My friend gave me a SC TBS 71 MHF spinning rod and I wanted to know what size reel would be appropriate for it.  Is a 2500 too small???  He had a Daiwa BG 3000 attached to it but that seemed a little large for me.

2500 - 3000 sounds right to me. I think Daiwa BGs are kinda heavy, so maybe that's what you mean by "large." Any other mid to high end 3000 sized spinning reel is probably two to three ounces lighter. That's a really big difference.

3 minutes ago, badfish79 said:

2500 - 3000 sounds right to me. I think Daiwa BGs are kinda heavy, so maybe that's what you mean by "large." Any other mid to high end 3000 sized spinning reel is probably two to three ounces lighter. That's a really big difference.

Yes, I meant heavy.  I'm a Shimano guy and normally use a 2500 Stradic or Vanford on my bass spinning rods but since this rod is a MH I wasn't sure if a 2500 Stradic was adequate.

Yeah BGs are bulky, a 3000 BG isn’t like most 3000s. 2500-3000 should be perfect. I typically do 2500 because I’m not a huge fan of T handles that come with most 3000s. But either should be fine

Which ever gives you the best balance.  

2500 or 3000 would be perfect. BG probably felt heavy since its a HD saltwater reel. If it was mine I do a 2500 Shimano. Sounds like you have nicer friends than mine

Thanks guys for the advice!

A lot of guy throw BGs out there for recs, but they use the older Daiwa size class, which is very different from the LT and MQ lines.  The BG line is about a half size larger then the LTs.  A BG 2500 is about equal to a 3000LT in size and it goes up the line like that.  

The best advice is to try several reels you have and go from there, because it all really depends on how you hold the rod.

What line and lures to you plan to use?

Tom

The correct answer depends on you and your use of the tool, because that's what a reel is.

 

Do you fish enough to justify a $200 or more reel?  Can you afford one?  Do you just like nice stuff, regardless of the cost?

 

If not, there are plenty of very usable reels for about half that price, or even less.

9 hours ago, Randy Price said:

My friend gave me a SC TBS 71 MHF spinning rod and I wanted to know what size reel would be appropriate for it.  Is a 2500 too small???

No. Just right.

 

top: Daiwa BG2500 

 

bottom: Daiwa LT3000