Shimano Curado DC
One of the most popular baitcasting reels ever made is the Shimano Curado DC. There's no contesting that it's a top-of-the-line product with so many things going for it. Experienced anglers will love this high-performance reel, and it shortens the learning curve for beginners.
A few key qualities are the casting distance, quickly changing bait types, and reduced backlashes.
Casting Distance
Anglers that have never used the Curado DC will be shocked by their ability to cast further than they ever thought possible. This greatly reduces the time it takes to cover large bodies of water. You can really fling your lures if the reel's paired with the right rod.
No Adjustments Needed
Those with baitcasting experience will love this quality. Little to no adjustments are needed for fishing baits of different sizes. You can effortlessly switch from 1/4 to 5/8 ounce baits without even touching the settings. This tremendously reduces the headache that other reels have when frequently switching baits.
Reduced Backlashes
Sure, backlashes can still happen with the Curado DC, but they happen far less frequently. The premium braking system on the reel is far better than the ones on traditional baitcasters. It's exciting that Shimano has figured out the technology to make backlashes nearly a thing of the past.
Rod Qualities for Curado DC
The Curado DC is a heavier reel that performs much better when paired with a heavier rod. If used on a lighter rod, your setup will feel uncomfortable and out of balance in your hand. Not only is this annoying, but you won't get the benefit of long bomb casts that the Curado DC is known for.
We strongly recommend sticking between medium and heavy strength ratings. If you go out of this range and use either a light or extra-heavy model, you won't get the right balance of strength and sensitivity.
For a pairing guide to the other DC model, see our review of the best rods for the Shimano SLX DC.
Shimano Curado Casting Rod
The absolute best rod to combine with the Curado DC reel is the Shimano Curado Casting Rod. These rods are designed to match and enhance the qualities of the Curado DC perfectly.
Whenever two high-quality products are designed by the manufacturer to be fished together, it's a great option. Shimano fine-tuned this rod through an expensive and skeptical testing process. It's a super strong and extra sensitive baitcasting rod. Of course, it's great for bass fishing and stands up to Northern Pike and Striped Bass pretty well.
There are two models of the Shimano Curado Casting Rods. Serious anglers should strongly consider purchasing the two as they make a fantastic pair. With these two rods and the Curado DC in your arsenal, there's nothing that can stop you.
Worm/Jig Rod - 7ft 2in H
The Worm/Jig model measures 7 feet 2 inches in length and has a heavy-strength rating. It's amazing how you can feel the difference between all types of obstacles such as rocks, weeds, and sticks with this combination. The rod's heavy strength is a perfect match for the Curado DC, and Shimano worked hard to ensure it stayed extremely sensitive.
Topwater/Jerkbait Rod - 6ft 10in M
The Topwater/Jerkbait model measures 6 feet 10 inches in length and has a medium-strength rating. If your budget only allows for one of the two, this would be the one to get. It's great for topwaters of all types, jerkbaits, square bills, lipless crankbaits, ChatterBaits, and much more. It has a good solid spine to it but also has a nice parabolic bend.
St Croix Mojo Bass - 7ft MH/MF
A rod we had to mention is the St Croix Mojo Bass. This is a beast and has gained acceptance as a really nice rod to pair with the Curado DC. It's more affordable than Shimano's specialized rods, and St Croix offers an appealing 5-year warranty.
The 7-foot medium-heavy strength and moderate fast action model is the very best option for this particular reel. It will provide the best sensitivity, strength, and durability out of all the different specifications.
While it's not as hyper-focused on matching the Curado DC as the Curado Casting Rod, it is specifically designed for high-performance baitcasters. Some anglers even prefer the St Croix Mojo Bass grip and are willing to sacrifice a small amount of performance.
Conclusion
Overall, these are the two best rods for the Shimano Curado DC. Regardless of your decision, you're sure to get outstanding performance. This reel is an absolute beast, but it's best to be educated about your setup to avoid wasting money on ineffective equipment.
