Spinning Reel Size

[hooah212002]

I am curious about "proper" spinning reel sizes. Let's use a Pflueger President for reference because that is my spinning reel of choice.

 

Last year I had a 6935 that I bought because I am/was ignorant about sizes. All I really knew about was 3 sizes: big as hell for saltwater or big cats (being an landlubber, I see big cheapos on big Ugly Sitks that scream big chunk of liver on a big ass treble hook the size of my fist), "regular" size ones and ultra light. Much to my dismay upon getting my 6935 out, I find it to be a bit on the large size. Ok,I say, I'll go get a 6930. Well, I haven't been able (or really willing due to winter) to pick one up yet but my dad got one for himself due to my suggestion. However, even while his 6930 still feels a bit big and bulky, I feel like a 6925 would be too small. I do not have a BPS nearby to check one out and the only place that sells them is a Dicks but they only carry the 6935 (that's where I got mine) and sometimes the 6930.

 

If the 6930 is the "right" size, that's fine. But my Citica on my Veritas has spoiled me with light gear that feels barely there and I am hoping my spinning reel can be the same. I am also willing to entertain ideas about a similar quality reel in roughly the same price range ($70 tops for now). However, I freakin love the Presidents and the consensus seems to be that they are the best thing at anywhere near this price range.

 

I mainly bass fish, but this reel will likely see some eyes at some point when I go up nort der ay to my Uncles this summer (a trip often talked about, but rarely executed). Most all lakes in this area have pretty nasty weeds, so my bass gear has to be moderately robust (quiet down, FL guys).

[rippin-lips]

2500-3000 size reels are typically what's used. Either one would be fine. Just remember the president 25 has a max line rating of #6 and it only holds 90 yards of it. So if you wanted to use #8 it would hold even less. Exception would be using #15-20 braid or even #8 fluoro since it's usually smaller then it's mono counterpart. If it were my choice I'd pick the 30 size. It holds a little more line and has a higher ipt retrieve.

[SirSnookalot]

As a rule the larger the spool the better the line management on a spinning reel.  I would take into consideration the rod I was planning on using first, then decide on a reel size.  Whether it's a 35 or 30 size both reels can handle bass fishing, for me it's an issue of comfort.  Don't be confused about spinning vs b/c weight, the spinner has the weight on the bottom of the rod, increased weight is far less noticeable. 

[jerzeeD]

I litrerally use nothing but size 35 Pfluegers at this point. I do have a 30 size for live bait fishing, but that is the only duty it pulls.

[Marty]

I bought a 6935 last year and have been pleased with it. But I'm used to Daiwa 2500 sizes and I think the 6935 is similar. Consider the line type and size you'll be using and what SirSnookalot said about larger reels handling line better. But in the end you have to get you feel comfortable with, taking several factors into consideration. There is no "proper" size; different strokes for different folks.

 

[hooah212002]

 

There is no "proper" size; different strokes for different folks.

 

 

I agree there. It just felt like the 6935 was overkill for what I was doing. I have heard an overwhelming majority of guys say "X size reel is too big" and that is what I was going off of. I take opinions of veteran fishermen over mine 9/10 times and if enough people are convinced that X size reel is overkill, I'll take that info and use it until I learn firsthand otherwise. Perhaps, though, it was because it was too big for the rod it was on (a 7' St Croix that I've since forgotten the name of since I got it at a bait shop refurbished so they scratched off all the markings). However, a bigger rod would have only made it serve a different purpose and that purpose would probably not be bass fishing. I am leaning towards smaller, lighter gear because I have to carry it all since I am a bank beater as well as it being much more comfortable and easier on my wrists (which are likely to have carpal tunnel soon because I work on computers all day).

 

Thanks all for the replies thus far.

[Cgrinder]

If you can get your hands on one to try, the Daiwa Legalis spinning reel is a heck of a reel for $60. Valley Sports might have them. I'd look at the 2000 size, though the 2500 is also an option. I have a President and a Sedona and my girlfriend's Legalis seems to be a step up performance-wise at the same price point. The line lay and management on the Legalis is also very good for a $60 reel. If you're looking to branch out brand-wise, Daiwa is a good choice.

 

If you want to stay Pflueger, the 30 size is pretty good for bass fishing. I have the 25 and as others have said, it's on the small side. Nice trout reel though.

[hooah212002]

If you can get your hands on one to try, the Daiwa Legalis spinning reel is a heck of a reel for $60. Valley Sports might have them. I'd look at the 2000 size, though the 2500 is also an option. I have a President and a Sedona and my girlfriend's Legalis seems to be a step up performance-wise at the same price point. The line lay and management on the Legalis is also very good for a $60 reel. If you're looking to branch out brand-wise, Daiwa is a good choice.

 

If you want to stay Pflueger, the 30 size is pretty good for bass fishing. I have the 25 and as others have said, it's on the small side. Nice trout reel though.

 

I'll give that a shot if I can, thanks. I have a Gander Mountain that I can take the time before work to check out, but it's out of the way enough that I can't just go on a whim and have to go with a purpose. My old man also wants to take a day trip to Bass Pro soon (it's like an hour and a half away from either of our houses).

[Cgrinder]

I'll give that a shot if I can, thanks. I have a Gander Mountain that I can take the time before work to check out, but it's out of the way enough that I can't just go on a whim and have to go with a purpose. My old man also wants to take a day trip to Bass Pro soon (it's like an hour and a half away from either of our houses).

 

BPS should definitely have them on display. It's where my girlfriend got hers. I usually hate spinning reels but I dig whatever Daiwa has done with their spools.

[hooah212002]

If you can get your hands on one to try, the Daiwa Legalis spinning reel is a heck of a reel for $60. Valley Sports might have them. I'd look at the 2000 size, though the 2500 is also an option. I have a President and a Sedona and my girlfriend's Legalis seems to be a step up performance-wise at the same price point. The line lay and management on the Legalis is also very good for a $60 reel. If you're looking to branch out brand-wise, Daiwa is a good choice.

 

If you want to stay Pflueger, the 30 size is pretty good for bass fishing. I have the 25 and as others have said, it's on the small side. Nice trout reel though.

 

This actually raises a question that was kind of hidden in my OP but I forgot about: you say the 2000 series of this Legalis is recommended. Is that going to be the same size reel as a 6920 President, where the 20 in that number is the reel size and actually means "2000"? If so, it seems like that would be a bit on the small side. If not, does that mean there is no uniformity in regards to spinning reel sizes and you have to handle each reel model/brand in order to know what size to get?

[Cgrinder]

This actually raises a question that was kind of hidden in my OP but I forgot about: you say the 2000 series of this Legalis is recommended. Is that going to be the same size reel as a 6920 President, where the 20 in that number is the reel size and actually means "2000"? If so, it seems like that would be a bit on the small side. If not, does that mean there is no uniformity in regards to spinning reel sizes and you have to handle each reel model/brand in order to know what size to get?

 

Correct, there is no standard. A Legalis 2000 is a little lower capacity-wise than a President 6930, 8lb/110yd vs. 8lb/130yd. For reference, a Shimano 2500 is 8lb/140yd, putting it between a Daiwa 2000 and 2500 and slightly above a President 30 in capacity.

[bigbill]

I been using the 200 / 2000 & 300 / 3000 size spinning reels all the time. In purchasing many different brands of the affordable spinning reels the sizes do vary. I found some 300 / 3000 sized spinning reels were the 400 / 4000 sized spinning reels were close to the same size. I been using the 200 / 2000 sized reels on my 5'6" rods but found out recently I can cast a tad farther when I use it on a 6" or 6'6" rod. I'm leaning towards the smaller sized 200 / 2000 sized spinning reels.

I just purchased a few US REEL SUPERCASTER spinning reels to see if the larger diameter spool casts farther out like they say it does. Time will tell. It's up against my favorite fin-nor and okuma spinning reels.

I purchased a few of the US REEL SUPER CASTER baitcasters to also try soon too.

Fishing from shore I want to reach the Lilly pads near the open water I can reach with a longer cast.

I see fish tearing up the baitfish in the pads were I can't reach them. It will take me a month of watching this action till the fish will get closer we're I can reach it. So the farther I can cast is better sometimes.

[Tywithay]

I been using the 200 / 2000 & 300 / 3000 size spinning reels all the time. In purchasing many different brands of the affordable spinning reels the sizes do vary. I found some 300 / 3000 sized spinning reels were the 400 / 4000 sized spinning reels were close to the same size. I been using the 200 / 2000 sized reels on my 5'6" rods but found out recently I can cast a tad farther when I use it on a 6" or 6'6" rod. I'm leaning towards the smaller sized 200 / 2000 sized spinning reels.

I just purchased a few US REEL SUPERCASTER spinning reels to see if the larger diameter spool casts farther out like they say it does. Time will tell. It's up against my favorite fin-nor and okuma spinning reels.

I purchased a few of the US REEL SUPER CASTER baitcasters to also try soon too.

Fishing from shore I want to reach the Lilly pads near the open water I can reach with a longer cast.

I see fish tearing up the baitfish in the pads were I can't reach them. It will take me a month of watching this action till the fish will get closer we're I can reach it. So the farther I can cast is better sometimes.

The reel isn't the issue. You need a longer rod. If you were using a 7' or even a 7'6" rod, you could probably reach the pads.

[Marty]

The reel isn't the issue. You need a longer rod. If you were using a 7' or even a 7'6" rod, you could probably reach the pads.

 

Also, go fishing at that spot when the wind's at your back.

[SirSnookalot]

I don't believe a wide spool casts any further than a traditional spinning reel, if so the extra distance wouldn't be much.  Distance is predicated on a few factors, wind is given, rod length (have to compare same brand and model, I have shorter rods that cast farther than some of my longer rods) material of rod blank and lure profile. Not that this would be comfortable for bass fishing but an 8' surf rod will out cast a traditional 8' rod, it's made different, it's made to cast far.

[frogflogger]

Large dia. spools make for better line management - bps has several in different price ranges - once you use large dia. spools it's hard to go back.