In 1991, Shimano released the first-ever Bantam Curado baitcasting reel to the U.S. market. It was well received, and over the next 27 years, the Curado line underwent seven remodels, each with improved features. This year, Shimano released its newest Curado reel—the 150 M. This reel elbows its way into the crowded Curado family, which includes a couple of Curado DC sizes, a 70-size Curado MGL, and a Curado BFS reel. The newest Curado doesn’t replace any models, but adds a new 150 size to the current base Curado lineup, which already has a 200 and a 300. At this size, the new Curado 150 M is set up for versatility. Here's a closer look at this new lightweight baitcaster.
Specs
Gear Ratios: 6.2:1, 7.4:1, 8.1:1
Retrieves: Right and left
Weight: 6.7 ounces
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Pros
Strong
Sure-grip knobs
Fairly light
Smaller 150 frame
Cons
Inconsistency in the braking
The Curado 150 M feels very similar to the classic 200E7s, but is smaller and fits better in your palm. It has a powerful handle and sure-grip knobs. It is also packed with Shimano's fancy tech, like the Magnumlite (MGL) III Spool, which is said to lessen the required start-up inertia by 15 percent. This also makes casting anything, from a spinnerbait to a Ned rig, easier and smoother. Shimano also included MicroModule Gearing, which uses more teeth to create more points of contact, resulting in a smoother reeling reel. I can confirm that this reel is silky smooth. The cold-forged Hagane body of the Curado brings rigidity without compromising on weight.
On the Water Performance
I spooled the Curado 150 M with 40-pound Sufix 832 braid so that I could use it to power fish with bladed jigs, spinnerbaits, and buzzbaits. I found the Curado 150 M to be smooth and comfortable in hand. There was a slight inconsistency in the accuracy, where I’d be off a few feet now and then. I jostled around with the internal braking a bit, and that helped me hit my mark more consistently. But I never could get it 100 percent dialed in.
This reel performed best while fishing with buzzbaits, vibrating jigs, and spinnerbaits. The 150 M tucks into the palm well, and the rubbery paddle handles don’t slip out of your fingers when fighting fish. You want a reel that’s strong, comfortable, and provides a sure grip when power fishing, and the 150 M is set up perfectly for it. It is also a great choice for other power fishing techniques like swim jigs, flipping jigs, and frogs.
When I finally locked into a bass between 4 and 5 pounds on a vibrating jig, the Curado 150 M felt as natural and strong in my hand as any other Curado I’ve picked up. The drag held up, there was no flex in the reel, and the handle winched the fish in. Since that first catch, I’ve boated two more in the 5-pound range on a spinnerbait using the 150 M, and it performed flawlessly on both of those fights as well. This is a strong reel at a reasonable price and lives up to the reputation of the Curado line.
