Reel Reporter Fishing Reel Reviews

Shimano Curado G Review

Reel Reporter — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:02:52 +0000

Shimano Curado G Review

Shimano has released their newest version of the revered Curado baitcasting series reels. The Shimano Curado G series of reels has replaced the retired E series Curados.

So will this new Curado G live up to the reputation that was solidly established by previous Curado reels?

Only time will tell, but let's take a look at some of the Shimano Curado G features and early reviews.

The first thing that a lot of anglers are noticing about the Curado G is the lower price. The price of the Curado G is $20 lower than the previous E series Curado reels. This alone will put the Curado G into the hands of more anglers, by making it more affordable.

How does the Curado G compare to the Curado E for features? Let's see.

Shimano Curado G has the following features and specs:

Line Capacity – 14/110
Weight – 7.2 oz.
Bearings – 4 + 1 (5 total)
Drag – 11 lbs.
Aluminum Frame
Graphite Side Plates
Quickfire II Clutch bar
Super Stopper & Assist Stopper
Recessed Reel Foot
High Efficiency Gearing
Super Free Technology

Shimano Curado E had the following features and specs:

Line Capacity – 14/110
Weight – 7.6 oz.
Bearings – 5 + 2 (7 total)
Drag – 11 lbs.
Aluminum Frame
Graphite Side Plates
Quickfire II Clutch bar
Super Stopper
Recessed Reel Foot
High Efficiency Gearing

So we can see that the reels are pretty even across the board in everything, EXCEPT one area. The Curado G has two less bearings. This would probably also explain why the new Curado weighs in at 7.2 oz. while the older E series reel weighed in at 7.6 oz. That might not seem like a lot of weight, but it can make a huge difference after an 8 hour day on the water.

The big question is whether two less bearings will make a significant difference in the way the reel handles. Only time spent on the water will tell you this, but my guess is that Shimano took this into consideration and wasn't willing to sacrifice reel performance in exchange for a lower price.

One excited buyer at Bass Pro Shops posted this review after buying the reel and trying it out:

"This is the best reel for the money. it is the smoothest reel i own. this could be used for all types of fishing and has fantastic centrifical breaking system. i would recomend this product to everyone. this is the best shimano product ever made!"

Amazon.com had no reviews posted yet, so there was no info to be gleaned from there.

Tackle Warehouse did have a few reviews, so here they are, in no particular order:

Comments: i went out to bass pro today to get a new reel and i was lookin at the abu garcia sx and the i saw this reel and i feel in love with it… the ponds are frozen here in colorado so i took it to the back yard to cast and im impressed it cast a mile with a 3/8 ounce jig. get youself this reel…. i plan to get more

From: Andrew: Arvada, CO

Comments: These reels are awesome. Priced right and very dependable. I have two cranking and two high-speed models. Both are improvements over earlier models. Less weight and compact design translate to less fatigue on fishermen's hands on long days of casting. I have two Chronarchs from 2003, and they still perform great, but the Curados perform equally well. I actually sold my older (2003: $110.00 new) cranking Curados for $80 each in 2011, and the shop owner told me that the older Curados were still in high demand with a lot of fishermen.

From: John: Lexington, KY

Comments: Average reel at best! lighter than the older curado E series but a few steps back than curado e series. If you are used to the curado e series this reel simply won't do! If you want performance of curado e series buy the chronarch e!

From: D: Toledo Bend, LA

Comments: Very nice looking reel & smooth casting but Curado E is more better.

From: Nelz: MAS

The comments and reviews from Tackle Warehouse buyers were mixed, at best. Most of them were somewhat positive, but stating that the E series Curados were a better reel. This isn't good news for the Curado, but as more anglers buy the new reel there will be more reviews to read and it will give a bigger picture to base opinions on.

To check out the Shimano Curado G for yourself, click this link

Good fishing,

Curt
Reel Reporter

Saltwater Baitcasting Reels

Reel Reporter — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:51:53 +0000

We got a question from one of our readers today. Here's his question, along with our answer. Thanks to Bion W. for sending his question to us.

Question:

What do you recommend as far as saltwater baitcast reels go?

Bion W.

Our Answer:

Hi Bion,

You didn’t mention whether you prefer low profile or round reels, so here are one of each.

This is a Round Saltwater Baitcaster from Abu Garcia:

http://bit.ly/saltwater-reel-1

This reel has gotten great reviews from previous buyers, so it’s a reliable reel with a good reputation. It has a 4.6 star rating.

This is a low profile reel from Offshore Angler

http://bit.ly/saltwater-reel-2

This reel has also gotten great reviews from users, with a 4.7 star rating.

Thanks for sending your question. I hope this helps you

Curt

www.ReelReporter.com

How Many Fishing Reels Do You Own?

Reel Reporter — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 18:06:07 +0000

How many reels do you own?

Many anglers only own a couple of fishing reels. This number of reels suits most anglers just fine. As for me, however, I own somewhere around 20 reels. I fish a lot and want different reels rigged on different rods, for different applications. This saves me from having to stop and cut a lure off and tie a new one on during a tournament, when every minute counts.

It also allows me to rig different reels with different sizes of line, suited to different lure weights, etc.

But what if you’re the average angler who only owns one or two reels? What type of reel is best suited for you?

The answer to that question isn’t always an easy one, because there are so many variables to consider. What species you fish for and what your budget is are just a couple of the considerations.

Here are my recommendations, though, for the average angler who fishes once or twice per month or less.

For spinning reels, I would recommend this model:

Abu Garcia Cardinal 500ALBi

This is a great all around reel that retails for under $70. This reel will suit most freshwater applications. Best of all, it has a great rating from customers who have actually bought this reel already, garnering 4 1/2 stars!

For a baitcasting reel, here’s my recommendation:

Shimano Caenan Baitcasting Reel

This reel also boats a 4 1/2 star rating by customers who have already purchased it. It also has 6 ball bearings and weighs just 7.2 oz. This one retails for under $90. Based on the feedback from previous buyers this should make a solid reel for many years to come.

We love getting feedback from our readers, so if you have any comments or if you’d like us to answer a specific question about reels, please visit www.ReelReporter.com and click on the Contact Us link in the lower left corner of the site.

Also, be on the lookout for our new Facebook page soon!

Here’s hoping you land the fish of a lifetime!

Curt
Reel Reporter

$ 15 Fishing Reels?

Reel Reporter — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:35:05 +0000

Bargain Fishing Reels

I’ve seen fishing reels on sale for some pretty cheap prices. These cheap prices always seem so enticing, but I always end up passing on the deal and walking away.

I’ve learned a lot over the years about what makes a great deal on a reel, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

When is a cheap reel a good deal?

I guess that depends on you, the user. What species do you fish for? How often do you fish? What’s your fishing budget look like?

These are all things that need to be taken into consideration when it comes to making a wise buying decision. Let’s take a closer look.

If you fish only a few times per year, you can most likely get away with buying a reel for $40 or less and never think twice about it. You don’t use it that much, so you don’t have to worry about it wearing out too quickly. No big deal…

Click Here for a Baitcasting Reel For Under $ 50

Click Here For a Spinning Reel For Under $ 50

But if you fish a few times per month or more you might want to spend a little more money and get something with better components, that will be easier to use and will give you more years of service

Click Here For a Baitcasting Reel for Under $ 80

Click here For a Spinning Reel For Under $ 80

For the hard-core, diehard angler who fishes a few times per week or more, you definitely want to spend more on your reel. You need something that will stand up to heavy use.

It’s at this level of the game where a cheap reel is never a bargain. Cheap reels will typically fail or fall apart before the season is over, leaving you with nothing, and having to buy another new reel.

Click here For a Baitcasting Reel For Under $ 150

Click Here For a Spinning Reel For Under $ 100

So as I mentioned earlier, I’ve learned a lot about what makes a great deal on a reel. And that means taking your level of use into consideration, as well as your level of experience.

More often than not, you get what you pay for and a cheap reel will usually leave you frustrated and wishing you had spent just a little bit more money the first time around.

Good fishing,

Reel Reporter