4 hours ago, Andrés Milano said:

I understand, that would be ideal. In fact, I was told that combining that reel with an SV BOOST spool would be perfect... But unfortunately, my budget doesn't allow it right now.

In that case, I would lose the SV Boost spool and its advantages. Do you think the LC spool with MagZ is up to par?

Yes

My suggestion.... Neither the Salamandura or the Curado. Both will not hold up to the hard charging fish mentioned by the OP. The salt water corrosion on the Salamandura on the outside alone would be a no for me. The Curado M, based on owning the K, will not handle those saltwater fish well either.  

 

Based on the OP specs and fish species this is a no brainer for me, I would get a Tranx.

 

Also, if I read the other posts correctly, the OP does not have a part supplier in his country for Daiwa. This would stop me on getting the Salamandura as well. With it being used in saltwater that means more servicing and disassembling . Loose one e-clip or screw and you're done. 

 

With the Tranx, you get a reel meant for bigger fish, multi-species and saltwater use (not "saltwater safe" like the M and the Salamandura). 

9 minutes ago, FishTank said:

My suggestion.... Neither the Salamandura or the Curado. Both will not hold up to the hard charging fish mentioned by the OP.

 

Thank you! This very same thing was just suggested to the OP! As well as line capacity. Glad someone finally caught this!

 

Precisely!

35 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Mi sugerencia... Ni el  Salamandura ni el Curado. Ninguno de los dos aguantará los peces que atacan con fuerza  , como menciona el autor original. La corrosión del agua salada en  el exterior del Salamandura no me convence. El Curado M, teniendo en cuenta que tengo el K, tampoco aguanta bien a esos peces de agua salada  .  

 

En base a las especificaciones del OP y las especies de peces, para mí esto es una obviedad: compraría un Tranx.

 

Además, si leí bien las otras publicaciones, el autor no tiene proveedor de repuestos para Daiwa en su país. Esto  también me haría desistir de la Salamandura. Al usarse en agua salada, implica más mantenimiento y desmontaje . Con solo soltar un clip o un tornillo, ya está. 

 

Con el Tranx, obtienes un carrete diseñado para peces más grandes, múltiples especies y uso en agua salada (no "seguro para agua salada" como el M y el Salamandura ). 

Hi friend, it's me, the author, haha. It's true I don't have a Daiwa supplier. Something I want to make very clear is that the Paraná River is NOT saltwater; it's completely freshwater.

4 minutes ago, Andrés Milano said:

Hi friend, it's me, the author, haha. It's true I don't have a Daiwa supplier. Something I want to make very clear is that the Paraná River is NOT saltwater; it's completely freshwater.

Got it. You mentioned dorado, it is not the fish I was thinking of. I was thinking Mahi-Mahi and not the Golden Dorado (had to google it).  👍

5 minutes ago, FishTank said:

Entendido. Mencionaste  el dorado, no es el pez en el que estaba  pensando. Estaba pensando en el mahi-mahi, no en el dorado dorado (tuve que buscarlo en Google).   👍

Sorry! I didn't explain myself correctly. The species is the Dorado, which is found in Argentina and Brazil; its scientific name is Salminus brasiliensis

Zillion HD will not come up short or be intimidated by 10-lb fish.  

 

 

 

You'll also enjoy fishing 100-size reel more than 150-size.  

Yea, i have a buddy that abuses his Zillion HD for striper, ranging between 3-15lb on average, in high current, and not only is the reel still very smooth, but also super silent after over two years of hard use. Just like the Steez A, the Zillion HD is the mini tank from Daiwa.

1 hour ago, bulldog1935 said:

Zillion HD will not come up short or be intimidated by 10-lb fish.  

 

 

 

You'll also enjoy fishing 100-size reel more than 150-size.  

Dorado get very large and are among the hardest fighting freshwater fish.  They're a distant cousin of piranha IIRC.  The Zillion HD would be a great reel for them.

8 hours ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

Here's a beaut for less than $200 to your door.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/326719400328

 

The other reel costs quite a bit more and does not look as good IMO. $304 plus $42 in shipping. The ones in Australia appear to go much higher plus tariffs. And for what?

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/357970185009

 

 

You can pick up a DC for $160 that might be a very good option. (If this one was a lefty I'd be considering it)

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/376719972799

 

Forget the reels' function. Just by looks alone I have to side with Shimano. They make some good lookin' reels in side by side comparisons!

 

 

 

The Salamandura runs about $200 shipped with all fees included.  

I've always said redfish and coho have identical shoulders.  

 

 

@Micro Module Police - "accidental" striper (smaller of 2) on 5-wt S-glass fly rod and Hardy click-pawl.   I went home tired.  

8 minutes ago, bulldog1935 said:

I've always said redfish and coho have identical shoulders.  

 

Coho are a complete hoot on thread line, highly suggested.

4 hours ago, Andrés Milano said:

To add more options to the game, the Salamandura SV TW has a 34mm spool with SV Boost brakesThe Tatula TW 150 has a 36/24mm LC spool concept, The Shimano 150 M has a 32/23mm MGL III spool, and Shimano cured DC 151 or 201 with a 34/2 spool.

Remember that I will be using lures from 10 to 40 grams to fish for Predator e species up to 5 kilograms or 10 pounds, although one day I might catch something larger than 7 or 10 kilograms God willing, hahaha. The line I use is PE 2 (0.2 mm) or 0.23 mm in some cases, but always PE.

Since you will be be using PE the capacity of a 34mm spool reel like the Salamandura 150 VS Boost or Zillion HD will be fine.  I use a Zillion HD to cast a bait that weighs over 60 grams with PE line and the reel does great.  

@redmeansdistortion That's how I fish for redfish, this one on PE#0.6, Zillion Silver Wolf, and Abu Kurodai BF

Take an AI fishing - maybe he'll learn something.  

25 minutes ago, Bigbox99 said:

The Salamandura runs about $200 shipped with all fees included.  

 

Good catch for the OP. I don't use that site and just quoted from what I found on ebay which is not always the best place for sure.

 

That's definitely a much better price.

 

Still don't care for how that reel looks from any angle.

The dorado the OP is wanting to catch grows bigger than some of us may be considering for some of our recommendations. I know for my part I did not consider it when I first got into this thread and simply rolled with the titled reel suggestions which after finding out more about this species of fish I am thinking of changing my opinion and go with FishTank's conclusion.

 

AI Overview:

 

The Golden Dorado in Brazil (and South America) is a large, powerful freshwater fish averaging 6.6–22 lbs (3–10 kg) but can exceed 75 lbs (34 kg) and reach over 4 feet (1.3 meters) long, known for its golden scales, sharp teeth, aggressive fighting, and acrobatic jumps, making it a prized gamefish.

 

 

I was wondering if maybe the size and power of this fish might cause some of us to reconsider some tackle recommendations?

 

I think FishTank is right on target on this one.

 

 

https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/strike-south-american-gold-with-dorado/476478

 

"Quality 7 1/2-foot rods with medium-heavy or heavy actions and baitcasting reels, such as the Shimano Tranx 400HG, spooled with 65- or 80-pound-test high-visibility braid are ideal for La Zona dorado encounters."

 

And I thought I was doing good at the 300HG level! Looks like its time to step it up another step.

 

1 hour ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

 

Good catch for the OP. I don't use that site and just quoted from what I found on ebay which is not always the best place for sure.

 

That's definitely a much better price.

 

Still don't care for how that reel looks from any angle.

i don't like the looks of it either, but for 2026, you gotta open your eyes on daiwa. ignoring amazing reels such as the zillion, the alphas, new tat100, etc is a waste.

5 hours ago, FishTank said:

Loose one e-clip

I know OP isn't in the USA, but for those of us that are, McMaster Carr has any size you can think of.  I buy them in packs of 50 for $6 or so and keep sizes from 1-5mm in my stash.

On 12/6/2025 at 9:05 AM, Andrés Milano said:

Given this context, which reel would you recommend between the Curado and the Salamandura? I’m also open to other suggestions if you think there’s a better option for this type of fishing.

Thanks in advance!

Since you're considering the Salamandura shown in the links in this thread, which is simply a CDM Tatula variant, perhaps you should consider the USDM Tatula 150 too shown in the link below.

 

Here's why: The Hyperdrive gear cut introduced in 2021 is the real deal. Combine that with Tatula models fitted with Aluminum gear-side side covers and you have very durable reels that stay very smooth over time. Other standard Tatula models with this feature are the 70, 80, Elite, and 200. You don't get an aluminum side plate with Shimano until you reach the Tranx 300, which is worth considering, but at a much higher price point.

 

Also, 36 mm spool Daiwas with Mag Z braking are great at slinging heavy baits for distance if that matters to you.

 

Daiwa Tatula 150 Casting Reel - Tackle Warehouse

9 minutes ago, redmeansdistortion said:

I know OP isn't in the USA, but for those of us that are, McMaster Carr has any size you can think of.  I buy them in packs of 50 for $6 or so and keep sizes from 1-5mm in my stash.

 

I have a stash as well. Where I work, we have a Grainger rotary bin of small parts. I can get some odd ball parts with in reason. The issue with some of the Daiwas is the thickness of the clip. Some seem to be thinner than others and I have had to order a few over the years. I can't say I have lost/replaced one in a quite a while though. If I do, I order it. I also have a few super small and thin washers that I keep on hand for the same reason. It's the ones on the worm shaft that get me.

Ok, we get it.  Both brands have their diehard fans.  We know who you are. You've made your presence known.

 

Now take a breath.

 

 

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

Ya que estás considerando la Salamandura que se muestra en los enlaces de este hilo, que es simplemente una variante CDM Tatula, quizás también deberías considerar la USDM Tatula 150 que se muestra en el enlace a continuación.

 

He aquí por qué: el corte de engranaje Hyperdrive, introducido en 2021, es una auténtica ganga. Si a esto le sumamos los modelos Tatula con tapas laterales de aluminio en el lado del engranaje, obtenemos carretes muy duraderos que mantienen una suavidad excepcional con el paso del tiempo. Otros modelos Tatula estándar con esta característica son los 70, 80, Elite y 200. Con Shimano, no se incluye una tapa lateral de aluminio hasta el Tranx 300, que vale la pena considerar, pero a un precio mucho más elevado.

 

Además, los carretes Daiwa de 36 mm con freno Mag Z son excelentes para lanzar cebos pesados a gran distancia, si eso es importante para usted.

 

Carrete de casting Daiwa Tatula 150 - Tackle Warehouse

Hey friend, how are you? This was the original reel I considered, the very first one! In fact, it's where my debate started about whether to choose the Salamandura SV TW 150 with the SV Boost spool or the Tatula 150 With LC concept spool and Mag Z brake.

Returning to the discussion, which one would you choose and why? What advantages do you see in one over the other?

39 minutes ago, Andrés Milano said:

Salamandura SV TW 150 with the SV Boost spool or the Tatula 150 With LC concept spool and Mag Z brake.

Honestly bro, you said you'll only use it about 6-10 times a year, so how do you see yourself fishing more frequently- that lower end at 8g or higher end at 42g?

 

The Mag Z will absolutely launch heavy baits and control it well while letting it soar.

 

The sv will let you have a greater range of weights, but your max distance will suffer some. 

 

Concerned about availability of parts? Go shimano 

 

Concerned about comfort and control in many different conditions? Go Diawa

 

Only using it so few times a year maybe just pick whichever one is the best price and you'll be happy

5 hours ago, FloridaFishinFool said:

 

Good catch for the OP. I don't use that site and just quoted from what I found on ebay which is not always the best place for sure.

 

That's definitely a much better price.

 

Still don't care for how that reel looks from any angle.

That color pattern is mostly well loved by Daiwa fans with the Pixy Ariy Red and TD Fuego.  I've never been a fan of the red side with silver frame but this reel changed my mind. Maybe it's the photography but it looks super slick but I think it it is the parts on the reel that play on the color scheme.

1 hour ago, Andrés Milano said:

Hey friend, how are you? This was the original reel I considered, the very first one! In fact, it's where my debate started about whether to choose the Salamandura SV TW 150 with the SV Boost spool or the Tatula 150 With LC concept spool and Mag Z brake.

Returning to the discussion, which one would you choose and why? What advantages do you see in one over the other?

If your baits will be in the range you mentioned earlier, and longer casts are part of your tactic, then go for the Tatula 150. Another reason for this selection is the aluminum gear-side side cover. I made up my mind in 2021 that for me any new Daiwa purchases would have this feature. Reasons why would be ruggedized construction and at least theoretically, more precise gear alignment under stress from hard fighting fish or fighting fish through thick cover. On top of that speculation, every Daiwa I own and in my orbit with this feature has remained rock solid and smooth.

 

I've found no evidence that the CDM Salamandura Tatula variant has an aluminum gear-side side cover, even if it might. If you see yourself skipping baits often, the Salamandura may be the better choice for you if you rely heavily on SV braking while skipping.