Posts: 2752
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | I've been using Shimano Curado 200's for muskies for + 10 years. Definitely not ideal for throwing pounder bull dawg's, Shumway Giant Flasher's, etc..... But, I've also thrown some very big baits with them, and have zero failures on them that way. I now have 5 of them, I also have a 400TE and Luna 300 - both those are on 9' Professional Edge custom rods, I now use those for the really big stuff.
I like them because they are compact and light weight - my old arm's and shoulders can feel the difference at the end of the day. Plus- if the rod goes in the water for whatever, reason, it floats! I have always really liked the Shimano drag's- both bait caster's and spinning reels. I use 65lb PowerPro on mine, and still feel I have plenty of line. I really don't like 80lb on them, i.e., less line capacity and shortened casting distances.
It's really a personal preference, but don't let people put you off with they are "bass" only reel's. They work just fine for a lot of muskie applications. The new 300's are nice- more line, etc. But also bigger profile, cost, etc.
Do a search here for "Curado 200", and see what you find. If I had to pick one reel, it would still be the Curado 200, i.e., because I can use it for other species too.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanocuradoe5.html
Have fun!
Al |
