Could use some info on rods/reels

I’m making a trip to Cabela’s this week. I plan to buy a new rod and reel. I have used fly-rods and spinning rods all my life. I do have my “Muskie Rod” now mega catfish rod, that has an Abu Garcia reel on it.

I am looking for an outfit that I can wind with high tech 50 lb. test, throw lures into the thick crap and rip the bass out of it. Spending less than $175 for the rod and reel, what do you all think is the best outfit for that job? My biggest complaint with the bait casters is the backlash. Want a reel that minimizes that.

What about the Shimono Fish Eale II / Curado Combo? Does anyone use the Shimono Curado? What are your favorite casting reels?

Sorry Wollybugger, I only have the light stuff. Can’t give you any help.

I think for the money, the Shimano Curado is the best reel out there. $120 is quite a bit, but performance is great. As far as a rod, anything in a Medium-Heavy to Heavy action and 6’10” to 7’6″ is nice for sloppin. You need heavy if your not using a braid. My FAVORITE rod for this is the Falcon Low Rider Carolina Lizard Dragger (LFC-6-17) http://www.falconrods.com/lowrider.htm

They used to sell these at Cabelas, not sure if they still do. Bass Pro has them. This combo though would be about 210 bucks. If your just sloppin with the rod, you could get by with something cheaper, but I use the rod for C-riggin too.

As far as backlashes, the Curado is good on them, but any baitcaster will backlash until you really get used to them. Then they only backlash once in a while.

woolybugger, when you consider the combo make sure your application is not too narrow, i.e. I have a Zebco Iron 4 baitcaster that I put on a 6’6″ St. Croix Premier MH. I put 20# line on it and can fish jig/pig, Carolina Rigs, big Buzz baits, you name it. It has a little slower action than my Muskie rod and doesn’t tire me as much. I have a favorite “slop” place in flooded timber that I have slugged it out with 6-7# bass with this outfit and it should cost under $175. Good Luck!

I would agree on the curado- bought my first one last year and now have 2. I had a daiwa tdx that costs about 80 more and it fell overboard, but the curado had similar performance for cheaper. I agree with the st croix premier. For about 85 bucks you can get a nice 6-6 to 7-0 mh or heavy rod. the 66MF I have is quite versitile, heavy enough for slop, also throws jigs and spinner baits well. It balances well with the curado cu200b. That combo willl run about 210 bucks.
I have a fish eagle 5 piece spinning rod which performs well for 5 pieces so I would guess that combo would not be a bad one. Good luck.

Thanks for the input. I will be picking up a Curado for sure. As far as the rod, I will check around. Sounds like a 7 or 7.5 footer medium hevy is the way to go.

Woolybugger,
I was up on the river this last weekend and had some slop fish going. I had some problems getting them up and out the first day, so I went to cabela’s and picked up a “slop rod”. I purchased the cabela’s fish eagle 2 house brand in the 7’6″ heavy model with a fast tip. I was able to cast a scumfrog about 20 to 25 yds with 50lb test spiderwire, and easily get the hook in and fish to the boat. As for the reel, the one I was using would definetly put you over your 175.00 limit, but the shimano curado would do the job and get you a lot closer to your price range. If you’re going to the one in Prarie, they have one for a cheaper price in the bargain cave. Let me know if you want the exact model #, and I can get it for you. I definetly was pleased with the performance for price.

“FISH ON” Crbasser