Long story short, I’m just posting to look for/build ideas and knowledge off of your guys’s opinion as I am still learning the specifics behind bait casters and that you can’t just use any lure you want with any rod/reel!
I’m heading to cabela’s within the next month and I’m going to get the Shimano Zodias casting rod (7’-2”, M/H, fast action) and the Shimano Curado DC casting reel (150HG, 7.4:1 gear ratio) with 150yrd braid, as it seems to be a combo that’d be pretty versatile with all around use.(Texas rig, spinners, crank baits)
But I’ve been thinking about picking up a second perhaps to use specifically for top water (frogging and buzz baits specifically)
I’m hoping I can get some guidance on a good rod and reel along with specs to get for that specific use (frogging and buzz baits)
Any guidance and recommendations on either part of the post is greatly appreciated, Thank you!
Posted by TheConMan-07
7 Comments
Also buy in store you will save $100 at bass pro
$400 reel for freshwater? My only advice is that this combo is really expensive. You can certainly get similar performance for half of this budget, and I worry you may experience diminishing returns or buyers remorse. Personally I’d get two $350 combos if you’re spending this much, and then you’ve got way more options.
I own 2 Curado DCs. If I were to buy another, I wouldn’t. I’d buy a SLX DC XT JDM reel. They’re less quality on the shell/ materials but they have the iDC5 system vs the iDC4 in the Curado.
Holy shit Curado DCs are $400 now???? Anyway, I will say I’m really not a huge fan of the Curado DC. It is an older model and you can really tell. I even prefer the SLX DC over it. I’d seriously consider a scorpion MGL from digitaka. I’ve bought multiple scorpions. I’ve bought 1 Curado DC and ended up selling it. If it’s an option in your area marketplace is always a great place to look for rods. I’ve bought 5 exprides used and never paid over $200 for one.
The rod is 269.99 and the reel is 304.99 on tackle warehouse.
https://preview.redd.it/th16i2wbixog1.jpeg?width=1206&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=163828f1241b573a7688e69a61c8a0d7070c767d
I’ve even seen the slx dc, which runs for $299.99 which is a much better price, runs great reviews, and comes in both the 7.2:1 and 8.2:1 gear ratios.
I’m also focusing on Cabela’s stock/options and I’ve got quite a few gift cards from Christmas and my birthday that’d save me a fair bit on my expenses.
That price is insane for a zodias and that reel. I’d buy stuff from some JDM stores, should be able to find poison adrena. I would get this reel https://www.digitaka.com/item/4/4/2/4550133215674 and this rod https://japanlureshop.com/shimano-24-poison-adrena-173mh.html
Absolutely love this combo, I generally throw chatterbaits, but this should work really well for buzzbaits and frogs since it’s regular-fast. It’s just a really really versatile setup and the zillion tw hd is awesome.