A good grip on spinning reel sizes guarantees anglers choose the right gear with the capacities for their intended fishing applications. With the loose standards used to classify these reels, some beginners might find this aspect a little complicated.
On top of it, since there are many factors that require their attention while choosing a spinning reel, anglers can easily overlook sizing.
This article will shed some light on spinning reel sizes, so you can easily pick out the proper specifications for your fishing purposes.
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 of 10 typically corresponds to 1000, and a reel size of 3500 is similar to the size of 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 spinning reels (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 |
Small spinning reels are meant for inshore fishing, mostly freshwater but sometimes coastal waters. They are generally used for targeting small classes of fish (up to 15lb).
Light fishing rods from 6 to 9 feet are recommended for this size range. 
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 |
Medium-sized reels are sweet spots for many anglers as they offer a wide range of applications. They can tackle inshore fishing of all sorts.
You can also use them for surf, rock, and lighter pier fishing. This size range can withstand the fight of fish up to 30 pounds.
Medium-size reels are ideal for rods between 7 and 8 feet, which is not overkill for small species like panfish but is still capable of handling big fish.
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 |
Spinning reel sizes for catching Bass can range from 2000 to 3500, depending on the angler’s fishing techniques: Finesse fishing, for example, requires a 2000 size spinning reel, which is perfect for ultralight lures. However, heavier applications at which crankbaits are used need larger reel sizes, such as a 3000 or 3500.
The range of 2500-3000 is the sweet spot for many anglers, especially for those just starting bass fishing with spinning reels.
One of the things we love about Bass is that they won’t run as long as other game fish.
As a result, you won’t always need a large-sized spinning reel to target large Bass.
A 2000 spinning reel can wrestle with an 8-pound bass without any troubles, and a 3000 spinning reel can hold enough lines to deal with Bass of most sizes.
In certain circumstances, anglers can use a 4000 reel for bass fishing, however. It is when they are catching a trophy size bass in unfavorable conditions.
Relate: If you’re thinking about buying a new reel, check out our recommendations of the top spinning reel for Bass
What Size Reel Should You Use For Surf Fishing, Saltwater?
Because surf fishing involves greater casting distance, spinning reels are generally of large size to provide greater line capacity.
There is also a wide range of fish, from small Whiting flounder to even sharks, so there’s no single recommendation for the best surf fishing reel size.
For surf fishing, anglers usually have medium to large spinning reels in their arsenal. The most common choice is the 5000 size reel, but many situations call for up to 20,000 size reel.
See also: Check out our recommended top reel for surf fishing!
On rare occasions, when the surf is down at the shore break, you can use a 3000. This small size can be your last resort if you don’t have anything else in your tackle box.
Yet, it feels pretty small in normal conditions, and the casting distance is likely to suffer.
A 5000-size spinning reel covers a broad spectrum of fish, such as bluefish and stripers, and remains effective when monster fish take the bait. This size can withstand up to 30+ pounds of fish.
Shimano Saragosa SW A Besides, this size offers you greater spool capacity and works effectively with a longer rod, which is all you need to get past that “third breaker”.
For bigger fish, the choice can run from 7,000 to 20,000. While a larger size provides greater casting distance and more control over large fish, it can cause fatigue.
On the other hand, a 5000-size spinning reel can give you a good start for surf fishing and inshore.
See also: What type of reel is best for saltwater fishing?
What Size Reel Should You Use For Trout Fishing?
Trout are by no means giant fish, so you don’t need a large reel and huge drag capacity.
This species generally weighs from 2 to 8 pounds. For this reason, most spinning reels for catching trout are from 1000 to 2500, 3000, and sizes 4000 and up would be overkill.
Most trout fishing demands an ultralight setup. Here is a basic guideline for you to put together a trout combo that works:
- Reel size: 1000 to 3000
- Rod: ultralight power rating
- Line: 2-6lb or 6-10lb monofilament
The size 1000 typically works best with a light fishing line. Anglers usually pair it with a monofilament line of 2-6lb. For large trout, a 3000 spinning reel might be the way to go. It is best used with a 6-10lb line-breaking strain.
SHIMANO Vanford F While choosing a spinning reel for trout, it pays to consider the body of water you’re going to fish.
Catching trout in small water areas necessitates a more finesse-style setup than fishing in large rivers. If it’s just small rivers, there is no need to go over the 1000 size, and a 6-foot rod is a good choice in this situation.
Meanwhile, fishing trout in large rivers means you need a larger reel and a rod with a heavier line.
What Size Reel For Beginners?
There is no spinning reel size for “beginners”. As mentioned, you should factor in where you’re going to fish and the species you’re targeting.
Often, people rely on the fishing line size to choose the right spinning reel size. For example, jigging smallmouth bass or walleye often needs an average line strength of 8lb.
So it is recommended to go for a spinning reel size that matches this rating.
So if you’re new to a spinning reel, you can take a look at our spinning reel size charts to determine the right choice for you. It is worth mentioning that bigger reels are often harder to handle.
In addition, they hold more lines and involve heavier casting techniques, making them not the right choice for new anglers.
While bigger reels are made for catching bigger fish, that doesn’t mean you should select the largest option you can find. Weight increases with size, which can affect how long you can put up your fights.
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.
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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.
