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Spinning Reel Sizes Explained
Two classifying systems are being used for spinning reels. Reel manufacturers like Daiwa Penn and Shimano use the 1000s system for their reels. This system starts at 500, which is the smallest and ultralight size, to 30,000, which is a heavy-duty size that fits all intent and purposes of fishing. The other system, used by brands like Pfleuger and Abu Garcia, is relatively similar. It starts with 10 and moves all the way up to 30, 40, and beyond. While there are some deviations, a reel size 10 typically corresponds to 1000, and a reel size 3500 is similar to the size 3500. Thus, it should not be confusing when looking at the spinning reel size, as only the first two digits matter. In both systems, the smaller the number indicates the smaller reel. As the number increases, so does the size of the reel.Spinning Reel Size Chart
Small-sized spinning reel (1000-3500)
Reel Size | Mono Strength | Braid Strength | Applications | Recommended Fish Size | Recommended Species |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000 | 2-4lb | 4-8lb | Ultra-light and finesse inshore fishing | 3lb or smaller | Crappie, Yellow Perch, Trout, Bluegill |
2000 | 4-6lb | 4-8lb | Ultra-light and finesse inshore fishing | 5lb or smaller | Bass, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Trout, Bluegill |
2500 | 5-8lb | 5-12lb | Light and finesse inshore fishing | 2-7lb | Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye |
3000 | 6-10lb | 6-14lb | Light general purpose inshore Light surf fishing | 2-15lb | Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Catfish |
3500 | 6-10lb | 6-14lb | Light general purpose inshore Light surf fishing | 2-15lb | Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Catfish |

Medium-sized spinning reels (4000-5500)
Reel Size | Mono Strength | Braid Strength | Applications | Recommended Fish Size | Recommended Species |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4000 | 8-12lb | 8-20lb | Medium freshwater fishing Medium inshore saltwater fishing | 10-20lb | Muskie, Catfish, Redfish, Snapper, Snook |
4500 | 8-12lb | 8-20lb | Medium freshwater fishing Medium inshore saltwater fishing | 10-20lb | Muskie, Catfish, Redfish, Snapper, Snook |
5000 | 10-14lb | 10-25lb | Medium freshwater fishing Medium inshore saltwater fishing | 10-30 lb and up | Muskie, Catfish, Redfish, Snapper, Snook |
5500 | 10-14lb | 10-25lb | Medium freshwater fishing Medium inshore saltwater fishing | 10-30 lb and up | Muskie, Catfish, Redfish, Snapper, Snook |
Large-sized spinning reels (6000-30000)
On the higher spectrum, we have larger, more heavy-duty spinning reels. They are ideal for heavier rods and provide more line capacity for surf fishing, offshore boat fishing, and rock fishing. Large-sized reels are suitable for sturdy game rods that are at least 5 feet and surf rods that can run up to 15 feet. Spinning reels in this size category are pretty identical, meaning that you might not differentiate them by just looking. For example, a 14,000 reel from a brand can look the same as a 20,000 from another. For this reason, you should refer to the label or specifications first to make sure the reel can meet your requirements.Reel Size | Mono Strength | Braid Strength | Applications | Recommended Species |
---|---|---|---|---|
6000 | 12-16lb | 12-30lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Striped Bass, Snook, Salmon, Redfish |
6500 | 12-16lb | 12-30lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Striped Bass, Snook, Salmon, Redfish |
7000 | 14-18lb | 15-40lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Striped Bass, Snook, Salmon, Redfish |
7500 | 16-20lb | 20-50lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Striped Bass, Snook, Salmon, Redfish |
8000 | 16-20lb | 20-50lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Wahoo, Dorado, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Barracuda |
8500 | 18-22lb | 30-50lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Wahoo, Dorado, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Barracuda |
9000 | 18-22lb | 30-50lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Wahoo, Dorado, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Barracuda |
9500 | 20-25lb | 30-50lb | Medium inshore fishing Medium offshore saltwater fishing | Wahoo, Dorado, Roosterfish, Amberjack, Barracuda |
10,000 | 20-25lb | 30-60lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
10,500 | 22-27lb | 30-60lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
12,000 | 28lb+ | 30-60lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
14,000 | 28lb+ | 30-60lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
16,000 | 32lb+ | 40-70lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
18,000 | 36lb+ | 40-70lb | Medium or heavy inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Shark |
20,000 | 40lb+ | 50-80lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Large Tuna, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Tarpon |
25,000 | 50lb+ | 50-80lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Large Tuna, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Tarpon |
30,000 | 60lb+ | 80-100lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Large Tuna, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Tarpon |
What Is The Best Size Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing
Reel Size | Mono Strength | Braid Strength |
---|---|---|
2000 | 4-6lb | 5-10lb |
2500 | 5-8lb | 5-12lb |
3000 | 6-10lb | 6-14lb |
3500 | 6-10lb | 6-14lb |
Check out our recommendations of the top spinning reel for bass fishing
What Size Reel Should You Use For Surf Fishing, Saltwater?

See our detailed recommendations and reviews for the most effective saltwater spinning reels
What Size Reel Should You Use For Trout Fishing?

- Reel size: 1000 to 2500
- Rod: ultralight power rating
- Line: 2-6lb or 6-10lb monofilament
See also: Top 5 reels for trout fishing!
What Size Reel For Beginners?

FAQs
- Are you going to fish in freshwater or saltwater?
- What species are you going to catch?
- What size of fish do you target?
- What line strength do you want to use?
- Does the reel size fit the rod you’re using?
- Does it fit your hand?
- A 3000 reel to catch virtually everything inshore, both freshwater and saltwater.
- A 5000 reel for heavier inshore applications also serves surf fishing.
- The last one, anything from 8000 to 10,000 if your eyes are on some trophy, awe-worthy fish.
- Surf fishing spinning reels commonly range from 5000 to 8000, and the most widely used size is 6000.
- Bass fishing spinning reels are usually at 2500. Thanks to its versatility, this size is the sweet spot of many people.
- For trout fishing, the popular size ranges from 1000 to 2500, depending on the body of water you’re going to jig.
Conclusion
Understanding spinning reel sizes might seem intimidating at first. Yet, with all the information presented here and a conversation with a pro at your local tackle shop, you can make your decision with more confidence. The golden rule is small reels for small fish and big reels for big fish (although some exceptions). Your reel size has an intricate link with the line strength, spool capacity, and the fish species you’re going to catch. While some new anglers often overlook this factor, pinpointing how big the reel should be can significantly contribute to a successful catch. Further reading: Can you use braided line for spinning reels? How much line to put on a spinning reel?
Born in Lakeland, Florida, Daniel has started fishing since he was just a tiny little kid. His father was a real good fisherman, as he taught Daniel tricks and tips to catch the fish better. From those childhood memories, Daniel has built up his love for fishing. Until now, he has been participating in several bass tournaments and currently serves as the Chief Editor of fishingonsunday.com to share his precious knowledge and experiences with many more people.