Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

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Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:33 pm

Hello,
My name is Derick, I am new to this forum. I fish larger rivers for Smallies and am looking for a baitcaster for finesse tactics. I'll be using 1/16 oz Ned heads with plastics, 2-3 inch paddle/curley tails with a bit of weight, even some weightless flukes.
I don't know that I need a true BFS reel, so I was thinking that a Curado 70 k mgl or Tatula sv tw 70 might do the trick. What are your thoughts? It will be paired up with a custom NFC SB 722/SJ732/DS 721 (not fully sure what I want to build, or what would be the most effective for the tactic).
What are your thoughts on the two listed reels? Any other options ? I know this is the reel forum, but any ideas on blanks as well?

Much Thanks,

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by John2204 » Tue Jun 21, 2022 11:42 pm

If I was you, I would get a Shimano Metanium, they are great for casting light lures- not bfs light, bit anything around 1/8 and up with 10lb braid or 8-12 lb floro, they can be expensive, 439 at tackle warehouse, or you can get the JDM version on digitaka for 234, with the exchange rate right now it makes more sense to get the Japanese version

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 1:42 am

What gives it the advantage over the listed reels?

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by hoohoorjoo » Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:01 am

First off, welcome to the forum!! I'd go with the new Alphas SV TW 800S(I'm waiting on availability now, says July). For what you described it would be perfect. The reel is tiny and super palmable, as well. It just disappears in-hand.
Try not to let your mind wander. It is much too small to be outside unsupervised.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by Hobie-Wan Kenobi » Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:03 am

hoohoorjoo wrote:
Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:01 am
I'd go with the new Alphas SV TW 800S. For what you described it would be perfect. The reel is tiny and super palmable, as well.
I agree. I use my Alphas SV TW for anything from weightless plastics to mid sized crankbaits. Such a versatile reel and great for the price
IG @hobie_wan_kenobi_fishing

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:39 am

What is a legit site to watch? I've never ordered JDM tackle before.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by hoohoorjoo » Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:48 am

d510addict wrote:
Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:39 am
What is a legit site to watch? I've never ordered JDM tackle before.
Digitaka has them listed, but not yet in stock.
https://www.digitaka.com/items/4/4/2/ALPHAS+SV+TW+800S
They haven't showed up on japanlureshop.com as of now.
Both sites are great tomorrow from with fast shipping and prices are comparable between the 2.
Try not to let your mind wander. It is much too small to be outside unsupervised.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 8:21 am

How does the current alphas compare to the Curado 70 mgl? The 800 s is supposed to have a shallower spool, but I'm not sure the impact.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by Dan B » Wed Jun 22, 2022 3:29 pm

d510addict wrote:
Tue Jun 21, 2022 5:33 pm
Hello,
My name is Derick, I am new to this forum. I fish larger rivers for Smallies and am looking for a baitcaster for finesse tactics. I'll be using 1/16 oz Ned heads with plastics, 2-3 inch paddle/curley tails with a bit of weight, even some weightless flukes.
I don't know that I need a true BFS reel, so I was thinking that a Curado 70 k mgl or Tatula sv tw 70 might do the trick. What are your thoughts? It will be paired up with a custom NFC SB 722/SJ732/DS 721 (not fully sure what I want to build, or what would be the most effective for the tactic).
What are your thoughts on the two listed reels? Any other options ? I know this is the reel forum, but any ideas on blanks as well?

Much Thanks,
Get a Aldebaran MGL 30/31HG from Japan... can be had for $271. Other option would be a Metanium Shallow Water edition that has a similar sized spool.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by hoohoorjoo » Wed Jun 22, 2022 6:00 pm

d510addict wrote:
Wed Jun 22, 2022 8:21 am
How does the current alphas compare to the Curado 70 mgl? The 800 s is supposed to have a shallower spool, but I'm not sure the impact.
I'm 100% certain it would cast lighter lures better and be less finicky than the curado with said lure weights. Mag brakes are always better than centrifugal brakes. Even Shimano acknowledges this by putting magnetic braking on the finesse versions of their curado, slx and aldebaran. If you're set on Shimano, the SLX BFS would be a great, budfet-friendly option.
Try not to let your mind wander. It is much too small to be outside unsupervised.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 7:41 pm

I'll stick with my Zephyr until the 800s hits. Sounds like the reel I'm looking for.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by Hogsticker2 » Wed Jun 22, 2022 7:44 pm

Oh, this is right up my alley :big grin:. First off, if you are going with an X Ray, grab the SJ732. It's perfect for your needs. As for the reel, you don't need a true BFS casting reel, unless you prefer the limited line capacity. I would opt for the Alphas CT SV myself. It's going to handle those weights better than the Alphas SV TW. A few other solid options, depending on your budget. All of these reels will provide you with enough line capacity in case you run into a large and lively smallie - without any unnecessary extra line.

Daiwa SV Light Limited
Original Alphas Air

Better yet -
Any T3 platform with either the 1012SV spool, or the Zpi Nrc001-m spool. If you want something even nicer, grab the original Steez SV TW, and use one of the same two spools I just mentioned. When using these light baits, rod and reel are equally important. Personally, I would avoid the Tatula. Can't help with any Shimano offerings.

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 8:01 pm

Where might I look at the CT SV?

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 8:03 pm

...seems out or my budget

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Re: Casting reel for light duty SmallMouth fishing

Post by d510addict » Wed Jun 22, 2022 8:07 pm

What would be the best bet, under 230 and available or soon to be available? Just the 800s? You guys know more about ultra specialized baitcasters than I know about fishing.

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