7'6 Legend Tournament "The Jerk"/Calcutta Conquest 400 - Jerkbaits
The last rod I have is a 9'6H Predator. I'm planning to use the rod for topwater, smaller bucktails (a VERY rare cowgirl on this set-up), and smaller cranks. I have debated between a Curado 300, Calcutta 400TE, Saltist 20, or possibly a Trinidad 14A (have some concerns on using a Trinidad 14 with topwater and cranks though). Any suggestions would be appreciated! |
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Posts: 897
| Geez, I'd say you've dropped some coin this winter! I'm a little jealous of that list! I'd consider a Revo Toro HS or a Curado on your last set up. Those will allow you to really burn the tails in and I like the extra line pick up when I'm fishing walk-the-dog topwater lures. |
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Posts: 349
| ahhemm.. JEALOUS! You're going to have some sweet new setups there. Top of the line for sure!
I'd match that rod with the Curado 300EJ (comes with a power Handle and 2 more inches of line pickup than the 300E) for the applications you mentioned. It blows the Trini and Saltist out of the water on weight and ease of use and has more line pickup than the 400TE and still is lighter and smaller. This would make the combo extremely light and comfortable to use and the Curado has plenty of power and durability for the baits you plan on using with it.
Just out of curiosity, what kind of line are you spooling each reel with? |
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Posts: 547
Location: Oshkosh | Curado
Peter |
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| That is an impressive selection! I think an Revo Toro would be your best bet. I would go with the 5.4:1 gear ratio. You have those other combos for throwing cowgirls 99% of the time. Since you have those I would rule out a Toro Winch. The 5.4 would probably be better for smaller bucktails and crankbaits, which I presume would be used the most with that combo. |
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| Thanks for the responses so far!
I have a project Curado 300DSV I've been working on, and have installed the shaft bearing and titanium levelwind insert that is on the 300E. I might go ahead and order the gear set and power handle from the 300EJ to pair up with this particular combo (the guy I talked to at Shimano said the parts should be available to order in April). I don't expect to hit cowgirl size very often with this setup, because as stated before, the two XH set-ups can handle that without issue.
As for line, I have 80lb Masterbraid on the Conquest 400, 100lb Masterbraid on the Calcutta 400TE (for pounders), and I have yet to spool up the Trinidad 16NA (just came in the mail on Tuesday). I have heard good things about TUF-line in 100lb, and am leaning towards that, but am definitely up for recommendations on the best line for a Trinidad! |
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Posts: 717
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | I must say, I too am very jealous of your arsenal. Very nice! As for reels, if you are thinking about using it for smaller baits, I would shy away from the Saltist. Mine did not handle them very well. I would stick with the Calcutta. Mine works great for throwing the big stuff, but also shines for even small #5 Mepps. |
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Posts: 865
| I would recommend taking your Calcutta 400TE, and putting it on your last rod.... As I think you might want a little easier reel to use for your Cowgirls. than the 400 TE...........Sr. |
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Posts: 755
| I have a smilar lineup and I would either put another TE so you can slow roll DCG's when needed. I have the Currado 300EJ and its a great reel and it would certianly fit the bill and is very light so would match up greatly with the H Pred. I have mine on a M Pred. IMHO go with the Tuff-Line on the 16N. I have found it to work best for me after trying a number of lines. |
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Posts: 582
| Toro 5:4:1. All around good. |
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Help me choose a new reel