Reel sizes matching with rod sizes

[Rthill25]

I recently purchased a 7’0, medium heavy, extra fast action rod. I was wondering what size reel I should use. I am interested in the Pflueger President spinning reels, in either the 25, 30, or 35 sizes. I usually use 12lb mono as my line, and the 30 size reel seems to fit as much line as I need. However I am also interested in using something like 10lb PP and using the 25 size reel, but I worry that the reel will not be heavy enough to balance out with the rod. I’m kinda torn here so any replies would be helpful. Thanks in advance. 

[Will1248]

I usually use a 30 size for 8lb i find it casts, handles and is less prone to get tangled around the spool. For 10lb unless is thinner line the 35 seems best for regular 10lb, though it is definitely bigger than an expected set up. I use a 40 with MH rods and a 30 for M Ftip. A 30 size is the standard for bass usually people use braid, I find copolymer cheaper, easier and just as effective as I am not using it to fish around razor blades or whatever it is they do that requires it. Point and case the smaller reel will feel better, be lighter and balances the rod better as a 35 will make it bottom heavy and feel unbalanced. Just set the drag a little low and catch fish. I cant remember the last time I had a fish lost on 8lb because of the line. Proper reeling and a net will let you land any bass you want. 

 Model.   Lb test.    Rod length/Action

20-25.  6lb.               5'6"- 6'6" UL

30.        8lb.                6'-7'     Standard/M

35.        10-12lb.         7' and up MH

Again a 30 feels better but I would shy from 10lb test. If you are dead set on that line(10-12) then go with the 35.

[MIbassyaker]

I use Pflueger size 35 reels on three 7' spinning rods, two M and one MH. Two reasons for 35 instead of 30, which I would normally otherwise use:

1. The 35s balance those (longer, heavier) rods better than lighter, smaller spinning reels.

2. The larger spools have a more inches of line pick-up per crank, which is fitting for longer rod that moves more line.

[boatlesswonder]

Interesting...... Would it make a difference to go with the XT model with the metal rotor in the 35 size?

[OnthePotomac]

I have a 2500 Diawa on both of my 7' Medium Carbonlites and a 2500 Shimano Sahara on a third 7' Medium Carbonlite. I have never felt the need for a MH spinning rod and all reels have only ever had 8lb mono on them.  And this is years of fishing the Tidal Potomac massive grass beds.  Never lost a fish through equipment failure.  All three rods only fished plastics, or tiny crankbaits.

[Darren.]

On 3/11/2018 at 7:24 PM, Rthill25 said:

I recently purchased a 7’0, medium heavy, extra fast action rod. I was wondering what size reel I should use. I am interested in the Pflueger President spinning reels, in either the 25, 30, or 35 sizes. I usually use 12lb mono as my line, and the 30 size reel seems to fit as much line as I need. However I am also interested in using something like 10lb PP and using the 25 size reel, but I worry that the reel will not be heavy enough to balance out with the rod. I’m kinda torn here so any replies would be helpful. Thanks in advance. 

Rod length is where balance and reel size gets fun. What brand

of rod did you buy? I find Bass Pro Carbonlites (in my arsenal)

are so stinkin' light that they balance well with a 1000 size.

For me, tho, 6'6" is my max. Prefer short rods.

 

I find St. Croix tend to be tip-heavy, Carbonlites tip-light. If it

comes down to it, and you really want the 25 and the set up is

tip-heavy, you only need to add a 1" furniture cap on the butt

end with a quarter or two which will balance it out. Or buy a kit

pre-made for it. I've got two of these. Had them for years and

only started using one of them again.

 

http://www.mudhole.com/The-Balancer-Removable-Butt-Cap

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There's no right or wrong. Fwiw in selecting a reel I look for overall build quality , line capacity, drag, ergonomics, weight , aesthetics. I can't force myself to add unnecessary weight to a blank I paid top dollar for due to its light weight. I fish for steelhead holding a 13' rod all day. It would take 1/4 pound or better to make it "balance "

 

 

[S Hovanec]

18 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I fish for steelhead holding a 13' rod all day. It would take 1/4 pound or better to make it "balance "

 

 

 

I had a 13' Croix Wild River float rod I had to put 4oz on to make it manageable.  I fished it once and sold it.  Had a Talon ITM built for me after that.  This was before I started building my own.