Reel Size for Smallies if I'm only using Mono?

[Leatherneck]

Getting back into the fishing game after some time away from it. Does line type determine what size reel you buy? Do you size down for braid and up for mono? Or, can one particular size do both? I'm probably just going to stick with Mono line.

I should mention that im asking about spinning reels.

[MN Fisher]

19 minutes ago, Leatherneck said:

Getting back into the fishing game after some time away from it. Does line type determine what size reel you buy? Do you size down for braid and up for mono? Or, can one particular size do both? I'm probably just going to stick with Mono line.

I should mention that im asking about spinning reels.

So long as you don't put line that's too thick on it, there's really no hard-fast rule as to braid/mono test vs size of reel.

I've got a 3000 that I'm running 20# braid on, a different 3000 with 12# FC

A 1000 that has 10# braid and another 1000 with 6# FC

 

Smaller reel, smaller line diameter is pretty much the only factor I consider.

[Deeare]

You want a 2500 or 3000 depending on the lb test you are using and how much line you want on the reel.   I’d go with a 2500 and use 10lb test.   No need to go bigger IMO.   

[roadwarrior]

2500 is probably the standard size, but I like 1000, too.

[BrianMDTX]

1 hour ago, roadwarrior said:

2500 is probably the standard size, but I like 1000, too.

Or 2000. I really don’t like big spinning reels for bass. And not needed. 

[NHBull]

For spinning reels, I am a braid to leader guy.

I have been moving to 1000,2000 sizes to save on weight.

Never thought a couple ounces would make such a big difference, but it does for me

 

if I was using mono and casting distance mattered, I would go to 2500 as the spool size helps with distance 

 

 

 

[BrianMDTX]

5 minutes ago, NHBull said:

if I was using mono and casting distance mattered, I would go to 2500 as the spool size helps with distance 

I like a 2500 for 8 lb, and a 1000 or 2000 for 6 lb. 

[JLBBass]

On 4/25/2021 at 12:19 AM, Leatherneck said:

Getting back into the fishing game after some time away from it. Does line type determine what size reel you buy? Do you size down for braid and up for mono? Or, can one particular size do both? I'm probably just going to stick with Mono line.

I should mention that im asking about spinning reels.

I use a quality copolymer for Lake Erie smallies. My plastic setup is a pair of Dobyns Champion XP 733SF's, with Daiwa Tatula LT 4000's. What's nice about the Tatula LT 4000 is that it still weighs under 7.5 ozs (7.4 oz), so i get a larger reel, with a large diameter spool, and still stay "lightweight".  I like a larger diameter spool when using mono. Waaaaaaay less line problems. "memory" is reduced a great amount. Many guys like using a larger size reel when using spinning.

for inland lakes, I use a Pair of Shimano Stradic ci4+'s in the 3000 size.

[J Francho]

Anything 1000 sized or bigger will work, with 2500 being the most versatile for all bass fishing.

[Dwight Hottle]

Just as a heads up the larger diameter spool on a 2500 or 3000 series reel casts further than the smaller reels. Some 3000 series have the same body size & weight as the 2500 but a larger spool. 

[WRB]

8 replies with 5 different size spinning reels suggested, that was helpful.

What rod do you and mono brand do use.

The reel should balance with the line and rod.

Smallies tend to run more them LMB so a good smooth drag is important.

today the lighter weight the reel is the more it tend to cost, you pay for state of the art materials.

Stay under .010 diameter line using spinning reels between 1000 to 3000.

Tom

 

[new2BC4bass]

I personally prefer the smaller sizes as I use lighter lines on spinninng and see no reason to spool over 220 yards of line.  Could always lay a base down with some of the many 12# lines I use on BC reels.

 

On the other hand, it wasn't all that long ago that I read an article by a professional that all he uses is 4000 size reels for the benefits of line management.  Take your pick.  Make your own decision after getting some personal experience on what makes you happy.

 

All of us like spending someone else's money and will continue to give our opinions.