Reel & Rod match

[Jseln_16]

Hello, I was wondering what would be a better match for my rod. I have a 7ft medium-light St croix premier. What would be a better match up. A 1000 or 2500 Shimano Stradic Fk

[Kidflex]

1000 is perfect for that rod

[Jseln_16]

Thanks for the reply. I was wondering what i should put on it. Currently I have a Pinnacle Producer xt prf 40. How would a 1000 and 2500 compare to this?  The rod is also some what tip heavy with the Pinnacle. Will the 1000 help with this? Also is ther better casting distance or less line tangling with 1000 vs the 2500? This combo will be for wacky rigs, dropshots and anything under 3/8 ounce that i cannot through on my baitcaster.

Edited December 22, 2016 by Jseln_16
Clarity

[Hulkster]

IMO for balance with a 7 footer the 2500 size is better.

[Jseln_16]

13 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

IMO for balance with a 7 footer the 2500 size is better.

Would the rod be more or less tip heavy with the bigger reel? My 1000 Sedona feels small but balances ok but that is me crappie reel.

[Yudo1]

A rod will be less tip heavy with a heavier reel, but using heavier reels to balance a rod is inefficient because it is too close to the fulcrum.  I would go with a lighter reel and counterbalance the rod from the butt.  I use rubber chair bumpers from the hardware store and add as many quarters it takes to balance it perfectly.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

I checked and your Producer 40 is a 10oz reel going to a lighter reel balance will be worse with 1000 or 2500.

[fishnkamp]

Athlon Spartan is correct if you have a 10 ounce reel now and the rod seems a bit tip heavy then going lighter is going to make that seem worse. Why were you considering changing anyway?  As for line tangle the larger a spool the less coiling you should get to a point.  To avoid 'wind knots" or line tangle there are several good habits to use all of the time. First never ever close the bail by spinning the reel handle!   Instead make your cast, feather it and stop the line with your finger. Next lift the rod tip just a tad to tighten up the loose line a bit and close the bail by hand. It becomes something you do and never even think about it. Also NEVER EVER reel when a fish is taking line with the drag!  Lastly make sure the weight of the lure you want to fish falls within the specs on the rod. Trying to fish an unweighted plastic worm on a rod that says 1/16 to 5/16 will fish much easier than a heavier rod with 1/8 to 5/8 lets say. These are specs for the typical medium light and medium spinning rods.

 My last suggestion is going to Berkley original Fireline in 14 pound test (6 pound size) and a copolymer or fluoro leader setup.  I have changed all of the spinning reels my wife and I use over to this fused line. It plays really nice since it has no memory, is thin and tough. I use a 4 foot leader made up of P Line CXX moss green 10 pound test. That line breaks at 22 pounds!.

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There's no right or wrong. Take the rod and mount a few reels to see what feels good. IMO the whole balance thing is way over thought and obsessed on. St Croix uses great blanks and tend toward the shorter side on handle length. If you decide adding weight is an absolute must don't do it with the reel. Go the cap and washer route. 

[bigfruits]

try fishing with all of your fingers above the reel seat and 99% of spinning rods will balance.

[crypt]

33 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

There's no right or wrong. Take the rod and mount a few reels to see what feels good. IMO the whole balance thing is way over thought and obsessed on. St Croix uses great blanks and tend toward the shorter side on handle length. If you decide adding weight is an absolute must don't do it with the reel. Go the cap and washer route. 

this........and nothing else.

[J Francho]

My answer depends on what type of line and size you're putting on it.  If it's 6-8 lb. fluorocarbon, then a 2500 series.  10-20 lb. braid, and the 1000 series will suit you fine.  BTW, I'm a three fingers forward guy.  One of my largest bass was caught on a 1000 series Stradic and braid and a ML/XH rod:

[Jseln_16]

That is a very nice bass J. I will probably go to 2500 for the improved casting and because I will buy an extra spool with 8lb mono and have another spool with 15lb pp to 8lb flouro leader. I will use the cap and washer to balance anything problems out. Thanks for the help

[Deleted account]

On December 22, 2016 at 9:05 AM, bigfruits said:

try fishing with all of your fingers above the reel seat and 99% of spinning rods will balance.

I do this with all spinning gear, habit from salt and surf days. Splitting  the reel between my fingers just doesn't feel right with anything except ultra light stuff.

[fishwizzard]

Are you guys casting with your whole hand above the reel seat or do you move it there after?