Rod for a curado 300ej

[t.n.hughes]

Hi all:

Wanted to get an opinion on a rod choice for a Curado 300ej?

Quick info: Got this reel a couple years ago when they went on sale on amazon. Think I paid around $70. It's unused. Nursing School and a Parent with cancer got in the way of a new hobby.

Now I'm starting the nursing career and can't wait to fish. Not making a bunch of money yet so cost is an issue. I was thinking something like the Ugly Stick Tiger Lite Casting Rod (medium heavy or heavy).

Thoughts?

Thanks

Todd

[alanw]

Shimano has that reel matched with the Terez waxwing rod. There's a used one for sale in another thread (http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/s...ighlight=terez) but it's 7' if that works for you. I have my EJ on the 8' model. Or, I'd give you what you paid for the reel

[t.n.hughes]

Really? Exactly what I paid for it? I'll seriously think about that... I was looking to spend $50-$70. Still gotta get the rod loaded and buy tackle. Thanks for the the idea though.

Also, my kinda mother-in-law has offered to give me at least 4 rod and reel combos from her deceased husband's gear. He always bought the best. What are the must have's that I should look for? He fished off a decent sized boat so the rods are probably shorter than you would use on a kayak but the reels will be worth it for sure. Any ideas you can offer would be much appreciated.

Todd

[taggermike]

That 300EJ is really made for cast n retrieve lure fishing. A longer rod will help you cast further. Those reels are made to match the terez waxwing rods. But I'd say any 7.5-9' trigger stick would work well. If you plan on fishing straight braid you might want to go with softer or slower action. I have used several of the Seeker blue lighting inshore rods for spotted bass to quality yellow tail. They're well worth looking at. Graphtec has a reasonably priced inshore rod series. I have 2 and like them. Mike

[2-Stix]

I have the 300e with a Graftech 15-25# rod. Bitchen set up with 50# braid.
You got one heck of a deal on that reel...I think I paid $250 for mine.

[RedSledTeam]

Teramar 7' 11" Casting Rod, MH, Extra Fast, 15-30lb Mono, 30-65lb. Yd/Tst, 3/4oz. Lure, Fuji Alum Ox Guide, Tip + 9 Guides

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/shiman...od--P014119804

[joefish808]

First off, $70 is a fantastic deal for an EJ Curado. I paid $150ish for mine's and thought that was a killer deal. Great, versatile reel that's smooth, has some good cranking power and looks great as well.

I don't know if this helps, but I pair my EJ with an older 2nd gen Teramar (the green on the rod even matches the EJ, which I wasn't trying for, but worked out that way). Teramars are more of your versatile rods, though, not a specialist type rod. I have 7' 4" version, MH, lure rating from 1 oz-3 oz, off the top of my head; forget the line rating off the top of my head.

I can bottom, power fish with this combo, troll with good tip feedback, and cast well (even Rapalas). It's one of my favorite set ups to fish with. If I had to do it again, I'd consider 7' 4" through about 8 feet. Considering I use this combo for different types of techniques, I'd still go for mid 7 foot, MH rod again, personally speaking.

[PQyakyak]

I echo others here, great find on the 300ej. I love my reel spooled with 30lb braid and matched it with a phenix SMX-82MH (15-35lb). The setup is light but strong enough to cast all day with lead head swim baits, smaller irons and spoons. Truly a versatile rig and fun too.