Baitcast Reel Advice

[GABBA110360]

after succesfully landing my first barra last new year (released) i got the bug and replaced my elcheapo ebay reel with a diawa millinair 300s while iwas in gladstone.
ive now gone nuts and aquired a IAN MILLER rod Camoufish Barra – ‘Hi-Roller' for a lot of brass but i'm told a very good price.
my question is the 300s seems a but bulky in the rod so i'm after suggestions for a replacement reel capable of doing anything the rod is good for either in fresh or salt water.
i will be going back up awonga/gladstone way sometime soon i hope but i also intend using this outfit around here yamba/clarence etc. throwing sp's and heavier lures around a few place here trying to catch the more aggressive ,bigger stuff like jew, jacks.
i getting a few issues with birdnests with the 300s at the moment using 10 and 20 pound berkley crystal.
i'm not loyal to any particular brand nor have i really put a money limit on it either considering what i spent on the stick
the rod is a 20-45 gr/line 8-15 kg model.
any advice apreciated on reels or even changing the braid i'm using
thanks in advance
ken
sorry just relised i posted in wrong section if mods could fix thanks

[fisho_83]

Hey mate. I find Shimano Baitcasters excellent. I have had Daiwas as well but reckon the quality and reliability of Shimanos are excellent. I have a shimano Curado 100 Bantam which is 8 years old and has not missed a beat. I originally paid $215 for it. I think you can get the new models off ebay for a good price. I have recently bought a Shimano Caenan, with a Shimano Raider barra rod in a combo for $179. The reel is on the cheaper side, but again for the money I paid for it, it is a great reel. The Curado is a great reel, with the ability to put in long, smooth casts and is not too bulky. The Caenan is probably a bit smoother (as it is new!) but does not have the ability to cast as far as the Curado. Still does a fantastic job though. Personally for barra and jacks etc, I usually use 30lb braid (I like FINS) and about 50lb leader. I still get the odd birdsnest, but I think that is part and parcel of using baitcasters.

[GB61]

Hi Gabba , I`ve not seen one of those millar rods in the flesh but judging on the lure cast weights you quoted the rod is probably more suited to heavier lures and SP`s. trying to cast lighter lures could give you a few problems ,perfect for the dams though. I think a low profile baitcaster is a bit easier to use although i like the barrel type. Any of the top end reels will do the job ,you don`t need big line capacity for barra or jacks. Try keeping your spool tension up til you get the hang of feathering the spool with your thumb. To practice ,tie on a lure you like to use ,heavier is easier to start with ,and press the free spool button and hold your thumb on the spool ,then adjust the spool tension til the lure slowly pulls line off the spool by itself . You can try casting like this ,you lose distance but not as many birdsnests .As you cast try and rest your thumb lightly on the spool and clamp down just as the lure lands. As you get the feel for feathering the spool with your thumb you can ease the tension back abit. Gaz

[Feral]

I've successfully used both 200's and 150's for barra, both Daiwa and Shimano.
Go the 200's I have had to back down on big impoundment barra with the 150, they dont hold a lot of 40lb braid!

[Strewth]

I use a Curado 200E7 for Barra, Jacks, Longtails, Threadies, Bass, Jews and Snapper etc. Holds plenty of 30lb braid for these fish and I have never come close to being spooled. I also use a Calais 100A (from the US) and a souped-up Millionaire CV-X103 for the same purpose. Personally, I would not want to be casting for long periods with a reel heavier than around 240g.

[MudRiverDan]

I will just briefly give my 2 cents on a couple of issues.

Firstly if your beginning then I see nothing wrong at all with using 18 -30lb mono, I am now suing 18lb mono after trying PE and many Braids (The Americans use mono all the time), I feel braid is overrated in many ways.

Be careful ''Feathering'' the spool. If your thumb touches the line lightly while the spool is spinning forward, then this stops the line from running out freely and = nest up.

Set your reel tension high so you have to jiggle it to get it to drop, don't go much lighter than that while learning, get used to it, you may find you do not lose much distance at all.

Just a few of tips

[GABBA110360]

I will just briefly give my 2 cents on a couple of issues.

Firstly if your beginning then I see nothing wrong at all with using 18 -30lb mono, I am now suing 18lb mono after trying PE and many Braids (The Americans use mono all the time), I feel braid is overrated in many ways.

Be careful ''Feathering'' the spool. If your thumb touches the line lightly while the spool is spinning forward, then this stops the line from running out freely and = nest up.

Set your reel tension high so you have to jiggle it to get it to drop, don't go much lighter than that while learning, get used to it, you may find you do not lose much distance at all.

Just a few of tips

THANKS ALL for responding
first i should has said i'm not new to baitcasters or overhead reels.
it's just when you dont use them everyday you tend to get outta touch if you get my meaning
my other gear is a diawa sol 2000 on a sjr 781 loomis
backlash just on daylight is not fun
just thinking there might be a better braid for spool reels? than fireline.
obviously i'm looking for a once buy do it right solution for a reel and has been great feedback many thanks.
for line i dont have a prob with throwing the hardly used crystal in the bin if need be cause i'm new to braid i grew up with tortue in my hand literally
cheers
ken

[Steve B]

THANKS ALL for responding
first i should has said i'm not new to baitcasters or overhead reels.
it's just when you dont use them everyday you tend to get outta touch if you get my meaning
my other gear is a diawa sol 2000 on a sjr 781 loomis
backlash just on daylight is not fun
just thinking there might be a better braid for spool reels? than fireline.
obviously i'm looking for a once buy do it right solution for a reel and has been great feedback many thanks.
for line i dont have a prob with throwing the hardly used crystal in the bin if need be cause i'm new to braid i grew up with tortue in my hand literally
cheers
ken

Ken, half you problem is the braid mate. Fireline is notoriously bad on baitcasters being a fused 'stiffer' line.It certainly is difficult to cast, and birdsnest easily. Its awesome line for spin gear though. Try a decent quality true braided line and you birdsnest issues should be a lot less. Do a bit of a search regarding braids, there is thousands of opinions on whats best.

As for reel - Diawa Zillion, Shimano Curado, TD advantage HSTA, Shimano Chronarch or Calais....notice the trend..Diawa or Shimano and you will be fine. Although, I do like the looks of some of the phleuger patriach range. Not sure about their longevity on serious barra work. All the above are proven.

Cheers Steve

PS: Just re-read your post...Isn't fireline crystal a mono line??. Personally, I would't use mono on a baitcaster. Especially in the heavier sections (20+ pound). Braid is easier to cast, and gives you much more spool capacity on the mid sized baitcasters that your chasing.

[GABBA110360]

Ken, half you problem is the braid mate. Fireline is notoriously bad on baitcasters being a fused 'stiffer' line.It certainly is difficult to cast, and birdsnest easily. Its awesome line for spin gear though. Try a decent quality true braided line and you birdsnest issues should be a lot less. Do a bit of a search regarding braids, there is thousands of opinions on whats best.

As for reel - Diawa Zillion, Shimano Curado, TD advantage HSTA, Shimano Chronarch or Calais....notice the trend..Diawa or Shimano and you will be fine. Although, I do like the looks of some of the phleuger patriach range. Not sure about their longevity on serious barra work. All the above are proven.

Cheers Steve

PS: Just re-read your post...Isn't fireline crystal a mono line??. Personally, I would't use mono on a baitcaster. Especially in the heavier sections (20+ pound). Braid is easier to cast, and gives you much more spool capacity on the mid sized baitcasters that your chasing.

thanks steve
crystal is supposed to be sort of a fused braid dunno something along that lie.

i got talked into diawa shinobi hi-vis which i have on my light gear seems alright .
atleast i can see the stuff you know 50 goin blind
i think i can see from responses that i dont need a 300 reel on this stick.

i'm very appreciative of the feedback
ken

[Steve B]

thanks steve
crystal is supposed to be sort of a fused braid dunno something along that lie.

i got talked into diawa shinobi hi-vis which i have on my light gear seems alright .
atleast i can see the stuff you know 50 goin blind
i think i can see from responses that i dont need a 300 reel on this stick.

i'm very appreciative of the feedback
ken

Ken,

No worries mate. Yes, a 200 size reel would be right. That braid looks OK. I am bit like you, I have trouble seeing the line too. Much prefer the hi vis stuff LOL.

I just changed my braid to the Suffix 832. Ironically, its sort of a fused braided hybrid line. Bit stiff out of the box, and I did get a few nests too, but have found it pretty good with time. Not hi-vis though. Great on the fish, strength, size wise. Everyone has their favorites!!! Had sunline, Tuffline, powerpro, spiderwire, Nitlon PE over the years...all go OK, Nitlon PE was my favorite.

Good luck with the reel too mate. I see tacklewarhouse in US has curado 200 for $139 US....generally about $25 postage.....thats a pretty good deal!!

Cheers Steve

[GABBA110360]

i thank everyone for there imput.
i've gone with CURADO 200E7 from my local guy who sold me the other gear.
more expensive than out of the US.but if we dont support our locals the might not be there when we just want some hooks etc.
$200 i thought was ok.
just gotta decide on which string now
thanks again
ken

[Strewth]

Good choice and $200 is not a bad price. You would only save ~ $30 by shipping one in from the USA. My favourite braid is Sufix Performance Braid in yellow, but you can't buy it here any more (I now get mine in bulk on the net).

[GABBA110360]

Good choice and $200 is not a bad price. You would only save ~ $30 by shipping one in from the USA. My favourite braid is Sufix Performance Braid in yellow, but you can't buy it here any more (I now get mine in bulk on the net).

http://www.########.com.au/index.cfm?pr=product&product_id=3832
is this the string your talkin about?
ken
obviously i cant put ######## in WEB ADDRESS?
MMMMMMMM dunno about this place?

[MudRiverDan]

PS: Just re-read your post...Isn't fireline crystal a mono line??. Personally, I would't use mono on a baitcaster. Especially in the heavier sections (20+ pound). Braid is easier to cast, and gives you much more spool capacity on the mid sized baitcasters that your chasing.
Fireline is fused braid.
Not sure why you would not use mono on a baitcaster, I am sure there are quite a few that would disagree with you.

cheers

[banshee]

Fireline is fused braid.
Not sure why you would not use mono on a baitcaster, I am sure there are quite a few that would disagree with you.

cheers

In all seriousness,I can't remember the last time I saw mono on a Barra/Bass sized baitcaster.My own preference is definately for PE.

[Steve B]

Fireline is fused braid.
Not sure why you would not use mono on a baitcaster, I am sure there are quite a few that would disagree with you.

cheers

Dan,
I am aware fireline is fused and I wouldn't ever use it on a baitcaster. Fireline Crystal which we were talking about is a hybird type line different to Fireline standard stuff. I know a lot of bream/bass blokes who use it in the lighter department (4lb 6lb etc)...but not in the heavier stuff like Ken is chasing. As for mono on a baitcaster. I think he will struggle to get any decent spool capacity (Curado 200 - 14lb/110yrds)...so if he went with say 20lb mono it would be down to aprox 80 yards.

I used to use mono in my early days barra fishing on baitcasters, and found it worse for birds nests, poor spool capacity, and less casting distance. I DID like its reliability and shockabsorbtion ability and forgiveness when fighting fish, but it wasn't enough to go back to mono over braid. hence why I personally dont reccomend mono for the line class/reel/fishing style that Ken was talking about.

For offshore, on big overheads I only use mono now, gone away from braid..losing too many fish.

Cheers Steve

[MattChew]

Good choice and $200 is not a bad price. You would only save ~ $30 by shipping one in from the USA. My favourite braid is Sufix Performance Braid in yellow, but you can't buy it here any more (I now get mine in bulk on the net).

I'm running 30lb Castaway on my 200 E7 ... casts like a dream. You may want to stick a set of Carbontex Washers in the Curado if you are running high drag pressures. I also run 50lb on a Calcutta DC ... love the Castaway. PM me if you need directing to a cheap source.

Ta
Matt

[GABBA110360]

I'm running 30lb Castaway on my 200 E7 ... casts like a dream. You may want to stick a set of Carbontex Washers in the Curado if you are running high drag pressures. I also run 50lb on a Calcutta DC ... love the Castaway. PM me if you need directing to a cheap source.

Ta
Matt

there is a guy on ebay selling drag increases for about 40 bucks would i be better off increasing the drag straight out of the box ?
like he's only in coffs.
he claims to be a ex shimano tech on ebay
what do you guys reckon i'm gunna go with 30 braid?
thanks ken

[jayvee]

upgrade to drag washers from this guy Ken. www. jack (http://www. jack)erskine .com.
Im fairly certain he's cheaper (and better) than $40 from the ebay guy!
Mr Erskine knows his SH#T
Jason

[Strewth]

The standard Curado drag is fine for most applications (much better than most Daiwas which often suffer from drag stutter). If you want to upgrade, Carbontex are the go and you can get then from the above link or Dawn at smoothdrag.com (she does very cheap postage from the US). You need to get some Cal's drag grease while you are at it - just a very, very light coating on both sides and wipe off any excess.

30lb braid is a good compromise for baitcaster work, as you should be to cast 7-28g lures with not too many dramas. I have bad experience with the pearl blue Sunline Castaway. Lovely line to use, but it is a hybrid braid which I found prone to random failures with large fish.

[NAGG]

after succesfully landing my first barra last new year (released) i got the bug and replaced my elcheapo ebay reel with a diawa millinair 300s while iwas in gladstone.
ive now gone nuts and aquired a IAN MILLER rod Camoufish Barra – ‘Hi-Roller' for a lot of brass but i'm told a very good price.
my question is the 300s seems a but bulky in the rod so i'm after suggestions for a replacement reel capable of doing anything the rod is good for either in fresh or salt water.
i will be going back up awonga/gladstone way sometime soon i hope but i also intend using this outfit around here yamba/clarence etc. throwing sp's and heavier lures around a few place here trying to catch the more aggressive ,bigger stuff like jew, jacks.
i getting a few issues with birdnests with the 300s at the moment using 10 and 20 pound berkley crystal.
i'm not loyal to any particular brand nor have i really put a money limit on it either considering what i spent on the stick
the rod is a 20-45 gr/line 8-15 kg model.
any advice apreciated on reels or even changing the braid i'm using
thanks in advance
ken
sorry just relised i posted in wrong section if mods could fix thanks

Hi Ken

Nice stick you bought ( Hi Roller) - So yeh a good reel would be worth considering & also complement the rod! . Starting with braid though - 20lb should be the ideal size to chase all the species that you listed ( even big impoundment barra) Any low profile reel you buy will max out the drag well before you overfish the breaking strain ...... 30lb , 40 & 50lb really are only there for abrasion resistance when a barra runs around timber ( when you should back off anyway). The added advantages of 20lb is you have an increased capacity if fishing for a jew & will have better casting . Braids ..... there are plenty to choose from , but avoid fused lines (fireline , microfuse , millenium etc) ... true braids are what work best on a baitcaster (Nitlon , suffix performance , castaway etc) I quite like the new Suffix 832 as it is round / smooth and is at a mid price point - it seems to be doing a pretty fair job & I rate it alongside the blue Nitlon.
As for reels - since you are open minded ...... buy the best you can - Right now I feel that the Daiwa Zillion Type R is just about the best sub $500 reel - It is significantly more robust than the likes of the Shimano Curados due to its all aluminium construction , carries more bearings , swept carbon handle & with the Magforce Z cast control it makes it a breeze to adjust according to lure weight and conditions - the drag is improved over the standard Zillion range ( It's a serious reel) - the downside is cost (Curado is nearly a couple of hundred bucks cheaper - locally). From the Shimano stable - the Calais is the pick IMO. Both the Calais & Type R are perfect for fishing those lure weights ( heavier plastics or 80-130mm HBs) ...... & will balance the hi roller nicely.

Best of luck with it

Cheers

Chris

[NAGG]

Fireline is fused braid.
Not sure why you would not use mono on a baitcaster, I am sure there are quite a few that would disagree with you.

cheers

Why would you use it ? (mono) - the reel capacity is shot , does not cast as well , less feel , less stopping power ( springy).
The yanks still like mono - but usually a fluorocarbon hybrid ....... usually because they do not need capacity , fish up and down (flipping /pitching / dropshotting) where long casts are not the norm.

Chris

[reggy]

I know we are talking small baitcasters here, but I do not agree that mono does not cast well off baitcasters. Not sure if it still stands ,but world record distance casting records have been set with 12lb mono off 6000 size round baitcasters such as ABU Mag elites.

I think 8 or 10 lb mono would cast very well off a Curado 200 or similar. I do realize that this is very light for barra and personally use 30lb braid on my Curado 200.

[NAGG]

I know we are talking small baitcasters here, but I do not agree that mono does not cast well off baitcasters. Not sure if it still stands ,but world record distance casting records have been set with 12lb mono off 6000 size round baitcasters such as ABU Mag elites.

I think 8 or 10 lb mono would cast very well off a Curado 200 or similar. I do realize that this is very light for barra and personally use 30lb braid on my Curado 200.


Pre braid ...... 10 /12 mono was commonly used off low profile baitcasters ( I fished 1kg off a shimano beastmaster) - but these were for bass or open water fish. Barra fishing involved 5000/5500 reels like the ABUs prior to the Calcuttas coming out - but this was also time of the braid. I know when I bought my first calcutta 400 & 700 - they were spooled with braid and the start of my love affair!.
I would not consider fishing mono off any reel these days ....... that is not involved in game fishing.
BRING ON BRAID !

Chris

[GABBA110360]

well i ended up putting 30 lb diawa shinobi on the curado and because its so fine i got the whole 135m spool on it.
used it this morning just for a play throwing 1/2 oz head s/ps .
caught a few flathead which were no match for that gear.
i might try a 3/8 jighead tomorrow but all is great very happy the reel sits very nice on the stick.
many thanks for the posts and the advise
regards
ken

[Strewth]

The Curado has an excellent light spool and is capable of casting lures down to 5 or 6 g with the right rod. To get the best out of it, remove the 2 spool bearings (which are in the non-handle side plate and under the cast control knob and held in only be wire e-clips) and soak them in a small jar of acetone with agitation. Then dry them using a hairdryer and lubricate with ONE drop of Yellow Rocket Fuel (available from Erskines or good tackle shops). This will make a huge difference for casting light lures, and you won't have to sling as hard with heavier lures. Most manufacturers grease their bearings because they assume that the reel will get little maintenance, but this affects the casting distance for light lures in a big way. I run my 200E7 with only one brake on, and rarely get backlashes.