Reel Size

[Robert Riley]

I came across an interesting thought today. I was looking for a new reel for my new ML set up, and all I had in my cache was a large pike worthy spinning reel. That reel would have looked behemoth on that rod, not to mention unwieldy.

So if you were to measure reels by their fit to a rod. How would you do it?

[Teal]

A good rule of thumb for me is 1000 size reels, (shimano standard- using that as a base line) for light action or ML rods.

2500 or 3000 size, for M and MH

But you really want to try the reel on the rod while at the store and see how it feels.

[Bankbeater]

I like to go by weight.  If the rig doesn't feel heavy toward the handle or rod tip I will use the rig to see how I like it.

[Sam]

First, I like the 2500 size spinning reels.

You can go with a 2000 size for light tacke.

 

For baitcasters I try to match the reel's weight with the rod's weight. This means that if the rod is a light one I use a light reel. If the rod is a heavy one I will use a heavier reel.

 

You have to attach the reel to the rod and feel its balance and decide which is best for you and your techniques.

 

Totally personal preference.

 

Some guys add weight to the ends of their rod handles for better balance. I don't do this as I beleive the rod and reel should fit together like a hand and glove without any adjustments. Once again, personal preference.

 

Remember, when you buy a new rod or reel in a store, always put them together to see how the setup feels. If this means brining your specific rod or reel into the store then do so. The store clerks could care less and the ones who bass fish will be impressed and give you better service.

[thehooligan]

I use 1000 size spinning reels on 6'10 rods and shorter. I jump up to 2500 size for 7ft and longer rods.

[roadwarrior]

You will like the feel, looks and performance of a 1000 series reel.

 

 

 

 

[SirSnookalot]

1000 or 30 depending mfg.

[Silas]

Shimano 1000, 2000, and 2500 are great and feel balanced on many rods.

 

I have a Vintage Sustain 2500 on a Dobyns Champion 703

 

Vintage Sustain 2000 on a Cumara 7'2"M

 

Daiwa Sol 2000  on another Cumara 7'2"M

 

2011 Twinpower 2500 on a 6'10" Megabass Aaron Marten Dropshot

 

Vintage Twinpower 2500 on a Shimano Cumulus 6'5"

 

And a Stradic 1000FE that is presently not on a rod.....had it on a Bass Pro Extreme ML.

 

All of these balance very well.  I do think the Stradic 1000 worked very well for crappie and bluegill and little Beetle Spins and Sliders, but would also have been fine for regular bass fishing.

 

I like the 2000 and 2500 size as they feel better on the rods I have chosen.  I had considered the 3000 model but did not need the extra line for any reason.

 

I have 3 spooled with 12# Sunline SX-1 plus Biwako Guide 7# fluoro and the Sol  filled with 6# Yozuri Hybrid backing and topped off with Sunline Finesse FC in 6#.  All work well so far, but I don't have much time on any of them.  Time will tell.

 

You won't go wrong with any of these sizes for bass. 

[.ghoti.]

Consider this, Robert: a 1000 size reel will have a very small diameter spool. This will lead to line management problems if you plan to use anything over 6lb test mono, and, depending on brand, flouro over 4lb test.

A smaller spool will result in more line twist and memory. I would recommend a 20 or 25 size reel if you're planning to use mono over 6 or flouro over 4.

[thehooligan]

Consider this, Robert: a 1000 size reel will have a very small diameter spool. This will lead to line management problems if you plan to use anything over 6lb test mono, and, depending on brand, flouro over 4lb test.

A smaller spool will result in more line twist and memory. I would recommend a 20 or 25 size reel if you're planning to use mono over 6 or flouro over 4.

 

I agree completely with this. I use braid and flouro leaders so i use 1000 size reels. I want the lightest possible. But if i ever planned on using full flouro it would definitely be a 2500 size reel.

[Darren.]

Another fan here of 1000 size reels. I also like 2000, as I've been using a Daiwa Lexa 2000 on my ML Avid.

 

Braid eliminates line management issues for smaller spools, so not a problem there.

 

Never had a bass, catfish, etc. spool my 1000 reels. And I use M powered rods for the 1000s.

[esoxangler]

Not that others will not work, but in my experience, I follow what .ghoti stated.

[Robert Riley]

Hm ghoti, I like that idea. It seems that the relationship lies in the length of the rod and not the action.

I was looking at the smaller pfleuger Supreme XTs. About 6 to 7 oz I believe.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Ideally the stripper guide of a spinning rod will be about 1/2 the diameter of the spool lip. This tames the coils without hindering line flow.

[.ghoti.]

Robert, Cabelas has the supreme XT on sale right now for $120. I just ordered one. Look in their bargain cave.

[SirSnookalot]

The 2 most comfortable freshwater combos I have are a supreme 35 on a 7' med 8/17 inshore rod, and a supreme 30 on a 6'6 med 6/12 rod.  

[Robert Riley]

Robert, Cabelas has the supreme XT on sale right now for $120. I just ordered one. Look in their bargain cave.

Haha that's exactly why I was looking at it!

[SirSnookalot]

As much as I like my supremes and I'm going to use them until they die, I'm in love with the Daiwa Lexa. If I were in the market for a bass sized reel or as light duty inshore reel, the Lexa is at the top of my consideration list.

[Teal]

As much as I like my supremes and I'm going to use them until they die, I'm in love with the Daiwa Lexa. If I were in the market for a bass sized reel or as light duty inshore reel, the Lexa is at the top of my consideration list.

Bait monkey done bit the Snook.

Havent looked at it, but will probably look at it now.