I did things backwards -- I started fishing with a baitcaster. I pretty much always just throw spinners, cranks, senkos, TR and CR worms, poppers, buzzbaits. I've been in quite a few situations lately, though, where I need spinning tackle.

I already know my rod -- a Lightning Rod -- but my question is, what should the reel be rated at? 6-10 pounds or 8-12?

I use mainly spinning reels. My first question is what baits are you going to use it for? What I mean is what gear ratio? A 5.2:1 ? A 6.2:1 ? or a 7.2:1 ? Ripping spinnerbaits? Cranks? Plastics?

One more question is a metal body or plastic body? The metal bodies can cost more. The better the quality the price goes up. But on the other hand I have a box of cheaper reels were the bass just tore them up.

My best quality spinning reels so far are Finor and Okuma. Finor manufacturers those big saltwater reels in a gold color that are used for tarpon, sailfish etc. There a high quality reel. One reel repair guy posted here if everyone used finors he would be out of business repairing reels.

Now with the Okuma spinning reels I find with 10 ball bearings there ok too. To me there a tad stiff at first, to me with arthritis. But I break them in on my worm rod first then switch them to my spinner bait rod.

To me both reels have been flawless. I know there are other brands out there too.

One thing I do is to close the bail by hand after I cast. They say it avoids line twist on any spinning reel.

Plastics. My baitcasters handle spinners, cranks, topwaters, etc. I've been in some situations where I need to use smaller plastics, weightless, etc.

 

 

I already know my rod -- a Lightning Rod -- but my question is, what should the reel be rated at? 6-10 pounds or 8-12? 

Sounds more like rod specs.  Reels come in sizes, some use numbers like 25, 30, 35 and 40, while other companies use numbers like 500, 1000, 2500, 3000 and so on.  Drags and line capacities will vary from size to size.

Plastics. My baitcasters handle spinners, cranks, topwaters, etc. I've been in some situations where I need to use smaller plastics, weightless, etc.

 

You can't go wrong with Shimano brand for spinning reels.  Remember, you pay for what you get.  That is the general rule.  You spend $50, you will get a beginner reel.  You spend $100 - $150, you get a advance reel.  You spend $200+ you get a professional reel.  You spend $400-1000, you're just a rich guy who can afford the best.  

All of my spinning reels I use for bass are 2000/2500 series. I do have a 1500 that I use for light line.

Take your rod to the tackle shop of your choice and try different reels on it until you find one that feels good to you.