Going Smaller and Lighter yet again, Shimano’s new freshwater reel offerings
 

Introduction: Shimano has listened to their customers and the message for lighter more refined reels was hear loud and clear. This ICAST Shimano introduces new reels that once again tip the scales in the lighter direction. In addition to more compact baitcasters Shimano also introduced a new baitcaster called Caenan which is priced to move.

Shimano introduces the new smaller Curado 50E

Curado 50: We already knew about this one when we saw the Scorpion 50 get released in Japan, the new Curado 50 is basically the aluminum version of the Core 50 and features a smaller more palmable profile. The Curado 50E is being introduced in both a right and left hand retrieve, the aluminum body weighs in at 6.9oz. and features a slightly slower gear ratio than the ore 50 at 6.4:1 versus the Core’s 7.0:1. The Core 50 comes with 8+1 bearings while the Curado 50E will come with 6+1. The Curado 50E will retail for $199.99 when it hits the street in a few weeks.

Side by side with the current 200 size the difference is noticeable

But in terms of profile both the 200 (left) and new 50 (right) sit very low on the reel seat for easy palming

Caenan: Shimano also introduced a new baitcaster into the lineup this season positioned directly under Citica. This new reel is called Caenan and features a silver and red profile with the center frame a deep pearl red color. The Caenan features a 6.5:1 gear ratio and weighs in at 7.2oz., it has 6+1 bearings and is capable of reeling in 27 inches of line per crank.

The Caenan is Shimano's newest baitcaster

The Caenan looks and feels pretty solid and Shimano further differentiates the reel with some round eva grips, similar to what is used on the Stradic CI4. This combined with the red center frame gives the reel a sporty look and feel.

From the side you can barely see the red frame

The Caenen reels have the right retrieve speed to be versatile to use many types of lures. “With a 6.5:1 gear ratio, you can feel free use spinnerbaits and crankbaits, worms, jigs and soft plastics, and it will work them ideally to produce fishing-catching action,” Kenichi Iida, Reel Product Specialist at Shimano said. “Plus we provide fishing comfort with high density EVA power grips.”

The Caenan features eva foam knobs...

...and Shimano's reliable VBS cast control system

So what’s the best thing about the Caenan? Probably the price, retailing for only $89.99 this reel should do well among anglers looking for mainstream reel that has many of the features found in reels retailing for much more.

Even the underside is red. Perhaps best of all is this reel retails for only $89.99