There are many factors to consider when choosing the right spinning reel, and reel size is one of them. You may be tempted to forgo this consideration because of how complex it is made out to be, but the truth is, it’s not that complicated.
Moreover, choosing the suitable reel size can not be overstated, as it affects the casting distance, weight, relationship with the line, and the type of fishing you’re interested in, whether for freshwater or saltwater.
Therefore, in this article, we will tell you how to choose the right spinning reel size to have a perfect fishing experience. Let’s begin!
Two Sizing Systems
Before we move forward, it is important to know that there are mainly two sizing systems in place for spinning fishing reels. These classifications are basically how popular manufacturers choose to size their reels.
There is the KastKing-Shimano-Daiwa-PENN system that classifies reels into 1000s. The smallest sizes start with 1000 and go up to 6000, except for game reels that can even go up to 30,000. This also happens to be the most popular sizing system, which is why we will be talking about reel sizes in 1000s.
The second system is used by manufacturers like Pfleuger, Abu Garcia, and others. These brands classify their reels with two fewer zeros. Smaller reels start from 10, 20, or 30; medium ones start at 40; and the number increases along with the reel size.
In other words, all you need to look at when choosing the size of your spinning reels are the first two digits. Here is a detailed conversion chart between the two sizing systems.
Choosing the right spinning reel size will allow you to have a great rod-reel balance that will result in a satisfying fishing experience. Let us now look at different sizes and what type of fishing they are best suited for.
Reel Size 1000
As already discussed, spinning reel sizes are in ascending order. 1000 is one of the smallest reel sizes and is most commonly used for species like perch or small wild brown trout. This size is best suited for ultralight lure fishing tactics.
Reel Size 2500
Reel size 2500 is also on the smaller end, and like the size 1000, it is best suited for light lure fishing tactics like drop shotting, spinning, or jagging. An increased number means that the spool and line capacity are slightly larger than the size 1000 spinning reel.
Reel Size 3000
Reel size 3000 is considered the ideal size for a trout spinning reel. Since it lies between the lighter 2500 and the heavier 4000, it provides the best of both worlds. Because of an increased line capacity and an overall compact size, this reel can work with higher breaking strain lines and give a stronger drag system.
Reel Size 4000
Perfect for larger specimens, a 4000 size spinning reel can provide a satisfactory experience when fishing pike, salmon, and trout.
This size offers increased cranking power and line capacity. This allows more accommodation for higher diameter lines and breaking strains. Furthermore, the reel picks up more lines because of the greater spool circumference. Lastly, large spools also allow for stronger drag systems.
See also .25-06 Remington for Black Bear Hunting? Best Ammo (Round, Load, Cartridge) for a Successful Black Bear Hunt Hunting Calibers 04 Apr, 2020 Posted By: Foundry Outdoors Is the .25-06 Remington a viable caliber/load/round/cartridge for black bear hunting? The accurate answer is “it depends”. However, the goal of this article is simply to address the question of whether the .25-06 Remington is within the ideal range of suitable calibers to harvest black bear. As with anything, the devil is in the details. To answer the question completely, we would need to evaluate the downrange distance to the black bear, the bullet type, the grain weight of the bullet, the physical condition of the firearm, the size of the black bear in question, the shot placement, the local wind conditions, the expected accuracy of the shooter, the ethics of the ideal maximum number of shots – the list goes on. [Click Here to Shop .25-06 Remington Ammo]What we can do is provide a framework to understand what average conditions might look like, and whether those are reasonably viable for a shot from the average shooter to harvest a black bear in the fewest number of shots possible, i.e., ethically. Let’s dive right in. In the question of “Is the .25-06 Remington within the ideal range of suitable calibers for black bear hunting?” our answer is: Yes, the .25-06 Remington is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting, under average conditions, from a mid-range distance, with a medium grain expanding bullet, and with correct shot placement.Let’s look at those assumptions a bit closer in the following table. Assumption Value Caliber .25-06 Remington Animal Species Black Bear Muzzle Energy 2360 foot-pounds Animal Weight 340 lbs Shot Distance 150 yardsWhat is the average muzzle energy for a .25-06 Remington? In this case, we have assumed the average muzzle energy for a .25-06 Remington round is approximately 2360 foot-pounds. What is the average weight of an adult male black bear? Here we have leaned conservative by taking the average weight of a male individual of the species, since females generally weigh less and require less stopping power. In this case, the average weight of an adult male black bear is approximately 340 lbs. [Click Here to Shop .25-06 Remington Ammo]What is the distance this species is typically hunted from? Distance, of course, plays an important role in the viability of a given caliber in black bear hunting. The kinetic energy of the projectile drops dramatically the further downrange it travels primarily due to energy lost in the form of heat generated by friction against the air itself. This phenonemon is known as drag or air resistance. Thus, a caliber that is effective from 50 yards may not have enough stopping power from 200 yards. With that said, we have assumed the average hunting distance for black bear to be approximately 150 yards. What about the other assumptions? We have three other primary assumptions being made here. First, the average bullet weight is encapsulated in the average muzzle energy for the .25-06 Remington. The second important assumption is ‘slightly-suboptimal’ to ‘optimal’ shot placement. That is to say, we assume the black bear being harvested is shot directly or nearly directly in the vitals (heart and/or lungs). The third assumption is that a projectile with appropriate terminal ballistics is being used, which for hunting usually means an expanding bullet.Various calibersA common thread you may encounter in online forums is anecdote after anecdote of large animals being brought down by small caliber bullets, or small animals surviving large caliber bullets. Of course those stories exist, and they are not disputed here. A 22LR cartridge can fell a bull elephant under the right conditions, and a newborn squirrel can survive a 50 BMG round under other specific conditions. Again, the goal of this article is simply to address the question of whether .25-06 Remington is within the ideal range of suitable calibers to harvest black bear - and to this question, the response again is yes, the .25-06 Remington is A GOOD CHOICE for black bear hunting. [Click Here to Shop .25-06 Remington Ammo]This article does not serve as the final say, but simply as a starting point for beginner hunters, as well as a venue for further discussion. Please feel free to agree, disagree, and share stories from your own experience in the comments section below. Disclaimer: the information above is purely for illustrative purposes and should not be taken as permission to use a particular caliber, a statement of the legality or safety of using certain calibers, or legal advice in any way. You must read and understand your own local laws before hunting black bear to know whether your caliber of choice is a legal option.Foundry Outdoors is your trusted home for buying archery, camping, fishing, hunting, shooting sports, and outdoor gear online.We offer cheap ammo and bulk ammo deals on the most popular ammo calibers. We have a variety of deals on Rifle Ammo, Handgun Ammo, Shotgun Ammo & Rimfire Ammo, as well as ammo for target practice, plinking, hunting, or shooting competitions. Our website lists special deals on 9mm Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 45-70 Ammo, 6.5 Creedmoor ammo, 300 Blackout Ammo, 10mm Ammo, 5.56 Ammo, Underwood Ammo, Buffalo Bore Ammo and more special deals on bulk ammo.We offer a 100% Authenticity Guarantee on all products sold on our website. Please email us if you have questions about any of our product listings. Leave a commentComments have to be approved before showing up Your Name * Your Email * Your Comment * Post Comment
Reel Size 5000
When extra cranking power is the need of the day, you can’t go wrong with the 5000 spinning reel. It is commonly used for freshwater salmon when targeting deep and hard-flowing rivers. Big game saltwater tropical species like Mahi Mahi, Giant Trevally, barracuda, and others are also targeted using a 5000 size reel.
With these size descriptions, you’ll find it a lot less complicated to choose the spinning reel size that is perfect for you. Let us now look at some of the frequently asked questions about spinning reel sizes.
FAQs
1. What is the ideal spinning reel size for bass fishing?
The answer has to do with personal preference, type of bass fishing, and the size of lures. Generally, a size between 2500(ultralight bass fishing) and 4000 is a good reel size for freshwater bass fishing. I prefer the KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel, since they have a variety of sizes; I can choose based on the type of bass fishing I feel like doing that day.
2. What is the ideal spinning reel size for surf fishing?
To ensure a successful surf fishing/saltwater fishing adventure, it is best to lean on the heavier side, around 5000 or so, coupled with a sturdy surf fishing rod. Since surf fishing deals a lot of saltwater damage, choosing a durable brand with stainless steel ball bearings can save you from spending money repeatedly.
3. What is the ideal spinning reel size for rock fishing?
Like saltwater fishing, rock fishing also negatively affects the reel and rod because of salt sprays. On top of that, rough treatment like occasionally dropping your rod on the rocks means you need a sturdy reel and rod. 5000 is a good size if you expect to be fishing larger game while rock fishing.
