garroyo130

The Curado K is great on paper and great performance wise ... but something about the build makes it a very "wet" reel. This may sound stupid but I've never handled a reel that got my hands so wet from just regular casting and I hate that. I went out this morning and I much preferred my "I" series Citica especially considering it was about 47 degrees out. When I purchased my K i was considering another Citica and I honestly wish I would have gone that route. The problem the "I" series have is with the noise they make with casting but thats easily fixed. The Ks wetness is not.

For 2.5's and 1/2 traps I throw 15lb yo zuri hybrid For 1.5's I throw 10lb yo zuri hybrid

I think the internet exacerbates that problem. I tend to jump off the deep end like that and honestly its mainly due to all the information available online. Its the reason I end up obsessing about heel strike to shave half a second off my 7 minute mile time when the real problem is that its a 7 minute mile or end up doing a used oil analysis on a 2012 truck that has the most run of the mill engine available

The thing that most improved my bank fishing is throwing a heavy 3/4 oz + Carolina rig. Sometimes I'll catch a fish on it but what I'm really looking for is structure and hard bottom. Yeah, bank fishing you're gonna get snagged with this but I believe what you gain outweighs the risk. By throwing the rig and finding "fishy" spots, you can focus my efforts on those. It will also help you determine patterns (fish will move to the nearest deep water on a cold front, etc.). Even if you don't fish it much, I would suggest throwing a Carolina rig at least once and taking notes of areas that you feel might be productive. If nothing else it will help keep you from wasting time casting into what is likely unproductive water.

They get their fair share of love for the entry-level fly fishing reels they make. Granted a lot less parts on those but it says something about the company i guess?

This thread makes me sick. I can't believe no one has mentioned the lost art of removing the AR bearing from baitcasters so they can be backreeled too

I would probably buy more cheap lures if my money weren't going directly to China with them. I realize its still going to China but at least a portion of it is staying here with other companies. This is the biggest thing that keeps me from buying the cheap imitations that are out there. I'm sure they catch fish just as well ...

Its like that on the Shimano "I" series and I honestly haven't quite figured out removal on those. It almost seems like it snaps into place but im scared to try and find out.

Solarbat is my go-to for affordable. Relatively good quality And right now can be had for a jaw-dropping $10 + s&h https://www.solarbat.com/collections/pre-black-friday-sale

I've avoided the T wing because I do my own maintenance. I've heard its a nightmare to deal with.

I'm not sure if that get eliminated completely ... you may have to go to ultra-high end reels but someone else may be able to tell for sure I can tell you there is no significant difference in level of play between the Fuego CT and the Curado K.

Are you referring to the in/out play of the handle?

I say go for it. Idk what gearcas are but this reel has GOOD ones.

From my experience, most baitcasters will still give up line when pulled by hand even with the drag cinched down though some will take more effort than others. Based on the pics posted, youre losing 2lbs of drag which may be what you're feeling.

I question that logic. If i had a lure that was guaranteed to catch fish under 1lb but rarely caught anything bigger it would almost never be tied on. In my home waters, a Mepps spinner works best for consistency but its definitely not what I throw most. Sure its great for getting tons of fish 1.5lbs and under but im after quality rather than quantity.

Mepps Yellow Dot Black Fury #3 dressed

No affiliation but I HIGHLY recommend these gloves for anyone experiencing any hand pain/carpal symptoms. Obviously, results will vary but they have made a world of difference for me even though I only wear them when I am typing for extended periods of time. https://www.shocktek.com/

Agreed ^ Something in a moderate for crankbaits.

I'm gonna try to be positive like the rest of you guys

This LC 1.5 kit is a good start/value https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082DQST55/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Although lately ive been throwing this shallow diver from Academy with good success. While its not a squarebill, it fishes about the same. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/h2o-xpress™-crank-s-shallow-running-crankbait#repChildCatSku=026121426

I too bought a Lews LFS based off of all the love they received at the time. Perhaps they truly were made better before they moved production to China? Anyhow, I never even fished my LFS. The casting of the frame and overall fit and finish were enough to turn me away from it. Like you, I went to the Fuego. I haven't fished the SLX XT, but I'm sure the Curado K is a better buy and may be had for the stated price range during Black Friday sales.

Might be time to send it in. Personally I've always had more difficulties with spinning reels than with baitcasters when it comes to reassembly. Im great at taking both apart though ...

Where have crawfish nipped you? And where have you been pricked by bluegills? Thats right ... your hands. No hands = no problem for bass

This may be the single sexiest thing anyone's ever posted ...