DTack

Which Curado do you have? Do you have a price range you're looking to stay within in terms of the rod cost?

Lucky Craft BDS 3 & 4, KVD 1.5, 2.5.

For that price you really have (IMO) some of the better reels you would need for that technique available to you. Here are some of my observations about some of the current reels offered. Let me preface this by saying you will notice I say feel a lot when describing these reels. To me there are multiple reels on the market that will perform great for what you'd like to do. I would like to say I previously was very used to the E series Curado and Citica as all but 3 of my reels I use were these models so that is where my comfort was in casting. I purchased a Tatula because it seemed similar in design but seemed to have a stronger drag when I picked one up. The other reel I have recently used is the Gen 3 Revo STX which I liked but could never get it to feel comfortable in my hand. Tatula 100HS 7.0:1 ratio: This is the reel that I've been throwing frogs on so far this year (as well as buzzbaits and some spooks.) So far this reel has really shined throwing frogs and buzzbaits. I was nervous because a frog can sometimes be a pain to cast with wind blowing towards you. The tatula made me nervous about casting a lighter bait or one which catches air. After a very quick couple of adjustments on the reel it was throwing very well. The reel also did a great job pitching a frog. With my reel I did have to back the brakes just about all the way off to cast the way I prefer but once it was set I was pleased. My main concern with the reel was throwing the frog, once it is out there I have more confidence in this reel than any other I have thrown for landing a fish. Retreive is fast "connected" (if that makes sense) and I just plain like the handle. The reel for me feels powerful when under load on a fish and part of that is due to the way I palm a reel and the way the reel feels in my hand as well as the handle. I was happy after catching a couple of 2-3 lb fish and not having a problem, but after the first then multiple 4.5 lb and over fish from heavy cover were in the boat my mind was made up that I needed more tatulas. If nothing else they WILL be used for my heavier cover fishing. Last year I was using a Revo STX Gen 3 in the 8.0:1 ratio. I loved the speed of the reel and overall I did like the performance of the reel. Casting was great, the drag was strong like I wanted for frogs, the retrieve was smooth. The only thing I did not like and just plain couldn't get over was the way the reel felt in my hand. I couldn't get a solid grip on the reel and it effect both hooksets and fighting fish as well as discomfort by the end of the day. I don't think there is ANYTHING wrong with the design of the reel I just learned the importance of making sure a reel is comfortable. One thing I would like to point out is the reel was comfortable to hold so it was very comfortable in the store. To be honest I wanted to like the reel and tried to make it comfortable for me but I just never could. If this reel is comfortable for you, I think it would be a good choice. The other reel I used to throw was a Curado E. My favorite reel as far as comfort in my hand, Tatula is a very close second (honestly I can't notice a difference because of how I palm a reel the front is not a concern for me.) The casting and pitching ability is my favorite of the 3 reels which I feel is likely due to my overall time fishing the reel. With those two things said I started looking for a different reel because I really don't want my drag to slip when I set on a fish or when fighting one I hook on a frog. All of my Curados would slip when setting on a frog fish, I just didn't like that feeling so I went looking for a way to fix it. Now I do want to point out, you likely could avoid this or solve the problem by putting in an upgraded drag. For me personally, I have other uses for my curados where a full strength drag just isn't my concern so I just left em stock and decided to shop different options. Two reels I can't comment on that I bet would be good choices as well would be the Curado I in high speed 7.2:1, or the Tatula Type-R in the 8.0:1. My next reel will like be the Type R Tatula to see if it is worth the extra money over the standard Tatula. If the Type R is not considerably better I will HAPPILY be buying more regular Tatulas as they are currently my favorite heavy cover reel. My set-up for these reels have been 70lb Daiwa Samurai braid on a Dobyns Champion 736c and a Dobyns Champion 764c. I used the 736c for frogs and the 764c for buzzbaits. The baits were a Snag Proof Bobby's Perfect Frog, Ish's Phat Frog, a 1/2 oz plastic bladed buzzbait and a double buzz that weighs 3/4 oz I believe. Frog fishing and buzzbaits are a big part of my summertime fishing here. If you're not good with a topwater or a frog then you're going to get beat up on all summer haha. I've spent a lot of time working on becoming better and I'm lucky to live somewhere that we can hook fish that help us learn what we need to put bigger fish in the boat. Hope this helped, if there's anything else I can say to possibly help the situation let me know. Hope you find a setup that makes fishing even more enjoyable. ***EDITED to include which frog and buzzbait was on the setup.

Any type of price range? I would never want a low ratio reel for frogs. With updated technology there is no longer a problem with fast reels lacking power. I like to have a lot of line pickup (fast ratio reel) when I hook a frog fish.

Boy South isn't kidding! Any further South and you'd be in the ocean! I hope you find a rod you like for the technique!

Hey Jeff, What do you consider more important or where would you rather spend the bulk of your money? The Rod, or the reel? The gen 3 revos are great reels in my opinion I just couldn't make the comfortable in my hand to fish all day.

The Plano Softsider x3700 is a good value in my opinion. It has a nice bottom structure to it that holds it upright a little better. One thing I like doing.. I buy the slim 3700 boxes I think they're 3701? I typically put 3 slim boxes and 2 of the regualr width in mine. Love the bag overall and has 2 side pockets and a front pocket for you as well. Also, it was one of the fairest prices I've found.

Guys, he asked about the Duckett rods and rods around 200$ The Dobyns is out of the price range he is looking at. If you're going to suggest he spend more, please try giving a reason why other than "this rod is the best, or this rod is inferior." Where do you live Cujjoz?

Thanks a lot! Honestly, I'm sure I could have NOT been lazy and looked this up but I appreciate you adding your opinion about the new braking as well! Thanks!

Awesome post and answer. I haven't used the Curado I. Is the braking system the same as the E? I am with NathanW on this... I love my Tatula for what I would call "heavier" applications. I haven't been able to get it adjusted right to throw certain baits into the wind. Notice I said I haven't been able to adjust it right... I don't think it's something that is not possible I am just more familiar with the braking on the Curado E. Thanks to anyone who can answer my braking question on the I series.

Rudy, I don't throw Carolina Rigs much, but I do own the rod you're considering. I personally believe it would cast those weights very efficiently. I have used this rod a lot for 1/2 spinnerbaits, buzzbaits (also 1 oz) and chatterbaits and it does a great job casting them. I've also used it for 3/8 oz jigs in deep water where it also performed well. I think you'll really enjoy the rod and although your post didn't ask about other techniques I find the rod very versatile and useful. My favorite uses for the rod are Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits (experimenting with a different rod right now) buzzbaits, jigs and hollow style swimbaits with a belly weight hook. I did want to mention about the 804c, that rod is a great rod and the added length isn't that noticeable to me, however what you may notice about that rod is the base of the rod is quite a bit thicker than the 764c. If you have any further questions on the rod please ask, I just wanted to mainly answer the question you had about casting, and once again that answer is a definite yes! Hope you enjoy the rod if you end up going with it.

I have liked the Pepper's spinnerbaits for a while now. They're a pretty simple bait but they work well for me and I haven't had any that broke quick. Another good model is War Eagle in my opinion.

Plano boxes and ziplock gallon bags!

Spook, Frog, Wakebait, squarebill crank, chatterbait, senko.

Dobyns is my opinion due to choice in actions and overall balance. Although you see a lot of "technique specific" style rods from Dobyns name, they are typically versatile in what the can be utilized for. Actions are designed so that they can cast well, hook fish and keep them hooked. Overall weight is not as big of a concern or focus as balance. Most won't notice much after a day or half day of fishing, but fish for 2 or 3 back to back 10 hour days and you will notice how balance plays a role in overall comfort. Customer service is another strong point although I've never had to use it myself. Another reason I am a fan is they typically offer multiple lengths of similar actions or powers. I personally prefer longer rods (7' being the shortest I own) and I like that their line-up inclueds a rod in just about every action I would want that is over the 7' length.

By no means can you NOT fish any type of crankbait deep or shallow on a certain length rod. I personally like a 7'6" rod for throwing a mid depth crankbait. A 7 footer will work just fine though!

Another small recommendation.. if you really SNAP your wrist or rod when casting, try to even the cast out and make it a little smoother... I think you get more of a negative effect with braid or fluoro if you snap a cast really fast without practice than with mono. Hope this little tip helps.

If you've already started to cut, just pull the pieces that are already cut and a loose end. If you pull to a certain point and it stops, try pulling a different piece that is a loose end. Often times, after you pull a few short pieces out, you can pull the entire backlash out and start over. Once you get everything handled with this first step in the learning process, re-spool with some new line. Put a lure on with the hook bent in if you're at home. Go out in the street or if you have a big backyard go out back. Hit your free spool and walk backwards away from your bait... Once you're a good I dunno 40 yards away or however far your ultimate goal as far as casting distance is... Take some electrical tape and tape under the spool. This will let you practice your casting without as much risk to backlashing your whole spool up again. Should save you some time and money while you learn. Hope this helps.

I'm very sorry, I was actually asking in order to help with the choice on the replacement rod. Do you fish around a lot of cover? Or do you mainly just get those (mean) smallies out into open water and current? I like my rods to be able to cast efficiently, but the number one thing I'm concerned about a rod doing is hooking a fish, keeping it hooked, and putting it in the boat. If you're regularly fishing for the possibility to catch 5-8 lbers around cover my recommendation may be different.

What size line do you fish on the rod? What size fish do you catch?

*** sells it as well

Pretty sure I could if it had a 6" or 7" senko on it and the right line haha. For the OP. I would personally recommend trying them both out and making sure they're going to be comfortable in your hand. I think they are both great reels for the price and really feel like you couldn't go wrong with either. As another poster said, pick what you believe is more comfortable and stick to having fun!

I believe there are multiple factors here. Number one first and foremost is techniques and materials have changed in the past 20 even 10 years. Introductions such as different line types and more extreme lure weights and sizes in my opinion have made these changes a requirement. Technique specific was created based on multiple factors I believe. I think a portion is definitely marketing, another portion is giving the consumer a GUIDE to what to buy, yet another portion is neccessity due to advancement. Before there was braid and fluoro, it was rare that you threw a bait over 1.5-2 ounces. With the introduction of things like braid you are now presenting a bait into a location that you still could before, but now you could actually hook a fish and land it. Don't believe me? Just ask some people who were throwing frogs around the time that braided line was beginning to be used. This was a natural progression where it was then learned that new rod actions would just increase the benefit of this "no-stretch" line. I don't think the technique specific should be SO closely followed, however I'm sorry but a Medium-heavy or heavy action 7' rod isn't going to do a very good job of throwing a 1/8 oz darthead or dropshot on 6-7lb test. For some people that is not neccessary but for others, it is. The same can be said for that 7' MH or H action rod about a 2+ oz swimbait or even throwing a frog into HEAVY cover or mat. Or heavy flipping or punching into mat. Once again you don't need a technique specific rod to perform these tasks but one rod will NOT cover all techniques that some of us need to use in order to feel or be competetive. Nice topic

Honestly, the 745 to me is a mix of both but powered closer to the 765. The 736 has much more power in my hand than the 765. The 745 to me has slightly less power than the 765. As far as power goes from light to heavy I would rate them dx745 - 765c - 736c.