opinion on a new steelhead reel

[eastcoastguy]

I'm looking to pick up a new baitcaster reel for steelhead.i was thinking a low profile one.i already have the abu garcia c4. I love it but it's a liitle big and id like to keep it as my salmon reel. There are great reviews but id like to hear from people who actually  put in the time. Oh and im bank fishing...


thanks

[RadSav]

I started using a Curado 301 about 15 years ago.  Still have the first two I ever bought.  They have been fantastic!  I'm sure there has been improvements from Shimano since then, but I'd expect the Curado is still hard to beat for the money.  Holds up well to saltwater too.  My only concern is if a guy wants to use it in a hard pole holder.  I like metal bodied reels for use in holders...never broken a plastic bodied reel but I feel better using a Penn Intl. or Calcutta in that situation.

I will be interested in see what the "state of the art" guys are pushing these days.  Will be watching this thread closely.  Should be a good thread

[huntnnw]

Shimano Curado...proven reels on the river. Lotta guys use them including myself

[Band]

Same here.  The Curado is my favorite reel.

[PolarBear]

 

[WSU]

I've heard the newer curados aren't as well made as the old ones.  I've not bought one for a few years and can't comment.  I do have a newer revo and really like it.

[Dhoey07]

Quantum 1310. 

That's the reel I used when started steelhead/salmon fishing 20 some years ago and it's the reel I'll stick with.  You can get them on ebay for about 40$. 

[KopperBuck]

I had some of the older Curado's - those were awesome. Not a fan of the new ones. I'm sure they're probably a good product, I just don't like the new design. Too bulky for me. I went to Abu for pretty much everything. I own some of the Revo STXs, SX, and an S now. Also have some 10 yr old Pfleugers that I've retired from bass to steelhead. For me anymore, it's all about low profile and weight, especially if doing a lot of casting. Makes a huge difference.

[MtnMuley]

Shimano Core's are pretty to beat.  The Shimano Scorpion is still my favorite.  Boca bearings in any Shimano make a world of difference.

[fish vacuum]

I've also heard the newer shimano curados aren't as good as the older ones. The classic green curado 200/201's are still available second hand. I'm not alone in calling them my favorite steelhead reel.

[WCTaxidermy]

ABU Revo's stx's all the way!  Excellent reels!

[M_ray]

older green Curado

[SkookumHntr]

I would go on eBay and try to find an old shimano bantam! There my fav!

[Bullkllr]

I would go on eBay and try to find an old shimano bantam! There my fav!

 

I have a few of the 250 & 350 mags. Still my favorites esp. for lighter weights. Always wanted a 200, but I stick with the 250s because I've got parts.

Other than that it's all Abu for me. The round ones. The real ones

[rasbo]

I've also heard the newer shimano curados aren't as good as the older ones. The classic green curado 200/201's are still available second hand. I'm not alone in calling them my favorite steelhead reel.

ye old green curado still my favorite

[MtnMuley]

ABU Revo's stx's all the way!  Excellent reels!

I've went through 2 Revo STX's, (Gen 1 and a Gen 3)  and a Revo Wench. One year and work had to be done to all if them. Out of the box, the STX's were impressive.

[MtnMuley]

Also, I'd take a new Curado over an older Curado any day. Definately better reels in my opinion. Shimano is basically at the top of the baitcast reel market, so why would they put out a new Curado that wasn't superior to an older model? Actually now that I think about it, I have a Calcutta 50 on one of my steelie rods now. Every bit as nice as any Curado.

[eastcoastguy]

Really like the comments. Going to look into those mentioned.  I do love my abu c4 but never used shimano before

[MtnMuley]

Your C4 is one of the best priced, most dependable reels ever made.

[eastcoastguy]

I know. That's why i bought it.almost thinking about getting a second one for steelhead. Just have been thinking about the low profile  ones and there benifits

[MtnMuley]

I personally feel the low profile reels are nicer on light rod set ups. Question is, what's your budget, and how much time on the water will the reels be used every year? Also, are you a lure/drifter or a bobber guy? I chose a reel on the amount of use it'll get for the ounce's it will constantly throw. Certain reels won't hold up as long, but will throw a true 1/8 the best.

[eastcoastguy]

I'm all of those lol. I throw up to 1/4oz depending on conditions. Id like to stay between 100 and 150for now if i could. And as for time on the water it varies from season to season.last yr not about.Yr before all weekend the whole season. IrI refuse to buy junk. I want something i don't have to worry about.

[MtnMuley]

Ha, if you're like me, the more you wait and think about it the more your budget will go up.  Sounds like you need a Curado. New or old, find one in new or great shape and give er a whirl.

[RadSav]

I'm sure Shimano put some useful new things on the Curado E over what we had on the old ones.  But I really don't like the ergonomics of the new reel compared to the old.  I expect I would get used to it after awhile, but I'm a stubborn old fart.

[Cap.Silver]

I like Shimano reels - especially models like Exage with 2 sided handle and fighting back brake .....not sure if they are available here ,but we get them in Europe .

[MtnMuley]

All spinning reels have 2 sided retrieve that I've ever used. Rear brake 2 as priceless for me for many years until I was forced to use front drags because of the rear drag disappearance. The Shimano Spirex, which is a cheap priced ($60ish) reel is a good choice which still offers a rear drag double handle model. However, it is a spinning reel and not a baitcast reel like he's looking for.

[Cap.Silver]

My bad , didn't realized it .... in that case I'd go with Shimano Castaic or better Curado .....

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

I really like the Shimanos as well. If you could find the old red winch's around I still run two of them. They are pretty bullet proof.

[RadSav]

I ran an old Millionaire Blue Body for a lot of years.  A lot of those old round body reels held up unbelievably well as long as you rinsed well with clean fresh water after tasting salt.  I always liked Diawa's drags better than Shimano, but eventually switched to Penn Intl and Calcutta.  Both companies treated me VERY well when I was in the industry.  Been wondering if the new Daiwa Saltist-HC is any good?

[eastcoastguy]

Well i bought the curado.went in to look and walked out with it. Thanks for all the help.

[RadSav]

Well i bought the curado.went in to look and walked out with it. Thanks for all the help.

 Congratulations!  I don't think you will be disappointed.   

[metlhead]

Knucklebusters all the way! Wont cast a mile, but hooksets are ultra solid, and running fish are a joy to show off. Fortunate to have a lifetime supply of them, 5000's and 5500's, plus for you real old school summer-runners, those few special little brown ones! If you find one in good shape for a decent price, pick it up for fun.

[M_ray]

Knucklebusters all the way! Wont cast a mile, but hooksets are ultra solid, and running fish are a joy to show off. Fortunate to have a lifetime supply of them, 5000's and 5500's, plus for you real old school summer-runners, those few special little brown ones! If you find one in good shape for a decent price, pick it up for fun.

Actually I think that is a 5000 D ... I have one and it was the first level wind I learned on when I was 13 ... I spent many a year with a blistered thumb!!! Stil have that thing and look at it from time to time they definitely are the most reliable reel I've owned!

[metlhead]

Yes, they are both D models. Grew up with them and saved most after Dad passed. He's even got one on his original Lami with him in the grave.

[Bullkllr]

Knucklebusters all the way! Wont cast a mile, but hooksets are ultra solid, and running fish are a joy to show off. Fortunate to have a lifetime supply of them, 5000's and 5500's, plus for you real old school summer-runners, those few special little brown ones! If you find one in good shape for a decent price, pick it up for fun.

Actually I think that is a 5000 D ... I have one and it was the first level wind I learned on when I was 13 ... I spent many a year with a blistered thumb!!! Stil have that thing and look at it from time to time they definitely are the most reliable reel I've owned!

My 1st levelwind was a 5000D. Still have it and still use it. I think it's a '77.

There was a time when those reels were really sought after for salt water because of the instant direct drive. Lots of guys liked them for light bottom fish and salmon and they were hard to find for a reasonable price. Probably not the best Abu on the river ( I remember a few burnt thumb episodes) but it is fun playing a hot fish on one!

[WDFW Hates ME!!!]

Opinion are like a holes...

I have one, and people will probably disagree with it like the whats the best deer rifle.

I have used the Revo, locked up first use. That sucked. Lucky i had a 5601 in my bag as a back up.
I have used curados, i no longer own them.

Last year i bought a Daiwa Lexa. The best low pro reel i have ever had in my hands. My buddies have put there curados down and have gone to the lexa. Bad ass drag, holds a ton of line casts like a dream.

[Oldguy]

I have three of the old green Curados. The repair shop that I use said that parts are no longer available for these reels so that's why I have three; one for fishing and two more for parts.