Gear for mostly top water cranks and spinners

[E-H]

Only question about going with a bigger reel - I read you can just using some cheap mono backing for about 1/2 the spool and then use my normal 6lb mono for my top line (about 120yds or so).  Will that work ok or hinder the casting distance?  I saw you can put electrical tape over the knot between the 2 connections etc...

 

I typically replace the entire spool but it would be nice to save some $ by just replacing 1/2 the line each year.

[MN Fisher]

28 minutes ago, E-H said:

Only question about going with a bigger reel - I read you can just using some cheap mono backing for about 1/2 the spool and then use my normal 6lb mono for my top line (about 120yds or so).  Will that work ok or hinder the casting distance?  I saw you can put electrical tape over the knot between the 2 connections etc...

 

I typically replace the entire spool but it would be nice to save some $ by just replacing 1/2 the line each year.

I only put 60-70 yds of mainline on top of my backing - that's whether the mainline is braid, mono, FC or hybrid.

[E-H]

So I researched the vanford 2500 and 3000.  The 2 differences are the additional line capacity and carbon washer on the 3000.  Same weight.  6.3 oz.

 

If the weight is the same I guess the 3000 would cast a little further and may have a little less line twist on smaller spinners.  Again this is with a ML/F 6' 6" rod - avid x.

 

So I was sold on the 2000 but think the 2500 or 3000 could actually be a better (with comments above), even though I don't really need the extra drag for smaller smalleys.

 

Thoughts?

[E-H]

Anyone else (other than 1 person - who said a 3000 should be good) have experience with a ML/F 6' 6" rod and a light weight vanford 6.3 oz or equivalent 3000 spinning reel? 

 

I just want to make sure I am doing the right thing with this setup as it will be my only higher-end gear.  So ready to pull the trigger on the reel.....

[MN Fisher]

The only thing that hits me wrong about the Vanfords is the high retrieve rate. For crankbaits I like it between 26IPT and 30IPT - my shallow/light crank reel is a President XT-30 and at 31IPT I have to slow the handle turn from  my normal to get the cranks to track correctly.

 

The Vanford 3000 has a 37IPT, even the 2500 is at 35IPT. If you're fine slowing down your handle turning to work the cranks - then you should be fine.

[E-H]

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

The only thing that hits me wrong about the Vanfords is the high retrieve rate. For crankbaits I like it between 26IPT and 30IPT - my shallow/light crank reel is a President XT-30 and at 31IPT I have to slow the handle turn from  my normal to get the cranks to track correctly.

 

The Vanford 3000 has a 37IPT, even the 2500 is at 35IPT. If you're fine slowing down your handle turning to work the cranks - then you should be fine.

Excellent point I didn't consider.  I wanted more distance and less line twist so that was the reason for going up a bit in the reel size (since the weight is so light on the Vanford).  I will be doing some crankbaits - deep divers - 8ft or so in the early spring but mostly doing topwater or ned during the warmer summer months.  Going for a 5'6" and 1000 cheap setup I think I will be loving the extra distance even if I go 2000.

[E-H]

"going from a 5'6" cheap setup"

[Boomstick]

As others have said, you should be good with that rod.

 

I would also suggest getting some Owner Mosquito hooks and drop shot weights and throwing on a nose hooked alive shad on a drop shot. And maybe a ned rig too, both which would be great with that rod. 6lb mono/fluoro or 10-15lb braid with a 6lb leader would be my line of choice for these presenations as well. This way you can target fish that aren't chasing top waters and deeper waters (I prefer the drop shot in deeper water and the ned rig in the shallower water for the most part)

[E-H]

I just looked up the weight of the carbonite 2.0 1000 reel I had been using on my previous gear and it’s 6.7 oz.  The new Vanford 2500 and 3000 are 6.3 oz.  

 

That’s incredible.  Might have to pull the trigger on the 2500 or 3000.  Casting distance might be at least 20 yards more, especially with the new rod. 

[E-H]

Just pulled the trigger on a vanford 3000.  Got a bit lucky and found one in stock (last one).

 

Should be really great casting distance and less line twist.  Plus it will be pretty versatile with the avid x.  

 

I will have to slow my turning a bit on cranks a bit but that is only part of what I will be doing on the water.  The faster retrieval will allow me to cast in different spots quicker when I see the bigger smb jumping at the hatch throughout the summer on the topwater lures.  I never felt like I could reach those spots due to distance or cumbersome reeling in on the 1000.

 

I can't wait to start using my new gear.

 

Thanks everyone for all the great advice and suggestions.  Appreciate it.

[E-H]

Vanford 3000 arrived today.  Woah.  I am not used to higher end gear but WOW.  And on the avid x it seems perfectly balanced.

 

The 3000 is like a 500 or 1000.  So light and smooth.   53 today....I wish I could head up to the lake...

 

My neighbors might look at me a little funny but I might have to do some casts in the yard later.

 

Really pumped up.  Casting and retrieving will be so much better for me than on my previous setup.

 

Thanks again for all the great advice. 

 

And PhishLI - spot on with ignoring the "recommended" lb line.  I know I made the right choice going with the 3000.  I am set for almost every rod with this reel.  It is amazingly light and not bulky at all.