Shimano Curado 201 M Baitcaster with Curado Rod: OHUB Review

Honest warning: I’m biased in terms of Curado reels. I purchased my first one again in 1996 and I’ve been hooked ever since, utilizing them in each freshwater and saltwater for practically three a long time. However right here’s the factor, I’d by no means thrown a Curado rod. I’ve at all times paired my Curado reels with different manufacturers, so once I heard concerning the new Curado 201 M and noticed that Shimano had an identical rod line, I used to be genuinely excited to see if the rod may reside as much as the legendary reel popularity. The bonus? Attending to pair it with Shimano’s newest Curado reel expertise.

What It’s Made For

I paired the brand new Curado 201 M with a 6’8″ Curado rod particularly for energy fishing with greater baits. This combo is designed for throwing umbrella rigs, huge jigs, deep crankbaits, and outsized frogs in each freshwater and saltwater. With 14/110 mono or 30/190 braid capability, I knew this setup may deal with the trophy largemouth and saltwater fish I chase.

First Impressions

Once I unboxed this combo, the very first thing that caught my eye was that basic “Curado Inexperienced” flowing from reel to rod. At 7.4 ounces, the reel felt substantial in my hand with out being heavy. I may inform immediately this was a matched system, not simply two random items thrown collectively.

Construct High quality

Rod: The 6’8″ Curado rod options Hello-Energy X carbon building that retains the clean from twisting once I’m setting hooks. The CI4+ reel seat is gentle however strong, and the AAA cork grip feels nice even after hours of casting.

Reel: The aluminum HAGANE Physique barely flexes even below critical load. With 6 shielded bearings, each forged feels butter clean. The MGL Spool III reduces startup drag, and the Cross Carbon Drag offers me 13 kilos of stopping energy.

Ranking: 9/10

Stability & Consolation

The combo balances completely in my hand. I spent a full afternoon strolling the shoreline making forged after forged, and I by no means felt any hand fatigue. The 6’8″ size offers me good leverage with out being awkward.

Ranking: 9/10

Casting & Line Administration

When testing the casting distance, I constantly hit about 50 yards with my jerkbait. I had one slight backlash whereas dialing it in, however as soon as I acquired the braking system set proper, each forged was clean and correct. The road laid evenly on the spool.

Ranking: 9/10

Sensitivity & Suggestions

Whereas working my jerkbait alongside the shoreline, I may really feel each faucet on the underside of the lake. The carbon clean sends vibration straight to my hand. For an influence fishing setup, I used to be stunned by how a lot really feel I acquired by the rod.

Ranking: 8/10

Energy, Drag & Preventing Efficiency

When that bass blew up on my jerkbait and made a robust run, I instinctively reached for the star drag with my thumb and loosened it with two fast swipes. The drag let loose easily and steadily with none jerking. The rod’s spine gave me the muscle to manage the fish, and I landed that 3-pounder with none drama. I set the hook on 5 bass that afternoon and landed 4 of them.

Ranking: 9/10

Versatility

I’ve discovered this combo handles every thing from 3/8-ounce jigs to full-size umbrella rigs. The reel accepts mono, fluoro, and braid equally properly, and I can change between freshwater and saltwater with out worrying about rust. Whereas this isn’t my finesse setup, it’s develop into my on a regular basis workhorse for transferring baits and energy fishing.

Ranking: 9/10

Worth & Value Level

At round $375-400 (rod $209/reel $224) for the combo, I feel this can be a strong funding. I’ve examined reels costing $100-150 extra that don’t forged as far or really feel as clean. Would I purchase it once more? I really purchased a second one for saltwater after testing the primary.

Ranking: 9/10

Subject Notes

I took the combo all the way down to my neighborhood lake for a trial run. As a substitute of my regular routine of strolling the shoreline, I made a decision to start out by testing the casting distance. These first few casts towards the middle of the lake advised me every thing I wanted to know. About 50 yards with one slight backlash whereas I used to be nonetheless dialing within the brakes.

As I labored alongside the financial institution, my casts stayed correct, and I may really feel the bait tapping backside. I hooked 5 bass and landed 4. The spotlight got here when a bass exploded on my jerkbait proper alongside the shoreline. It made a robust run, and I used to be capable of take a look at that drag system. Two fast thumb swipes loosened the drag, and the battle was on. The rod dealt with it completely, the drag stayed clean and regular, and I landed the 3-pounder feeling completely happy with how this combo carried out.

The Verdict

Greatest For: Event anglers, critical bass fishermen, and saltwater inshore anglers who want a dependable energy fishing combo for jerkbaits, huge jigs, umbrella rigs, or outsized frogs.

Keep away from If: You’re primarily fishing finesse with gentle line and small baits, otherwise you’re on a good price range.

General Ranking: 8.9/10

After testing the Curado 201 M paired with the Curado rod, I’m satisfied this combo hits the candy spot for energy fishing. It honors that 30-year Curado popularity I’ve trusted since 1996 whereas including trendy tech that truly makes a distinction. Sure, it takes a bit extra time to tune and prices greater than entry-level choices, however as soon as I skilled how clean and dependable this setup performs, these issues didn’t matter. Whether or not I’m chasing trophy largemouth or battling redfish, this combo will get the job completed.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award-winning out of doors journalist who resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly out of doors column for the Slidell Impartial Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery. To contact Keith electronic mail: keithlusherjr@gmail.com