I just ordered a Dobyns 634CB rod (6 foot 3 inch) for Jerk Baits and topwaters. I plan to mostly throw 1/4 to 1/2 oz lures on 8 lb flouro.

 

I think this rod will be great for intended uses but I am concerned about casting distance on such a short rod, although I did not buy to throw "a country mile", I would like to maximize distance.  I have 3 Shimano Curato's in each gear ratio  and was planning to put a 6.3:1 Curato 200 reel on this new rod.

 

However, instead of the Curato 200, is there a better choice reel that "should" allow me to cast farther with the 8lb flour and 1/4 - 1/2 oz baits?

 

Budget, the Curato's are $179 but I am more than willing to stretch budget to help with longer casts. Will a different reel even matter on such a short rod?

 

Thanks

 

Chuck

 

 

 

 

I'd stick with a reel that you are happy & comfortable with; both performance & budget wise.

 

 Max Casting distance is often more a function of the rod length.

 

I like a shorter rod for casting & working jerkbaits as well but will admit casting distance is the trade off.

 

Sometimes spinning gear comes into play here, especially when throwing lighter baits.

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

Maybe a Curado 200,  JK  LOL

If it were me, I would put a Daiwa Alphas 105 on it. That little reel has blown me away with its casting distance and versatility.

X2 on the Alphas. It casts great and is very comfortable in your hand.

50 series Shimano perhaps?

Thanks all, Rod comes in by weekend so will check out these suggestions, but I am very comfortable with Curato so we'll see if a change is in the air!

 

Anyone have thoughts on the Lews bb1?

8lb line look for the previous generation pflueger patriarch on ebay with 7.1 gear ratio, just make sure it is not the wide spool version.

Alphas SV

S H I M A N O———C U R A D O

Quantum energy 100. The old older style before they went orange. That's my jerkbait reel I'm casting 1/4 and 5/8 ounce jerkbaits a mile on 10lb sniper fc

Consider a Lews Team Lite.. Silver reel. I use mine with a 6' Daiwa Team rod. The other reel for a bit more is the Lews magnesium. I use that reel on a couple different rods.

Daiwa 6'6" MH Team rod and a 6'6" Tech rod. Both are outstanding reels.

I love my Scorpion 1000 4X4 . One of those would do well.

Thanks all, Rod comes in by weekend so will check out these suggestions, but I am very comfortable with Curato so we'll see if a change is in the air!

 

Anyone have thoughts on the Lews bb1?

 

The BB1 is a fantastic reel but for a 6'3" rod you really don't need it or its extra size and weight. I use a Lews Team Lite reel on a 6' Daiwa Team IM7 rod for jerk baits. It does a great job casting, the drag is superb and it's light weight and small framed. I've never had a backlash of any kind with it. Give it a look... You could also consider the new Tourney Pro G  reel. There's a brand new one in the flea market here on the forum at a great price. It's a lefty.

 

I also have a Lews Magnesium reel which is a lighter version of the Lite. Both are ultra fantastic reels.