I have a 11' 6" noodle rod blank and I assume most of them are built as a spinning rod. Just wondering what size reel I should be looking at to match it with - 1000 series, 2500 serries , - a 4000 series seems a bit too large in my mind. Thanks.

For many years I used my Penn 430. Now I like the Daiwa Team Advantage TDA-1500. I think that the 1500 is a pretty good size for the 6# line and light leaders that I use with the noodle.

Match the reel to the size line you are going to use.

The 250 series is a good start. Personally I use either the 20 or 30 series Okumas with the sealed drag (Metaloid, Inspira, Alumina and Aveon). Absolutely bullet proof reels for winter steel.

Mine has a Penn 4300SS with #4 Stren. 11 1/2 ft. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

I'd say match the reel to the DIAMETER and MEMORY of your line - along with a drag good enough for the type of fish you are going after.

8 lb mono is very different from 8lb braided. With 4-8lb braided, you can get away with very small reels as long as the drag is good enough. We pack 150 yards of 4 lb braided into a size 500 reel (we're talking the smallest spin reels made) for example. However, if using mono, we'll go up to size 1000 at least.

Mo

I use Zebco Cardinal 4 reels on all my Noodle Rods. They hold around 200 yards of 8 lbs line and work good for me.
You just need to remember the size of the reel to balance the rod and how your handles are made.
Short butt grip long fore grip will work good with a UL reel like a Cardinal 3 but a long rear grip will need a larger reel
to take the weight off the tip so you arm doesn't tire too fast.
Steve