The Fuego CT on the water 2024
Beetlebz reply :
I had quite the mail day yesterday! The one package I've been most eagerly awaiting arrived.. my shiny new Fuego CT. I didn't even need a reel, but it seems like that's about the one most recommended reel on the interwebs these days. I had to see what all the fuss was about, and that I certainly did.
Let me start by saying that I'm a pretty fresh daiwa convert. I've owned a ton of low-pro casters, always been a bit of a shimano fan boy. I tried the kastking trend, switched in to a few Abus last season. This season I tried out a Casitas and thought I had died and gone to heaven.. But then I got a tatula SV.
I really didn't expect much from the Fuego, especially putting it up against my only other Daiwa, the Tat SV. I gotta say I was impressed out of the box. The flat black paint is appealing in person, I expected it to look cheap. I spooled it up with 15lb YZH and put it on a 7'6" H/F. I spent the whole day on and off flipping, pitching and casting a Jewel 3/8oz jig with a Z craw (didn't catch a d**n thing on it ????) and let me tell yoi, I tried so hard to get this thing to screw up. I'd get some unruly wraps here and there but no matter how hard I tried I couldn't get it to birds nest with the brakes at a somewhat responsible position. Even the thumb bar released effortlessly if I pressed it in the middle of the wind up to cast. The kastking stealth I had on previously for flipping took some unf to get the thumb bar to disengage if I was mid windup with a heavy bait.
I did not have a chance to throw heavier baits like 1-2oz swimmers but I don't really doubt that it will take it in stride.
Not so much a review, I just wanted to share my experience. It seems like alot of folks are asking about this reel these days and for the $70 price tag I can absolutely see why.
DRT reply :
I agree, its a great reel at a good price. I've been very impressed with mine and really enjoy the ease of use of the magforce z braking system. I like being able to dial the braking in without having to take off a side plate.
optimator reply :
I love mine too. Even better than my Tatula SV.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 1:21 AM, optimator said:I love mine too. Even better than my Tatula SV.
I don't know if I'd go that far lol the one thing I didn't really account for is I find the reel actually a bit noisier. I attributed the noise (super subtle, btw) to the line wiggling into the guide. I do think the twing is a little quieter, but I'm not convinced it casts further because of it.
I guess now I need a regular tatula CT to round out the fleet. The real question (reel question?) Is do I jump straight into the steez next year or get the zillion first ????
Dangerfield reply :
I just purchased a Tatula CT 5.5.1 for my cranking/jerkbait set up, might even get some 1/40z jig/swimbait love too. I've been debating getting another Tatula Ct for my jig/frog/swimbait rod but people keep praising the Fuego CT. I'm a weekend warrior during bass season which means I'm fishing 4-6 hours min. per day.
What do you guys think? should I spend the extra $40 on the Tat or go the Fuego route.. and maybe upgrade the bearings this coming winter?
Tywithay reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 1:56 AM, Beetlebz said:I don't know if I'd go that far lol the one thing I didn't really account for is I find the reel actually a bit noisier. I attributed the noise (super subtle, btw) to the line wiggling into the guide. I do think the twing is a little quieter, but I'm not convinced it casts further because of it.
I guess now I need a regular tatula CT to round out the fleet. The real question (reel question?) Is do I jump straight into the steez next year or get the zillion first ????
If you go the Steez route, make sure you have $1000 saved up, because it's dang near impossible to not want another one.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 3:58 AM, Dangerfield said:I just purchased a Tatula CT 5.5.1 for my cranking/jerkbait set up, might even get some 1/40z jig/swimbait love too. I've been debating getting another Tatula Ct for my jig/frog/swimbait rod but people keep praising the Fuego CT. I'm a weekend warrior during bass season which means I'm fishing 4-6 hours min. per day.
What do you guys think? should I spend the extra $40 on the Tat or go the Fuego route.. and maybe upgrade the bearings this coming winter?
That's a good question. The tat SV has a little more of a refined feel to it... if it were me I would stress over the decision lol
I'd go tat, but either way you won't be disappointed.
optimator reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 3:58 AM, Dangerfield said:I just purchased a Tatula CT 5.5.1 for my cranking/jerkbait set up, might even get some 1/40z jig/swimbait love too. I've been debating getting another Tatula Ct for my jig/frog/swimbait rod but people keep praising the Fuego CT. I'm a weekend warrior during bass season which means I'm fishing 4-6 hours min. per day.
What do you guys think? should I spend the extra $40 on the Tat or go the Fuego route.. and maybe upgrade the bearings this coming winter?
I'd go with the Fuego. If you want to spend more I'd get a Curado.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:13 AM, optimator said:I'd go with the Fuego. If you want to spend more I'd get a Curado.
Unfortunately that doesn't work for everyone. I tried to get into that bracket of Shimano reels, sadly because I cast left-handed but then Reel with my right hand my index finger is prone to hitting the side plate release latch during casting. That's how I got involved in the tatula series to begin with but I have to say I have zero regrets
optimator reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:37 AM, Beetlebz said:Unfortunately that doesn't work for everyone. I tried to get into that bracket of Shimano reels, sadly because I cast left-handed but then Reel with my right hand my index finger is prone to hitting the side plate release latch during casting. That's how I got involved in the tatula series to begin with but I have to say I have zero regrets
That's similar to the reason I hate the Tatula. I let the line run over my index finger on my left hand. This causes the line to push up slightly. Then on the retrieve the T-wing wont spool the line evenly. I don't understand the Curado issue though. Are you sticking a finger under the reel or something? I have no idea how someone could hit the side plate lever at all?
Beetlebz reply :
It's a long story, I had a post about it before. Go pick up a curado like you're going to cast it but hold it in the wrong hand. Basically my index finger rests on the latch or really close to it.
TylerT123 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:08 AM, Beetlebz said:It's a long story, I had a post about it before. Go pick up a curado like you're going to cast it but hold it in the wrong hand. Basically my index finger rests on the latch or really close to it.
The new Curado’s side plate is kind of difficult to open, when the spool tension is tightened, so is the side plate latch.
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 6:11 AM, TylerT123 said:The new Curado’s side plate is kind of difficult to open, when the spool tension is tightened, so is the side plate latch.
I had a premature sideplate opening during a cast on a citica. I haven't tried with a curado but I also don't want to spend 150 bucks to find out it doesn't work any better. I run my spool tension super loose anyway. But alas now I'm off topic.
The point is I have my citica up for sale and now own 2 daiwas that I absolutely love!
BigAngus752 reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 1:21 AM, optimator said:I love mine too. Even better than my Tatula SV.
I agree. My favorite reel is my Tatula CT. I gave my Tatula SV to my wife. I plan on buying only Fuego CTs or Tatula CTs from now on. Oh, and coincidentally my favorite spinning reel is my Fuego. I just realized that. I guess I'm a Daiwa guy.
Dangerfield reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 5:00 AM, Beetlebz said:That's a good question. The tat SV has a little more of a refined feel to it... if it were me I would stress over the decision lol
I'd go tat, but either way you won't be disappointed.
I'm in Canada, so the pricing of these reels has a much wider margin than south of the border unless I go on ebay. In a big box store I can get a Fuego CT for 140+tax, a Tat CT for 170+tax, and the Tat SV for 270+tax. I can probably find a Tat CT on ebay for the same price as a Fuego in a store, but then I got wait for it to arrive etc.
On 5/10/2018 at 5:13 AM, optimator said:I'd go with the Fuego. If you want to spend more I'd get a Curado.
I'm new to baitcasters, I've tried out my brother's Calcutta B/musky rod combo and couldn't manage to cast a 190 WP more than 10 feet haha. My other brother has a few AG Ambassadors and same thing, one good cast, followed up by a few short ones and then a giantic birds nest. When I got my Tat, I never experience one short cast and the birds nests were few, far and between and minimal at best. At Cabela's, I checked out the new Curado, it's beautiful but just as expensive as the Tat SV, even the Canen is nice comparison for the Fuego. Doesn't mean I'm a fanboy but it's what I'm comfortable with, I like the magnetic brakes and I want to spend my time fishing not picking backlashes out.
optimator reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:25 PM, Dangerfield said:
I'm new to baitcasters
I think the Tatula SV is a great reel for beginning fisherman. They really are d**n near impossible to backlash.
LonnieP reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 10:44 PM, optimator said:I think the Tatula SV is a great reel for beginning fisherman. They really are d**n near impossible to backlash.
Oh you can get them to backlash. Bomb a 1/2 ounce rattle trap with the brakes set on 0. I did this by mistake and had to cut brand new line off. Lol
optimator reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 12:33 AM, LonnieP said:Oh you can get them to backlash. Bomb a 1/2 ounce rattle trap with the brakes set on 0. I did this by mistake and had to cut brand new line off. Lol
Dangerfield reply :
I tried skipping with the brakes on 10 and put too much force in my cast. it wasn't pretty but still got it out okay. Thanks for the input gents, I think I'll got with the Tat CT, unless I find a wicked deal on a Fuego.
Beetlebz reply :
So I was out fishing today, I couldn't get bit on a jig to save my life. I decided since I had too light of line with too much stretch anyway (I was throwing 15lb yzh) I switched it to a chatterbait. The fuego, on 15 yzh on a 7'6" heavy handled the chatterbait like a dream. The more i fish the reel, the more I like it.
I did have on backlash.. it came from smacking the water on the back-cast during a full swing. Still wasn't horrible, got it out without cutting any line lol
optimator reply :
I just got a blip on my eBay app. Do a search there, they have the Tatula CT Type-R RH 6.3 for $113.94 shipped.
Tywithay reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 5:44 AM, optimator said:I just got a blip on my eBay app. Do a search there, they have the Tatula CT Type-R RH 6.3 for $113.94 shipped.
If you use the code "P10PERCENT" you can knock $11 off that price.
LCG reply :
On 5/10/2018 at 8:25 PM, Dangerfield said:in Canada, so the pricing of these reels has a much wider margin than south of the border unless I go on ebay. In a big box store I can get a Fuego CT for 140+tax,
Fellow Canadian, Ontario. Just got a Daiwa Fuego CT in an 8.1 ratio on Amazon.ca for $113. They just dropped it to $107. Jump On It.... free shipping as well. arrived in 4 days.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 12:33 AM, LonnieP said:Oh you can get them to backlash. Bomb a 1/2 ounce rattle trap with the brakes set on 0. I did this by mistake and had to cut brand new line off. Lol
I've got to say you must be nearly as good with a baitcast reel as I am. 
Lasher reply :
Walmart has them for $68 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Daiwa-Fuego-CT-Baitcasting-Reel-FGCT100HS/396634331?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227090819334&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=204553522069&wl4=pla-329922180187&wl5=9010329&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=396634331&wl13=&veh=sem
LonnieP reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 9:38 AM, new2BC4bass said:I've got to say you must be nearly as good with a baitcast reel as I am.
LOL. I've been using baitcasters for over 20 years now. I had just gotten my 2nd SV. I spooled it up, set the tension and went to make a few test casts in the yard. I forgot to set the brakes on it though.
new2BC4bass reply :
Usually......not always....I remember to set brakes on a new reel. It is the used reels that I often forget to check. Sometimes the seller sets to zero before shipping. Poof. Instant bird's nest. 
However, I am good enough to backlash any reel even with the brakes set.
Beetlebz reply :
Nice catch lasher! I was at the reservoir for a couple hours this morning when I went to leave some guy walking his dog started chatting me up. He was telling me about how he bought a "bass" reel at one point, meaning a bait caster, but he never could cast it without backlashing.
I told him to try mine and handed him my 7 foot 6 inch heavy favorite Defender with a fuego 8.1:1 that still had a ChatterBait tied on from yesterday. I turned the brakes up a few notches but the guy stood there in amazement that the reel didn't backlash... not one loose wrap lol converted another one!
sdsc357 reply :
Just in the past 3 weeks, I've sold 3 lews speed spool, 3 lews lfs speed spool, 2 abu garcia revo4 and replaced them all with the fuego ct.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 5/11/2018 at 8:18 AM, Luke G. said:Fellow Canadian, Ontario. Just got a Daiwa Fuego CT in an 8.1 ratio on Amazon.ca for $113. They just dropped it to $107. Jump On It.... free shipping as well. arrived in 4 days.
Debated on getting one myself. Looking for a frog reel. Have the tat sv, Curado K. Been looking for a cheaper reel as I keep going up or staying around the 250-300 plus dollar price point. Be nice to try a lower end reel and everyone says Fuego!
LCG reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 8:31 AM, Matt_3479 said:Be nice to try a lower end reel and everyone says Fuego!
Do it... You know you want to 
seriously though you won't regret it. It's a solid reel. Compares favourably to my OG tatula 100.
Tywithay reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 8:31 AM, Matt_3479 said:Debated on getting one myself. Looking for a frog reel. Have the tat sv, Curado K. Been looking for a cheaper reel as I keep going up or staying around the 250-300 plus dollar price point. Be nice to try a lower end reel and everyone says Fuego!
I have several $200, and even $400+, reels, along with a couple Fuego CT's. I will still use the more expensive reels more often than not, but when I pick up the Fuego, it doesn't feel like I'm using a cheap reel. I have no issue setting it right alongside a Tatula SV, top of the Line Lews, or Steez. They're solid reels. I got both of mine for $50 and I'll continue to buy several more if I find them again at that price.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 9:11 AM, Luke G. said:Do it... You know you want to
seriously though you won't regret it. It's a solid reel. Compares favourably to my OG tatula 100.
Like I said I have a rod without a reel and over the past couple months I sent way way too much and I really want another sv or k but just think I should find a cheaper alternative
LCG reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 9:39 AM, Matt_3479 said:Like I said I have a rod without a reel and over the past couple months I sent way way too much and I really want another sv or k but just think I should find a cheaper alternative
The fuego is a really good deal for a solid reel. I was in the same boat, but it was a reasonable price and I figured I would use the rod without a reel attached so it was either sell the rod or buy the reel. No regrets.
Matt_3479 reply :
On 5/12/2018 at 10:12 AM, Luke G. said:The fuego is a really good deal for a solid reel. I was in the same boat, but it was a reasonable price and I figured I would use the rod without a reel attached so it was either sell the rod or buy the reel. No regrets.
Awesome thanks! Looks like I might have to get a Fuego for frogs
Lasher reply :
I am requesting one of these for fathers day. I wanted to make sure they do well with Floro. Does anyone have experience with Floro on the Fuego?
Beetlebz reply :
On 5/14/2018 at 8:54 PM, Lasher said:I am requesting one of these for fathers day. I wanted to make sure they do well with Floro. Does anyone have experience with Floro on the Fuego?
Not specifically, but i run 15lb YZH on mine. I might swap it out to 15lb big game this week which is just as wirey as 15lb abrazx.. hell I might even try abrazx. Haven't had any problems with the YZH... I'll keep you posted about the big game.
Junger reply :
On 5/14/2018 at 8:54 PM, Lasher said:I am requesting one of these for fathers day. I wanted to make sure they do well with Floro. Does anyone have experience with Floro on the Fuego?
I run one with 12lb FC Sniper for spinnerbaits, it does just fine, spools nice and even.
Dangerfield reply :
How many of the Fuego owners on here selected the 8.1.1? and what made you go with it over the 7.3.1? I'll be using it got frogging/pitching/jigs/swimbaits.
The high speed retrieve isn't ideal for swimbaits, so I'll be slow rolling my glides but burning my spro bbz-1 shads. Hopefully that technique will get it's own rig by next season 
LCG reply :
On 5/15/2018 at 9:23 PM, Dangerfield said:How many of the Fuego owners on here selected the 8.1.1? and what made you go with it over the 7.3.1?
I bought the 8.1:1. I currently have a Daiwa Tatula 100 HSL in 7.3:1 that I really like. At the end of the day I guess I figured it's easy for me to slow down my speed and have the speed when I need it.
A chatterbait is the only moving lure I plan on throwing. Most other stuff I do is jigs, Texas rig, and frog. All of those I move with the rod not the reel.
Also 34" of line retrieval is based on a full spool. It won't be that much line moved at the end of a cast. Some food for thought. My spinning reels move 31" of line and they work well for me.
On 5/15/2018 at 9:23 PM, Dangerfield said:so I'll be slow rolling my glides but burning my spro bbz-1 shads.
Just coined it... The slow burn
Beetlebz reply :
I bought the 8.1 for Jigs, flipping and froggin.
What I'm throwing moving baits, like you guys said, I can just slow down. I throw a ChatterBait on it but also in the dead of Summer I'll use it for big cranks running deep, extra heavy Carolina rigs and 1 oz spinner baits and chatterbaits. It's still pretty easy to get a "slow burn" out of it ????
Tywithay reply :
On 5/15/2018 at 9:23 PM, Dangerfield said:How many of the Fuego owners on here selected the 8.1.1? and what made you go with it over the 7.3.1? I'll be using it got frogging/pitching/jigs/swimbaits.
The high speed retrieve isn't ideal for swimbaits, so I'll be slow rolling my glides but burning my spro bbz-1 shads. Hopefully that technique will get it's own rig by next season
I have an 8.1 and a 6.3. Only reason I bought either is because I got them for a good price. I don't even have the 8.1 on a rod yet, because I'm not sure what I am going to do with it. It has given me time to upgrade it a bit though. Added levelwind and knob bearings yesterday. I hope to see how much it differs in feel from the stock configuration my next time out.
Dangerfield reply :
On 5/16/2018 at 1:20 AM, Tywithay said:Added levelwind and knob bearings yesterday.
there's no bearing in the levelwind?
On 5/15/2018 at 11:10 PM, Luke G. said:Just coined it... The slow burn
As you said, easier to slow yourself down then to try and speed up. I'm gonna go with the 8.1.1, pick up slack quickly is top of mind.
Slow burn.. I do that before I get on the boat
J Francho reply :
On 5/16/2018 at 1:26 AM, Dangerfield said:there's no bearing in the levelwind?
Many, Many, even expensive reels, use a bushing here. It's not a high stress contact point, and a bushing serves well enough. The upgrade adds a bit of smoothness and piece of mine, plus it's a cool upgrade to do. Definitely not a rookie upgrade.
Dangerfield reply :
On 5/16/2018 at 1:54 AM, J Francho said:The upgrade adds a bit of smoothness and piece of mine, plus it's a cool upgrade to do. Definitely not a rookie upgrade.
I think I would send this to someone to get done. I might do the bearing upgrade after this season ends.
Dangerfield reply :
Picked up a Fuego CT 8.1.1 at Cabela's for their big May long weekend sale (Canada) for my Fury 735. Spooled it up with 50lb j-braid with a long 18lb FC Sniper leader for swimbaits. Caught a 4lb SMB on a dark sleeper fishing for pike. My brother caught a 40" (~20lb) pike on the exact same lure, 2nd biggest fish we've caught on Deep Bay. d**n thing was a crocodile.
new2BC4bass reply :
Nice pictures. Nice fish. Nice lake. Why do I have to live where I'm at now? 
Oh yeah. That's right. I like to eat.
Beetlebz reply :
Nice fish! To be honest I got my 8.1 fuego for flipping and pitching. I've been spending all spring throwing heavy moving baits with it (on the 7'6" heavy still) so much I might have to get another one. I always thought guys who primarily fish with heavy power rods were crazy, but the magforce brakes let you still cast decently even though the rod is barely loading up. Now, I get it.
Oi, try explaining that one to the wife ????
CroakHunter reply :
On 5/15/2018 at 9:23 PM, Dangerfield said:How many of the Fuego owners on here selected the 8.1.1? and what made you go with it over the 7.3.1? I'll be using it got frogging/pitching/jigs/swimbaits.
The high speed retrieve isn't ideal for swimbaits, so I'll be slow rolling my glides but burning my spro bbz-1 shads. Hopefully that technique will get it's own rig by next season
I've got 20Lb big game on one of mine. Handles just fine for pitching ultra heavy cover with a 3/8 to 3/4 ounce weight. 17Lb fluoro on the other for big spinnerbaits and chatterbait. Once again works perfectly.
Dangerfield reply :
On 5/23/2018 at 7:56 PM, Beetlebz said:Nice fish! To be honest I got my 8.1 fuego for flipping and pitching. I've been spending all spring throwing heavy moving baits with it (on the 7'6" heavy still) so much I might have to get another one. I always thought guys who primarily fish with heavy power rods were crazy, but the magforce brakes let you still cast decently even though the rod is barely loading up. Now, I get it.
Oi, try explaining that one to the wife ????
Same here, it's meant to be my pitching/jig/frog rod, but it can handle my swimbaits so why not? This was my first time on the water with only baitcasters and I had maybe 4 bad backlashes from strong-arming my cast or not paying attention. The heavy rod gave me a lot of confidence putting a little extra whip in my cast. My wife thinks I should be good with a two rig set up haha.
On 5/23/2018 at 8:06 PM, CroakHunter said:I've got 20Lb big game on one of mine. Handles just fine for pitching ultra heavy cover with a 3/8 to 3/4 ounce weight. 17Lb fluoro on the other for big spinnerbaits and chatterbait. Once again works perfectly.
I would have gone this route too (heavy mono/FC line) if I didn't plan on frogging with this set up too.
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