Are you ready to reel in the big bass? Choosing the right spinning reel must be one of your top concerns, as you won’t want to get stuck with a too small size or fail to handle a large reel. So what size spinning reel for bass is the best?
This guide will dive into the world of spinning reels and share some tips to help you select the right size for your fishing trip. Let’s read on to discover!
What Are The Reel Sizes You Can Use For Bass?
Most spinning reels these days, like Daiwa and Shimano, are 2500 or 3000 sizes. They share the same weight, drag capacity, and gear. The only difference between them is the spool spacing within 2-3mm.
I have used Shimano and Penn reels. Daiwa comes in large sizes over 3000 and it’s good for saltwater fishing. But I really love spinning reels around the size 3000 for bass fishing.
Manufacturers have switched to lighter braid mode. Since the distance in the wedge isn’t as important as it used to be, the gear ratio must be what they focus on.
Larger spools improve the transmission a lot, especially when you use a mono or fluoro line.
To get the best of my fishing trip, I often use the 3000-size reel for faster gear ratios and more IPT. The lures matter, too. And I always have swimbaits, spinnerbaits, hollow belly frogs, and crankbaits in my tackle box.
Spinning reels come in different sizes. Manufacturers refer to the size as a two-digit or four-digit number. The higher the number, the bigger and heavier the reel.
The size range of your spinning reel is vital for bass fishing, as it affects the reel’s performance and your ability to catch fish. The following reasons will encourage you to focus more on choosing the proper reel size:
- Comfort: A spinning reel that is too big or small for your hands can cause discomfort and fatigue during a long fishing day. As a result, you won’t detect the bite properly and fail to catch fish.
- Casting distance: A bigger reel helps you cast your lure further. This feature is crucial when targeting bass in open water.
- Line capacity: An enormous reel will be helpful if you want to catch big fish because it has more line capacity.
I prefer to use a reel with a size of 3000 for bass fishing. It performs best when paired with a rod from seven feet and a gear ratio in the vicinity of 6:1.
Reel Size: 1000
This reel size is the smallest and most lightweight for bass fishing. Because of the size, anglers often use it for small freshwater bass. However, the narrow spool may cause tangling problems. You may also find it hard to retrieve your line.
Even so, the 1000-size reel is good for bass fishing because you will have more control and sensitivity due to the lighter weight. Hence, you can easily detect slight vibrations in your line.
Furthermore, there will be less strain on your wrists. Hence, do not worry about fighting against aggressive bass after long fishing hours.
This reel size works best when paired with a six- to seven-foot rod. You can also use it with a monofilament line or braided line. If it’s a mono line, go for the size of a 2 to 4-pound test. And if you prefer the braided fishing line, then it should be 4 to 8 pounds.
Pros:
- The 1000 size means that you have a lighter weight, giving you more control over your reel.
- You can easily detect the bites thanks to the increased sensitivity.
- There is less stress on your wrists.
Cons:
- Be prepared for the line tangling problems.
- You can’t retrieve as quickly as bigger reels.
- The spool is narrower.
Reel Size: 2000
The 2000-size option is not as popular as its larger versions. Yet, since it offers the same results as the lighter weight, anglers still love it.
Please note that 2000-size reels can be different depending on the manufacturer. In some cases, it can be as big as the 2500-size reel. Hence, check the product specifications before you buy.
Because this reel size is lightweight, you can take advantage of its ease of use. It also offers you more control over your rod while not adding too much stress to your wrists.
However, the 2000-size reel can’t be as versatile as the 2500 version. To bring out the best of it, consider pairing it with a mono line (4 to 6 pounds) or a braided line (5 to 10 pounds). Meanwhile, the best rod size for it is 6 to 7.5 feet.
Pros:
- Using this reel, you can get the versatility of the 2500 size and the sensitivity of the 1000 size.
- The light weight reduces strain on your wrists.
Cons:
- This reel isn’t as versatile as the 2500 version.
- It can’t reel in quickly.
Reel Size: 2500
This size is one of the most popular reel options for bass fishing because of its versatility. It’s not too large to become cumbersome nor too small that it causes tangling issues as the 1000 size does.
Another benefit of using this size reel is that it can extend easily. You can also use it with different spools of line.
Like the 2000 size, this reel is best when paired with a rod that is 6 to 7.5 feet long. In terms of fishing line, you have two options:
- Mono line: 4 to 8 pounds
- Braided line: 5 to 12 pounds
In general, a 2500-size reel is good for bass fishing. However, its actual value lies in the bass species you want to catch.
Pros:
- The 2500-size reel is highly versatile.
- The reel won’t tangle and can extend easily.
Cons:
- This option does not aim for a specific purpose like other reel sizes.
Reel Size: 3000
This reel size is the best option available for bass fishing. The larger reel means that you have a bigger spool, allowing it to cast further. This feature is essential for catching big bass.
Moreover, a wider spool gives you a smoother feel with your reel and line. Besides, it won’t tangle easily. Since you have nothing to worry about casting your line, you now just need to wait for big bass to get caught.
Additionally, the 3000-size reel is flexible. You can take advantage of its flexibility to change from light to light-medium lures.
The best rod size for the 3000-size reel is 6 to 7.5 feet. When it comes to the line, choose a mono line that is 6 to 10 pounds. If you prefer a braided line, find the 6 to 14-pound test.
Pros:
- The larger spool allows you to cast your line easily without tangling.
- You will have added strength if the reel fits nicely in your hands.
- The reel gives you a smooth feel with the reel and line.
Cons:
- The 3000-size reel can be too large for those with tiny hands.
- If you want complete control over your rod, consider downsizing the reel.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Reels Higher Than 4500?
The 3000 size is the most common and effective solution for bass fishing. Some use 4500, but it won’t achieve the same result due to these reasons:
- Line capacity: The 4500-size reels can hold more line than needed for bass fishing. Hence, they will add more weight to your setup, giving you a hard time managing your line.
- Casting distance: Larger reels can help you cast further. However, it’s unnecessary for bass fishing, especially when working in small bodies or shallower water. In fact, anglers only prefer large reels when fishing for saltwater species.
- Weight: The larger the reel, the heavier it is. If you intend to fish all day, the 4500-size reel will make you uncomfortable and reduce your success rate.
What You Need To Know About Choosing Fishing Reels For Bass?
Now you know which reel size is best for bass fishing. Yet, when it comes to fishing reels, you have to learn more than that.
The reel doesn’t make the whole setup. So, this section will help you choose the right line, rod, lure, and gear ratio to complete it.
Line
Consider the line capacity of your spinning reel. Different lines require different reel types to maximize their performance.
For example, a braided fishing line needs a reel with a higher line capacity. Meanwhile, the monofilament line is still good even when you use a limited line capacity reel.
For example, if you use a 3000-size reel, it should go with a mono line of 6 to 10-pound test. Meanwhile, a braided line requires a reel from 6 to 14 pounds.
Matching rod
The length of your fishing rod plays a vital role in your setup. While longer rods need larger reels to balance the overall weight, you can pair smaller reels with shorter rods.
It would be best to use small reels for bass fishing. Hence, the most effective rog length to pair with it should be from 6 to 7.5 feet.
Brand
It’s always better to buy products from reputable brands like Penn, Daiwa, and Shimano. Remember to check feedback on them from third-party websites.
Besides, avoid bargain bins because those reels don’t last long. Moreover, they don’t often have good customer service and warranties.
If you don’t know which brand to choose, stick to popular sporting goods stores. You can figure out which type of reel is suitable for your trip.
Lure
You can use both artificial and live bait for bass fishing. A spinning reel can go with almost any kind of lure, such as swimming jigs, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwaters. These lures perform best with a medium-speed reel.
On the other hand, baitcasting reels only give you an optimal outcome when used with artificial lures.
Gear ratio
The gear ratio refers to how many times a spool turns for one handle turn. For example, if your reel has a gear ratio of 5:1, every time you turn its handle, the spool inside it can turn five times.
In general, for bass fishing, the ratio of 5:1 is too slow, while 7:1 may be too fast. Instead, the 6:1 can do just right.
A slower reel, about 5:1, is better for crank baiting, as it helps you get the lures to their max depth without sacrificing the sensitivity.
Meanwhile, fast gear isn’t popular for bass fishing. It only works when you pitch and fish an aggressive bass in close quarters.
Relate: Check out the top 9 spinning reels for bass we recommend
Conclusion
Every component in your rod setup will affect the success chance of your fishing trip. By considering the right size spinning reel for bass fishing, you can surely catch more fish.
The 3000-size reel is the best option in most cases. Yet, don’t forget to choose the right lure, rod, and line to pair with it.
So, head for the water and cast your line. Our last piece of advice is “practice makes perfect.” Then, you can win the game easily.
Thank you for reading!
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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.
