Could not find too much info on this and wanted to ask you guys.

 

When selecting a casting reel what changes the size you want? (ie. 50/70/90/100/150/200/300/400)

 

Obviously the number is reel size and potential line capacity but some manufacturers vary lb test on the reel itself -a curado K 200 only holds 140 of 12lb but a 200 sized reel where as another brand can hold the full 200 at 12lb and is the same size.

 

Now are there applications when you want one over another?  Obviously if you cannot hold the enough line of a given lb test your need to up size your reel.  But are there benefits to downsizing? I find 200 size reels comfortable but do not really need that much line- I only use the top half anyways- but want to make sure I am using the good line while having enough line left on the spool to get enough IPT that I want at the end of a cast.  

 

Just not sure if I am looking too much into this as I am stuck inside reading about fishing instead of fishing... Stay safe everyone.

Smaller reels are more comfortable for me.  Line capacity is not a concern.

 

10 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Smaller reels are more comfortable for me.  Line capacity is not a concern.

 

GIFS work? OMG 

You can not compare size/line capacity indicators from different brand reel since there is no standard.

When I choose the reel, I would look at physical reel size first, Weight, then line capacity. I mostly own 50/70 size shimano, and 103/105 daiwa, but have some 150 and 200 size shimano where I use bigger diameter line. You don’t really need a full 100yds as long as the reel can fill 70 yds of your preferred line, should be fine.

Most of my bottom contact and finesse are small size reels, for moving bait I don’t worry much any SHIMANO reel is good lol.

If line diameter is your concern then you might have to switch to braid or learn how to fish light line.

 

BTW Daiwa are pretty optimistic about line capacity. 

Another thing to remember is there is a big difference in line sizes at a specified pound test from different manufactures.

A for instance would be: Seaguar Tatsu 15# @ .013 vs Berkley Big Game 15# @ .015 vs Yozuri Hybrid 15# @ .016 vs Sun line Defier Amarilo 15# @ .0126.

Bigger diam spools should cast better, and have smoother drag, other things being equal, due to start up inertia. Bigger drag discs should be better too, other things being equal. Depends on what your application is. If you really need power, then a bigger reel might perform better for the price point. My best guesses.

There isn't a standard to compare reel size. Line cap act has to do with diameter, width and depth. You can have the same size reel with different spool depths for example, shallow depth with larger diameter light weight arbor vs deeper depth with small diameter arbor. The line capacity only affects IPT if the dismeter is narrow and deep verses little affect on larger wider spools.

If you are happy with the IPT after making your average cast distance then reel size becomes a comfort issue depending on how you hold the rod and reel.

Choices only each angler can make.

Tom