Who uses em? Am looking to add a dedicated skipping rod, tried skipping with a casting rod but can't get the hang of it. 

 

Will be matches up with a 7' Mh st Croix premier spinning rod and 12lb trilene xl. 

 

Anybody use 12lb mono on a 4000? Not sure how it would handle heaviest mono I've used on spinning is 8lb on a 2500 sized reel, not a braid fan

I use one, but more for open water.  I don't see why a 2500 wouldn't work if you are using quality mono

I think as long as you are using a good quality mono, it shouldn't matter to a 4000 size reel.

A 4000 reel has a larger spool it should cast farther much easier. I have a few 4000 sized spinning reels. My reel sizes range from size 20 to 25 to 30 to 40. (4000) it's marked on the spool what line size/test it can handle for the best performance. I try sometimes to stay within the specs.

 

but sometimes using a heavier test line can hamper the feeling of the light hits or nibbles.

 

i would suggest trying the excaliber silver thread copolymere line. Not the an40.

You shouldn't have any problem loading that reel with 12# mono or 50# braid.

I currently have 10# Trilene on my Shimano Spheros 5000, and used to use 30# Power Pro braid on it when I fished in shore salt water.  Both work fine on that one.

Use whatever you are comfortable with. Larger diameter spool handles line with more memory. XL is smaller dia then XT, you shouldn't have any issues using 12 or 15 lb Big Game, XL or XT using a 4000 size spinning reel. The rod will need over size 1st and 2nd guides however.

Tom