The Shimano Curado 201E7 is an entry level bait-casting fishing reel. It is roughly the size of a baseball and fits the palm of the hand. The 201E7 is the left handed version and the 200E7 (pictured above) is the right handed model. Bait-casting fishing reels differ from the more traditional and common spin-casting reel that many of us grew up using. However, the bait-casting reel is for a more experienced angler.
The Curado consists of many mechanical parts which bring together a smooth reliable action. The first thing you reach for is the sturdy winding handle. Made of out of light weight aluminum, it has holes drilled out to save weight. Connected at each end, are the patented Technical Grip II® rubber handles. Designed to be sturdy, yet soft, these grips make it quick and easy to locate when you need them the most.
Located just behind the handle is the star drag (pictured above). Appropriately named for it's star shape, the star drag adjusts the amount of pressure needed for a fish to pull line off of the reel. This is important if you are using light tackle, as it can prevent line breakage. Shimano uses it's own blend of materials called Dartainium® for their drag washers. These provide a smooth and reliable drag system which Shimano is known for.
The knob located just behind the star drag is the cast control knob. This knob is for adjusting the friction that is placed upon the spool during the cast. Bait-casting reels are notorious for creating "bird nests", also known as "over-runs." This is when the line comes off the spool faster than the lure and ends up creating a big knotted mess! Too much friction on the spool shortens the casting distance where as too little friction can cause over runs.
The picture above shows the brilliant luster of the Curado. In the sunlight the Curado displays it's beautiful green and yellow fleck which creates a copper like color. Located in the middle of the reel is the spool. The spool is connected to the winding handle and spins as your turn the handle to retrieve line. When it comes to moving parts on fishing reels, it's all about reducing weight and lowering mass. The spool achieves this with Shimano's custom material blend called Magnumlite®. The overall weight of the spool is further reduced by the holes drilled in it.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about the Curado is the VBS system (shown above). VBS stands for Variable Braking System. This is what makes the Curado so user friendly. It's pretty much a set it and forget it type of system. The braking system is essentially 6 weights which can be either switched to "on" or "off" in either a triangle or square pattern. The weights are shaped like little top hats and come in either green or pink. The colors indicate different weights. The braking system is adjusted for the end of the cast, essentially "putting on the brakes".
The Shimano Curado 201E7 is the perfect entry level bait-casting fishing reel. The high quality craftsmanship ensures this is a product that will last the test of time. With just basic maintenance and cleaning, the Curado can provide that right out of the box feel every single time.
Photos Courtesy of www.pilchuckoutfitters.com
www.worldfishingnetwork.com
