Spinning reel for heavy tackle

[vintagerod]

Anyone have a recommendation on a small, lightweight spinning reel that is capable of handling heavier line and lures (and bass)?

I just procured a nice vintage fenwick "hooksetter" spinning rod, 6-feet long, one-piece, rated for up to 20 lb. line and 3/4 oz. lures  

I think I might use it for a variety of lures, though I just watched a Kevin van Damm video on spinnerbaits, and he uses 3/4 oz. baits with 17-20 lb. line.  He swears by this bigger stuff, and I know he is a well respected spinnerbait guy, so I thought I'd give it a shot.  

Seems like spinning reels are better for skipping those spinners under docks and low tree canopies.

[Guest muddy]

PFLUEGER PRESIDENT x6735 ( For 8#) or x6740 (10#) Fenwicks and Pfluegers make great combo's, I used them for a long time.

[jacktrevally]

Nothing beats a stella 3000FD for heavy work as a lightweight rated reel. There is also the 3500HD custom certate or the new certate hyper custom or even the branzino!

[Popeye]

Ditto to what muddy man recommended! For another option you might also consider one of the older model Okuma Metaloids. They can still be purchased new for great prices on Ebay. Pretty heavy duty and well constructed reels, IMO.

[ABC123]

Lot's of good candidates out there, obviously my vote goes to Pflueger Supreme 8035, but the Daiwa Fuego 3000 is fairly lightweight, but also carries a hefty price tag. Let's not forget the mother of all lightweight spinners......Steez. The drawback to the Steez is it's kind of on the smaller size for using 12+ test mono. I'm sure TEAM Shimano will chime in too, with the Stratic and Stratic mg among other models.

I think the problem you will run into is small, and 20lb test line, don't go together very well. If you want to use 14-15 lb test mono, it gives you quite a few choices. I'm guessing braid is not an option on that old rod???

[FishTank]

When it comes to spinning reels with heavy line and a heavy rod.  I like the Shimano Sustain.  I have a 2500 paired with a Loomis Bronzeback that is rated for 10-17lb line.  I like using this setup for heavier spinnerbaits and deep diving cranks.  It also works great for jigs and most soft plastic.

[vintagerod]

I think the problem you will run into is small, and 20lb test line, don't go together very well.

And as I am researching some of these suggestions, I might add that "small, 20 lb test, and affordable cost, don't go together very well."

Holy moly, the Shimano Sustain and Stella, and the Daiwa Steez and Fuego sure look like great reels, but man are they pricey.  I remember (doesn't seem that long ago), that top of the line baitcasters were $120, and you could have the best of the best spinning reels for a fraction of that cost.  I didn't think I would ever see a smallish freshwater spinning reel for over $200.  Yowsa!  

The Plueger Supreme sure is a pretty reel, but even that, at $100, is a wee bit out of my range.  The Presidents are more like it, but I think they may be a bit too light for 14-17 lb. mono.

What about older reels?  That Okuma Metaloid seems like a great deal.   I found a place on eBay that sells the MD 30 for $40 new.  Kinda heavy at 11.5 oz, but TackleTour rated them a "Best Value" back in 2002.  

Any other top-notch reels that may be a bit older (and hopefully cheaper)?  

[Big T]

I may be wrong but I bilieve that most small spinning reels are made for light line. I use Shimano 4000 series reels and have a Quamtum Kinetic 40 series that I use #12 to #14 pound test. I use these reels because they pull double duty salt and freshwater. For Bass fishing I never fish a whole day, but I can say they get heavy. Anyway back on topic, if you want to use a small reel with a heavy test line. Maybe try some #20 braid.

T.

[PDB]

I recently bought Daiwa Tierras in three different sizes and am thrilled with the quality and performance.

[burleytog]

Why on earth do you want to use 14-17 lb. line on a spinning reel?

[vintagerod]

Why on earth do you want to use 14-17 lb. line on a spinning reel?

I know it sounds crazy today, but apparently 20 years ago it wasn't.  I have a 1986 Fenwick Hooksetter Graphite Spinning Rod...their tournament grade, top of the line spinning rod aimed at Bass fisherman (even has a graphic of a largemouth bass on the blank).

And it just happens to be a Medium-Heavy / Heavy rod.  Kind of quirky, I suppose, but it is rated for 14-17 lb line (actually, it is rated for up to 20 lb line).  Very high for a bass spinning rod by today's standards.

I thought the same thing, why would anyone build a bass spinning rod for 20 lb test line?  Then I watched Kevin van Damm's video on spinnerbait fishing, and he said he typically uses 17 lb. line...and sometimes 20 lb. when fishing spinnerbaits.  And during the video, he's alternating between casting and spinning equipment.  Apparently, 17 lb mono for a spinning rod is preferred by some people.

Since I have this MH/H rod, I'd like to put it to use.  But my problem is the vast majority of today's freshwater spinning reels really seem to be made for 10 lb and lighter.  Spinning reels that are equipped for 14-17 lb mono are more "saltwater" in class, and are freakin' heavy at 17-20 oz.  

Why did Fenwick make a tournament grade bass spinning rod in a Medium-Heavy / Heavy power?  I don't know...but they did and I have one, and by golly, I'm gonna give it a dance!