Looking To Buy My First Baitcaster. Shimano Curado I Series Or...? 2025
Roadblock reply :
I'm in my mid to late 30's, I've been fishing since I was a kid. My dad LOVED to fish and took my mother and myself (only child) all the time when I was growing up. We always had some type of boat most of the time that I could remember unless money was tight. I remember a few my dad sold them to pay bills.
One of the nice things about my location (Michigan) is that we have PLENTY of lakes plus all of the Great Lakes!
My father passed away from cancer when I was 13 years old. Fishing is one of the best memories I have of him. I actually still fish with his reel today. A Shimano TX-110Q bought brand new from D&R Bass Pro here in Michigan. I've had to replace the pole a couple times over the years. I remember my father had a Berkley on there when I was a kid but that has long since gotten broken. The reel is still holding strong and catching Bass today!
I actually have two of them. My father had bought one for himself and I liked his SO much he bought one for me too. Unfortunately I've lost the Shimano R1 spools to mine, and also the crank and I only have one spool left for my dads but its still very usable and I caught a 14 inch Large Mouth on it last weekend.
Funny side story, I lost my crank because I removed it to pretend the reel was a laser gun when I was a kid. Star Trek fan, what can I say?! 
Anyway I've just bought the first boat I've even stepped foot on since my dad was alive. I've got kids of my own now and I want to get back into fishing. I love my dads reel and I almost feel guilty buying something else but I would LOVE to try a baitcaster.
I'm a bit of a Shimano fanboy as it's all I've ever known with the TX-110Q so I was looking at Shimano's. The model Vs. price that keeps sticking out is the Curado. I was all set to pickup a Curado G but then it sounds like most people think they are crap? Everything I'm reading says to go with the E model.
I see they just released a new I series model though. From what I've read so far the I series sounds good. Sounds like it may have corrected some of the complaints with the G series? I was all set to pick up Curado 200I tonight but I'm seeing that maybe it's not the best FIRST baitcaster for the price.
Everyone seems to speak highly of the Lews Speed Spool model that is $99.99 with the rebate of $20.00 right now. Everyone who has one that also owns Curado E and G's says its every bit as good and that they were shocked how much reel you get for under $100.00 dollars. Some of them have swithced to Lews.
Granted the one thing no one knows is how long they will hold up as they are newer and like I said I've read some discussion from a while back but I thought I would ask again now that the new Curado I series is out and the Lews Speed Spools have been out a while.
So... Should I get the new 2014 Curado I series, go for the E series or try the Lews Speed Spool as a first time baitcaster user?
Side note, this is going on a cheaper Shakespeare Ugly Stick GX2 casting rod I already have. I've been using a Ugly Stick on the Shimano TX-110Q without issue for years now so I bought what I know. I relize there are better poles out there but Ugly Sticks work for me!
Sorry the post got a little long and off track, I was having a moment there for a second. Some fond memories of a time long since past.
Tywithay reply :
I think the Curado I is a great quality baitcaster. It is easy to use and will perform well. There's few, if any, better reels for the price.
Alonerankin2 reply :
Well I say, curado I or a E , I know you will be well served... The only thing that gives me pause, is will you enjoy the baitcaster as much as a spinner.. I can't answer that, the reels are a wise investment IMO that will outlast the lews, again my opinion... But the guys seem to like several upper to mid level lews... I don't hear or read a lot of strong love for the cheapie lews...
Good luck, and tight lines!
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
The Curado I is getting rave reviews, it's not worth busting your budget over however. The E series were great reels. The G is FAR from crap. Shimano stepped in it a little bit in an attempt to return the lineup to it's traditional structure where the Curado label was a simple work-horse quality reel. They succeeded in their mission but angered Curado loyalists that became spoiled by the E series. At any rate, a Curado G on clearance is a great value if that's important. If you have the cash, the I is sweet reel.
Raul reply :
G series Curados are not crap, I have one and I think they are excellent reels but not what every one expected from Shimano's battle horse, I guess nobody liked that many features were changed for "lesser" materials, it's understandable many people felt dissapointed, for me it was like going back in time to the B series from which I happen to own several, kinda like a much improved versión, all have performed flawlessly since the early 90's when I purchased them. I do own an E series, I like it but I don't feel it's superior to the G. If you are already going to spend the money I don't see why you shouldn't go straight for the new I series, unless you can get a killer deal for a new or slightly used E or G series.
Roadblock reply :
Well the price of the Curado I is not going to bust my budget too much, I was planning on $200.00 or so for a reel and my local shops have them in-stock for around $179.00... The only reason I thought the Lews might be an option was reviews on specifically the $99.00 dollar model, bang for the buck and all being a first time user.
I thought maybe if I went that way I could afford some other odds and ends for the boat too but it's only money right? I can always start making meth to support my new habit I guess! This is Michigan after all! Kidding kidding! 
Seriously though based on what I'm reading I really can't see a reason not to buy the Curado I series. Doesn't sound like I'd loose my butt on it if I don't like it in the end. Resale value and all.
Went out with a buddy a few weeks ago, tried some of his baitcasters and they seem fun so I figured why not give one a try.
I do have one concern though. As a right handed person I hold my pole with my right hand and crank with my left using a spinning reel. To me a right handled baitcaster seems backwards. It really LOOKS left handed to me. The friend who took me out is right handed and he exclusively fishes with left handed baitcaster as he came over from spinning reels too.
The left handled model seems more natural to me but I'm told its technically wrong as a right handed user.
ABW reply :
On 7/22/2014 at 8:47 PM, Roadblock said:Well the price of the Curado I is not going to bust my budget too much, I was planning on $200.00 or so for a reel and my local shops have them in-stock for around $179.00... The only reason I thought the Lews might be an option was reviews on specifically the $99.00 dollar model, bang for the buck and all being a first time user.
I thought maybe if I went that way I could afford some other odds and ends for the boat too but it's only money right? I can always start making meth to support my new habit I guess! This is Michigan after all! Kidding kidding!
Seriously though based on what I'm reading I really can't see a reason not to buy the Curado I series. Doesn't sound like I'd loose my butt on it if I don't like it in the end. Resale value and all.
Went out with a buddy a few weeks ago, tried some of his baitcasters and they seem fun so I figured why not give one a try.
I do have one concern though. As a right handed person I hold my pole with my right hand and crank with my left using a spinning reel. To me a right handled baitcaster seems backwards. It really LOOKS left handed to me. The friend who took me out is right handed and he exclusively fishes with left handed baitcaster as he came over from spinning reels too.
The left handled model seems more natural to me but I'm told its technically wrong as a right handed user.
For me personally, the Speed Spool was my first baitcasting reel, and it was really good, but I didn't want to spend a whole lot on a reel. If you can get the Curado I, go for it! You can find them for like $155 on auction sites if you look.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I'm right handed and only buy "lefty" reels (left hand crank). The Lefty Curado I is just getting out. "Technically" you should use whatever feels the most natural and comfortable to you. I don't like switching hands and feel I have better bite detection and fish landing with the rod in my dominant (right) hand. Get a "lefty" casting reel.
crankbank reply :
On 7/22/2014 at 8:47 PM, Roadblock said:I do have one concern though. As a right handed person I hold my pole with my right hand and crank with my left using a spinning reel. To me a right handled baitcaster seems backwards. It really LOOKS left handed to me. The friend who took me out is right handed and he exclusively fishes with left handed baitcaster as he came over from spinning reels too.
The left handled model seems more natural to me but I'm told its technically wrong as a right handed user.
I would go with a right handed version baitcaster, IMO. I fished for years with just a spinning reel and always reeled with my left hand. Before I purchased my first BC I did some research and everyone was saying to switch up the retrieve. I am glad I did, as it feels just as natural reeling with my right hand on a BC and left hand on a spinning.
crankbank reply :
On 7/22/2014 at 8:59 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:I'm right handed and only buy "lefty" reels (left hand crank). The Lefty Curado I is just getting out. "Technically" you should use whatever feels the most natural and comfortable to you. I don't like switching hands and feel I have better bite detection and fish landing with the rod in my dominant (right) hand. Get a "lefty" casting reel.
LOL-experience wins out on this answer, I think I might go pick up a lefty Curado.
RossCo91 reply :
I would also say go for the Shimano over a Lews,
I myself am an Brand addict to Shimano, Rods and Reels.
I have used the E and own a G and would say they are both great reels,
If you are a first time buyer I would look for something on clearance such as the G,
Just what ever you do stick to Shimano it's money never waisted!
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
I would say any of those reels are just fine. If you wanna spend a little less, go for a curado G which will run you about $99 on eBay. If you wanna spend more, I'd go with the curado I.
masterbass reply :
I say get the best you can afford. Curado I lefty.
fishballer06 reply :
Here's the thing... You can spend $99 on your first baitcaster, because it's your first baitcaster. But if you're going to get serious into fishing again, and want to keep using a baitcaster, you'll quickly find yourself wanting to buy that Curado I. In the end, you'll have spent an extra $100 and still have the Curado.
I myself own a Curado I, and absolutely love it. It's a hell of a reel for the price, and it won't leave you disappointed. I am also right handed, but I use left hand retrieve on ALL of my reels. Luckily for you, the Curado I series comes in two different speeds in the left hand model. Use what is most comfortable to you.
new2BC4bass reply :
Welcome to the forum. Some good memories. Thanks for sharing.
I also grew up with spinning reels. In my personal opinion it isn't so much can you reel with either hand, but which hand are you more comfortable working the rod with. Not that you can't learn to use both. 
I feel quite certain you will be more accurate casting with the right arm. Something that can be learned for the left side, but not everyone can and accuracy with the off hand may never get as good as with the arm you have been using all your life. However, which side the handle is on has no affect on which hand you cast with unless you don't want to change hands after the cast. I reel with either hand. I cast with either arm. I will never be as accurate with my left arm as with my right arm. 
I say stick with a Shimano since you are a fan of them already. Excellent reels. I'd also stick with a left hand reel to start with.since that is what you are use to using. If you decide to switch to the right side the reel would sell with no problem...should you decide to get rid of it. Personally my baitcast reels are split about half and half. Ne need to pass up a deal just because it doesn't have the handle on the correct side. 
.
Roadblock reply :
Well if this tells you how serious I've gotten about fishing, I just picked up a used 1970 Mirrocraft Titan 15.
Total transom rebuild using West System 2 part epoxy, total deck replacement. All new carpet, all new seats. The Mercury 500 50HP tested at 140psi across all 4 cylinders so I just rebuilt both carbs, fuel pump rebuild, replaced all the gas lines, prime bulb and added a factory Mercury fuel/water separator. When winter hits I'm pulling ALL the wood back out, ripping out all of the life saver foam, coating the hull with Gluv-It and re-pouring foam.
Unfortunately this boat has no stringers so the foam IS hull support. I had planned to go without foam but unless I want to weld, foam will be MUCH easier.
Decided to do the transom and deck repairs now and to the rest over the winter so I could use it now. I've been fishing EVERY weekend for the past couple months, normally both Saturday and Sunday. This past weekend I went out Friday night at 10:30pm, got home about 9:30am. I slept on the boat. Was actually my wife's idea to drop anchor and sleep right on the boat, she loves fishing MORE than I do.
I actually bought the boat for her but I gotta admit it's been a LOT of fun rebuilding it.
With winter comes the finish of the rebuild and prep for summer time painting! Going to restore it to look as though it did in 1970 (same paint colors etc) other than I'm removing the vinyl cover dash and going for the classic wood look. I've already cut the dash wood, I just need to figure out what RPM and Voltage gauge I'm going with and cut those holes, stain it and coat it with West System epoxy/resin and mount it.
So yeah I've gotta pretty serious about fishing again I would say! Boat screams btw!
Roadblock reply :
Yeah I think I'm going to go with the 2014 Curado I. Now I just need to decide if I wanna go with a right hand or left hand model...! Thanks for the input everyone!
joetucker reply :
Just wanted to affirm your choice. I'm in my early 30s and getting back into fishing after about 10 years away. Never had any experience with a baitcaster and decided to buy the new Curado after seeking advice on this forum.
I am loving the reel and am finding the learning curve to be a lot less steep than I'd anticipated - I'm already favoring it over my spinning gear. I've had it out 5 times and am having only occasional, minor backlashes. It is a pleasure to use and I'm confident I will be happy with it for a long time.
In fact - I'm liking it so much that I ordered a second one this morning.
Tight lines.
Roadblock reply :
Guess what I have! Yep I just got my Shimano Curado 200I!!! Went with the 6.3:1 ratio, I figured it would be a good overall starting point for most baits based on what I've been reading.
I ended up getting it locally from Cabela's because well, I had a $10.00 dollars off my next purchase card and Cabela's Club point's that got me down to around $130.00 or so on the reel. Normal tag price was $179.99, guess I can't complain there.
I was going to get the lefty model but after talking to a couple buddies who use right handed spinning reels AND right handed bait casters and to as why you would want one over the other, the right handed model makes sense. Plus I had only ever tried left handed models. My friend who is right handed uses right handed spinning reels but left baitcasters. I actually got to try a right handed one last night and I can see why I would want my dominate hand on the crank with something like this.
So here is the plan. I'm going to try the right handed model for the rest of the season. If I decide I don't like the right hand cranking, I can return it within 90 day under the "satisfaction guarantee " and buy the lefty. That or if I decide baitcasters are not my style, I can pickup a really nice Shimano spinning real. Actually, I have a spare pole to I may just pick up another spinning reel this Friday when I get paid anyway.
Now I just need to figure out what line to buy! I've always just used 8 pound Trilene clear mono on my 1985 Shimano TX-110Q! Keeping it old school!
Wish me luck guys and gals!
So yeah $180.00 dollar reel on a $30 dollar Ugly Stick GX2 I picked up at Wal-Mart! If I get used to this setup, I may have to think about a rod next.
new2BC4bass reply :
You are a lucky dog. My wife won't fish. The only problem I foresee down the road is that your wife may wind up with some of your better rods and reels. 
Speaking of rods and reels....you have just opened the door for the Bait Monkey to force his way in. Next thing you know you will be like me with more gear than you can use.
Roadblock reply :
I'm actually going to buy her a new rod and reel tomorrow. She doesn't need it but her reel is a little bit old and I think a Shimano with a rear drag would better suit her. She was trying to reel in a large mouth last weekend and the drag was too loose and she was trying to tighten it, but it was one of those spinning reels where the drag is on the face of the spool and she was having a hard time turning it while the bass was on the line.
My old TX-110Q has the rear quick drag and it works VERY well. I think that would work better for her so I thought I would get that Symetre for her. Plus green is like her favorite color.
Just going to pick up one of these:
http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/products/reels/spinning/symetre_rj.html
crankbank reply :
Congrats- great choice. Reel is a thing of beauty. I don't think you will have any regrets.
Roadblock reply :
So the learning curve on the Curado was about 3 casts after watching a couple video's here on Bass Resource. Out of about 50~60 casts yesterday I only had 2 birds nest backlashes after the first 3 where I was adjusting the spool tension.
I did end up getting the right handle model because I could not find a left in-stock locally.
I see the pro's and con's to both. As a right hand spinning reel user, a left hand baitcaster would have been more natural to me. However based on how I've been using the baitcaster, I see why I would want my primary right hand to be on the crank too.
I have two complaint.
First one and this is really the biggest one, the rubber crank knobs. I HATE THEM!!@#!@# They have a very tacky feeling to them and dirt, sand and other crap sticks to them. I'm constantly using my fingers to brush dirt and sand off of them that gets on my hands from handling weeds, bait etc. Really wish this reel came with hard plastic knob's to get me started. I know this is supposed to be a premium feature but um NO! I definitely see a set of cork Hawgtech knobs in my future. Going to do a 102mm offset carbon fiber crank with cork knobs at some point.
The other thing is that since being right handed I cast right handed if I take my thumb off the spool after casting a bait that sinks, the spool wants to start to spin out if it's set to lightly before I can get the rod over to my left hand and set the crank. I found myself casting with my right hand, then reaching OVER the reel and using my left hand to set the crank / spool before passing the rod off from right to left hand.
Would be nice to not have to switch hands BUT again I can see why I would want to crank with my right hand vs. left on a baitcaster being right handed and all.
I was thinking about returning the right hand Curado I and buying a left hand, another local shop has some due in on Friday but I have 90 days to return the right hand one to Cabela's under their 90 day satisfaction return policy so I think I'm going to stick it out for most of the 90 days and see if I can get used to passing the rod off.
Other than that I LOVE this reel. I was a bit defensive about trying a baitcasting reel as I've used spinning reels for my entire life but I gotta say, within a day I'm casting this baitcaster twice as far as I've EVER casted a spinning setup. Almost makes me think maybe I should look into a new spinning reel too, I see Shimano has some new features that aid with casting longer distances. I'm still using a Shimano TX-110Q from 1985 as it was my fathers who passed. Fishing was his thing so I like fishing with his reel. Side note, it's NEVER been cleaned or oiled so maybe it's time to do that but since the reel doesn't move when casting, I don't think that would help casting longer distances anyway.
Sorry just rambling a little here, thinking about things as I type!
In short I'm VERY happy with the Shimano Curado 200 I Series reel as my FIRST baitcaster, well other than those dang rubber knob's! 
Alonerankin2 reply :
Well, believe me, I and many on this site have been using Baitcasters for a couple of 3 decades,
Yikes, that stung a bit! Anyway.... It gets WAY better, you are beginning a learning process and will accelerate with that Reel. In 3 months, you will be so improved. As far as Grips? I personally like them just fine. A Hawgtech grip with cork, would be to you're liking for sure, I put a 102mm on a reel, it is awesome, it improved the performance of my, CTE200GT 5:1 as well as looking very cool. Shimanos line lay on spinning is the clear leader as well as some other factors.
Glad you like!
Happy Casting.....
Roadblock reply :
On 7/30/2014 at 11:00 PM, Alonerankin2 said:Well, believe me, I and many on this site have been using Baitcasters for a couple of 3 decades,
Yikes, that stung a bit! Anyway.... It gets WAY better, you are beginning a learning process and will accelerate with that Reel. In 3 months, you will be so improved. As far as Grips? I personally like them just fine. A Hawgtech grip with cork, would be to you're liking for sure, I put a 102mm on a reel, it is awesome, it improved the performance of my, CTE200GT 5:1 as well as looking very cool. Shimanos line lay on spinning is the clear leader as well as some other factors.
Glad you like!
Happy Casting.....
Yes I want the Hawgtech 102mm offset crank with the cork knobs. The thing just looks SO sexy!
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
I'd grab a mid range rod to match the curado and maybe even a whole 'nother set up before buying a hawg tech. I'm not bashing hawg tech or anything, but I think that it would be best to have a few set ups that cover many techniques before you trick out a single reel.
Roadblock reply :
On 7/31/2014 at 8:50 AM, aprw1 said:I'd grab a mid range rod to match the curado and maybe even a whole 'nother set up before buying a hawg tech. I'm not bashing hawg tech or anything, but I think that it would be best to have a few set ups that cover many techniques before you trick out a single reel.
Funny you mention that. I returned the Berkley Lightening Rod and bought a St. Croix Mojo Bass tonight in medium-heavy, 7'0" length. I really wanted the nice blue St. Croix Tournament Bass rod but it was hard enough coughing up the money for the cost of the Curado. I don't mean hard to come up with it, but hard spending THAT much on a reel when my 1985 Shimano TX-110Q my father left me works fine!
The Mojo Bass is really nice though. Really the only reason I liked the Tournament Bass was due to the color. I love blue and that thing is sexy but the color wasn't worth another $140.00 dollars! Yes yes, I know it has other enhancements and features but hey the St. Croix Mojo Bass well be plenty of rod for me!
As far as the Hawgtech crank, that had nothing to do with tricking out the reel. That was purely because the rubber knobs SUCK that much. I was going to just order the Hawgtech cork knobs as the 2014 Curado has an off-set crank already but they specifically state that while the factory Shimano knobs WILL work on the Hawgtech crank, the Hawgtech cork knobs will not work on the factory Shimano crank.
I do like the look of carbon fiber though, that is dang sexy regardless!
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