New Shimano

HARDCORE ANGLERS – THE MUST HAVE REEL FOR EVERY DAY, EVERY WEEKEND

LADSON, S.C. With a new look and technology focused on reliability and durability, Shimano's all-new Curado 200 K series baitcasting reels are ready for anything from hardcore tournament use, to day-after-day, weekend-after-weekend performance. The new Curado series was just introduced at the tackle industry's annual trade – ICAST – where it took 'best new freshwater reel' honors in the event's 'New Product Showcase' awards.

A long-time favorite among bass anglers and also for coastal saltwater use, the six new Curado 200K reels – both left- and right-hand retrieve models offered - include the 200K and 201K with 6.2:1 gear ratios, the 200KHG and 201KHG with 7.4:1 gear ratios, and the 200KXG an 201KXG with 8.5:1 gear ratios. Each now features a host of new innovative Shimano baitcasting reel technology, most notably MicroModule gears, SVS Infinity braking system, and a smaller platform ergonomic shape.

For smoother and sensitive rotation, Shimano's MicroModule gearing provides more gear engagement between the drive gear and pinion gear. Shimano's upgraded SVS Infinity centrifugal brake system – introduced on the Aldebaran reels - offers both adjustable internal brakes and a wider adjustment range with the external dial. It allows the new Curado reels to cast everything from light to heavy lures without opening the sideplate. The new compact Hagane Body – 10-percent smaller than past versions - is easier to palm and yet has a wider spool opening.

"Not only will anglers notice a definitively smoother operating Curado than previous models, the smaller platform without any line capacity reduction will be the other instantly noticeable feature," said Shimano regional sales rep Drew Sadler, who when not assisting tackle shop owners and anglers finds time to fish B.A.S.S. and FLW weekend tournaments. "I had the pleasure of field-testing these new reels on Kentucky Lake, Guntersville and Table Rock during tournaments, and very reluctantly returned them to Shimano's product development crew. But thankfully as a sales rep, I already have some of the first production reels to show dealers and fellow bass anglers in my home state of Kentucky, and a few will find their way into my boat waiting for the weekend."

Along with the new Shimano technology on the new Curado K reels, anglers will notice the overall lightweight feel from the aluminum frame, the CI4 material 'A' side sideplate, and a graphite 'B' side sideplate. Even the appearance of the new reels will appeal to anglers who have been using Curado reels for nearly an entire generation – the sideplates have a matte black finish, with 'Curado green' color on the spool and cast control knob.

With longer 45mm length handles for both comfort, leverage and power, all six Curado K sizes – when filled with PowerPro Maxcuatro braid - can hold from 230 yards of 30-pound test, and up to 120 yards of 65-pound. With mono, the reels hold from 180 yards of eight-pound, and up to 110 yards of 14-pound. The 200/200K and 200/201KHG reels weigh 7.6-ounces, while the high-speed 200/201KXG reels tip the scale at 7.8-ounces. All sizes have six shielded anti-rust ball bearings – an added plus for saltwater use, along with a one-way roller bearing for zero handle back-play.

For more information on Shimano's new Curado K series baitcasting reels, see your local tackle dealer - visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com - or call Shimano's product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).

MSRP: $179.99 - all six versions

LADSON, S.C. – Using the name that says 'bass fishing' to most anglers, Shimano introduces the all-new Curado bass rods, offered in a mixture of both versatile and technique-specific actions for every bass fishing situation. Available in 21 models, at the core of the 11 new Curado casting and five spinning rods are light and sensitive high modulus UD carbon blend and Nano resin blanks, while the five Curado cranking rods have high modulus carbon/glass blend with Nano resin blanks.

Within their range among bass rods, the blank construction provides anglers with increased sensitivity, along with being lighter and extremely strong and durable. Shimano uses Fuji stainless K guides with Alconite rings, and either Fuji PTS or VSS reel seats with matte rubber soft touch painting. With the casting rods, the sleek matte finish to the blank and components matches up well with Shimano's new Curado K baitcasting reels. Additionally, the rods have high-grade AAA cork grips – full cork on the casting rods, split grip design on the spinning rods.

The nine standard Curado casting rods include 6'10" models for jerkbait, topwater and spinnerbait situations, and a special 'dock rod' to skip jigs 7'2" rods for jig and worm use a 7'5" frog rod 7'6" lengths for small swimbaits and Carolina rigs and an 8' model for big swimbaits and magnum-size spoons.

For flipping and punching, there's a 7'6" Curado designed strictly for use with fluorocarbon, and a 7'7" strictly for use with braided line like PowerPro.

When the situation calls for crankbaits, anglers have their choice among rods in 7'2", 7'4", 7'6", 7'8" and 8' lengths for use with 5/16-oucnes small cranks to 2-ounce magnum size deep diving cranks.

On the spinning side – and to match up with reels like Shimano's new Ultegra series, there are 6'10" Curado rods for dropshot and ShakyHead use, all-around use 7'1" models, and a 7'4" rod for deep water smallmouth action, or to drag a Ned rig or big ShakyHeads for largemouth.

For more information on Shimano's new Curado bass rod series, see your local tackle dealer - visit the Shimano web site at http://fish.shimano.com - or call Shimano's product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).


MSRP: from $159.99 to $169.99
Editor's Note – see the Curado Tech Info sheet for specific rod specs and uses