Shimano Curado BFS XG

Capt. BassinLou · November 26, 2023, 01:27:01 PM

I stepped up my BFS game, so Santa came early and delivered a Shimano Curado BFS XG. I have been BFS fishing for a spell now, and I wanted an upgrade from my current lineup. I looked around, and the Curado BFS XG was the next step for me. I have had the good fortune to handle other BFS reels, but they were out of my price point.

I took the reel out for a "spin" yesterday and have to say, I like the reel. Palms well for me, even though it's a smaller reel. Casts great. Didn't take me long to dial in. The one thing I'm considering changing is the reel handle. I'm used to longer reel handles and big knobs, and the stock handle and knobs of this Curado feel tiny!

I will need to fish this reel a lot more, as well as land a good amount of fish before I decide to change the reel handle.

Paired with my FDX custom bfs rod, I have a feeling this is going to be a formidable bfs setup!

J.W. · November 27, 2023, 06:49:58 AM

Let us know how you like it compared to the Zephyr once you get to fish with it some. I looked at that one online as well as the Lews BFS ('spensive), and even thought about ordering one of the Daiwa BFS reels from overseas, but ended up just putting a Zephyr on my one 703 X-ray blank.

Capt. BassinLou · November 27, 2023, 07:10:11 AM

Quote from: J.W. on November 27, 2023, 06:49:58 AMLet us know how you like it compared to the Zephyr once you get to fish with it some. I looked at that one online as well as the Lews BFS ('spensive), and even thought about ordering one of the Daiwa BFS reels from overseas, but ended up just putting a Zephyr on my one 703 X-ray blank.

The Zephyr gets the job done, no doubt. Is it at the level of the higher end reels? No. I will be shooting a video comparing the two. Right now, the only thing about the Shimano that stands out for me is that little reel handle with the tiny knobs.

J.W. · November 27, 2023, 08:59:41 AM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on November 27, 2023, 07:10:11 AM
Quote from: J.W. on November 27, 2023, 06:49:58 AMLet us know how you like it compared to the Zephyr once you get to fish with it some. I looked at that one online as well as the Lews BFS ('spensive), and even thought about ordering one of the Daiwa BFS reels from overseas, but ended up just putting a Zephyr on my one 703 X-ray blank.
The Zephyr gets the job done, no doubt. Is it at the level of the higher end reels? No. I will be shooting a video comparing the two. Right now, the only thing about the Shimano that stands out for me is that little reel handle with the tiny knobs.

Yeah, the KastKing works, but I am not crazy about its overall feel. I get wanting to make a BFS reel as light as possible, but it feels a bit flimsy to me. I might end up switching it out for something else eventually, but I have other rods that need reels beforehand.

Mike Cork · November 27, 2023, 10:43:11 AM

Awesome...

What's your biggest on the BFS equipment?

Capt. BassinLou · November 27, 2023, 11:10:24 AM

Quote from: Mike Cork on November 27, 2023, 10:43:11 AMAwesome...

What's your biggest on the BFS equipment?

Thanks, Mike. The biggest to date is just shy of 6lbs.

Hobious · November 28, 2023, 02:30:31 PM

i have this reel. i dont feel all that great going below 1/8oz in weights.

i do have 8lb sniper line, i lost a giant bass 2nd time out with the rod. i couldnt do anything, and i got over hamfisted with the drag,,,and pop.

Capt. BassinLou · December 02, 2023, 02:50:06 PM

Broke in the new BFS Curado like a champ yesterday! You want to break in a new reel quickly, go fish for Peacocks out in the Everglades!

I had a blast with the Curado. I was flinging small jerkbaits and little swimbaits with ease all over the place!

Fun reel. As mentioned before, I'm still contemplating swapping out the reel handle for a longer one, but it can wait. I did fine with the short handle. Lol!!

J.W. · December 02, 2023, 04:52:24 PM

Do you like it better than the Zephyr? I missed three fish this morning with mine, simply because I couldn't nail the hookset.

My fat thumb hits the thumb bar sometimes when I thumb the spool on the hookset.

Capt. BassinLou · December 02, 2023, 06:18:07 PM

Quote from: J.W. on December 02, 2023, 04:52:24 PMDo you like it better than the Zephyr? I missed three fish this morning with mine, simply because I couldn't nail the hookset.

My fat thumb hits the thumb bar sometimes when I thumb the spool on the hookset.

That's a great question. My fishing friend yesterday asked me the exact question. He asked for the price of one BFS Curado, would I buy 3 Zephyr's instead? After thinking hard, I gave the Curado the nod. It's a better reel overall. The Zephyr feel just like their price point. But I will continue to fish with the Zephyr's as well!! They sling those Spook Boyos! Lol!

LgMouthGambler · January 15, 2024, 05:56:18 PM

Wait, wait, wait, wait.....when in the hell did you start using less than 50lb braid and a frog?

Lordy I tried to get you into this mess a long time ago!

Capt. BassinLou · January 15, 2024, 06:22:03 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 15, 2024, 05:56:18 PMWait, wait, wait, wait.....when in the hell did you start using less than 50lb braid and a frog? Lordy I tried to get you into this mess a long time ago!

A lot of things have changed in the last 4 years.

LgMouthGambler · January 16, 2024, 05:57:31 PM

Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on January 15, 2024, 06:22:03 PM
Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 15, 2024, 05:56:18 PMWait, wait, wait, wait.....when in the hell did you start using less than 50lb braid and a frog? Lordy I tried to get you into this mess a long time ago!
A lot of things have changed in the last 4 years.

Yeah, no kidding. I disappeared for a bit, and you finally started doing all the crazy fun stuff I did.

The only question is.....did you muster up enough testicular fortitude to Crack into some Jim Beam at 7am?

Capt. BassinLou · January 16, 2024, 06:32:35 PM

Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 16, 2024, 05:57:31 PM
Quote from: Capt. BassinLou on January 15, 2024, 06:22:03 PM
Quote from: LgMouthGambler on January 15, 2024, 05:56:18 PMWait, wait, wait, wait.....when in the hell did you start using less than 50lb braid and a frog? Lordy I tried to get you into this mess a long time ago!
A lot of things have changed in the last 4 years.

Yeah, no kidding. I disappeared for a bit, and you finally started doing all the crazy fun stuff I did. The only question is.....did you muster up enough testicular fortitude to Crack into some Jim Beam at 7am?

Testicular fortitude,, lmao!! A good cup of coffee still gets the job done so far for me.