After reading a previous post on the best bait casting reels, I have a couple questions for anyone who uses a Shimano Curado regularly.

After using Abu's for years, I switched to a left handed Curado this year based on the recommendations from the regulars on this BB. It's a wonderfully smooth reel but it has taken me quite awhile to get used to it. Because it is so smooth, it backlashs more than I would prefer. That's probably a direct result of the user (me) rather than the reel itself but I'm not a beginner either. My Curado has a tendancy to backlash about 1/4 to 1/2 way into the cast. If I flick my wrist on the cast just a bit too hard, the backlash is terrible. I've tried adjusting both the brake on the side and the tension but it's pretty tricky to get it just right. Plus, every time I switch to a different weight bait/lure, I need to readjust the brake. The smaller the lure/bait the easier it is to backlash. Anything under 1/2 oz is just too light to avoid backlash so I switch to my spinning reel on smaller rigs. But I keep wondering whether I'm doing something wrong. Any thoughts or suggestions would be helpful.

On the positive side, on those occasions where I'm late thumbing the spool, it almost never backlashes when it hits the water, which is wonderful. Overall, it's great reel. But in my experience, it may not be for everyone.


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MSB

Cohoangler--I be lovin my Curado. I agree on re-adjusting each time you change lures-its got to be set JUST RIGHT. I find its also important to have the spool at full line capacity for less backlash hassel (go figure). If break off a few times and start loosing line capacity, thats when I start throwing more backlashes.

Cohoangler

Are you adjusting both the break on the handle side and counterbalance weights inside (the non-handle side of the reel that you have to screw off)? I've found that pulling three of the six counterbalance tabs (probably not the correct name) will prevent most back lashes. Make sure every other tab is out as well, as oppose to three in row.

Also try making a longer, but slower casting motion. After doing a lot of salmon fishing with my Ambassador, which isnt nearly as smooth as the Curado, I have to slow things down a bit or I'll backlash when I switch back. If you used Abus for years, the adjustment may be more pronounced.

[This message has been edited by obsessed (edited 12-21-2000).]

CA:

I've had my Curado for about 3 years now and the only thing that gives me backlashes are overhanging trees/brush or when my pencil lead flies off and nails some guy in a sled.

If I remember I had a little backlash problem to start, but what I do now is that I let my thumb lightly skip on top of the spool during the cast. It's made all the difference. I haven't removed any of the counterbalancing weights either.

I hope this helps...

Bobber Down

I'm in agreement with BD, let your thumb do all the work. If I tried to adjust the spool tension and brakes everytime I rerig, this would cause too much down time. Although I fish with a Chronarch, I feel it throws similarly to a Curado. I usually fish all day leaving four of the centrifugal brakes off. But, through experience (alot of professional overruns)I know that various weights and baits throw differently; these reels are that sensitive. A good breeze or iced-up guides exacerbates their propensity to birdnest.

In my experience using slinkies instead of pencil lead, eggs instead of shrimp, and spinning drift bobbers instead of corkies/cheaters all require more thumbwork.

[This message has been edited by Hohwaiian (edited 12-21-2000).]

try using a earlier release piont when casting, maybe 11:00 instead of 10:00

Indeed it is a smooth real. The drag system sucks though. It only has one drag disk washer which will give you trouble is you don't clean and grease routinely. IT WILL CEASED-UP ON YOU. Also I've been having a problem with the reverse mode. Sometimes during stress the gear would not catch so the spool and handle would give line out. Same **** happens to the Calcutta 250 and 400.

Maybe its the 2 curados I have but very few backlashes at all. Have used these 2 for 6+ yrs., had for 8-20 lines on them. I keep all the "counter balance" things in and just use my thumb for "line over runs". Can't cast "overhand", so cast from the side, always have........might want to try that.

"Worse day sport fishing, still better than the best day working"

Hey Ironhead, I have the same problem with the "Super Stopper" anti-reverse on my Corsair. If there is tension on the line (fish) and you release the handle, sometimes it doesn't catch, and starts paying out line, handle turning to the rear. Did it once on the hookset, also. UGLY! Design flaw? Sounds like it may occur in other Shimano reels also. Thanks, but I'll stick to my Ambassadeurs.
Greg

I'm reading through this thread wondering what rod you are using the Curado on. Especially when using light weights, I like to fish a rod that is fairly slow but with a faster tip. This seems to give you more casting control since the rod can load up easier and you don't have to toss it so hard. the fast tip keeps the "feel" of the rod.
I fish all Shimano reels too and have had the anti-reverse problem with Calcuttas twice. Now I only fish Curados....go figure

I would kill for a direct drive Curado.The reverse rollar bearing (super stopper) can sometimes get gummed up.Take that out and clean it with a good penetrant.That will usually cure the handle from turning backwards.

Thanks, Rat. I've been meaning to do just that, but haven't got around to it yet. I figured that when the factory assembled the reels, they didn't clean the cosmoline out of the bearings first.
Greg

Thanks for the great responses. The suggestions to thumb the spool, maintain a full spool of line, and use an easy side arm casting motion seem like excellent ideas.

I'm glad a few adjustments in my technique should solve the problem. Thanks again.

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MSB

i have have my curado for 4 years and it has been used hard. i just recently had the drag replaced. when it went bad, man, it went bad. i also started to have the spool not engage on hooked fish and the handle start to turn backwards. lucky i always have my thumb on the spool, or i would had have a mess. i thought maybe i finally wore the reel out, but it sounds like a design flaw. the only other complaint is the thumb bar spool release, i hate it. i wish they still made the shimano bantam mag 251, that was the best reel i ever had.