joetucker

Just wanted to affirm your choice. I'm in my early 30s and getting back into fishing after about 10 years away. Never had any experience with a baitcaster and decided to buy the new Curado after seeking advice on this forum. I am loving the reel and am finding the learning curve to be a lot less steep than I'd anticipated - I'm already favoring it over my spinning gear. I've had it out 5 times and am having only occasional, minor backlashes. It is a pleasure to use and I'm confident I will be happy with it for a long time. In fact - I'm liking it so much that I ordered a second one this morning. Tight lines.

Thanks to everyone who weighed in. I went ahead and ordered the 25 size reel and am going to pair it with a *** *** Black - 6'7" Medium (I know this was over the budget I mentioned. I think it will be a great combo for him and will also serve as nice extra for me when he's not with me. Only problem is that it may spoil him!

Sure do - I'll have to check that out. Wonder if 6'6" would be too long for him though. Thanks for the input.

Yeah - I looked at the Trion but I've been really happy with my President so far and don't mind spending a little bit more to get it.

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. Went back over the weekend and caught 4 small largemouth in less than an hour and a half using some of the suggestions that were made. I think I'm on the road to figuring this lake out. Appreciate it.

Say it ain't so. Ha!

My 8 year old is new to fishing and I'm going to be buying him a President. I like my 35 size but it would be overkill and for him and I think it would be difficult for him to manage. I think I've settled on either the 25 or 30 size but was hoping on a little input from you guys before I pull the trigger. Further - I'm open to suggestions on a rod to pair it with. I've looked at ***'s Ambition rod but there isn't a lot of feedback out there about it that I've been able to find. I'm willing to spend another $50 - $80 on the rod. Thanks guys.

Sure thing - it is the city lake in Greenbrier.

Any chance you guys could give some specific (like name, color, etc.) direction for whatever crank baits, spinners, etc.. I'm finding that I sometimes try to overthink this and spend way too much time deciding on colors, etc.

I grew up fishing almost everyday (almost entirely soft plastics) but have been out of it for about 15 years. Have just gotten back into fishing after buying a kayak and have been fishing Senkos exclusively and enjoying great success (despite being bored to tears at times). This morning from about 6:30 until 10 I fished a new lake (Approx. 50 acres, man powered boats only). The water is clear and you would be able to see bottom if not for hydrilla basically everywhere (all the way to surface on maybe 15% of the lake, 3-10 feet below the surface on no less than 75%). Some places more dense than others. Also quite a bit of lilly pads in certain spots. I fished the senko the entire time using the exact same, slow method that I have in other lakes/ponds and didn't get a single bite. This lake seems like ideal bass habitat and I actually saw a few decent sized fish and lots of baitfish but no results. Despite getting skunked I really enjoy being out on this lake - it is beautiful and I know the fish are there - I just don't know what my plan of action should be. Thoughts on other specific baits, techniques, or method options for a relative beginner? I'm willing to try new things but am looking to get pointed in the right direction.

For what it's worth, I ended up going to my local BPS and looking at the T3 and came away unimpressed. Just didn't like the feel of the reel for whatever reason. I do realize that without actually using the reel this isn't giving it a fair shake. That said, I decided to go with the new Shimano Curado I. I just liked the way it feels in my hand and based on everything I've read here, it looks like I can't go wrong with it. Thanks to everyone who took the time to chime in. I appreciate it.

Been considering learning how to use a baitcaster and ran across these reels on TW. They seem like a great value - especially with the 4th of July sale. I've also been reading great reviews on the BPS Qualifier but it seems like the T3 or T3B at the TW prices may represent a better deal. What do you guys think? Is there anything about these reels that would make them good or bad specifically as a first baitcaster? I'm not super worried about the price - just looking for most bang for my buck and something I will continue to enjoy in the years to come even after getting the hang of things.