I am upgrading my rod/reel setup and had a question regarding reel size.

What are you all using, a 6-8-10 or 8-10-12?

I mainly fish Lake Linganore or Liberty Reservoir. I currently use a reel of 6-8-10, but kinda like the idea if having something slightly bigger in case I want to catch bigger game. What are your alls thoughts on this?

I should add, that I fish exclusively for bass, using soft plastics, and sometimes spoons or cranks.

Spinning I'm assuming? If so you should try getting a baitcaster... they aren't as bad as they seem.

Spinning I'm assuming? If so you should try getting a baitcaster... they aren't as bad as they seem.

Yes spinning, gonna pick up the Pflueger patriarch. I'm comfortable with a spinning. Especially since I fish in tight spots and need to have something I can cast in those conditions.

Yes spinning, gonna pick up the Pflueger patriarch. I'm comfortable with a spinning. Especially since I fish in tight spots and need to have something I can cast in those conditions.

 

Definitely stick with spinning.  Too bad you can't upgrade to a combo in each class.  Try to find a quality reel in the 6-8-10 class that comes with 2 spools.  Or simply buy an extra spool.  Use 8# mono or copolymer on one, and 15# braid on the other.

Definitely stick with spinning. Too bad you can't upgrade to a combo in each class. Try to find a quality reel in the 6-8-10 class that comes with 2 spools. Or simply buy an extra spool. Use 8# mono or copolymer on one, and 15# braid on the other.

My only real thought, and it could be a moot one, since I would rarely catch at fish heavier than 15 pounds where I fish with the tackle I use, but what if I want to start trying to catch some bigger game like striped bass that are found in some of these reservoirs and get to almost 30 pounds. You would say it could be wise to bump up to the next size of 8-10-12?

My rod I got coming is an Abu Garcia 6'6" so I don't know if that changes any suggestions?

You will be fine with 8 on a spinning reel size of fish dont matter its about the cover your fishing if any rock, sticks, stumps etc that come into play line wise and rod action. A size 30 reel is perfect

I would get the 30 size pflueger

The line sizes on a reel are pretty much irrelevant. A 2500 size reel is ideal for general bass fishing.

My only real thought, and it could be a moot one, since I would rarely catch at fish heavier than 15 pounds where I fish with the tackle I use, but what if I want to start trying to catch some bigger game like striped bass that are found in some of these reservoirs and get to almost 30 pounds. You would say it could be wise to bump up to the next size of 8-10-12?

My rod I got coming is an Abu Garcia 6'6" so I don't know if that changes any suggestions?

If I were to specifically target fish 15-30# I'd buy maybe a 4000 and a mh rod  A 30, 2000, 2500, is a good bass sized reel.

If using braid a typical 20 or 2500 size reel is fine, if using fluorocarbon, a 30 or 3500 size reel is quite nice as it helps tame some of those fluorocarbon negative characteristics. 

If I were to specifically target fish 15-30# I'd buy maybe a 4000 and a mh rod  A 30, 2000, 2500, is a good bass sized reel.

 

 

Advice from someone who does a lot of fishing both in fresh and saltwater almost 365 days a year....all with spinning reels.  I'd give the advice serious consideration. 

Thanks all for the advice. I went with a size 35 in the pflueger supreme xt, instead of the patriarch.

Is the patriarch worth the extra $50?

Thanks all for the advice. I went with a size 35 in the pflueger supreme xt, instead of the patriarch.

Is the patriarch worth the extra $50?

I have the 35 supreme loaded with 15# PP, not the xt, that I used in SW for snook and jacks 2 years before I moved it to freshwater.  I may have added a drop of oil a few times, that's the extent of needed maintenance, reel has been in service a good 6 years.  I don't run into freshwater species that are 15-30#, if I did target that size I would use a bit heavier gear for sure.

I don't know if it's worth $50 more, that's up to each individual to decide.

Thanks all for the advice. I went with a size 35 in the pflueger supreme xt, instead of the patriarch.

Is the patriarch worth the extra $50?

I have both, can't tell much of a difference