Shimano Stradic size recomendation needed

[R H Clark]

Hello folks, sorry if this is repetitive but I searched and didn't find this answer.

I'm about to buy a Stradic for crappie and panfish. I mostly cast 1/32 oz jigs with a custom 1/32-1/4 oz 7' rod. I am thinking the 1000 size would be about perfect but I am considering buying the 2500 size instead for versatility if I ever want to pair it with a heavier rod for bass. Do you think the 2500 would be a mistake on the 7' ultralight rod? I was thinking the Stradic Ci4 was so light I might be fine with the larger reel on the ultralight rod. What do you guys think?  

[I.rar]

The 1000 size would be a better match for a UL rod and could also cover most bass fishing except for MH - H duties. 

The ci4 is very light and may make that long of a rod feel tip heavy if you were to go with the 1000 size imo. 

[EvanT123]

If it's a custom rod you may want to consult your builder. Sometimes the rod guides are setup to accommodate different size reels the best. 

[Darren.]

48 minutes ago, R H Clark said:

Hello folks, sorry if this is repetitive but I searched and didn't find this answer.

I'm about to buy a Stradic for crappie and panfish. I mostly cast 1/32 oz jigs with a custom 1/32-1/4 oz 7' rod. I am thinking the 1000 size would be about perfect but I am considering buying the 2500 size instead for versatility if I ever want to pair it with a heavier rod for bass. Do you think the 2500 would be a mistake on the 7' ultralight rod? I was thinking the Stradic Ci4 was so light I might be fine with the larger reel on the ultralight rod. What do you guys think?  

Hi R H, welcome to the forums.

I'm a huge fan of the 1000 size Stradics. Have
3 of them, 2 FI models, and one FJ. I absolutely
love the size not just for panfish, but for bass
fishing, as well.

So I'd absolutely say you could perform multi-
duty fishing with a 1000 using braid as a mainline
and a leader of various poundage.

I also have one 2500 FJ that i also love, it is a tad
on the big side for what I'm used to. But it balances
perfectly with my Legend Tournament Walleye rod.

My .02.

[tomustang]

I used a stradic ci4 2500 that I taped up the spool to have a similar line capacity of a 1000.

[Dan_the_fisher]

37 minutes ago, tomustang said:

I used a stradic ci4 2500 that I taped up the spool to have a similar line capacity of a 1000.

I use old 50-65lb braid as my backing 

[S Hovanec]

You will want to consult your rodbuilder.  I set up the guide train differently for a 1000 compared to a 2500/3000 reel.  If they set the rod up for a 1000 size, the casting distance may suffer if you use a 2500 in it.

[R H Clark]

I should have been more specific about my custom rods. They are only custom in that no one here would likely be familiar with the brand and characteristics. A local tackle shop has them specially made for them. They are not specially made for me. They are still the best I have found for casting the 1/32 oz jigs I like to use.I have no idea of the specifications in regard to reel size. The good news is that I can try out both size reels on my rod in the store for feel.

As long as the 2500 feels good on my rod, will I be loosing anything casting my 1/32 oz lures compared to the 1000 size? I can always back my line with a cheaper mono, so too much spool capacity will not be an issue.

 

I really appreciate all the help so far, thanks!  

[lmbfisherman]

No I don't think you would be losing out.  I use a 1000 for bass fishing and pan fishing.  Either reel will work.

[MickD]

10 hours ago, EvanT123 said:

If it's a custom rod you may want to consult your builder. Sometimes the rod guides are setup to accommodate different size reels the best. 

With the light lines most likely to be used here the guide setup should work fine no matter how it was set up.

[paangler13]

I really like using as large a reel as I can get away with. I never use anything smaller than a 2500 size reel. My main ultralight setup is a 5.5 ft Tennessee style handle rod(bps micro light) with a 4000 size reel! I like being able to take up a lot of line quickly, plus the bigger spool cuts down on line twist. I do a lot of spinner fishing for trout with this setup, so minimizing line twist is a big deal for me!  I also use it for crappie and perch, and river fishing for smallies. Can cast light lures a mile with four pound mono. 

If it were me, I'd stick to the 2500 size. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

 

Jim

[WIGuide]

I don't think I'd go any bigger than the 1000. It can still be used for bass if you wish but I think it'd be a better setup for what you're looking at. 

[Fishes in trees]

Contrary to paabgker13's opinion, my tendency is to go with the smaller reels if possible.  Smaller reels are lighter   At the end of the day/season/whatever, your wrist and forearm will thank you.