I am still fishing with Curado 200 reels from decades ago. I was happy, until I picked up my buddy’s rig with a shallow spool and cast a weightless trick worm. Holy [censored] I have been missing out! So, I started down the maze of learning about the latest baitcasters on the market. It is overwhelming to say the least. So, I would like to hear what rod/reel combos you guys love when throwing ultralight lures, and what you use for mid-sized crankbaits. I would prefer to stay around $200 or less, but could go $250. More than that seems ridiculous. I do not have a hard time casting so don’t think I need DC and I prefer a lighter weight reel. That said, it would be nice to be able to throw a jerkbait into the wind with some distance and less instant backlash!

What reel did your buddy have?

what kind of reels do they use in Minnesota?

Daiwas Sol or Alphas for the win.
They are older design but still good to great for lighter under 15lb line.

Daiwa Tatula SV or SV TW 103. Both models MSRP $209. I have several of both models and they perform great.

I'm going to get some hate for this but I have a KastKing and love it. It has a a spool that is made for lighter line. This is the model I have. Don't let the price fool you.

https://www.amazon.com/KastKing-Bai...n/dp/B093Q5ZNCZ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

Wow, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with Allison.

I have several Daiwa Sol / Alpha that are tuned for BFS fishing. Probably the best light weight lure reels I have in my arsenal.

I just picked up a Daiwa Tatula BF 70. Shallow spool and made for tossing light baits. Went out in the yard and made some test casts with a #5 Rapala Shad Rap (weighs in at 3/16 oz) and have yet to birds nest it. I'd like to get a little more distance, but with a few adjustments I might be able to.

Tackle Warehouse has a good shallow spool, BFS casting reel review under the gear guides emblem.

I've been going to Lew's the past year. The main one is the Pro LFS. Watch at Tackle Warehouse and Midway USA, they occasionally have them on sale. Regular price is 199. This is a great reel for casting weightless Senkos and my favorite,,,, YUM dingers also weightless.

I have has several Curodos over the years. I bought a DC just after it came out. I do really like the reel and for many reasons. I will probably replace my older reels with these.

Shimano is still king. Just upgrade to the latest Curado or one generation older.

If you have that curado serviced by the right person, you might be surprised. Im a shimano fan, and the older Shimano reels made in "Japan" are solid reels.

I service all my own reels, going to open bearings with everything. Give it a try, won't cost you much.

There are two that I really like:

Curado BFS Retail $ 209.99 but can be had for less. Easily casts baits as light as 1/16th Oz. Shimano quality and reliability.

Ark Gravity BFS $149.99 again can be had for less with discounts or some of the frequent sales offered. Easily casts baits as light as 1/16th Oz. Once dialed in it maybe casts a little further than the Curado.

They both have clicker drag systems that take getting use to but both systems once dialed in will help you fight the fish.

Both reels are dependant on the rod you pair them with and they take some tinkering to get used to casting without bird nesting. Its a fun way to fish and opens up new opportunities.

Still use Green Curado CU200(6:1 ratio) on 7 foot Loomis GLX Med Hy Fast -Weightless Zoom Fluke
Casts a mile, no B.S.!!!!!!
Like that Curado better than my Metaniums or Garcia Zeon Mg's

I’ll say this, I’ve been using Shimano, Lews, and 13 Fishing for quite some time. Never bought a Daiwa because they never felt that great in store. Finally ponied up and got a Tatula Elite. All I’m gonna say, there’s a high chance any of my future feel purchases will all be Daiwa. Boy was I wrong about them.

To better answer your question, the Tatula SV TW is what you’re looking for. I don’t personally own one but have used one. That reel is designed to throw real light baits and not backlash. It’s basically the main “competitor “ to the DC