Hey guys.

Anyone here have the Shimano Curado 7'5" Heavy rod? What's your opinion on it?

I really wanted the Zodias, but Shimano Europe doesn't sell the USDM models of either the Zodias or the Expride over here, just the JDM ones - I have no clue why - while we do get the Curados and SLX rods from the US market.

 

My idea is to pair it up with a spare 201HG K spooled with 20lb fluoro and mainly use it for a-rigs and larger flutter spoons, maybe 1/2oz pitching jigs with larger trailers around heavy cover. I tried throwing the a-rig on an old 875C CRR (the old Mossyback one) and I'm not a fan of that super fast action for a-rigs. Don't get me wrong, it's a good rod but it was designed for bottom contact with heavy weights and it shows. I thought I could get away with it but nah. Since I can get the Curado rod for a decent price (130 EUR ~ 140 USD), thought I'd ask.

 

I'd love to hear from someone who used it before a 3 and a half hour round trip just to handle it in the store. Thanks!

I guess we're about to find out because this thing showed up at the office 👀

I think I've heard it is an excellent frog rod....

Here it is!

 

Feels like a rod one step down from the Zodias - exactly what it's supposed to be. I'll pair it with one of the Ks spooled with 20lb Seaguar Red Label and I'll let you know how it goes in a week or two.

What are your intended uses for this model?

@Basswhippa a-rigs and spoons, mainly. Maybe smaller frogs and pitching jigs in the summer. For regular sized frogs I have the 7'3" XH and for finesse football jigs you'll have to pry the 844 MBR from my cold dead hands 😅

Update:

The 7'5" heavy is a great rod! The action is just what I was looking for and balances great with the K, but no surprise there, these things were made for each other - literally.

 

I had one of the previous model Curado rods and despite the EVA handle instead of a cork one (surprise, surprise, the Portagee is a fan of cork) this one handles and balances much better. It really feels almost like a Zodias.

 

 

 

Threw the A-rig and a 5/0 Flashy Swimmer with a 4.8 on it, the rod handled it all great. Next season I'll definitely try throwing a jig and a larger Texas rig on this thing. 

 

I had it spooled with straight 20lb fluoro but next time I want to see how the A-rig feels on braid to leader.