Help deciding what size spinning reel to purchase for 10 lb copolymer.

[am1590]

I have been reading these forums for a long time and decided it was time to create an account and start posting. 

My dilemma is choosing the right sized spinning reel.  I will be spooling it with 10 lb test copolymer (gamma or mccoy) most of the time but will also use 8 and 12 lb lines depending on the situation.  I will primarily be using it to throw jerkbaits, dropshots, and occasionally spooks (if the fish are in the mood).  I have settled on  purchasing a Daiwa Legalis LT, and never having owned one I'm not sure which model will cast these line sizes and lure selection best - the 2500 12lb/160yrds or the 3000 16lb/160yrds.  Does anybody have any experience with this reel that could recommend which size to get for 8-12 lb (with a heavy emphasis on 10 lb) applications?  The rod I will be pairing it with is a 6' 10" medium fast Okuma Evx.  

[Log Catcher]

Hello and welcome to the forum. I can't help you with your spinning reel question as I only use 2000 and 2500 size Shimano spinning reels. There plenty of people on here that will help you. Good luck.

[Smokinal]

This is something that you will want to, if you can, get to Cabelas or BPS and try for yourself. I upgraded my spinning reels a couple years ago and went through the same thing you are. I found that a 2500 in one brand can actually be a different size and weight of another brand's 2500.

Also keep in mind that spool size will change with reel size as well; kinda Captain Obvious but some may not realize that.

I ended up with the Presidents in #6930

[Bluebasser86]

I would not suggest going above 8lb on a spinning reel. Anything above that is very difficult to manage on a spinning reel.  If you really want to do it, I would go with a 3000 or 35 size reel.

[am1590]

Thanks for the replies!  Unfortunately the closest BPS is over 1 1/2 hrs away and I don't have a lot of time right now.  I may just make the drive next weekend though.  The jerkbait bite is right around the corner and I want to be ready. 

As far as 8 lb goes, I agree it is much more manageable.  However, I like the extra shock absorbtion of the 10 lb when jerkbait fishing, more of a confidence booster than anything.  I have found the Gamma polyflex and Stren Magnathin Copoly 10 lb test to be fairy manageable on the right reel.  My very older than dirt reel was a Daiwa Regal and it worked flawlessly with 10 lb, but I used it for so long that all the numbers are worn, and or scratched off and I have no idea what size or model it is.   The new ones look nothing like the old one I wore out.  If I had to pull the trigger right now I would get the 3000 to be on the safe side.  Thanks for your input.

[Armtx77]

Im in the minority here, but I run a Diawa BG 1500, with 8lbs NanoFil. I have run 10lbs without issues, but the .006 in 8lbs Nanofil, seems to be a sweet spot for me. I do run very light lures in the 1 1/6-1/8oz weights, to be fair.

I have no problems recommending the BG series of spinning reels in that $85-$110 range

[am1590]

That is good to know.  The 2500 BG has a smaller spool than the 2500 Legalis.   Based on what you are saying a 2500 Legalis LT should be more than sufficient enough to utilize 10 lb test.  I think I have made up my mind, thanks for all of your input:)  

[fishnkamp]

LGLT2500D	5 BB, 1RB	5.3:1	29.6”	7.2	MONO: 8/240, 10/210, 12/160	22.0

 

Those are the specs for that reel directly off Daiwas website.  So they say it is a 6 ball bearing reel and spec it for 240 yards of 8 pound mono, 210 yards of 10 pound mono, or 160 yards of 12 pound mono.  Rather than worrying what a bunch of anglers on here prefer or our opinions (since most of us have never touched that reel) I would believe Daiwas' own engineering specs. I fish a lot of Daiwa reels and have never disagreed with what they spec on a reel.

I am sure that the 2500 size reel would be fine, except I would like to take my rod into a place like Cabelas and try both a 2500 and a 3000 size reel on my rod to determine which one felt more balanced in my hands.

[WRB]

Line capacity doesn't necessarily indicate the diameter of the spool, it may be a deeper spool. US reels made a large diameter spool spinning reel but unfortunitly are no longer in business, some new in box US spinning reels XL180 (1.8"D) XL240 (2.3"D) may still be available on eBay.

Instead of looking at line by pound test use dismeter, .010 is about max for fresh water spinning reels for bass fishing. The 3500 to 4000 size spinning reels are too big or heavy to balance with most bass rods, but that would be a possibility.

Tom

[TOXIC]

I agree with Tom.  The biggest I ever throw for bass is the 2500 size and I prefer the old WST, Wide Spool Technology that are becoming pretty rare.  Anything over a 2500 series overpowers most bass rigs and most of my spinning applications top out at 8lb test.  Anything above that and I switch to a baitcaster.  

[Brad in Texas]

So many good responses. I'd only add that line peels off of larger reel spools a bit easier and faster so it generally would be indicated for longer casting "potential."

 

And, when you consider the play between a rod and its reel, that perfect balance, remember that when you are fishing, for most presentations you'll have some tension on the line so that offsets a heavier reel somewhat. Balancing a rod and reel on one's finger to determine a good balance is hardly the position we will find ourselves in on the water with line out.

 

I totally agree on line size. For most presentations that are specific to spinning tackle, where it really shines, I don't want to give away that advantage by having a line above around 8 lbs. test (mono or fluoro) leader or main line. Yes, you can use a larger braid main line. Sufix Nanobraid 14 lbs. test is the same diameter as its Sufix 832 (another great braid) in 10 lbs. That's a lot of line strength for most finesse applications, more than enough.

 

*** Casting reels are coming! Keep watching as I suspect we'll see more and more of these capable of throwing very light presentations within a decade. 

 

Brad

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Is there a reason you wouldn't simply use a leader and 

put braid as your mainline? Line management would be

much better than 10# anything on a spinning reel for

bass fishing (IMO). I've put 10# copoly on spinning reels

and it can coil off like a spring - even with line & lure 

conditioner.

 

Another benefit of braid + leader is you can vary the 

leader to any pound test for many techniques.

 

Just curious...

[am1590]

10 hours ago, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard!

 

Is there a reason you wouldn't simply use a leader and 

put braid as your mainline? Line management would be

much better than 10# anything on a spinning reel for

bass fishing (IMO). I've put 10# copoly on spinning reels

and it can coil off like a spring - even with line & lure 

conditioner.

 

Another benefit of braid + leader is you can vary the 

leader to any pound test for many techniques.

 

Just curious...

First off thanks for all of good information from everybody.  To answer your question I just really like the feel of mono or copolymer over braid.  Example, I like to use stren magnathin 10lb when using a jerk bait.  It is small diameter (.010), low stretch, almost neutrally buoyant so it doesn't mess with the suspending action of the bait.  It is also very hard to see under water, and has just enough stretch to keep me from ripping it out of a fishes mouth on a pull-strike.  I have been using it for years and am self admittedly stuck in my ways lol.  I will use braid when I am fishing in or over slop though.  I haven't gotten into tying on a leader, again stuck in my old ways.  If it aint broke don't fix it I guess.  I think about doing it, but my adhd kicks in and tells me I don't have time and to get my lure back in the water:)

[papajoe222]

Welcome

I was just looking at the RG2500H which is the same size reel with more bearings and a couple of ounces heavier. I ended up purchasing the Pfluger President because of the IPT. The Legalis LT had similar IPT to the President, but I couldn't find one in my area and although I'm a Daiwa guy, My only other spinning reel is a President.