Predator reels · Baitcasters · Our take
Shimano Curado 150 MGL
Right-hand retrieve · CUMGL150
The Curado 150 MGL brings Shimano’s slick casting tech, tough aluminium body and a very useful 6.2:1 retrieve into one cracking right-hand baitcaster.
- Right-hand baitcaster with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and 24-inch retrieve per crank.
- MGL spool, SVS Infinity braking and Super Free Spool are built around controlled, easy casting.
- Maximum drag is 13 lb / 6 kg, with Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system.
- The 150-size spool takes useful amounts of mono or braided PowerPro for general predator fishing.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Shimano Curado 150 MGL, model CUMGL150, with right-hand retrieve and a 6.2:1 gear ratio.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A refined, versatile predator baitcaster that earns its premium position, provided the right-hand format and medium-duty remit suit your fishing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.7/10
- Performance9.6/10
- Impact on Fish Catching9/10
- Ease of Use8.9/10
- Value for Money8.6/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Right-handed predator anglers. It’s a versatile baitcaster for pike, perch, zander and chub lure work, with a retrieve that suits loads of lure styles.
- Anglers moving up to a quality baitcaster. The braking and spool systems give you useful casting control, while the body and gearing feel built for regular use.
Maybe skip if
- Left-handed baitcaster users. This exact Shimano Curado 150 MGL is a right-hand retrieve model.
- Anglers fishing very heavy pike gear. The reel is a capable all-rounder, but its 13 lb / 6 kg drag and 150-size format aren’t intended as an extreme big-bait winch.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano Curado 150 MGL
The Curado 150 MGL brings Shimano’s slick casting tech, tough aluminium body and a very useful 6.2:1 retrieve into one cracking right-hand baitcaster.
- Right-hand baitcaster with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and 24-inch retrieve per crank.
- MGL spool, SVS Infinity braking and Super Free Spool are built around controlled, easy casting.
- Maximum drag is 13 lb / 6 kg, with Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system.
- The 150-size spool takes useful amounts of mono or braided PowerPro for general predator fishing.
Quick verdict
A cracking bit of predator tackle
The Shimano Curado 150 MGL is a smart choice when you want one proper baitcaster to cover a load of lure fishing jobs. The MGL spool, SVS Infinity braking and Super Free Spool are all aimed at smooth, controlled casting, while the aluminium HAGANE Body gives it the solid feel you want when a decent pike or zander leans on the gear.
It’s not the cheapest reel in the rack, and left-hand anglers are out of luck with this exact model. For right-hand baitcaster users, though, it’s a very capable all-rounder with the refinement to make long sessions more enjoyable and the strength to handle serious predator work.
A refined, versatile predator baitcaster that earns its premium position, provided the right-hand format and medium-duty remit suit your fishing.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.7/10
- Performance
- 9.6/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 9/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.9/10
- Value for Money
- 8.6/10
The aluminium HAGANE Body, Cross Carbon Drag and Shimano’s refined internal systems point to a properly well-finished reel.
The MGL spool, SVS Infinity braking, Super Free Spool and 6.2:1 retrieve make it a capable all-round casting and winding platform.
Smooth control, useful line capacity and a capable drag help you present lures well and stay in charge when a predator turns awkward.
The adjustable braking and compact 185 g body are user-friendly, although baitcaster casting still needs a bit of practice.
It’s premium-priced, but the build, features and versatility make sense for anglers who’ll use it regularly.
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 150 MGL (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 150 MGL
If you’re after one baitcaster to cover a proper chunk of predator fishing, the Shimano Curado 150 MGL is bang in the sweet spot. It’s compact enough to palm comfortably, but it’s not some dainty little perch reel that feels out of its depth when a pike turns up. This is a serious all-rounder for chucking lures on rivers, canals, reservoirs and stillwaters.
The Curado 150 MGL is the right-hand retrieve version, model CUMGL150. Its 6.2:1 gear ratio brings back 24 inches, or 62 cm, of line per crank. That’s a cracking middle ground. You’ve got enough speed to pick up slack after a twitch or sweep of the rod, but it’s not so rapid that a lure races back at you like it’s late for the pub.
That makes it a handy reel for a broad spread of predator tactics. Soft plastics, chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and medium jerkbaits all sit comfortably in its wheelhouse. For perch and zander, the controlled retrieve helps you keep contact with the lure. For pike, there’s enough pace for covering water while still letting you slow things down around weed, snags and the margins.
At the heart of the reel is Shimano’s MGL spool. The idea is simple enough: reduce spool start-up resistance so the spool gets moving smoothly and casts feel less laboured. Pair that with SVS Infinity braking, Super Free Spool and the S3D spool design, and you’ve got a setup aimed at keeping overruns under control while still giving your lure a fair crack of the whip.
That’s especially useful when the weather turns a bit awkward. A side wind, a lure change or a slightly rushed cast can soon make a baitcaster look a bit naff. The Curado’s braking system gives you a useful amount of adjustment, so you can rein things in for tricky conditions or open it up when you’re casting across a wide reservoir. You’ll still need to set it properly, mind. No reel completely removes the need for a bit of thumb work.
The build is reassuringly purposeful. Shimano uses an aluminium HAGANE Body, which gives the reel a solid platform rather than a hollow, flimsy feel. That matters when you’re repeatedly casting, winding a lure through weed or leaning into a fish close in. The maximum drag is 13 lb / 6 kg, backed by Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag, so it has plenty of control for normal predator work.
Inside, MicroModule gearing and X-Ship are there to keep the winding feel smooth and efficient. SilentTune is also included, along with six-plus-one bearings and S A-RB bearings. You don’t need to memorise the marketing terms to appreciate the aim: fewer rough edges in the retrieve, less fuss when you’re working a lure for hours and a reel that feels properly finished rather than merely functional.
Capacity is another strong point. The spool takes 10 lb mono to 120 yards, 12 lb mono to 110 yards or 14 lb mono to 90 yards. With PowerPro, you’re looking at 20 lb to 150 yards, 30 lb to 135 yards or 40 lb to 105 yards. That gives you plenty of room to set up for lighter freshwater predators or step up for pike, with the usual leader and trace choices handled separately.
There are a couple of catches. This particular model is right-hand retrieve only, so left-handed anglers will need to look elsewhere or choose another Curado version. It’s also premium-priced tackle, and the 13 lb / 6 kg drag means it isn’t pretending to be a huge-bait, winch-it-out reel. But for the angler who wants a refined, versatile baitcaster for regular predator lure fishing, it’s a bob-on package with very little nonsense.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Model
- CUMGL150
- Retrieve
- Right-hand
- Gear ratio
- 6.2:1
- Maximum drag
- 13 lb / 6 kg
- Weight
- 6.5 oz / 185 g
- Line capacity
- Mono: 10 lb/120 yd, 12 lb/110 yd, 14 lb/90 yd; PowerPro: 20 lb/150 yd, 30 lb/135 yd, 40 lb/105 yd
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
A refined workhorse rather than a flashy toy
The Curado 150 MGL sits in that lovely middle ground between compact finesse baitcasters and big, heavy-duty predator reels. Its 32 mm MGL spool is designed to start quickly, helping smaller and medium lures get moving without needing a daft amount of effort.
That makes it a particularly useful reel for perch, chub, zander and general pike lure fishing. The 6.2:1 retrieve gives you 24 inches of line per turn, so there’s enough speed for working lures and picking up slack, without going silly-fast when you’re fishing soft plastics, jerkbaits or steady cranks.
The reel itself
Compact in the hand, serious on the job
The Curado 150 MGL has the sort of compact profile that makes repeated lure casting comfortable. At 185 g, it won’t leave your wrist feeling like you’ve been swinging a brick all day, while the aluminium HAGANE Body gives it a properly planted feel. That balance is spot on for roving predator work, where you might be casting from the bank, hopping swims or working tight margins.
The 32 mm spool has a 23 mm width and uses Shimano’s MGL design. Together with Super Free Spool, S3D and SVS Infinity, the focus is smooth spool control. Set the brakes sensibly, thumb the spool at the end of the cast and it should give you a nice blend of distance and control across a useful spread of lure weights.
MicroModule gearing, X-Ship and SilentTune add to the refined feel. The 45 mm handle gives you a good amount of leverage for winding plugs and soft plastics, while the Cross Carbon Drag offers controlled pressure when a fish turns its head in the weed or makes a sharp run beside the net.
Worth knowing. The 6.2:1 ratio retrieves 24 inches per turn. That’s a very useful all-round speed, but remember that lure pace still comes from how you turn the handle, move the rod and pause. Don’t just wind flat-out because the reel can pick up line quickly.
On the bank
A strong choice for mixed predator lure fishing
This is a good fit for the angler who doesn’t want separate reels for every predator job. Load it with suitable braid, add the leader or trace system you trust, and you can cover perch, chub, zander and a lot of normal pike lure fishing. The capacity is generous enough for working bigger waters without turning the reel into a lump.
For perch and zander, the smooth spool and adjustable braking are handy when you’re pitching lures around cover or making accurate casts along reed beds. For pike, the body strength and drag give you a useful safety margin, though your wire or fluorocarbon trace, hooks and knots still need to be up to the job. A posh reel won’t rescue dodgy terminal tackle, mate.
The right-hand retrieve is the big compatibility check. If you’re used to winding with your left hand after casting, this exact version isn’t for you. Likewise, dedicated big-bait anglers may prefer a larger, more heavily geared reel with greater drag headroom. Everyone else gets a versatile bit of kit that should slot neatly into a busy predator setup.
The useful stuff
Answers before you part with the quid
Can it handle pike fishing? Yes, within its intended range. The 13 lb / 6 kg maximum drag and aluminium body give it the muscle for normal pike lure work, but pair it with suitable braid, a reliable trace, strong hooks and a proper unhooking setup. For enormous rubber lures or relentless heavy-duty work, step up to a more specialist reel.
Is it beginner-friendly? It’s approachable for a quality baitcaster, but you’ll still need to learn spool tension, brake settings and thumb control. Start with the braking set conservatively, use a lure with enough weight to load the rod and practise over forgiving ground. A few sessions of tidy casting will make a huge difference.
Does the 150 size mean it’s only for large fish? Not at all. The size is about the reel and spool format, not a minimum fish size. Its 6.2:1 retrieve and casting systems make it useful for smaller predators too, provided your rod, line and lure are sensibly matched.
Worth knowing. The best setup is the one that matches your rod and lure range. Don’t fill the spool with far more line than you need, and don’t chase maximum casting distance at the expense of control around snags, weed or the margins.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Smooth, controlled casting from the MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking.
- Tough aluminium HAGANE Body with a reassuringly solid feel.
- Useful all-round 6.2:1 retrieve for a wide range of predator lures.
- Good braid and mono capacity without becoming a massive, clumsy reel.
- MicroModule gearing, X-Ship and SilentTune add a refined, low-fuss feel.
Worth knowing
- Right-hand retrieve only in this exact CUMGL150 model.
- The 13 lb / 6 kg maximum drag is capable, but not aimed at extreme heavy-duty pike work.
- Premium money, so it’s a bit much if you only occasionally chuck small lures.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01What sort of fishing is the Shimano Curado 150 MGL suited to?
What sort of fishing is the Shimano Curado 150 MGL suited to?
It’s aimed at predator lure fishing, covering jobs from perch and chub through to zander and general pike work. The 150-size spool gives you useful line capacity for braid, while the 6.2:1 retrieve works nicely for soft plastics, cranks, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits.
02Is the Curado 150 MGL suitable for braid?
Is the Curado 150 MGL suitable for braid?
Yes. The listed PowerPro capacities are 20 lb/150 yd, 30 lb/135 yd and 40 lb/105 yd. That gives plenty of flexibility for lighter perch and zander setups through to more robust pike arrangements.
03What does the MGL spool do?
What does the MGL spool do?
The MGL spool is designed to reduce spool start-up resistance, helping the reel cast smoothly and efficiently. In practical terms, that’s handy when you’re switching between lure weights and want a controlled cast without loads of faff.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a cracking bit of predator tackle. The strongest reasons to choose it are smooth, controlled casting from the mgl spool and svs infinity braking. and tough aluminium hagane body with a reassuringly solid feel.; the main trade-off is right-hand retrieve only in this exact cumgl150 model..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Smooth, controlled casting from the MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Right-handed predator anglers: It’s a versatile baitcaster for pike, perch, zander and chub lure work, with a retrieve that suits loads of lure styles.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “Right-hand retrieve only in this exact CUMGL150 model.”
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 150 MGL
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Owner reports
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Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Shimano Curado 150 MGL. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
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