One of the newest releases from Shimano is the new Shimano Curado 200 M Casting Reel. This product builds off of the widely successful Curado lineup, while implementing new features that are sure to enhance your fishing experience. This 200 sized reel is meant to handle the biggest baits in your tackle box thanks to a larger spool and reduced start-up inertia.
CURADO 200 M FEATURES
The Shimano Curado 200 M Casting Reel delivers smooth consistent performance through the use of Shimano’s cutting edge technologies. This reel features a MagnumLite Spool III, which reduces start-up inertia for increased casting distance. Added line capacity allows for a heavier gauge line, which is essential when making long casts with larger baits such as an umbrella rig or magnum crankbait.
The Curado M also features SilentTune technology, which improves spool quietness cast after cast. The SVS Infinity braking system also delivers consistent performance with an easy to use brake management system. Last but certainly not least, the Curado 200 M is built with an aluminum HAGANE frame that provides a rigid feel and increased durability. Finished with MicroModule Gears and a premium drag system, the Shimano Curado 200 M Casting Reel is sure to claim a spot in your arsenal.
APPLICATIONS
Over the last couple months I’ve had the chance to test this reel in a variety of different scenarios, using a number of different baits. While this reel is extremely versatile, I’ve found that it really shines when paired with larger sized baits such as a big crankbait, jig, umbrella rig or a magnum topwater. Given the cold water temperatures this time of year, I’ve mainly used the Curado 200 M for all my umbrella rig and big jig applications.
Generating reaction strikes from bass in cold water conditions is an extremely effective way to catch a big limit of bass. The Curado 200 M is perfect for throwing these larger sized reaction baits once water temperatures cool. I prefer the 6:1 gear ratio for these application as it gives you more torque when winching big baits and big bass back to the boat.
Another application where this reel shines is throwing a big jig offshore. Forward Facing Sonar allows anglers to target specific fish using a variety of different baits that would otherwise go unnoticed. Throwing a jig offshore using forward facing sonar is a great way to catch some giant bass, however it requires very accurate casts. Many successful anglers target specific fish as opposed to fishing a certain piece of cover. That makes putting your lure in front of the fishes face extremely important. The MGL Spool and SVS breaking system in the Curado 200 M allows for maximum efficiency when making accurate casts at these offshore bass.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WITH THE CURADO 200 M
Over the last several months I’ve had numerous outings with my Curado 200 M. Some days were productive, and some were not. However, there was one day that sticks out in my mind above the rest. This was two weeks ago on one of my local spotted bass fisheries. This lake is known for having quality spotted and striped bass, both of which enjoy an umbrella rig in the winter months.
This was a cold winter day with lots of cloud cover, and the lake was basically empty. I started out throwing an umbrella rig on main lake points with mild success. Using Forward Facing Sonar I was able to generate a few quality bites slowly reeling my umbrella rig over the bottom. However, bites were quickly becoming few and far between.
I decided to transition over to a patch of flooded timber located near the mouth of a major creek. Once I dropped my trolling motor and panned around, it was evident there were fish in the area. I went on to catch numerous spotted and stripped bass, with some of the striper reaching upwards of 20 pounds. I was extremely impressed with how the reel handled not only the giant umbrella rig, but it also muscled these 20-pound striper to the boat with ease.
Shimano was able to build on their Curado series by creating a new version of this flagship reel with increase durability and overall performance. This reel achieves both a smooth action and a durable build through its HAGANE frame and MagnumLite Spool. If you’re looking for a reel that can handle big baits and big bass, the Shimano Curado 200 M is worth a look.
