Today I got my first Curado on sale for $150 at BPS. I know the Curado is popular around these parts. Does anyone have any tips/tricks about this reel to make it work to the best of its abilities? 

It is the Curado 200HG 7.2:1 and I'm pairing it with a 7'4 Heavy Bass X for frogging and flipping 

 

Thanks for any help in advance.

I use my with 2 brakes on and the dial set on 2. That works well for just about any lure your throwing. Just make sure to oil the brake drum in the side plate.

Congrats. I really like my curado 200i PG. Here is what I posted in another thread about the SVS system and what works for me:

 

when I first got my new curado 200i early this year I was cursing the new system.

only because it is a little more complicated as compared to the VBS because each time you change lure weights you now have to adjust both dial and cast control knob, whereas with the old system you just had the cast control knob to deal with.

both systems I never really touch the internal spool brakes/magnets.

now that I have mastered the new system, I love it and can cast much better than with the VBS system.

but it took me a little while to get the hang of it.

what works for me is this: internal brakes : 2 on 2 off

-adjust cast control as normal (luring falling slowly to ground when spool released)

-dial start at 4 on first cast and loosen up accordingly.

that's how I do it now and I really like it. most of the time I can even back the dial off to 3 or lower and just leave it. I only find I need to touch it when I am significantly changing lure weights (eg. from 1/4 to a 1/2 I would adjust, from 3/8 to 1/2 I don't bother)

with lipless cranks and spools, lures that are rocket launcher casters, I can back the dial down to 1 with no issue.

one thing that I have found is the new system although a touch more complex and with more of a learning curve, casts much better with no backlash/loose loops.

I can cast big wind grabbers like big lipped diving cranks and big spinnerbaits much farther than before.

stick with the new system you will get the hang of it and like it too im sure.

1 hour ago, Rbm18 said:

I use my with 2 brakes on and the dial set on 2. That works well for just about any lure your throwing. Just make sure to oil the brake drum in the side plate.

This.  If it starts making any noise it is the brakes.  Just oil the drum very lightly and keep fishing.  Great reel, but many of the shimano as get noisy brakes from time to time. 

Congrats it's a solid reel and a good investment. Start with the brakes turned up and adjust them down until you find your balance point between the brakes, spool tension, and your thumb. When you have time and can afford it have it professionally cleaned and properly lubed. That very simple process to get the bearings flushed and properly lubed will make a big difference in the ease of casting.