2500 or 4000 size spinning reel for 30-50 lb braid?

[Stasher1]

I'm looking for a new spinning reel for jigs and soft plastic frogs in heavy vegetation.

Before somebody suggests a new baitcaster, I've got plenty of baitcasters, but I've found lately that I just prefer spinning reels.

[NewScreenNameAdvised]

I prefer to match up the reel to the rod, what rod are you using with it?

Personally, a 4000 is waaaaaaay to big for me.  2500 is as big as I like to go on spinning.

[dodgeguy]

i hate 2500 size spinning reels.i love a 4000 series.bigger spool casts better and drags are stronger.since you aren't using it for finesse it makes a lot of sense.kvd also uses 400 series spinning reels so i guess we aren't crazy!!!

[Wayne P.]

I use 30# braid on spinning reels all the time, mine are 2000 and 2500 size.

[Stasher1]

I prefer to match up the reel to the rod, what rod are you using with it?

I haven't decided on a rod yet. It'll probably be a 6'6" MH something.

I've got a Symetre 2500 on a 6'6" Med. Crucial and a Sahara 2500 on a 6'8" ML BPS Extreme "Woo Daves" drop-shot rod. Neither setup is really suitable for yanking large bass out of heavy vegetation...although it doesn't keep me from trying anyway.

I've found some really good deals on last year's Sahara in either 2500 or 4000, and I have some $$$ sitting in my Paypal account that I need to get rid of. So, I fgured I'd pick one up to mount on a dedicated frog/jig rod.

What I'm having trouble with is the weight difference between the two (9.7 - 12.1) vs. the max drag difference (11 lb - 17 lb). Is the difference in weight worth it for the stronger drag?

[Grey Wolf]

I prefer to match up the reel to the rod, what rod are you using with it?

I haven't decided on a rod yet. It'll probably be a 6'6" MH something.

I've got a Symetre 2500 on a 6'6" Med. Crucial and a Sahara 2500 on a 6'8" ML BPS Extreme "Woo Daves" drop-shot rod. Neither setup is really suitable for yanking large bass out of heavy vegetation...although it doesn't keep me from trying anyway.

I've found some really good deals on last year's Sahara in either 2500 or 4000, and I have some $$$ sitting in my Paypal account that I need to get rid of. So, I fgured I'd pick one up to mount on a dedicated frog/jig rod.

What I'm having trouble with is the weight difference between the two (9.7 - 12.1) vs. the max drag difference (11 lb - 17 lb). Is the difference in weight worth it for the stronger drag?

Why do you need a 17 lb. drag ? Stick with the 2500.

[dodgeguy]

absolutely!!!if you're yanking fish out of weeds it's definately worth it.you wouldn't go tuna fishing with a panfish setup.if you want to use spinning for heavy vegitation you will have tp put up with a heavier reel unless you buy a magnesium framed reel.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98349_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

the 4000 size in this reel is 9.6 oz.

same here.read the reviews!!!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_94739_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

[Grey Wolf]

absolutely!!!if you're yanking fish out of weeds it's definately worth it.you wouldn't go tuna fishing with a panfish setup.if you want to use spinning for heavy vegitation you will have tp put up with a heavier reel unless you buy a magnesium framed reel.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98349_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

the 4000 size in this reel is 9.6 oz.

same here.read the reviews!!!

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_94739_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

How powerful is the drag on those bad boys ?

[dodgeguy]

i don't know but my 4000 series pflueger medalist is plenty powerfull when tightened down.i use a bps extreme 6-6 mh rod with 20 pound power pro and it pulls fish out of thick weeds really well for a spinning rod.

[Sam]

This is an interesting discussion.

I like a 6' 6" or 7' heavy baitcasting rod with a 5:1 or 5:3 ratio baitcaster for the winch power when using braid and fishing frogs in slop, pads and grass.

Now you want to use a spinning rig, which seems to me to be a little light for heavy braid fishing and winching fish out of the heavy cover.

I would suggest the 4000 spinning reel as you will need the power to drag the fish out of the heavy cover, so I vote with dodgeguy.

If you use a heavy 7' rod I would think it would balance with the 4000 spinning reel and the extra reel weight would not be a problem.

Be sure to send pics of the monstors you pull out of the heavy cover.  

[Stasher1]

I found a new Sahara 4000FB in the "Flea Market", so that's what I'll be using once it arrives and I find a rod to put it on.

I really prefer a 6'6" rod over a 7'0", especially in the kayak, so it'll be a 6'6" MH something. I noticed BPS offers a "Woo Daves" model Extreme in 6'6" MH, so that's a definite possibility. I've got three Extremes already, and they're actually decent rods for the money.

[dodgeguy]

i have that rod and it works good in heavy weeds.