Shimano
Shimano Curado 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel
Predator tackle · Baitcasting reels · Our take
Shimano Curado 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel
Shimano Curado 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel
Compact, light and packed with Shimano trickery, the Curado 150 MGL is built for lure anglers who want smooth casting, solid control and enough grunt for serious pike work.
- Low-profile baitcasting reel with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and 24-inch retrieve per crank.
- Approximately 185g, making it a light option for repeated lure casting.
- MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking system are designed to help with casting control.
- 13lb maximum drag, Cross Carbon Drag and aluminium HAGANE Body give it useful predator-fishing credentials.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Shimano Curado MGL 150, SKU CUMGL150, in the 6.2:1 gear ratio version.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A refined, capable baitcaster with strong all-round predator credentials and only a couple of clear limitations.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.6/10
- Performance9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching9/10
- Ease of Use8.4/10
- 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 lure anglers. The line capacity, 13lb drag and solid body give you a sensible platform for general pike work with braid and suitable leaders.
- All-round predator anglers. The moderate retrieve and versatile spool make it handy for switching between hard baits, soft plastics and moving lures.
Maybe skip if
- Complete baitcasting beginners wanting instant ease. There’s still a thumb-control learning curve, and you’ll need to set the brakes and spool tension properly.
- Ultra-light perch specialists. The 150 format is better suited to general and medium lure work than tiny finesse presentations.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano Curado 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel
Compact, light and packed with Shimano trickery, the Curado 150 MGL is built for lure anglers who want smooth casting, solid control and enough grunt for serious pike work.
- Low-profile baitcasting reel with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and 24-inch retrieve per crank.
- Approximately 185g, making it a light option for repeated lure casting.
- MGL spool and SVS Infinity braking system are designed to help with casting control.
- 13lb maximum drag, Cross Carbon Drag and aluminium HAGANE Body give it useful predator-fishing credentials.
Quick verdict
Verdict
The Curado 150 MGL is a cracking low-profile baitcaster for predator anglers who want one reel to cover a big chunk of lure fishing. It’s light in the hand, properly smooth and offers useful line capacity without turning into a bulky brick on the rod.
The main faff is the learning curve that comes with any baitcaster, plus the fairly modest 24-inch retrieve if you’re after a really fast pick-up. Get your thumb control and SVS Infinity braking dialled in, though, and this looks a very capable bit of kit for pike, perch and zander work.
A refined, capable baitcaster with strong all-round predator credentials and only a couple of clear limitations.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.6/10
- Performance
- 9.4/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 9/10
- Ease of Use
- 8.4/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
The aluminium body, Cross Carbon Drag and Shimano’s higher-end internal technologies point to a properly well-made reel.
The MGL spool, SVS Infinity brakes and 6.2:1 gearing make it versatile for varied lure work.
Smooth control, useful capacity and a comfortable weight can help you fish longer and present lures consistently.
The braking system helps, but baitcasting still takes thumb control and a bit of setup faff.
It offers a strong blend of refinement, capacity and predator-friendly features for anglers ready to invest in a quality 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 150 MGL 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 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel
Some baitcasters are built to shout about power. Others are all about tiny finesse lures and feather-light presentation. The Shimano Curado 150 MGL sits nicely between the two. It’s a compact, low-profile reel for predator anglers who want one tidy set-up that can handle a proper mix of lure fishing jobs.
That makes it a particularly interesting option for UK pike and perch anglers. You’re not always fishing the same lure, at the same distance, in the same depth of water. One minute you’re twitching a soft plastic along a drop-off. Next, you’re launching a crankbait towards the far bank or firing a spinnerbait down the margins.
The Curado 150 MGL comes with a 6.2:1 gear ratio and retrieves 24 inches of line per turn. That’s a useful all-round pace. It isn’t a mad-fast burner for ripping lures back at top speed, but it gives you enough pick-up to keep a lure working properly and stay in touch when a fish follows right to the net.
At approximately 185g, it’s also pleasantly light for a reel with this sort of general-purpose capacity. That matters more than you might think. Spend a full day casting and even a little extra bulk starts to feel like a lump on the end of the rod. A lighter reel keeps the outfit comfortable, balanced and ready when the rods are off.
The headline feature is Shimano’s MagnumLite, or MGL, spool. In plain English, it’s designed to get moving easily and cast with less start-up resistance. That’s handy when you’re switching between lure weights, especially if you like a baitcaster because it gives you that direct, connected feel during the retrieve.
Braking comes from Shimano’s SVS Infinity system. You can adjust the external dial to help control the spool as conditions change, then use the internal brake settings for a finer tune. There’s still a bit of thumb work involved, mate. No braking system magically removes the chance of a bird’s nest when a gust catches your lure.
The practical line capacity looks spot on for general predator fishing. Mono figures run from 10lb at 120 yards through to 14lb at 90 yards. With PowerPro braid, the listed capacities are 20lb at 150 yards, 30lb at 135 yards and 40lb at 105 yards. That gives you plenty of room for typical pike and perch applications, provided the rest of the set-up is up to the job.
Underneath, there’s an aluminium HAGANE Body, Cross Carbon Drag and Shimano’s X-Ship and MicroModule Gearing. Those names matter because a baitcaster takes plenty of repeated load while casting, winding and controlling a fish close in. A rigid body helps keep the internals aligned, while smooth gearing makes a difference when you’re working a lure all day.
The 13lb maximum drag isn’t a licence to bully every fish straight through snags. Think of it as useful control rather than an excuse for daft tackle choices. Set the drag sensibly, use a proper wire or bite-proof leader for pike and keep your thumb ready when a fish lunges boat-side or heads for a snag.
So, who should look at the Curado 150 MGL? If you want a quality baitcaster for everyday predator lure fishing, it’s a very convincing package. It has the control, capacity and refinement to feel special without being a silly specialist reel. Just remember that the best baitcaster is the one you learn to set up properly. Get that bit right and this could be a proper weapon on the bank.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Type
- Low-profile baitcasting reel
- Gear ratio
- 6.2:1
- Maximum drag
- 13lb
- Weight
- Approximately 185g / 6.5oz
- Retrieve
- 24 inches per crank
- Bearings
- 6+1
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why it matters on the bank
A baitcaster needs to do more than look tidy on a rod. It needs to cast repeatably, keep the spool under control and feel comfortable when you’re firing lures all day. That’s where the Curado 150 MGL makes a strong case.
The combination of a lightweight MGL spool, SVS Infinity brakes, Super Free Spool and a rigid aluminium HAGANE Body is aimed squarely at controlled lure work. It should suit anglers moving between hard baits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits and medium-sized pike lures rather than those chasing extreme heavy-duty casting.
The reel in plain English
Light, controlled and built for lure work
The Curado 150 MGL is a low-profile baitcaster with a compact shape that should sit neatly on a suitable casting rod. Its approximately 185g weight keeps the outfit lively, which is a big win when you’re making hundreds of casts rather than waiting over one baited spot.
The 6.2:1 gearing gives a 24-inch retrieve per crank. That’s a sensible middle ground: controlled enough for soft plastics and steady retrieves, but not painfully slow when you need to pick up slack or bring a lure back for another cast.
Shimano has loaded it with MGL spool technology, SVS Infinity braking, Super Free Spool, S3D Spool and SilentTune. Add X-Ship, MicroModule Gearing and S A-RB bearings, and the aim is clear: smooth casting, low friction and a refined feel rather than bare-bones functionality.
Worth knowing. A reel this capable still needs setting up around your lure. Start with more braking than you think you need, set spool tension so there’s no obvious side-to-side play, and back it off gradually as your thumb control improves.
Best uses on the bank
A cracking all-rounder for predator anglers
For pike, the 150 size offers useful capacity with 20lb, 30lb and 40lb PowerPro options listed. Pair it with a suitable predator rod, reliable bite-proof leader and sensible drag setting. It’s a neat choice for casting plugs, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and soft plastics that sit comfortably within the rod’s casting range.
Perch anglers may like the direct lure control and light weight, particularly when fishing medium-sized hard baits or plastics. For tiny finesse lures, though, a smaller or dedicated BFS-style reel may be less of a faff.
Zander and general canal, river or stillwater lure anglers should also find the retrieve useful. It gives enough pace for searching water without forcing every lure into a frantic presentation. That’s handy when fish are moody or the water is clear.
Worth knowing. The 13lb maximum drag is useful, but your leader and hook-hold matter just as much. For pike, never skip proper bite protection. No amount of reel quality makes an unsafe leader choice okay.
Quick answers
The stuff you’ll want to know before buying
Is it easy to cast? The MGL spool, Super Free Spool and SVS Infinity brakes are there to make casting more controlled, but baitcasting always rewards practice. Wind, lure weight and spool settings all change the equation. Spend a little time tuning it and your casts should become far more consistent.
Is it a fast reel? Not especially. The 6.2:1 ratio and 24-inch retrieve are best described as versatile. That’s bob on for many predator situations, but anglers who fish fast-moving lures or need rapid slack recovery may prefer a higher-speed option.
How tough is it? The aluminium HAGANE Body, Cross Carbon Drag and Shimano gearing technologies give it a reassuring specification for regular lure work. Keep grit and water out, rinse it sensibly after use and don’t treat the reel as a substitute for suitable terminal tackle.
Worth knowing. Before a session, check the drag, leader connection and spool tension. A two-minute once-over can save a right faff when a screaming take comes from the far side of the swim.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Light and comfortable for long lure sessions.
- MGL spool, Super Free Spool and SVS Infinity braking make a versatile casting package.
- Smooth gearing and a rigid aluminium body should inspire confidence when a decent fish hits.
- Useful mono and braid capacities for general predator fishing.
Worth knowing
- A 24-inch retrieve is steady rather than rapid, so it’s not the choice for maximum line pick-up.
- Baitcaster technique still takes practice, especially with light lures and changing wind.
- The 150-size format may feel more reel than needed for tiny perch lures.
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.
01Is the Shimano Curado 150 MGL suitable for pike fishing?
Is the Shimano Curado 150 MGL suitable for pike fishing?
Yes, for general lure fishing it has a useful line capacity, 13lb maximum drag and a robust aluminium body. Match it with suitable braid, a reliable bite-proof leader and a rod that fits the lures you’re throwing.
02What does the MGL spool do?
What does the MGL spool do?
MGL means MagnumLite. The spool is designed to reduce start-up inertia, helping the reel cast smoothly and respond well when you’re working a range of lure weights.
03Is the 6.2:1 Curado 150 MGL fast enough?
Is the 6.2:1 Curado 150 MGL fast enough?
It’s a versatile middle-ground ratio. The 24-inch retrieve gives controlled lure speed and enough pick-up for most work, but a faster reel would suit anglers who burn lures back or need rapid slack-line recovery.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: verdict. The strongest reasons to choose it are light and comfortable for long lure sessions. and mgl spool, super free spool and svs infinity braking make a versatile casting package.; the main trade-off is a 24-inch retrieve is steady rather than rapid, so it’s not the choice for maximum line pick-up..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Light and comfortable for long lure sessions.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Pike lure anglers: The line capacity, 13lb drag and solid body give you a sensible platform for general pike work with braid and suitable leaders.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “A 24-inch retrieve is steady rather than rapid, so it’s not the choice for maximum line pick-up.”
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 Baitcasting Reel
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Shimano Curado 150 MGL 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 150 MGL Baitcasting Reel. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
No owner reports yet.
Alternatives & go-withs
