What line/reel for my first baitcaster? 2024

CybrSlydr reply :

I've decided to finally try out a baitcaster.

Since I broke my Dobyn's spinning rod, I'm going to use this opportunity to upgrade to their Champion XP rod for a good price ($60 to replace my old rod plus the difference in retail price to upgrade to the Champion XP and $20 shipping).

I'm thinking of going with their 735C F/H rod as it sounds like an excellent all-rounder rod with a lure range of 1/4 - 1 1/2oz. That'll cover Senkos, Texas rigs, cranks, jerks, tops, frogs, etc.

http://dobynsrods.com/rod/735c-fh/

The other question I'm mulling is do I want to go with the Shimano Curado 200k or the Curado 70? There's such a small difference in price, I think I could justify the Curado 70 if there's sufficient reason. Thoughts? They just seem so similar aside from spool size.

From what I've read, it seems that heavier, thicker braid is a better choice for baitcasting, correct? So should I be looking at something like... 20lb Suffix 832, maybe some 15lb Berkley Fireline Super8? Maybe something else?

ratherbfishin1 reply :

Honestly a rod might be able to throw a variety of lures but they won’t be the ideal power and action.... if anything fish like 12-15lb mono or floro and not really fish frogs on it or do like 30lb braid because you want the slightly larger diameter but then not fish as many treble hooked baits.

CybrSlydr reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 9:56 AM, ratherbfishin1 said:

Honestly a rod might be able to throw a variety of lures but they won’t be the ideal power and action.... if anything fish like 12-15lb mono or floro and not really fish frogs on it or do like 30lb braid because you want the slightly larger diameter but then not fish as many treble hooked baits.

I find I tend to prefer throwing weedless senkos Texas rigged nine times out of ten. I've got a bunch of EWG hooks with screws, weighted EWGs with screws and some 1/8 bullet weights that I use with Texas rigs.

Should I consider just the 1/4-1oz instead?

ratherbfishin1 reply :

If you are going to have one baitcaster for now (you’ll probably end up with more) then I would go with 1/4 to 1oz and then put on 12lb big game because it is cheap and you might loose some line from backlashes at first. Then throw everything you said with that and for your next rod get a heavier action and 50lb braid that is more ideal for frogs and jigs... just my .02 tho

LionHeart reply :

Not trying to change your mind on rod choice but Id hate to see you get it only to find out it may be to stout. Honestly, a 734 may be a better rod for all purpose. Casting rods tend to be more stout than spinning rods.

Being your first baitcaster, I think the learning curve would be more gentle with the 734. Just my opinion though. If you havent had a chance to handle them personally, I'd recommend doing so.

I'm pretty partial to braid with a leader myself. I'd say 40-50 lb Power Pro with 15 lb mono leader. The FG knot is my favorite leader knot, but there are a few other good ones.

Have you though about any of the Diawa reels. The mag force braking system is excellent and would also be good first time baitcaster.

LCG reply :

30lb braid is probably a good place to start. I use kastking braid and buy 550yd spools for very affordable prices on ebay from Hong Kong. Sometimes I use a 15lb fluorocarbon leader

CybrSlydr reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 10:39 AM, LionHeart said:

Not trying to change your mind on rod choice but Id hate to see you get it only to find out it may be to stout. Honestly, a 734 may be a better rod for all purpose. Casting rods tend to be more stout than spinning rods.

Being your first baitcaster, I think the learning curve would be more gentle with the 734. Just my opinion though. If you havent had a chance to handle them personally, I'd recommend doing so.

I'm pretty partial to braid with a leader myself. I'd say 40-50 lb Power Pro with 15 lb mono leader. The FG knot is my favorite leader knot, but there are a few other good ones.

Have you though about any of the Diawa reels. The mag force braking system is excellent and would also be good first time baitcaster.

My rod experience is very limited so if you think a 734 would be better, I'll listen.

As for Daiwa, I hadn't looked much, which one would you suggest?

I'm a fan of Uni/Uni for my leaders.

LionHeart reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 11:00 AM, CybrSlydr said:

My rod experience is very limited so if you think a 734 would be better, I'll listen.

As for Daiwa, I hadn't looked much, which one would you suggest?

I'm a fan of Uni/Uni for my leaders.

I think for the lures you listed, 734 for sure. If you have a chance to handle them both, you may be glad you did.

The Diawa Tatula CT would be pretty tough to beat in a 7 speed. Don't get me wrong, either of the Shimanos would be an excellent choice as well, but the brakes on the Diawa have won me over.

CybrSlydr reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 11:27 AM, LionHeart said:

I think for the lures you listed, 734 for sure. If you have a chance to handle them both, you may be glad you did.

The Diawa Tatula CT would be pretty tough to beat in a 7 speed. Don't get me wrong, either of the Shimanos would be an excellent choice as well, but the brakes on the Diawa have won me over.

As few fish as I catch, drags rarely come into play. Lmao

roadwarrior reply :

Start with an inexpensive monofilament like #12 Trilene XL. Once you have mastered the

baitcaster you may want to try a braided line such as #30 Sufix 832.

LionHeart reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 5:25 PM, CybrSlydr said:

As few fish as I catch, drags rarely come into play. Lmao

I mean the spool braking. It's meant to control the rotational speed of the spool during casting to help prevent backlash and frustration. You're cracking me up dude.

Matt_3479 reply :

Dobyns 734c for sure over the 735 for the lures you listed. Sure the 734 isn’t s frog rod but the 735 isn’t a senko rod either so seeing as you said the weightless t-rigged senko or 1/8 bullet weight is what you throw a ton of, cater to that.

I dont own a 70, but do own a curado k, and daiwa tatula sv. I much prefer the shimano reels in general. The curado k will cast a country mile, buttery smooth on the retrieve and I heard the 70 is the same, but more on the finesse side of baitcasters so would probably be a little better for throwing a weightless plastic. The tatula is a tough reel to beat, excellent for a first bait caster as it’s easier to learn off of. They are my dads favorite. Personally just like the shimano so I’d recommend looking at the curado 70

XzyluM reply :

A DC735 is going to be a pretty stout rod for what you are wanting to use it for. Most people use that rod as a frog rod. I use DX744 rods for jigs and texas rigs and a DX743 for lighter stuff. A DC744 is probably what you are looking for. It would be excellent for jigs, texas rigs and toads. I prefer using my DC734 for moving baits like spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and buzz baits but it works for jigs and texas rigs too. Best advice would be to call or email Dobyns and tell them what you are looking for. They are great at answering questions about their rods and love talking about them.

CybrSlydr reply :

I think I've changed my mind again.

Looking at cost I believe I'm just going to replace the rod with a Sierra 734 casting rod rather than spend the $$$ right now on the ChampionXP. I really liked the Sierra spinning rod so I'll limit my expense and give the caster a go.

Since I'll be saving some money on the rod I think I'm going to go with the Curado 200k. My question now is what gear ratio should I be looking at?

Here is where I'm probably going has to offer. Left-hand retrieve.

https://www.fishermanscentral.com/shimano-curado-200-k-casting-reel.html

Would I be better off with the ChampionXP rod and the Daiwa Tatula CT? It'd be about the same price.

new2BC4bass reply :

I have more Daiwas than any other brand, but like all reels. If you like the idea of the Shimano, then that is what I would go with.

EDIT: I use a lot of 12# mono or co-polymers on my MH rods. Big Game is a very good line, but I would suggest starting with 12# Sufix Elite. It is a softer line, and less apt to retain memory....which helps a beginning baitcast user. Sunline Super Natural and Trilene XL are two other similar lines.

EDIT: I agree with LionHeart about reel speed.

TBAG reply :

Go with the Sierra and Curado K. You won't be disappointed, oh and spool it with some Big Game to start with until you get proficient with the BC reel.

LionHeart reply :

I've fished the Sierra 734, and it is a great rod. I have no experience with the Curado but it seems to be widely accepted as an awesome reel. I'd doubt you would regret owning one.

If you are right handed, think about whether or not you want to go with a left handed reel vs right. I know it seems weird to have the reel handle on the opposite side as what you are used to, and I thought I would prefer left handed, but I wound up preferring right handed reels.

This is a personal thing, and some righties do prefer left hand reels, but the Curado would be a pretty big purchase (for me at least), and you don't wanna get it wrong.

As for reel speed, that's easy. Go with a 7 speed. It will do just about everything well (except for big baits like 10xd, which I hope you wouldn't throw on that rod). A high 6 speed would work as well, and some may prefer it. It really comes down to how fast you prefer turning the reel handle during retrieve. For the lures you listed, I say 7 speed all the way.

CybrSlydr reply :

Well, I think what I'm going to do is on Saturday head up to the store I linked to (it's a bit of a drive to get there...) as they do in-store returns on Dobyns rods since they're an official retailer (I sent my last rod back through them) and buy the reel from them as well.

This way I'll get a chance to try them out in-store.

I'm looking at left-retrieve simply because that's what I'm used to with my spinning setup - figured it'd be an easier transition if I stuck with the same-side retrieve. Plus it means I'm utilizing leverage on the rod with my stronger, dominant hand/arm.

I was looking at the Curados simply because I didn't want to buy a cheap reel and regret it. I'd rather spend a bit more up-front on the first go than to cheap out and regret it later. The Curado K has almost universally great reviews so I figured it was the natural starting point and I could also grow into it.

JoshFromBolo reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:20 PM, CybrSlydr said:

Well, I think what I'm going to do is on Saturday head up to the store I linked to (it's a bit of a drive to get there...) as they do in-store returns on Dobyns rods since they're an official retailer (I sent my last rod back through them) and buy the reel from them as well.

This way I'll get a chance to try them out in-store.

I'm looking at left-retrieve simply because that's what I'm used to with my spinning setup - figured it'd be an easier transition if I stuck with the same-side retrieve. Plus it means I'm utilizing leverage on the rod with my stronger, dominant hand/arm.

I was looking at the Curados simply because I didn't want to buy a cheap reel and regret it. I'd rather spend a bit more up-front on the first go than to cheap out and regret it later. The Curado K has almost universally great reviews so I figured it was the natural starting point and I could also grow into it.

A few months back I ordered the Curado K and fished with it for about a week. I instantly had problems with closing the side plate, It would not completely shut and stay open. It was also a royal B in trying to shut it in the first place lol. I then had problems with the spool, It would not spin for whatever reason, but I eventually got that to work. Honestly it could of been user error with these problems, but I sent it back. On a positive note, I've never casted as far with a reel as I did the Curado K. I think you'll like it, I just had bad luck with it.

Shimano is still my favorite company to buy reels from, I'm a huge fan of the casitas, absolutely love that reel.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:43 PM, JoshFromBolo said:

A few months back I ordered the Curado K and fished with it for about a week. I instantly had problems with closing the side plate, It would not completely shut and stay open. It was also a royal B in trying to shut it in the first place lol. I then had problems with the spool, It would not spin for whatever reason, but I eventually got that to work. Honestly it could of been user error with these problems, but I sent it back. On a positive note, I've never casted as far with a reel as I did the Curado K. I think you'll like it, I just had bad luck with it.

Shimano is still my favorite company to buy reels from, I'm a huge fan of the casitas, absolutely love that reel.

Sounds like a bad specimen. Crap happens. Definitely wouldn't let it put me off from buying another one.

JoshFromBolo reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:56 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Sounds like a bad specimen. Crap happens. Definitely wouldn't let it put me off from buying another one.

Yeah I probably just got a bad apple, but I had a bad first experience and didn't wanna go through another situation like that if I got another one. Not trying to put down the reel, like CybrSlydr said there are some great reviews on it and a lot of people preach it. I just wanted to share my experience with it, as it could be helpful.

new2BC4bass reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:59 PM, JoshFromBolo said:

Yeah I probably just got a bad apple, but I had a bad first experience and didn't wanna go through another situation like that if I got another one. Not trying to put down the reel, like CybrSlydr said there are some great reviews on it and a lot of people preach it. I just wanted to share my experience with it, as it could be helpful.

Hope you don't think I was knocking you because I wasn't. One of my new Daiwas (with over a $300 list price) came with no drag pressure. Was a simple fix that didn't require sending back, but not something a person would expect to see with a new reel. I have 2 others of the same model that had no problem. Well...one was used so I can't know that it was okay from the factory.

LionHeart reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:20 PM, CybrSlydr said:

Well, I think what I'm going to do is on Saturday head up to the store I linked to (it's a bit of a drive to get there...) as they do in-store returns on Dobyns rods since they're an official retailer (I sent my last rod back through them) and buy the reel from them as well.

This way I'll get a chance to try them out in-store.

I'm looking at left-retrieve simply because that's what I'm used to with my spinning setup - figured it'd be an easier transition if I stuck with the same-side retrieve. Plus it means I'm utilizing leverage on the rod with my stronger, dominant hand/arm.

I was looking at the Curados simply because I didn't want to buy a cheap reel and regret it. I'd rather spend a bit more up-front on the first go than to cheap out and regret it later. The Curado K has almost universally great reviews so I figured it was the natural starting point and I could also grow into it.

Dude I think taking a drive is the only way to go. With the gear you plan to buy, you will have it for a long time, and nothing beats seeing it in person before you buy.

JoshFromBolo reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 10:15 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Hope you don't think I was knocking you because I wasn't. One of my new Daiwas (with over a $300 list price) came with no drag pressure. Was a simple fix that didn't require sending back, but not something a person would expect to see with a new reel. I have 2 others of the same model that had no problem. Well...one was used so I can't know that it was okay from the factory.

Oh no, I did'nt. I just wanted to clarify what I was trying to do lol. And yeah it sucks, you're playing a guessing game when ordering something cause you don't know if its gonna be at its 100 percent or not... Glad you got it fixed though!

the reel ess reply :

I was going to say not to go too cheap on your first baitcaster. But it looks like you have that covered. As for the braid, I'd go with 30 lb. You can then use a leader of mono or fluoro if you like. But you might want to start with some cheaper mono until you have the hang of it. Big Game is a good cheap line that you can cut out and replace in case of a professional overrun.

Boomstick reply :

I would go with 15lb or 17lb mono. I usually go with Sufix Siege for mono, but Berkley Big Game is cheap and not bad either. The fatter line is easier to pull out birds nests, and you'll likely be doing a lot of that at first.

CybrSlydr reply :

I'm curious - just out of curiosity's sake...

Anyone have experience with the Shimano Curado 150 DC?...

Joshua van Wyk reply :

Personally I'd go for a Daiwa Tatula CT type-r. These c

Personally I'd go with a Daiwa Tatula ct type-r. You can find this reel on eBay for under $100 with a 20% off code. I have one paired with a dobyns Fury and it's an amazing combo, I also have a Curado K and I feel like the Tatula is a better reel imo.

CybrSlydr reply :

One of my classes was cancelled tomorrow so I'm going to head up tomorrow instead of Saturday. Wooo!

Kinda excited for this!

CybrSlydr reply :

So, I know you guys said a 7.*:1 gearing is what I should get. What if they only have the reel I want in an 8.2:1?

burrows reply :

On 10/5/2018 at 3:37 PM, CybrSlydr said:

So, I know you guys said a 7.*:1 gearing is what I should get. What if they only have the reel I want in an 8.2:1?

Don’t get it. You’ll regret it that reel is to fast for your first baitcaster and is limited to certain techniques where as a 7 speed you can get away with doing almost everything.

Tennessee Boy reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 7:09 PM, roadwarrior said:

Start with an inexpensive monofilament like #12 Trilene XL. Once you have mastered the

baitcaster you may want to try a braided line such as #30 Sufix 832.

I second that idea. Mono is the best line for learning to cast a baitcaster. Nothing is worst than a bad backlash with braid.

CybrSlydr reply :

I'm back with another question.

About the heaviest thing I currently throw is a Whopper Plopper 90.

What about a 733 instead of the 734? On paper, I'd miss the 1/4 oz at the top. Any reason to do that instead of the 734?

CybrSlydr reply :

Alrighty. Rod is off and should get there on Monday. $13 for a 10ft section of 2" PVC SC40 and two endcaps and then $18 to insure it and ship it via USPS.

Interestingly the address doesn't show up in the postal database yet so they had to override to get it there.

Can't wait for the new one!

CybrSlydr reply :

Little update for you folks...

The Post Office mis-read the label and mailed it back to me instead of to Dobyns, so imagine my surprise when I get the delivery notification that it's sitting at my local Post Office. lol

Called and guy re-routed it for me and it arrived today. Since the first of the month is coming up, I may have a little extra $$$ to spend and depending on what credit I'm quoted for the rod I shipped them (brand new, un-used), I might splurge and pick up a Champion Extreme rod. If not, I'll probably go with the ChampionXP.

I'm leaning towards the 744 F/H in either rod.

CybrSlydr reply :

Just got word back and it appears my upgrade prices for the 744 in either the ChampionHP or Champion Extreme are:

$100 for the Champ
$190 for the Extreme

For that price, I'm not sure I can pass up the opportunity to go into the Extreme line.

Are we thinking the 744 would be my best bet?

Dieela reply :

I have looked at the inside of the carbonlites. Everything looks fine inside. I was disapointed to see that they changed many of the parts from the original design. One of the main things that I love about the PQ and the first carbolite is that all the parts were interchangeable with Revo parts. I could always get any part I might need and i could make affordable upgrades to them. The new carbonlite has an external adjustable centrifugal brake. It's very similar to quantums system. It also has an external adjustable mag brake. Both systems should be fine, but I think I prefered the original dual system with the 6 pins inside. As long as BPS makes the reel, parts will be avilable, but if they discontinue it, parts could be very hard to get, thats never going to be a problem with the PQ unless it's an external sidecover or something and even then, they will have a lot of parts reels that they could get good used parts to replace thoise few things that would not be the same as a revo part.
Again, I want to stress that i love shimano E series reels like this.There is nothing wrong with them and I will take any that someone wants to get me for my birthday etc. My point is that there is not any major quality difference between it and a PQ that would make it noticable better. If you want a reel thats noticably better than a PQ then find a leftover Chronarch D or step up to a core. There is a noticable improvment there. Also, the PQ and the original carbonlite are the only BPS reels that I would make that claim about. The jury is still out on several other bps reels, they will have to stand a time test before i could suport them this way.

There are many interesting videos on YouTube on this topic.

CybrSlydr reply :

Finally made up my mind. Went with the DC 734C F/H. Used the money I'd have spent extra on the rod to get a Vision 110 in Elegy Bone, 10lb InvisX and a 6th Sense 80X squarebill.

Tyler. reply :

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

onenutinthewater reply :

On 11/27/2018 at 9:48 AM, Captain Hooked said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

I use 6# braid on a tatula with DIY spool with no problems.

Tyler. reply :

On 11/27/2018 at 10:18 AM, onenutinthewater said:

I use 6# braid on a tatula with DIY spool with no problems.

Ya that would be some thin stuff. Thinking about trying that Berkley Trilene XL smooth cast with 8#. See how it does on a 6’ medium BC rod.

haggard reply :

On 10/1/2018 at 9:43 PM, JoshFromBolo said:

A few months back I ordered the Curado K and fished with it for about a week. I instantly had problems with closing the side plate, It would not completely shut and stay open.

Apparently a common problem with the Curado K, and mine does it too. Solution is to release spool tension with the spool tension knob, then the side plate should lock closed; then tighten the spool tension again. While I'm disappointed a reel at this price has this issue, I still find it dependable for my occasional heavier duty applications (thicker cover, deeper water).

On 11/27/2018 at 9:48 AM, Captain Hooked said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

10 lb test mono but I've settled on 12.

JoshFromBolo reply :

On 11/27/2018 at 9:48 AM, Tyler. said:

Just curious what is the lightest line anyone would consider using on a baitcaster

About 12lb mono,fluro 30lb braid

new2BC4bass reply :

On 11/27/2018 at 10:23 AM, Tyler. said:

Ya that would be some thin stuff. Thinking about trying that Berkley Trilene XL smooth cast with 8#. See how it does on a 6’ medium BC rod.

Many of my Medium power rods have 8# mono or co-polymer on them. No problem. I have a Falcon Expert 6'9" Light that I may drop down to 6# on just for giggles. Currently using 8# in Big Game, AN40, Siege and XL on several BC rods.

MUSLENUTZ reply :

On 9/30/2018 at 10:05 AM, ratherbfishin1 said:

If you are going to have one baitcaster for now (you’ll probably end up with more) then I would go with 1/4 to 1oz and then put on 12lb big game because it is cheap and you might loose some line from backlashes at first. Then throw everything you said with that and for your next rod get a heavier action and 50lb braid that is more ideal for frogs and jigs... just my .02 tho

Do you think 50lb braid is to heavy for a 734c Champ? 1oz plopper?

CroakHunter reply :

On 11/28/2018 at 1:20 AM, MUSLENUTZ said:

Do you think 50lb braid is to heavy for a 734c Champ? 1oz plopper?

Nope. Perfect.

CybrSlydr reply :

I'm currently using 10lb Invisx on my setup. Worked pretty dang well so far. Haven't caught anything yet, but it's that time of year.

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What line/reel for my first baitcaster? 2024

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