Shimano
Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel
Predator tackle · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel
CU200M · Right-hand retrieve
The Curado 200 M CU200M brings Shimano’s usual smooth build, sensible capacity and tidy casting control together in a reel that’ll handle a cracking range of lure fishing jobs.
- Model CU200M with right-hand retrieve
- 6.2:1 gear ratio and 27 in/68 cm retrieve per crank
- 13 lb/6 kg maximum Cross Carbon Drag
- MGL Spool III with SVS Infinity braking
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Shimano Curado 200 M CU200M with right-hand retrieve, 6.2:1 gearing and the MGL Spool III/SVS Infinity braking setup.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A high-quality, versatile baitcaster with strong all-round predator credentials, held back slightly by the right-hand-only layout and non-specialist gearing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.7/10
- Performance9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching8.8/10
- Ease of Use8.8/10
- Value for Money8.8/10
Price alerts are coming soon — we don't track live retailer prices yet, so we'll never guess one.
If you buy through our links, we might get a small kickback, but it won’t cost you a penny extra. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The full story
Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Pike anglers using medium to substantial lures. The 200-size spool offers useful capacity, while the 6 kg drag and aluminium body give it the backbone for regular predator work.
- Anglers wanting one versatile baitcaster. The moderate gearing and adjustable SVS Infinity braking suit a broad mix of lure styles without making the reel too specialised.
Maybe skip if
- Left-hand retrieve anglers. This CU200M version is right-hand retrieve, so it won’t suit the way you naturally fish.
- Dedicated ultra-light lure anglers. The 200-size format is aimed more at general predator work than tiny finesse lures and delicate presentations.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel
The Curado 200 M CU200M brings Shimano’s usual smooth build, sensible capacity and tidy casting control together in a reel that’ll handle a cracking range of lure fishing jobs.
- Model CU200M with right-hand retrieve
- 6.2:1 gear ratio and 27 in/68 cm retrieve per crank
- 13 lb/6 kg maximum Cross Carbon Drag
- MGL Spool III with SVS Infinity braking
Quick verdict
A cracking workhorse for lure fishing
The Shimano Curado 200 M is a proper, nicely balanced baitcaster for predator anglers who want one reel that can cover a broad spread of lure weights, lines and situations. The aluminium body, Cross Carbon Drag and 6 kg maximum drag give it a reassuringly solid feel, while the MGL Spool III and SVS Infinity system are there to make casting control less of a faff.
It’s not the smallest or fastest reel in the Curado range, and the right-hand-only retrieve will rule it out for some anglers. But if that layout suits you, this is a bob-on choice for pike, perch and zander lure work, especially when you want a reel that feels properly sorted rather than a bargain-bin compromise.
A high-quality, versatile baitcaster with strong all-round predator credentials, held back slightly by the right-hand-only layout and non-specialist gearing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.7/10
- Performance
- 9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.8/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.8/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
The HAGANE aluminium body, CI4+ side plate and established Shimano features make this a properly well-finished reel.
MGL Spool III, SVS Infinity and the 6.2:1 gearing give it a broad and useful performance window.
Good casting control, line capacity and a 6 kg drag can help you present lures well and control hooked predators.
The controls are practical and tuneable, although baitcaster settings still need a bit of patience and practice.
It offers a strong mix of build, capacity and casting features for anglers wanting one serious all-round reel.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Shimano
Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel (this one)
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel
There’s a lot to like about the Shimano Curado 200 M. It’s not trying to be some tiny finesse reel or a bonkers big-bait winch. Instead, it lands in the useful middle ground: a proper all-round baitcaster for predator anglers who want one reel to cover plenty of lure fishing jobs.
This is the CU200M model, with right-hand retrieve and a 6.2:1 gear ratio. That gives you a retrieve of 27 inches, or 68 cm, per crank. In plain English, it’s quick enough for general lure work but not so rapid that every turn feels frantic. Handy when you’re hopping a soft plastic, crawling a crankbait or working a spinnerbait through the margins.
The 200-size spool gives the Curado a useful amount of line capacity too. Shimano lists capacity for 8 lb, 10 lb and 14 lb mono, along with several PowerPro options from 30 lb through to 65 lb. That makes it much more at home on pike and general predator tackle than a tiny shallow-spool reel that runs out of puff once you start fishing proper water.
For UK lure anglers, that versatility is the big draw. You can pair it with a medium-heavy casting rod and fish a good spread of pike lures, from hardbaits and blades through to weedless soft plastics. It’ll also make sense for bigger perch work where you want a bit more control and line capacity than a finesse outfit provides. Just remember your trace. Pike don’t care how posh the reel is.
Shimano has built the reel around a HAGANE aluminium body, with a lightweight CI4+ side plate. That’s a nice combination for the bank. The aluminium frame brings the solid, planted feel you want when a decent fish turns its head, while the lighter side plate helps keep the overall package from becoming a lump at the end of your rod.
The spool is Shimano’s MGL Spool III design, and that’s aimed at reducing start-up effort during the cast. It’s a useful feature when you’re trying to get a lure away cleanly, especially with lighter or more aerodynamic baits. It doesn’t mean you can ignore spool tension, wind direction or your thumb, though. There’s still no substitute for a bit of casting nous.
Braking comes from Shimano’s SVS Infinity system. The idea is to give you straightforward control over spool speed so you can tune the reel to the lure and conditions. Start conservatively when you’re on a new swim, especially with a side wind. Once the spool is behaving, you can ease the brakes back and find that sweet spot between distance and control.
The Cross Carbon Drag is rated to 13 lb, or 6 kg. That’s plenty of drag on paper for this style of fishing, but think of it as controlled pressure rather than a licence to lock everything solid. Smooth pressure, a sensible rod angle and a proper trace will do far more for landing a pike than simply cranking the star drag down hard.
At 7.4 oz, or 210 g, it’s a nicely usable size for repeated casting. The 45 mm handle gives you a good balance of leverage and speed, and the 6+1 bearing setup should keep the retrieve feeling smooth when the reel is looked after. The main fly in the ointment is the right-hand retrieve. If you naturally fish left-handed, this particular version simply won’t be your cup of tea.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Model
- Shimano Curado 200 M, CU200M
- Retrieve
- Right-hand
- Gear ratio
- 6.2:1
- Maximum drag
- 13 lb / 6 kg
- Weight
- 7.4 oz / 210 g
- Bearings
- 6+1
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
The sweet spot is versatility
The Curado 200 M sits in that useful middle ground between finesse gear and big baitcasting tackle. It has enough line capacity for serious predator work without feeling like a brick on the rod, and its 6.2:1 ratio gives a manageable retrieve for soft plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits and plenty of general lure chucking.
The main story is control. MGL Spool III is designed to reduce spool start-up effort, while SVS Infinity lets you tune the braking to your lure and casting style. That won’t magically remove every backlash, mind, but it gives you the tools to get dialled in properly.
What you’re buying
A solid 200-size casting reel with useful range
The Curado 200 M is built as an all-round predator baitcaster rather than a specialist tool. Its HAGANE aluminium body gives the frame a sturdy feel, while the CI4+ side plate helps keep weight sensible. At 210 g, it shouldn’t turn a casting outfit into hard work during a long day walking the bank.
The 6.2:1 gearing and 68 cm retrieve per crank are nicely middle-of-the-road. You’ve got enough speed for working lures efficiently, but there’s still control for slower presentations. The 45 mm handle adds useful leverage when a fish digs in or a lure gets fouled in weed.
Line capacity is one of the strongest practical points. The reel accepts a useful range of mono and PowerPro sizes, so you can build the outfit around the venue and lure rather than being forced into one narrow setup.
Worth knowing. The right-hand retrieve is not a minor detail. Check that it matches the way you fish before buying. Also, spool braking is adjustable tackle wizardry, not magic: set it sensibly and use your thumb, especially when casting into a crosswind.
On the bank
A good match for general predator work
This reel makes most sense for pike anglers fishing medium to heavier lures on a suitable casting rod. The capacity works for braid-based setups, and the 6 kg drag gives plenty of headroom for playing a decent fish away from snags. Use a reliable bite-proof trace and strong connections, naturally.
It also suits anglers who fish several lure styles rather than one narrow technique. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, chatter-style lures and soft plastics can all sit comfortably within the reel’s general-purpose remit. It’s the sort of outfit you can grab for a quick after-work session without faffing around changing reels.
For small perch lures and delicate finesse work, look elsewhere. The 200-size format is better suited to general predator tackle than tiny baits. Likewise, anglers who want an ultra-fast retrieve for burning lures may prefer a faster gear ratio.
Quick answers
The bits anglers usually want to know
The Curado 200 M has a 13 lb/6 kg maximum drag and a 6+1 bearing setup. Its stated capacities include 14 lb mono at 110 yd, plus PowerPro options up to 65 lb at 80 yd. That’s a decent spread for UK predator fishing, but line choice should always match the rod, lure and snags.
SVS Infinity uses centrifugal braking to control the spool during a cast. More braking is the safer starting point, particularly with a new lure or a blustery swim. Reduce it in small steps once your casting stroke and spool tension are dialled in.
The reel is suitable for pike, but the reel alone doesn’t make a safe pike setup. Add a proper bite-proof trace, strong terminal tackle and an unhooking kit, then handle the fish calmly and keep the whole job slick.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Solid HAGANE aluminium body with a lightweight CI4+ side plate
- Useful all-round line capacity for pike and general predator lure fishing
- MGL Spool III and SVS Infinity offer good casting adjustment
- 6 kg Cross Carbon Drag gives plenty of stopping power
Worth knowing
- Right-hand retrieve only, so left-handed reel users are left out
- 6.2:1 gearing is versatile but not ideal when you need a really rapid retrieve
- A baitcaster still needs sensible spool tension and brake adjustment to avoid a bird’s nest
Want one?
Add it to your Wanted list or join a Group Buy — shops see anonymous totals only.
Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01What line can the Shimano Curado 200 M hold?
What line can the Shimano Curado 200 M hold?
The stated mono capacity is 8 lb/180 yd, 10 lb/155 yd and 14 lb/110 yd. It also takes PowerPro capacities of 30 lb/190 yd, 50 lb/120 yd and 65 lb/80 yd. For predator fishing, choose your braid and leader around the lure, snag and fish in front of you rather than simply filling the spool with the heaviest line available.
02Is the Curado 200 M suitable for pike fishing?
Is the Curado 200 M suitable for pike fishing?
Yes, it’s a sensible option for general pike lure fishing, particularly with medium to heavier hard lures, spinnerbaits and soft plastics. Use a proper bite-proof trace and make sure your terminal tackle is up to the job. The reel’s 6 kg drag is useful, but no reel drag replaces a reliable pike leader.
03What does SVS Infinity do?
What does SVS Infinity do?
SVS Infinity is Shimano’s centrifugal braking system. It helps control spool speed during the cast and can be adjusted to suit lure weight, wind and your thumbing style. Start with more braking, then back it off gradually once the spool is behaving itself.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a cracking workhorse for lure fishing. The strongest reasons to choose it are solid hagane aluminium body with a lightweight ci4+ side plate and useful all-round line capacity for pike and general predator lure fishing; the main trade-off is right-hand retrieve only, so left-handed reel users are left out.
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Solid HAGANE aluminium body with a lightweight CI4+ side plate”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Pike anglers using medium to substantial lures: The 200-size spool offers useful capacity, while the 6 kg drag and aluminium body give it the backbone for regular predator work.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “Right-hand retrieve only, so left-handed reel users are left out”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel here. Be the first and get the score started.
Owner reports
Own this? Help the next angler.
Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Shimano Curado 200 M Baitcasting Reel. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
No owner reports yet.
Alternatives & go-withs
