What is your preferred size of spinning reel for bass fishing? 20, 30 or 40?

I prefer the Pflueger "30" size.....it's about the same as a 2000 sized Daiwa, and a little smaller than a 2500 sized Daiwa or Shimano.

I prefer 30's for most.  I have one drop shot setup and one dock skipping setup which uses the 20.  FWIW both are lined up with 15lb Smackdown and I use leaders from 6-12 lb FC.

Shimano 1000 and 2500

 

 

 

I use a mix of 20 and 30 sized Pflueger reels, just depends on the rod that the reel is going on.

20 size for me. Holds more than enough line. I use 8-10 pound braid. I would think that as much as guys prefer lighter gear, that the smaller, lighter reels would be preferred, but we'll see by the responses.

20 size for me. Holds more than enough line. I use 8-10 pound braid. I would think that as much as guys prefer lighter gear, that the smaller, lighter reels would be preferred, but we'll see by the responses.

I agree, but on some rods the 20 just does not balance things out quite as well as I would like. That and the smallest size the Patriarch comes in is a 30.

I like the 3000 sized Shimanos.... Which I understand are 2500 size body with a larger spool.  I like the larger spool.  I fill it with "backing" when I get it and then it's likely never seen again... just fresh fluoro on top of about 75 yards.

I like the 3000 sized Shimanos.... Which I understand are 2500 size body with a larger spool.  I like the larger spool.  I fill it with "backing" when I get it and then it's likely never seen again... just fresh fluoro on top of about 75 yards.

Why do you prefer the bigger spool? Casting distance, or?

Why do you prefer the bigger spool? Casting distance, or?

I think it does help with casting distance and line twist.  I like to keep my spool as full as possible for distance as well.

1000 size shimanos

I think it does help with casting distance and line twist.  I like to keep my spool as full as possible for distance as well.

I've heard this before as well. I've never verified it... But Greg Hackney swears by it, even w/casting reels. But the EXOs are so light anyways that he can get away w/such large reels...

I think it does help with casting distance and line twist.  I like to keep my spool as full as possible for distance as well.

I can see that, probably not much difference in weight either.

I've heard this before as well. I've never verified it... But Greg Hackney swears by it, even w/casting reels. But the EXOs are so light anyways that he can get away w/such large reels...

 

I can see that, probably not much difference in weight either.

 

As far as weight goes I don't think I notice it as long as my rod isn't tip heavy.  But Aavery2 I doubt it's much at all... nothing I would ever feel.  It's just a larger spool for the reel.  My understanding is the larger spool would help with more line pickup as well, which I also like.

I've heard this before as well. I've never verified it... But Greg Hackney swears by it, even w/casting reels. But the EXOs are so light anyways that he can get away w/such large reels...

Hackney is a nut, as soon as I see his face on TV I start laughing because I know he is going to say something crazy. Seems much easier to tolerate a little heavier spinning reel that it does a LP.

1000 size shimanos

 

Same here.

As far as weight goes I don't think I notice it as long as my rod isn't tip heavy.  But Aavery2 I doubt it's much at all... nothing I would ever feel.  It's just a larger spool for the reel.  My understanding is the larger spool would help with more line pickup as well, which I also like.

Most spinning reels have a pretty high IPT already, but a larger spool will definitely increase it. Seems much easier to tolerate a little extra weight on a spinning reel to me, must be the difference in the way they sit on the rod.

I match the reel to the rod for balance and comfort.  Rod length, lure profile, line type and size has more to with distance than a lot of line on the spool, bass don't make 50 yd. runs and most lures won't cast that far.  Working many lures with spinning it's a twitch/pop/jerk and pause, don't see line p/u or ratio too important.  It's what feels right to each individual.  

I match the reel to the rod for balance and comfort.  Rod length, lure profile, line type and size has more to with distance than a lot of line on the spool, bass don't make 50 yd. runs and most lures won't cast that far.  Working many lures with spinning it's a twitch/pop/jerk and pause, don't see line p/u or ratio too important.  It's what feels right to each individual.

I suppose the thought would be that with the larger diameter spool, your bait would pull off a greater amount of line while its energy is the highest. Like you I find myself working my baits more with the rod than the reel as it applies to the techniques I use a spinning reel for. Most spinning reels have a high IPT compared to LP reels already, so the larger spool increasing IPT would be a secondary thought in my use.

Nothing smaller than a 30 in the Pflueger-type sizes, or 2000-2500 in the Daiwa/Shimano lineup. 

 

-T9

1000 for 4-6lb applications

2500-3000 for 6-12lb

Also have a 2500 with a foam spacer I added to the spool to decrease the capacity so I can use 6-7lb line on it and not put too much on

I always tend to go smaller/lighter with a reel match up. I find the smaller reels do just fine for most bass fishing applications (especially if you are using braid as your main line) and balance better on most rods. Any Shimano between 1500 - 2500 size should do you just fine.

 

For a medium action 7' spinning rod, the 2500 is more than adequate and is my preferred match up. I'm going to be getting a couple of the Pflueger Presidents this season. I've had a great season with one bought in the spring of 2014 and the cost break is much better than the Shimanos as of late. Not sure of the size compatibility between the two brands, but I would assume a size 20 President should be just about ideal.

1000 for 4-6lb applications

2500-3000 for 6-12lb

Also have a 2500 with a foam spacer I added to the spool to decrease the capacity so I can use 6-7lb line on it and not put too much on

 

This is probably the best response i've seen.

 

I will add that I generally find a reel that I like and look for it on sale from somewhere and I will get the cheaper one as I dont find any of the specs, whether it be weight, IPT, or line capacity to be very different.

I'm liking my 30 size pflueger president, been dropshotting straight 10lb PP.

i like a 2500 or 3000 size myself, depending on maker