I was wondering what you all thought the best baitcaster was for soft plastic baits. I really like the BPS Jimmy Morris signature series with 5:2 ratio. I'm looking for something around $130. any tips would really be appreciated.

Just curious- with a handle like yours, why would you be thinking of anything other than a Curado?

And, by the way, never heard of a Jimmy Morris.

well I do have a curado with a 6.3:1 ratio and I love it. I've found out that the Johnny Morris is $10 more than the curado and have twice as many ball bearings. Johnny Morris also founded bass pro shops, if you were wondering.

Sorry, didn't know the names Johnny and Jimmy were interchangeable. Where did you get your 6.3:1 Curado? Or did you modify the gears? I have several 6.2:1's, but was not aware Shimano made a 6.3 ratio reel.

So I made some mistakes. I want a Johnny Morris 5.2 and I have a curado 6.2. Does a name and .1 ratio really make that much more of a difference when it comes to my question?

btw I got my curado at BPS if you wanted to know that also.

Curado, I use only shimano reels. As far as baitcasting is concerned, I like the Scorpion which is a souped up Curado. I also like the Calcutta which is a bit slower than both the Scorp and the Curado. Any of them are good options. I shy away from the BPS reels, I've never seen one I liked or trusted. I was in the Catalog outlet several weeks ago and they had tables full of these reels that people returned. Just makes you think.

Did you happen to see a Johnny morris there? I love my curado and trust shimano but 10 ball bearings seems like a deal for $10 more.

"So I made some mistakes. I want a Johnny Morris 5.2 and I have a curado 6.2. Does a name and .1 ratio really make that much more of a difference when it comes to my question?"-pay no mind to that Curado, I'll let you know that I'm not perfect either.

I did not really notice the model numbers of all those reels but they did look like the J.Morris reels. For $10.00 more, you make the call. Are you disappointed with the Curado to be looking for something else. Is the Curado not smooth enough? Sometimes more is not better. Look at spinning reels. I've seen 13bb reels that guys drool over. They spin the handle and it turns forever.....what does that mean. A smooth handle doesn't have any bearing on the performance of the reel. Smoothy drag is key. The spool on a spinning reel does not rotate like that of a casting reel so BB's are less important.

Guys- Most of this kind of banter is done with good intent. I'm sure that no one is trying to flame anyone.

To make sure, please use the time-honored "lol" or when kidding with someone or when you are just calling attention to a typo.

As MMT just posted, none of us are perfect.
JoeMo

no I have no problems with my curado and enjoy it very much. I was just wondering what the best 5.2:1 ratio baitcast reel was, and I've just happened to see the johnny morris and thought it was really sharp.

Curado,

Look on the internet for a reel called the Scorpion. It is made by Shimano but is only marketed in Japan. I think you will find these reels have the qualities that you are seeking. Otherwise just buy another Curado. I believe they have one that has a gear ratio close to what you are looking for. I could be mistaking but I think it might be called the Curado 100 or something like that.

Have a good one.

Guys, lighten up. It's Christmas, we all make little mistakes. To me, I could care less how many bearings a reel has, having lost all my bearings years ago. I grew up on the old "knuckle Buster" reels where the handle turned backward when cast, count your blessings and use whatever you can find and afford. Sorry I can't really help, just like to talk to my friends, and Merry Christmas to all my friends at Bassin USA. Johnnie Crain

Some say reels with a lower gear ratio are better for flipping situations because they are stronger. I have always used a faster 6.3.1 reel because when I detect a strike I can take up slack faster to set the hook. I am a big fan of Team Daiwa reels and you can get a great reel that will perform the tasks you want for around $140.00 depending on where you purchase it.

Try and remember that soft plastic fishing is a very general term. You should be more specific such as to what type of presentation you will be applying. Flippin or pitching? Carolina rigging? Obviously they vary greatly and this needs to be considered when asking a question so that we can direct you in the best possible way.

In my honest opinion you need not look at a reel as much as a rod for a particular fishing technique. Reels in a very basic definition are used to store line. Unless using a presentation such as crankbaiting or spinnerbaiting where you use the reel ( and retreive speed ) to present a bait you are more likley using the rod for moving a soft plastic. Again I prefer a high gear ratio reel able to pick up line quickly.

In answering your question I would have to honestly say you are searching for the wrong tool.

what kind of rod would I use for:
1. carolina rigging?
2. jigging/ texas rigged worms?

Without writing a book I will try and tell you what I prefer for different techniques.
I use G Loomis Rods

Carolina Rigs ; ( 3/8 + weight ) 7' Med Heavy - 7' heavy baitcast

Mojo rigging or Split shotting ; 7' med light spinning or 6' 6" Med spinning depending on line size.

Pitching or flipping plastics and jigs ; 7' med heavy or heavy baitcast

Casting larger plastics ; ( 3/8 + weight ) 6' 6" Med heavy baitcast

Grubs, tubes and finesse worms ; 6' to 7' med light to med heavy spinning

I rarely use line heavier than 8 lb with spinning tackle, If I must go heavier I go with a baitcast combo
This of coarse is only a basic list, there are times when a certain situation will come up when I use " out of the ordinary " line sizes and rod powers for reasons such as heavy cover but the bass want a small bait, or thick vegetation.
The best advise I can give is to use a rod length you are comfortable with as long as it does the job effectivly.

Eric has some good info. I work at Bass Pro Shops here in Concord, NC., at the reel counter so I do have a little experience with these reels. Like you I love the Curado, however I use the 100 Curado for my soft plastic fishing. Both texas rigging and floating worms like a zoom trick worm. It really works well when paired up with my Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifer HM 85 Rod in a 6'6" MH action ($119.99 reg price). The rod really does make a lot of difference and is very personal. Like Eric said use one that feels best to you depending on what lure you are using. Length makes a lot of difference in the feel and how well you can use it. If 7' or 7'6" is to much rod for you to use comfortably, don't hesitate in going with a shorter 6'6", 6'.

As for the Johnny Morris reel vs. the Curado, I have to say that they are a close match. The JMX1000 is a little larger than the CU100 and about the same size as the CU200 but if it fits you hand comfortable then that isn't a big concern. The Curado CU100 and CU200 are available in a 6.2:1 ratio with the CU200 also available in the 5.0:1 ratio. They sell for $119.99 for the CU200 and $129.99 for the CU100 in our store and online. While the Johnny Morris is available in 6.3:1 or 5.2:1 ratios and sell online for $129.99 and $149.99 in the store.

As for quality, Shimano is our best selling and highest rated reel with the least amount of returns due to problems, while the Johnny Morris follows a very close second in both catagories. The money is so close that it's not really a concern, go with what fits your hand and is most comfortable to use and definately team it up with a good rod that transmits the feel you are looking for with the right action for your lure selection.

Tight lines,
Ronnie

thanks that was a lot of help. I have a BPS extreme rod paired up with my current curado and enjoy it very much...I'm just looking for a change so I am looking at the Johnny Morris. Since you work at BPS can you give me any info on the Johnny Morris rod. It looks great and seems to be built to perfection from the what the bps website says. Any info on this rod would be very helpful

I own both the J.M. and the Shimano reels.
They both are equally as good as one another.
The J.M. reel is as smooth but I wouldn't say it is any smoother.

The JMX 1000 H reel 6.3:1, has 10 stainless steel bearings.
The key to bearings, is where they put them.

This particular reel has 2 in the knobs on the handle. 1 in the level wind and worm gear. 1 in the tension knob.

Most other reels don't have bearings in these places.

Will the placement of these bearings help the performance of the reel?
Probably so.

Are they needed for a quality reel? Probably not.

Is all I am saying is,
The hype on bearings is not all its cracked up to be.

Test of time will be the decision maker for myself in this J.M. reel.
Will it stand up to the abuse of a tournament angler.
I purchased mine in Mar.02 and they have performed as well as expected.
But like I said, Time will tell.

I own some Garcia's that have been used for over 12 years. 3 bearing jobs. Not as smooth but they have withstood the test.
Hope this helps out.

i was wondering how does the Curado compare with the abu garcia's 4600 c3 ultra casts or the eon as far as castability for pitching light lures for distance without any overruns i am new to pitching lures and currently use a 4600c3 which i love the reel it is very smooth and dependable but i just can't seem to get a great distance pitching lures .Any advice would be appreciated .Also what type of rod do you guys feel is the most sensative for under 150.00

I really like the Curado or the souped up version:Scorpion. For a good sensitive and durable rod under 150.00 You can't go wrong with an Extreme Bass Pro Rod. I think the Johnny Morris series is 149.00. I have one and I feel it is better than any Loomis I ever picked up.

I have to reply to your first statement where you said what we thought the best baitcaster is for soft plastics? I would have to say the best that I have used is the one I have now. shimano Calais CL200. This thing casts a mile with the lightest lure.