I'm in the process of buy 2 MB Levante spinning rods - the Shaky Head and the Whipsnake for finesse applications such as drop shot, Neko, shaky head, split shotting, and small tubes/jigs.

 

I want something worthy (in quality) for these rods and I'm really leaning towards the Airity 2000s (with the lowest gear ratio and 4-6lb floro). but they are a bit pricey.

 

Thoughts?

 

P.

I’m using Shimano C14 1000’s for Using 4# line. IMO anything larger is too big/heavy. YMMV

Lower models - but I'm loving my Miravel 1000 and Ultegra 1000 for finesse fishing. Maybe a Stradic or Vanford in 1000 size?

Vanford 2500.    I have done so much harassment to fish in general with that reel.  from very big fish, to little ones.  its a good good reel to me. 

For light and medium light rods, 2000-3000 size reels would be fine. Having a larger arbor can benefit casting distance and drag performance, and I don't think you'll have a balance issue, especially with premium models.

 

I like Shimanos, so I agree with the previous posters there.

I would like to add that the Daiwa Kage, is very nice.  I borrowed my friends, and it is a really nice reel.  I didnt catch anything, so there is that. 

Everything in your price range is going to be worthy.

Go to as many (local) shops and bring the rod, test out everything and likely it'll find you.

The Shimano Vanquish gets my vote. Great reel and just fun to fish. 

I favor a lower gear ratio 2500 for rods that I throw swimbaits and ned rigs on often, which are MLs.  For M power rod I do more SHs, JBs, free rigs and other baits that Im using the reel to pick up slack with more then working the bait, which I like a 3000 or even a 3000HG.  Even if its a 5 speed the longer handle helps me get the slack out of the line faster before I set the hook.  

Personally instead of getting 2 Airitys I would swap at least 1 out for a FC Luvias 2500 and use the money saved to upgrade the rods to Orochis.  The only issue with going with JDM exclusive reels is parts may be an issue if you do run into a problem.  If you want to service them yourself you need to buy a special wrench to get into MQ frame.  Wouldnt be surprised to see a new Vanford next year, but in the meantime they are awful hard to beat for the price in the USDM.  

Lots of good thoughts! Thank you. I'll be looking into the Luvias and the Orochis. 

Bought a Tatula LT and have been using it a few months; really nice.  2000 is under 6 oz.

I think a 1000 size reel is excellent for finesse fishing, that said I have three in that size a Ci4 shamano, a stradic, and a Daiwa Luvias.  I like the Ci4 over all of the others and will recommend it always.  My question to you is why do you need such a heavy rod to finesse fish?  Light, or ML is what works the best for this kind of fishing.  

I also have a 1000 Miravel but it's not my favorite, I think it's more of a all around use reel I wouldn't say it's the best for finesse, it's too heavy and too big

Tatula

Daiwa Ballistic MQ is a nice reel too. Not sure if anyone has tried that one yet but I prefer it over tatula. 

Just ordered a Luvius FC LT 2000S and I'll have both the Levante and Orochi in my hand so I can decide on that.

Figure that 6# Tatsu would be the best line for this?!?! Or one of the Sunline Snipers

 

The Luvius is so smooth you'll like it a lot!

Stradic 1000.

I’d put a Daiwa Revros on it, but I’m a weirdo. 

On 8/12/2023 at 3:51 PM, Skunkmaster-k said:

I’d put a Daiwa Revros on it, but I’m a weirdo. 

yep...lol

I like the Vanford 2000 and you can put 8 lb test mono on it. It’s between the 1000 and the 2500.

If you go with a smaller diameter 1000 size spool reel it will twist line faster the the larger 2500 size.

If you plan to use braid with a leader the smaller spool diameter isn’t an issue but drag start up force may be a littler higher. Can’t point out how important a smooth reliable drag is finesse bass fishing.

If you have a boat line maintenance removing line twist is easy.

The strongest small diameter (.008D) mono/copoly line I know of is Maxima 5# Ultra Green. FC lots of premium line available I use 7# (.009D) Sniper FC.

Braid Fins Spin5 10# (.005D) or 15# (.006D) is small diameter quite casting color fast line.

Tom

Bass pro shops Carbon light. Great reel smooth drag 

On 8/7/2023 at 11:09 AM, Puggz said:

I'm in the process of buy 2 MB Levante spinning rods - the Shaky Head and the Whipsnake for finesse applications such as drop shot, Neko, shaky head, split shotting, and small tubes/jigs.

 

I want something worthy (in quality) for these rods and I'm really leaning towards the Airity 2000s (with the lowest gear ratio and 4-6lb floro). but they are a bit pricey.

 

Thoughts?

 

P.

I use Shimano Saros 1000s. Long discontinued but I troll flea bay for em and there are good deals to be had. Smooth, light, great drag.