Shimano Casitas Thoughts? Opinions? 2024
Gavin Tucker reply :
I am looking to get another Shimano reel, I have the Curado 200i. I want another reel, I don't want to spend another $180 on a Curado so I looked into Shimano's cheaper reel selection. I found the Casitas, Should I get this reel or not. If you guys could provide some feedback that would be great
d-camarena reply :
Awesome reel. Very underrated. Very smooth retreive. Good for skipping too
Bluebasser86 reply :
Had one, it's smooth and cast a mile, but it didn't have much torque when fighting a fish.
Poolshark reply :
I like them and they function well as said above. That said, if I were spending any substantial money. It would be on a reel with an aluminum frame at minimum.
I I wanted another shimano...i would personally rather buy a used curado or citica over the casitas.
kickerfish1 reply :
Go to American Legacy fishing. They have the Curado 200I for $129 (NOTE: Shimano has reduced the MSRP on these reels) or get the Curado 70 for $149.
chubaka reply :
^^^^^ Exactly what I was going to suggest
Gavin Tucker reply :
On 4/23/2017 at 9:57 PM, Poolshark said:I like them and they function well as said above. That said, if I were spending any substantial money. It would be on a reel with an aluminum frame at minimum.
I I wanted another shimano...i would personally rather buy a used curado or citica over the casitas.
What's the difference in aluminum frame and graphite
The Bassman reply :
Casitas is OK. I had two, the US version and the JDM MGL. But for a few bucks more the I series will do better as they're on clearance in anticipation of a redux this summer.
22hertz reply :
Weight and feel.
Some say graphite reels aren't as structurally rigid but IDK about that. I think it comes down to what type of composite is being used and how the reel is designed meaning the thickness of the composite in key areas. Shimano knows how to build reels and IMO the Casitas is very underrated.
It will be lighter than an aluminum reel and the 150 size is a good compromise between compact size and the amount of line it can hold. As an aside benefit the reel wont feel cold on a cold morning or night.
I would buy the JDM Casitas MGL over the Curado I or Citica for the same price.
On 4/24/2017 at 2:46 AM, The Bassman said:Casitas is OK. I had two, the US version and the JDM MGL. But for a few bucks more the I series will do better as they're on clearance in anticipation of a redux this summer.
Why do you like the Curado over the Casitas?
The Bassman reply :
Curado is definitely smoother because of the X-Ship bearing. Also, was not a fan of the plastic feel to the reel although it has been mentioned that it was warmer to the touch in cold weather.
22hertz reply :
Are you sure the Casitas doesn't have X-Ship?
Shimano doesn't advertise this reel to have it but Im thinking it does. Maybe on the JDM MGL version and not the US version?
Could you tell a difference between the two you owned?
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimcasitasmglpg2.html
The Bassman reply :
Neither Casitas has X-Ship. I've had them both apart. Shimano's tech rep Dan Thorburn explained that on another site. The USDM and JDM feel the same.The MGL spool is considerably lighter and gives some casting advantage. They're both good reels but exhibit that slight geariness that comes with beefy gears and lack of pinion support. The guys at TT confused the Super Free pinion bearing for X-Ship. It's not the first time I've seen these guys make some real bonehead calls.
Poolshark reply :
On 4/24/2017 at 2:24 AM, Gavin Tucker said:What's the difference in aluminum frame and graphite
The old thinking is that aluminum frames have less flex when reeling under heavier loads. It really only mattered to me when fishing high resistance lures.
That being said I haven't owned a graphite framed reel in so long that the newer composite reels might be a little better.
I still prefer aluminum for the rigidity and keeping gears lined up better under load.
The casitas I own does not feel quite like my curados. i assume aluminum frame and pinion bearing as others have pointed out
lmbfisherman reply :
Don't worry about the Shimano composite frames, they are quality. Get the I for 129 at a lot of places now.
BaitFinesse reply :
Curado 70s can be had for $150 and are a great option for guys and gals looking for a great casting reel under $200. The Casitas is a fine reel and an excellent caster but I wouldn't spend more than $100 on one and would prefer it to be the MGL. Prices are a little too high on that platform at the moment.
Raul reply :
On 4/24/2017 at 2:24 AM, Gavin Tucker said:What's the difference in aluminum frame and graphite
I once owned a graphite frame reel, my first BC, Silstar Starlite Pro, man I caught tons of fish with it until one day it slipped from my hands and fell waist height and landed on the reel foot, the reel foot broke and there was a hairline crack on the frame. NEVER AGAIN I PURCHASED OR WILL PURCHASE A GRAPHITE FRAME REEL.
nameiztaken reply :
Just get another curado on amazon, they're dirt cheap.
burrows reply :
My take on the casitas after fishing with it since it first came out,I paid 120$ back then, that it is a fantastic reel! Cast a a million miles smooth and easy to use perfect for finesse presentations and weightless plastics. I think you can get it for some 70$ on line now but it’s worth it. Has a little play on the handle retrieve little clunky but so do some 200$ reels that will continue to remain names less here. I definitely feel it is the best budget reel that you can find. Just my take.
LCG reply :
I here the casitas is a nice reel. But I went with the Daiwa Fuego CT and have no regrets. Aluminum frame and larger handle. If you can play with both and see what you think. Nothing against shimano, but I think Daiwa Fuego is better bang for your buck. YMMV
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 9:28 AM, Luke G. said:I here the casitas is a nice reel. But I went with the Daiwa Fuego CT and have no regrets. Aluminum frame and larger handle. If you can play with both and see what you think. Nothing against shimano, but I think Daiwa Fuego is better bang for your buck. YMMV
I was just going to say this. I have a Casitas and I absolutely love it, I fish it four or five times a week. The issue I have with it is for a few bucks less the Fuego is every bit the reel the casitas is. I can dial the casitas to cast a *little* farther than the fuego, but the Fuego brakes can be set by a monkey in the dark underwater with his eyes closed. Just last night I was seriously toying with the idea of selling my Casitas and getting another Fuego.
burrows reply :
Can you throw Ned rigs on a fuego? Not sarcasm just wondering? Because I can throw any weightless finesse presentation on it, put that mgl spool on it and you got a decent bfs reel.
LCG reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 8:58 PM, Burros said:Can you throw Ned rigs on a fuego? Not sarcasm just wondering? Because I can throw any weightless finesse presentation on it, put that mgl spool on it and you got a decent bfs reel.
A ned rig, depending on jig head size, is about 1/4 oz with a TRD rigged. Should be no problem, however I use spinning gear for the ned rig so I can't say for sure.
burrows reply :
I’m tired of all this diawa love I am all shimano when it comes to baitcasters for many years. Diawa this, svs, this t wing blah blah blah!!!
I’m going to finally get one see what the freaking hype is I’m thinking the zillion sv tw? See what happens?
LCG reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 9:27 PM, Burros said:I’m tired of all this diawa love I am all shimano when it comes to baitcasters for many years. Diawa this, svs, this t wing blah blah blah!!!
I’m going to finally get one see what the freaking hype is I’m thinking the zillion sv tw? See what happens?
Don't get me wrong. I am not a fan boy and I keep an open mind.
Shimano makes some quality products, no doubt. It's just that it comes with a price tag that is a bit much for me.
Other companies have some good bang for buck products that suit my needs personally. Daiwa just happens to be one of those companies. I always spend more on the rod than the reel, that's just me.
My spinning rods both have Pflueger president xt's. A Shimano stradic fk would be awesome, but the Pflueger gets the job done nicely and less than half the cost.
The nice thing is if you want to try the Fuego it's affordable. The Zillion SV TWS, not so much 
but I bet it's nice
BaitFinesse reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 8:58 PM, Burros said:Can you throw Ned rigs on a fuego? Not sarcasm just wondering? Because I can throw any weightless finesse presentation on it, put that mgl spool on it and you got a decent bfs reel.
Absolutely with the correct line. The spool in the non MGL is like 14 grams.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 9:27 PM, Burros said:I’m tired of all this diawa love I am all shimano when it comes to baitcasters for many years. Diawa this, svs, this t wing blah blah blah!!!
I’m going to finally get one see what the freaking hype is I’m thinking the zillion sv tw? See what happens?
Hah, that's an awful lot of my fault. To be honest I'm not super huge at the... let's say... $150 Mark and up. You're literally just comparing features and picking what suits you. Dawia's strong suit in that neighborhood is the speed and ease at which the brakes can be adjusted and how forgiving the brakes are.
It's that fuego though. The high end brakes, the aluminum frame... and it comes in almost 20 bucks cheaper (normal eBay prices, not sales) than you can find the casitas, which for my money is a *really* close second. If they dropped the price on the casitas 15 or 20 bucks it would be an even tougher choice.
The real beauty of it though... the casitas is still a really CLOSE second. You have a thing for shimano? Your grandpappy ran all shimanos? A shimano saved a little boy who fell in a well? Whatever your reason, neither one is a BAD choice. Sure I think the Fuego edges it out for the price but both are fantastic reels.
burrows reply :
On 5/13/2018 at 12:49 AM, Beetlebz said:
A shimano saved a little boy who fell in a well ?
I was that boy ????
yellowcard129 reply :
I own Metaniums, steez, Aldebarans and all the curados and a couple months ago I bought a Casitas because it was so cheap and needed an extra reel for guiding clients. I found the reel new for 85$ and was seriously impressed, I mean 85$ really? Its light, compact, palms great and is a workhorse. Most people I guide arent great with baitcasters but havent been having any problems with this reel. I put the reel on a Croix Bass X and its gotta be one of the best combos under 200$ in my opinion. Someone on a budget who needs a reliable combo or someone who wants to own alot of combo's, I highly recommend this reel.
d-camarena reply :
Too much diawa hype on these forums. I used to have a lots diawas and shimanos. Loved them all, now i run mostly lews because of the value. I dont feel my shimanos or diawas are any better than my lews. And i dont feel the fuego is better than the casitas, they are both great reels. Casitas feel a little better in hand. I hope everyone who pitches in has actually used these reels
ratherbfishin1 reply :
On 5/13/2018 at 9:07 PM, d-camarena said:Too much diawa hype on these forums. I used to have a lots diawas and shimanos. Loved them all, now i run mostly lews because of the value. I dont feel my shimanos or diawas are any better than my lews. And i dont feel the fuego is better than the casitas, they are both great reels. Casitas feel a little better in hand. I hope everyone who pitches in has actually used these reels
Thank you! Those are my thoughts exactly!????
FishDewd reply :
My local walmart has these reels for $117.95. They look pretty darn good for that price, but I would likely upgrade the drag washers.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/14/2018 at 12:55 PM, FishDewd said:My local walmart has these reels for $117.95. They look pretty darn good for that price, but I would likely upgrade the drag washers.
You can find the casitas a little cheaper if you dig around the dark corners of the interwebs. I picked mine up for $89 USD I think. I run with a pretty tight drag, haven't had issues on bass slipping when it shouldn't be. When it does slip is smooth and consistent. I might feel differently if I was chasing stripers with it, but i haven't tried ????
FishDewd reply :
Well, ideally... the drag should slip a little. It's kind of a balance. You want a big fish to tire but you don't want to tire it out too much, if that makes sense, so that they can recover. I always reel down when retrieving. Learning this when I was young. Lift pole up, reel down, lift up, reel down... sometimes need to tilt left/right but always reel down. Hardly an expert but 99.9 or so% of the fish I've brought in, unless I hooked them badly, have been full of life and ready to go when I release them. I like them to be lively! Flop around in my hands and try to get away! Way it should be lol. I really respect them a lot.
FishDewd reply :
Well, ideally... the drag should slip a little. It's kind of a balance. You want a big fish to tire but you don't want to tire it out too much, if that makes sense, so that they can recover. I always reel down when retrieving. Learning this when I was young. Lift pole up, reel down, lift up, reel down... sometimes need to tilt left/right but always reel down. Hardly an expert but 99.9 or so% of the fish I've brought in, unless I hooked them badly, have been full of life and ready to go when I release them. I like them to be lively! Flop around in my hands and try to get away! Way it should be lol. I really respect them a lot.
FishDewd reply :
Well, ideally... the drag should slip a little. It's kind of a balance. You want a big fish to tire but you don't want to tire it out too much, if that makes sense, so that they can recover. I always reel down when retrieving. Learning this when I was young. Lift pole up, reel down, lift up, reel down... sometimes need to tilt left/right but always reel down. Hardly an expert but 99.9 or so% of the fish I've brought in, unless I hooked them badly, have been full of life and ready to go when I release them. I like them to be lively! Flop around in my hands and try to get away! Way it should be lol. I really respect them a lot.
FishDewd reply :
Well, ideally... the drag should slip a little. It's kind of a balance. You want a big fish to tire but you don't want to tire it out too much, if that makes sense, so that they can recover. I always reel down when retrieving. Learning this when I was young. Lift pole up, reel down, lift up, reel down... sometimes need to tilt left/right but always reel down. Hardly an expert but 99.9 or so% of the fish I've brought in, unless I hooked them badly, have been full of life and ready to go when I release them. I like them to be lively! Flop around in my hands and try to get away! Way it should be lol. I really respect them a lot.
Quarry Man reply :
On 4/23/2017 at 9:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Had one, it's smooth and cast a mile, but it didn't have much torque when fighting a fish.
Can you explain what you mean by torque? I have two casitas reels one with 15 lb floro and one with 12, casts great and is smooth, just doesn't feel right when fighting fish
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/12/2019 at 11:41 PM, Quarry Man said:Can you explain what you mean by torque? I have two casitas reels one with 15 lb floro and one with 12, casts great and is smooth, just doesn't feel right when fighting fish
That's exactly what I mean, and not with big fish that are pulling hard, but just standard fish that are pulling the reel won't crank when it should be able to. Basically any fish over 2 pounds was a struggle if it put up much of a fight.
Quarry Man reply :
On 2/12/2019 at 11:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:That's exactly what I mean, and not with big fish that are pulling hard, but just standard fish that are pulling the reel won't crank when it should be able to. Basically any fish over 2 pounds was a struggle if it put up much of a fight.
that's what I expected, I just thought it was a combination of using a 2 piece rod, (didn't realize it was a 2pc until after I bought it) and 12 lb floro. Now I am hesitant to fish with it because I can't afford to lose fish in tournaments.
The Bassman reply :
On 2/12/2019 at 11:41 PM, Quarry Man said:Can you explain what you mean by torque? I have two casitas reels one with 15 lb floro and one with 12, casts great and is smooth, just doesn't feel right when fighting fish
Low to mid grade composite reels flex under load. It doesn't take much to bind gears enough to compromise smoothness and power transfer. SLX has replaced that model.
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