Choosing Spinning Reels

[04z]

I just started getting into fishing and got an abu cherrywood (MF) with cardinal 102 reel. It has served me well so far but am considering buying a new rod/reel or two. Instead of a combo I am going to buy the rod and reel separate. My question is for spinning reel, which size of reel is ideal for M rod. And which is ideal for a MH rod? I suppose we could use the Pflueger president as an example. Is the 6930 ideal for M rod? And a 6935 or 40 ideal for a MH rod? Is there a common rule to be applied?

Am I correct in assuming I wouldn't want to use something like abu 102 on a MH rod?

[SirSnookalot]

Using Pflueger as your guide, I personally would use a 30 sized reel for a med 6'6 6/12 rod, a 35 reel for a 7'med 8/17 (some companies do refer to that as mh), not that the 30 reel couldn't be used too. I do believe a 35 prez and cardinal 102 are about the same size, I would have no problem using that with a mh rod, assuming this would be a bass set up. Boils down to your comfort level, all the scenarios would work.

[BASSHUNTER1961]

I use a Presedent 35 on my 7'2"MH as well as on my 6'6" and longer medium rods. I would personaly use a 25 or 30 on a 6' or shorter rod, that's just what feels good to me. "If it feels good do it"...

[jerzeeD]

I use a 30 size medalist on my 6'3" medium Avid... All my other rods are 6'6" and longer and all are medium to medium heavy use 35 size pfluegers. I used to have a 302 abu cardinal, and that was more like the 30 size than 35 size pfluegers. Most reel manufacturers from at least what I have seen produce reels that are comparable to 30 and 40 size pfluegers.. Not alot have the " in between" size like pflueger has with their 35 size reels, if that makes sense.lol.

[SirSnookalot]

What I use as a guide to determine reel size mostly is similar line capacity and comparable drags, not weight near as much. I have a 2000 reel weighing over 11 oz, that's heavy, and on the opposite side I have them 9 or so .

Pfluegers are a little different, my 35 supreme is 8.8 oz, 12# drag holding 200 yds 8# line, to me that's a 2000 reel with more line capacity (one of the reasons I bought in the first place, i used it for snook). I think max drags are a bit misleading, as you are setting the drag based on your line weight. For example my soron stx 20 has a drag of 16 vs the 35 supreme at 9, but both are set about the same.

I guess you can call a reel what ever you want, the stats are the stats.

[Darren.]

I'll add my opinion to the others:

For me, I love M, XF rods from 5'9" to 6'3" and my mainstay spinning reels are Shimano Stradic 1000FI models with 10 lb yellow Power Pro mainline. I like my setups to be shorter and lighter. I'm getting older, so this is what suits me, may not suit you at all!!

Personally, I see no need for anything more than a 1000 size reel. Muskie? Yeah, I'd go bigger, but I've not met a bass I couldn't handle yet. Yet. When I do, then I'll think about it.

Look at it this way, you want to be prepared for whatever you might catch, BUT, you also need to know how to handle a fish if you're not using your optimal gear at the time.

IE., if you hook a monster with 4lb test on a 5' ultra light setup, you won't give up because you don't have your 7' MH + a 3000 or 35 or whatever size reel! No, you will fish accordingly, play it, use your hand to supplement the drag on your undersized reel and work it to bring in the prize.

I digress.

A M rod can have a 1000-4000 size reel if you want. Probably wouldn't put a 1000 on a MH rod, though. Spool the M setup with lighter line, the MH with heavier line for heavier fishing.

Use what feels good in your hands and gives you confidence for whatever is lurking in that waters you fish.

[fishking247]

fish what is comfortable for you. i know some guys who never go lighter then 30lb braid and others who won't fish heavier then 10lb braid or 8lb mono. the way i bass fish i don't judge my reel rod and line on how "big" the fish are i adjust accordingly to the structure and baits i fish. if i could get away with using a light action 6'6" rod with 6-8lb test and a 1000 size reel i would do it all the time!

[Bluebasser86]

I have a Pfluegar Supreme MG in the 35 size on my shakyhead rod and feel it's about the perfect size for that rod. It balances well and holds enough line to allow me to make long casts without being cumbersome. I have the same reel in the 25 size on a ML 6' 10" rod I use for castings grubs and drop shotting. Same deal, balances well and does what I need it to do. Personally I'd rather have a reel that was a little too large instead of a little too small because a large reel will still function fairly well with lighter line, it's just going to use a lot of line if you're filling it with a light line. However, if you're using anything heavier than 8lb a 20 size reel and trying to make long casts it probably isn't going to hold enough line.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I find a 2500 class spinning reel suitable fishing spinning tackle for bass. A 4000 is a little overkill unless perhaps you are fishing heavier line etc which the majority here use casting tackle to handle. You can bring the rod to the store and mount some reels to see what feels good.

[TNBassin']

I use a Okuma Trio 30 spinning reel. IMO, a 30 is the perfect size for bass fishing.

[roadwarrior]

Take a look at both the 1000 and 2500 Symetre. Take the rod you will be using with you

to the store. Saddle them up and you will find what feels best. Both reels are great bass

reels.