Finesse Spinning Reel Size

[Superdumper]

A few months ago I got a pflueger President size 3500. This was ment for an all purposes. Now I want a finesse set up. I'm looking into rods now but before I buy one I just wanted some opinions on a size 3500 spinning reel with a finesse set up.

Thanks for any advice in advance

[Darren.]

A few months ago I got a pflueger President size 3500. This was ment for an all purposes. Now I want a finesse set up. I'm looking into rods now but before I buy one I just wanted some opinions on a size 3500 spinning reel with a finesse set up.

Thanks for any advice in advance

 

You can use a 3500 for "finesse", but realize that term is debatable. Just about any lure can be "finessed" on any setup.

 

If you're strictly talking light baits, light line, I personally feel the 3500 size is big. But realize I prefer smaller reels. I'd pick a 3500 size for in-shore saltwater stuff.

 

I do most of my bass fishing with 1000 size Stradics, and a 2000 size Lexa. I caught the 6.6 pounder in my avatar on one of the Stradics. Plenty of power to land a fish of that size and larger (which I have caught on same reels). I've never lost a fish due to the reel being underpowered.

 

What I'd look for is to balance your rod and reel together where YOU feel most comfortable. If you like the 3500 size, then put it on several different rods at your local BPS to better help you get the feel.

[MarksHooked]

I just purchased a President 6930 and went with that over the 25 due to the balance it gave me in the rods I was trying out. I really like the feeling of the rod tip sitting at 10 o'clock naturally for those finesse applications, and the smaller size felt a little tip heavy, which some prefer.  although maybe I just need to try it on better rods.  

 

not to derail the topic too much but Darren M, which rods do you pair your 1000 and 2000 size rods with, and how does the balance feel in your hand with the smaller reels? I place my entire hand above the reel seat to try and keep the weight towards the back 

[MarksHooked]

Also welcome to BR superdumper!

[roadwarrior]

The 2500 is a great all-around size. If you are looking for "technique specific"

you will find the 1000 size is MUCH more suitable. Unless you use spinning gear

for everything, the 3500 has too much line capacity for the vast majority of freshwater

fishing.

[Darren.]

 

not to derail the topic too much but Darren M, which rods do you pair your 1000 and 2000 size rods with, and how does the balance feel in your hand with the smaller reels? I place my entire hand above the reel seat to try and keep the weight towards the back 

 

The longest rods I use (currently) are 6'3", and I've got a 1000 on a 6'3" Compre, and one on a 5'9" Compre. The Lexa is on my Avid currently, which *was* 6'3", but is now about 5'9" due to breakage. Will be traded in under warranty when I can do so. Not sure what length I'll get, and if I'll cross-trade for a 6'2" casting rod.

 

Now before you say "ha! shorter rods is why they balance!" realize I've also paired these same reels in-store on 6'6" to 6'8" rods of various brands. The Stradic was amazingly balanced on several, including the BPS Carbonlite in those lengths (which was a great balance). I'm between 5'6" and 5'7", and just happen to prefer the shorter rods for the type of kayak fishing I do. Hate my rods getting tied up in low-lying trees, bushes and such.

 

Balance to me is probably similar to you, I want the tip to be up around the 10 o'clock location, or 45 to 50 degrees up from horizontal. And depending on the length of the rod, and comfort, I too will put my hand above the reel. But typically I wrap my pinky around the reel stem. Definitely want the weight to the back of my combo. Just my preference.

[MarksHooked]

Thank you for the input. I've been focusing on 7' rods, I'm 6'3 mostly bank fishing. I will continue to try different rods/reel combos at my local shops until I find the perfect set up for myself, might need to take a look at something a bit shorter