Hello,

 

I have a couple of Ugly Sticks 7 foot rods (inshore select and pro lite spinning rods) and wanted to purchase a new spinning reel for mostly Big/Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike. 

 

Considering purchasing Daiwa BG 4500 reel. I was thinking a reel that can handle 50-60lb braid (for fishing in the weeds, or with a frog) and something that can handle Pike as well.

 

Would Daiwa BG 4500 reel work or do I need to go smaller? If smaller how much? 3500? 4000? 
 

Appreciate all the help.

The BG 4500 is a giant and heavy reel. I wouldn't go more than the 3500 if you're set on a big spinning reel. It'll be fine with 40lb braid. Probably ok with 65lb. But in my experience, using heavy-ish inshore spinning setups for freshwater bass fishing is sort of miserable. Not fun.

Ya i had a 4000 bg on a 7ft uglystik striper rod .it was too big for all.day slongingyhe 3500 was way more user friendly...but keep.it in that area..

Learn to use a baitcasting reel in lieu of salt water size spinning reels.

Tom

21 hours ago, PhishLI said:

The BG 4500 is a giant and heavy reel. I wouldn't go more than the 3500 if you're set on a big spinning reel. It'll be fine with 40lb braid. Probably ok with 65lb. But in my experience, using heavy-ish inshore spinning setups for freshwater bass fishing is sort of miserable. Not fun.

 

21 hours ago, Maxximus Redneckus said:

Ya i had a 4000 bg on a 7ft uglystik striper rod .it was too big for all.day slongingyhe 3500 was way more user friendly...but keep.it in that area..

Much appreciate the advice, going to order Daiwa bg 3500.

20 hours ago, WRB said:

Learn to use a baitcasting reel in lieu of salt water size spinning reels.

Tom

I actually just got a Shimano Curado K, but never used a baitcaster before. So wanted to have a spinning set up in case I don’t like it, or it turns into birds nest, like to have something that is tried and true.

You had to learn to cast a spinning reel, casting a baitcasting reel uses most of the same skills. The biggest difference is rod speed and release point, start by using a slower action rod if possible like a crankbait rod. Look at Glenn's video on learning to cast a bait caster and videos on how to remove a backlash.

Good luck,

Tom

Welcome aboard!

 

BG gets some amazing reviews on the interwebs.

 

i think a 4000 is a bit large/heavy for largie/smallie fishing, but!

If it is in your wheelhouse, then go for it. By all accounts, it is a

very strong, durable reel. Heavy? Yes, but that's to the person

who is wielding the reel ;).

 

A 2500 BG , would be as big as you want to go for freshwater , 10#-#15 braid.