Looking to place an order today.  Cant decide between the 2500 or the 3000. This will be going on a 6'8, medium power fast action zodias rod. From what I read online the only difference is line capacity.  What do yall think? 

Nice reel. Most of my fishing is with 2500 series. On ML and M rods 6'10" or less. Can you try both on your rod than make up your mind?

25 minutes ago, Spankey said:

Nice reel. Most of my fishing is with 2500 series. On ML and M rods 6'10" or less. Can you try both on your rod than make up your mind?

Why? both reels weigh the same, same reel with deeper spool.

Fresh water bass fishing there isn't any reason to more useable line then 75 yards, line further down on the spool is just filler.

Go with the 2500.

Tom

My understanding is the same as yours, line capacity the only difference. In addition to bass I fish for snook and encounter the occasional tarpon so I went with the 3000. GREAT reel ! Liked it so much I bought a 1000 series for throwing really small lures which I do from time to time. 

 

Keep hoping one one of my other spinning reels will die so I can justify to myself buying another Stradic.

I have the 3000 as it would be my ocean bay real if needed

I have both, and I use the 3000 for secondary duty casting for steelhead, browns, and salmon.  The extra line capacity is necessary for these species, when fishing with light line.  For bass only, the 2500 is plenty.

I appreciate the replies. I mainly fresh water bass fish. But pretty often I get after striper and hybrids. I like fishing light line for those as well. 

Just now, Shane Y said:

But pretty often I get after striper and hybrids.

Get the 3000.

Well, I dont necessarily "get after" them. But they are often encountered and I dont mind it. ???.....even when I decide to specifically target them I use my regular bass rods and 10 to 12 pound line. All that from a kayak is pretty dang fun. 

The 3000 has a T handle. The 2500 has the same knob as a Curado 70.  I find it a bit small. I changed out my FA's with PG II septons (BNT 4240) a long time ago. They feel very comfortable.

I too prefer the T style knob of the 3000 size. more to grab, more comfortable IMO.

I had Scott Hovanec turn some custom cork knobs for mine. 

 

Dang those suckers look good !!! Nice job scott hovanec.  

Shane, if you've read any of my posts on spinning reels, you know I

rock 1000 Stradics from FI to FJ to FK and CI4+. All of them are more

than enough for freshwater bass, and have even proven quite adequate

for striper fishing here in VA.

 

So to your question of 2500 and 3000, take your pick. You'll be plenty

happy with either, the only diff being, as mentioned, line capacity. They

are still plenty small (for my tastes) but super solid (as based on my

experience with the 1000).

 

I know there are huge striper and reds (among other species) here in my

area and I realize 1000 line capacity *could* be an issue, but so far I have

not hooked in to any "large" species. My sons have landed rays on 2500s

and been fine.

 

The added line capacity is simply a peace of mind cushion for those just-in-case

scenarios.

 

Fresh-only, I have never had one ounce of worry with 1000 size, and have 

caught dozens of bass over 6 pounds in all kinds of muck, bridge pylons, docks,

downed trees, etc. FWIW.

I heard that Darren. I ordered the 2500 reel. I enjoy the light tackle and line type thing anyway. There's always a chance that ole big daddy will will spool me but it hasn't happened yet. I've had plenty of drag pullers and theres been a few times I've been broke off or just knew I was going to get broke off by a fish running for cover. It's just part of the game that I enjoy so much. 

Just got the 2500 stradic today and put it on this zodias rod.....man I got to say it sure feels good in the hand. And the reel is as smooth as butter. ....This is my first good quality set up. I can not wait to try it out.