As I mentioned in another thread, finally got back into fishing this summer. First reel I bought was the Curado 200E7. After reading these forums extensively, and fishing 5-6 times over the past few weeks, I think I may have made a mistake.
Most say use the 7:1 for topwater buzzbaits, or with plastics in heavy stuff (to rip them out quickly after they've hit). However, is there really any other application? I primarily am a spinnerbait and lipless crank guy lately, and don't fish a ton of plastics (if I do, it's pretty much a wacky-rigged Senko).
I just purchased a 6:1 BPS Pro Qualifier from BPS w/a 7' M Vendetta, but am wondering if I should unload my 7:1 and buy the 200E5. I know most say, "well you can always slow it down, you can't speed up a 5:1." Do you guys think I'm better off selling my barely used 200E7 and swapping for a 200E5? I'm just trying to think about what I'd actually use the 7:1 for. If you want, someone convince me to keep them both!
Also, knowing what I typically fish, what rod would you recommend for the 200E5 if I'm using it for mostly 1/2 oz Red Eye lipless cranks and spinnerbaits?
Any advice is really appreciated!
P.S. Does anyone know the weight difference between the Curado and the BPS Pro Qualifier? What I've really liked about the Curado is how LIGHT it is! I can fish it all day with no problem.
I like the fast reels a lot! I have no problems slowing them down... but if you think you need to unload that old Shimano & keep that bps send me a pm.
On 10/13/2011 at 9:27 AM, Hi Salenity said:I like the fast reels a lot! I have no problems slowing them down... but if you think you need to unload that old Shimano & keep that bps send me a pm.
Part of my problem is with like the 5 series Strike King Sexy Shad crankbait...it really takes some work to get that thing cranking down with my 7:1? For anyone with a 7:1 reel, what are you primarily using it for? What *can* you use it for?
7:1 or 6.3:1 for everything excepts cranks, and for me, spinnerbaits. I personally find the e7 much more versatile than the e5. If the high ipt of the e7 is not n your comfort zone, look for an older curado 100d in 6.3:1 or even better a chronarch 50mg
Thanks for the advice. How do you find the 7:1 more versatile? I did pick up a Chronarch 100a off Craigslist, but am only lukewarm on it. I really love the feel of the Curado, so I guess that's why I'm looking at the 5:1. When you say you use the 7:1 and 6:3:1 for everything but cranks and spinners, I assume you're sayin you use the 5:1 for both of those? Reason-being, I probably fish cranks and spinner 90% of the time.
Keep the e7 and buy an e5 for cranks. I like the 7.1 for everything but cranks, it wears me out alot less to reel slow all day than having to crank like crazy all day just fishing a bait.
I use 7.1's for everything but crankbaits. I use 5.1's for that.
-gk
A lot of things in your post here. I have all three in the Curado family, and yes I crank with the E5 a lot! Do you flip or pitch, that might be the avenue for the E7. IMO I would keep the E7, you will find an application for it in the long run. If you want rid of it now, it can be easily sold.
I do prefer using the slower gear ratio for plastics.
To your last question, no I would go with the E7 for lipless and spinnerbaits. Not sure what type of water you are fishing, but having that extra speed can and will allow you to bring those baits across submegered vegetation without "mowing the lawn," as I call it.
You could buy a set of gears for an E5 and have both possibilities for around $30. I did that with a 3.8:1 crankin reel and switched it to 6.2:1. In less than 5 minutes I can switch them back and forth.
jigs, soft plastics, topwater : 7:1
spinnerbaits shallow cranks and lipless: 6.3:1
Deep cranks sub 8': 5.1:1
The curado e50 might be your best bet for spinnerbaits and lipless....a little smaller profile, but very similar to the e7 and you still have a curado! Only drawback is spool size, but lets be honest, who needs more than 100 yrds of line bass fishing!
Jeff
Where a 5:1 reel shines is deep cranking with big lipped baits. Keep the E7 and fish it for everything you've mentioned. 99% of the stuff we stress over is for no reason. Don't over think it. Go fishing!
On 10/13/2011 at 9:07 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:Where a 5:1 reel shines is deep cranking with big lipped baits. Keep the E7 and fish it for everything you've mentioned. 99% of the stuff we stress over is for no reason. Don't over think it. Go fishing!
You want really smooth deep crankin try the 3.8:1. It is pretty slow but easy to turn no matter how big the bill is on the bait.
Wow! Thanks for all of the responses; they've been really helpful.
I guess I'll keep the E7 for soft plastics and topwater baits. I'm sure I'll be using my BPS PQ 6:1 for all of my lipless cranks and spinnerbaits.
I think I'll just keep those 2 for now (I also have a Chronarch 100a that I can use), and if I really need it, may look at a 5:1.
My problem is I just love the feel of the Curado, and knowing that I fish lipless cranks and spinners 90% of the time, want to make sure I really like my go-to reel. Since I bought the BPS PQ this week (6:1), and it's being delivered on Friday, I hope that I enjoy that reel as much as the Curado (especially with how light the Curado is; does anyone know the difference between the Curado weight and the BPS PQ weight?).
If I just don't love the BPS PQ, I may have to get a Curado E5. However, one of the members on here that lives nearby is willing to unload his Revo S, so I may look at that for my primary 6:1 if I don't like the BPS PQ.
Can anyone compare the 200E7 to the Revo S? I'd assume the Curado is a lot nicer, but if the Revo S is serviceable as my 6:1 (or if it's better than the BPS PQ), I may just use that as my main reel. Any advice would be appreciated!
I have a PQ and a curado, the weight difference is very slim.
-gk
Sometimes burning a spinnerbait or trap is the key to triggering strikes and the fast reel makes that a breeze.
Being left handed I use a Shimano Antares AR(5.8:1) for all my spinnerbaits. You might want to look into a Shimano Calais 100a it's the same reel but right handed. It balances very well on a 6 1/2 or 7 ft. rod & is as smooth as silk. You can not go wrong with this reel as it will work well with crankbaits also.
On 10/13/2011 at 11:58 PM, MN Bassin said:Wow! Thanks for all of the responses; they've been really helpful.
I guess I'll keep the E7 for soft plastics and topwater baits. I'm sure I'll be using my BPS PQ 6:1 for all of my lipless cranks and spinnerbaits.
I think I'll just keep those 2 for now (I also have a Chronarch 100a that I can use), and if I really need it, may look at a 5:1.
My problem is I just love the feel of the Curado, and knowing that I fish lipless cranks and spinners 90% of the time, want to make sure I really like my go-to reel. Since I bought the BPS PQ this week (6:1), and it's being delivered on Friday, I hope that I enjoy that reel as much as the Curado (especially with how light the Curado is; does anyone know the difference between the Curado weight and the BPS PQ weight?).
If I just don't love the BPS PQ, I may have to get a Curado E5. However, one of the members on here that lives nearby is willing to unload his Revo S, so I may look at that for my primary 6:1 if I don't like the BPS PQ.
Can anyone compare the 200E7 to the Revo S? I'd assume the Curado is a lot nicer, but if the Revo S is serviceable as my 6:1 (or if it's better than the BPS PQ), I may just use that as my main reel. Any advice would be appreciated!
The 200E7 weights 7.6oz and the PQ is 8.8oz. If you like the the Curado so much why did you not consider the Citica 200E, it is very similar to the Curado weights less than the PQ, has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and is the same price as the PQ. Citica weights 7.8oz
On 10/14/2011 at 5:41 AM, aavery2 said:The 200E7 weights 7.6oz and the PQ is 8.8oz. If you like the the Curado so much why did you not consider the Citica 200E, it is very similar to the Curado weights less than the PQ, has a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and is the same price as the PQ. Citica weights 7.8oz
Great point! I remember seeing a Citica for sale a few days ago...did someone take that down? I think it was $65 TYD, and I'd be willing to look at that? I think the seller was looking to throw it on eBay if he didn't get any bites, but I'd be interested in that if someone still has it?
That guy is AJ my buddy, I can check with him. I know that Citica is in great shape! (He doesnt catch that many fish!LOL!!!!)
On 10/14/2011 at 6:06 AM, WdyCrankbait said:That guy is AJ my buddy, I can check with him. I know that Citica is in great shape! (He doesnt catch that many fish!LOL!!!!)
Let me know. If he's still got it for sale, I'll pull the trigger on that for $65 shipped.
Sorry, but that Citica is gone.
On 10/14/2011 at 6:12 AM, WdyCrankbait said:Sorry, but that Citica is gone.
No problem, thanks for checking.
the way I see it is that you have 3 options. you could buy a citica which is a great little reel, or you could wait til the g series curados start hitting the stores( they come in 5,6.5 and 7:1, or you could do what I did and order the citica yoke, pinion, and drive gear from shimano for like 20 bucks or so. i hated the e5 for the longest until it got deep cranking season here in louisiana. now i absolutely love it. but there's no way i'd give up my 7:1 reels. just as other users have said, they're way to versatile. hope this helps
or you could trade me your curado for my citica e
Get the E7 super-tuned by DVT and then, you would have a reel Chuck Norris would use.
But, you're in a great situation here, you only have good problems, meaning you have a lot of options to pursue.
On 10/14/2011 at 9:32 AM, WdyCrankbait said:Get the E7 super-tuned by DVT and then, you would have a reel Chuck Norris would use.
But, you're in a great situation here, you only have good problems, meaning you have a lot of options to pursue.
Chuck Norris doesn't do push ups, he pushes the Earth down!!
It is said that Chuck Norris' tears could cure cancer.....unfortunately Chuck Norris has never cried!!
I ended up getting a Citica 200E off Craigslist last night as part of a combo with a Mojo 7' MH. The other setup I got was a BPS Pro Qualifier 6:4:1 w/a BPS XPS Extreme 7' MH. I paired the Citica with a Vendetta 7' M, and my 200E7 w/ the Mojo for frogs, plastics, etc.
Man, I love the Citica set up...caught a 5 lb Northern, but I thought it was going to snap the rod (the Vendetta seems kind of weak?).
Yet, I caught my personal best bass with the BPS PQ set up on a lipless crank 1/2 oz Fire Tiger Red Eye Shad (Strike King). They were destroying it today! Not a lot of them, but the ones I caught were quite good, including the 5.6 lb hog that I caught. I know that it doesn't seem like much to those from around the country, but here in MN, 5.6 is a pretty good bass.
Here is a pic (I just wish I could get a picture of me holding some of the fish I catch! I practice C&R, and usually always fish alone):
Great Catch! Awesome job!!