I have a combo that rarely gets used with the type of fishing I do, but I wanted to see what others thought of in the way of possible uses for the combo. Keep in mind that I do not have technique specific combos. All of my combos are used in both fresh and salt water. The combo is question is:

Shimano Curado 200 DPV (5.3:1) and a Shimano Crucial Swimbait (the new model with the split grip) rod 7'11" MH/Fast - rated @ 3-5oz. The reel is currently spooled with 50lb. PP braid, but that is not set in stone if the masses here can help me develop a plan

Thoughts?

Throw some 70lb Daiwa Samauri braid on it and keep some 20lb CXX on hand to attach leaders if needed. Great set up for 8" Hudds, BBZ's, and Lunker Punkers.

That being said the reel may be a bit small for the baits in the rod's weight range, you should be fine though for occasional use. Or you could probably sell the Curado and get a Cardiff 300 for little no extra outlay of $$$. The 300 size will still be fine in the salt, but give you more capacity (ablity to run ~100yds of 20lb mono) and have a bit more strength in the reel.

That combo you have there seems great for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. For freshwater, it seems like webertime says to be a for swimbaits with braid and the rod able to handle up to 5 oz (manufacturer says so, but it probably can handle more). If you're a fan of the alabama rig or umbrella rig that took the entire fishing industry by storm, then you can invest in some of these and go catch a limit with one cast.

For saltwater, that combo is perfect for any type of fishing. Here in southern California, calico bass and halibut would be fun to fight on that combo you have there. You can use it for bottom fishing as well, but you might just have to downsize the braid to like 30lb test and have like 20 yards of flourocarbon leader or so.

It's a versatile setup for heavy uses. I myself actually like the shimano teramar rods more than the crucial series just because of the balance and the handle on the teramars are longer so it's easier to cast big baits. But thats' just me. Anyways, this is my opinion on what I think suits your rod best.