Stradic Ci4+

[GaterB]

What size of the stradic ci4+ do you guys use for dropshot and finesse worms?? I'm looking at the 2500 or 3000

[F14A-B]

I am not a owner, yet! But I have used and checked out these reels a lot lately, I am not sure why I am dragging on this but nevertheless I was sold on the 3000.... Now.... I really, really like the 1000.. I can see one of both, by fall!

[TiNuts]

Personally I would use the 1000 for finesse. No particular reason, just personal preference. The 2500 seems too big to me.

[Cgrinder]

If you're going to use flouro, 2500 or 3000. If 15 lb or less braid, the 1000 is nice for saving some weight.

[mod479]

I use a 2500, running fluoro and it balances really well on a 7'2" cumara. 3000 would be good if you want to put a bunch of line on it.

[Dramer77]

2500 here on a 7'1" cumara

[Snakehead Whisperer]

I use a 1000 for my dropshot rig, and most of my other finesse spinning rigs. Can't imagine having a 2500 on my 6'6" ML rod, it would seem huge. 

 

I've caught snakeheads up to 17lbs and blue cats over 40lbs on the 1000, and it handled these fish well. Plenty of line to play a big fish on these small reels.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The frames are the same size so unless you need the extra line capacity the 2500 works fine.

[Capt.Bob]

The frames are the same size so unless you need the extra line capacity the 2500 works fine.

If you need the larger frame of the 2500 with it's extra weight and are going to use it for other techniques, I would go with the 3000 for it's extra capacity, you can use cheap backing and if you ever want the capacity it is there and handle knobs are the same, like Mike said.

 

Now that is only for the Ci4+,,, but every other Shimano 2500 and 3000 have the same frame like Mike said, but depending on Stradic or Sustain use different handles. I hated the huge Saltwater T handle on my Sustain 3000 FE, over the smaller T handle on the 2500FE, but for drifting on Lake Erie for Open water Walleye, wanted the capacity, the Stradic 2500FJ uses the same handle knob as the 1000FJ, and the 3000FJ uses the same T handle the Sustain 2500FE uses,,,,very confusing. I am just putting this out there for those that aren't familiar with the different models of Stradics and Sustains.

 

Now to answer the OP. Depends on the rod you are using. I want a well ballanced and as light a reel to do that with the rod I am using. I prefer the 1000 size Stradic or Sustain for Finesse fishing for Bass and Walleye fishing. The main reason I bought the 1000FA Ci4+ was less weight, to pair up with the extremely light rod I built for this type fishing. It is much lighter than the 2500, 3000, and holds plenty of line for this type of fishing. The rod I used before for this type of fishing, was a 6'3" MXF L.E. I use a Stradic 1000FJ on, and it is balanced perfect and does not balance as good with the 1000FA Ci4+. Possibly why both posters mentioning using over 7' rods, prefer the larger heavier frame.

 

I would try the reel's on the rod you want to use with these reels, either when properly matched to the rod your using are excellent, I would have never said that about the original Ci4, I tried them and sold them, in favor of the FI and even smoother and more powerful FJ. I have only had this new Ci4+ out twice, but after over a dozen Bass on weightless power craws, It is everything the original never was, and very close to the same performance as my 1000FG Sustain, but lighter!!!

[Tywithay]

I use the 2500, because even that holds way more than enough line than you'll ever need in most cases. Unless you plan on making 120 yard casts with a surf rod, then I guess the 3000 might give you another 10-15 yards of capacity.

[FishTank]

I have a Stradic FE 2500 with a 6'8" M St. Croix Avid for all of my Finesse stuff.

[SirSnookalot]

I'd go with a 2500, more verastile and still plenty light at 7.0 oz.

[thehooligan]

I think everyone pretty much covered it.

 

1. 7ft or longer rod go with the 2500/3000

2. 8lb flouro or higher go with 2500/3000

3. 6'10 or shorter rod go 1000

4. 6lb flouro/10-15lb braid go 1000

 

I started with 2500's and 8-10lb line years ago and slowly worked my way down to 1000's with 10lb braid and flouro leaders. Absolutely love the 1000 paired with a 6'8 cumara...

[MikeinFresno]

I have a 1000, 2500 and 3000. I use the 2500 for DS, the 1000 for trout, 3000 for a striper rod.

[GaterB]

Great advice, thanks everyone

[gripnrip]

2500 paired with a 6'9" Falcon Cara drop shot rod.