I am building a light 10-20lb 7' Boshida rod with the AT microwave guides. Can you suggest a spinning reel that I can use with braid, fishing for striped bass, fluke, albies for inshore saltwater fishing? I think it would not exceed a 3000 type reel. Thanks,
Sanford

To the best of my knowledge, the 2500 and 3000 series are essentially the same reel, with the 3000 having a larger capacity spool.

I like Penns. I use a Conquer on my popping rod and its a great reel, but pricey. I recently got a Fierce and have only used it a couple times but like it and the price point is friendlier. I am always looking for the older Penn SS series on the @#$%& sites. If you've figured out your line size and the distance you expect to have to cast and what kind of run you can expect after hook up, you will get your size reel and then It will come down to your preference.

Sanford,
Use any of about 50 different reels that suit you - both with respect to price and performance. You can get reels that will work well from $40 to $4000, your choice.

Be safe

Hello Sanford.

I use an old Shamano 3500 Bait Feeder (don't know if they still make the 3500), two reels in one live lining, trolling, ballooning, bottom fishing and more than I can think of.

Tight Wraps.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Robert,'
I have a Shimano 3500, but I thought it was too heavy for this light rod. That is why I am thinking of another reel. I know there are dozens of reels, but I could use some suggestions as a start. Thanks,'
Sanford

Hello Sanford.

Well you say you are fishing for striped bass(Powerful but not Real Fast), Fluke(EZ Fish but can be strong depending on size), and Albies(A member of the Tuna Family; Fast and Strong).
Then you say the rod is listed as a 10-20# class(You don't say what Type & Size of line you intend to use).
Next you say a 3500 is too big(so How Many Yards of Line will you put on this Less than 3500 Reel?)

I prefer Bait-feeders for everything but bottom fishing and heavy trolling.
I don't know if Shimano still makes their 250 but even if they did you are not likely to catch an Albie of any size with it, but who knows.

Okuma makes them from an ABF-20a on up.
The small reels are not designed for 20# drag, the smallest one listed for 20# drag is the ABF-50(17# drag at a wt. of 27.4 oz. holds a good amount of 20# line at 320 yrds) in the Avenger Series.
In the Trio Series they have the TRIO-BF-55(20# drag at a wt. of 17oz. it does not list yardage at 20# but the 15# yardage is only 250 yrds).

So the main questions are:
1. What type of line will you be using?
2. What size of line will you be using?
3. How many yards of line will you be needing?


Just My $0.02.
Good Luck and Tight Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

i really like penn slammer 260. great inshore and beach casting for spec trout.

FWIW not all 3000 reels are the same size. A 4000 stradic is listed as holding 265 yards of 15# braid (about right for albies IMHO). The Daiwa Braida 3000 will hold 330 meters of PE 1.5. Pretty big difference.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Russ

How many yards are in a meter ??? Or meters in a yard

How about making the measurments the same Then some of us poor foke can know the difference

Bill - willierods.com

I will be using braid and can use a heavier line which is still thinner than mono. I have tried this on Block Island and had success picking up fluke and striped bass. Since I will be boat fishing, I won't need over 250 yards of line on the reel. I live and fish on Cape Cod, Mass. where we have striped bass, blues, fluke and sea bass.. a good variety of fish. Russ, there is 39.37" to a meter, making a meter a little longer than a yard (36").

A Van Staal VS150 (or even a VS100) would be my first choice for such a rig... if money was no object.
Quantum, the parent company of Van Staal, makes the Boca and Cabo reels which should do well for you
and are priced much lower. I wouldn't want a reel that weighed over 16 oz on such a light rig.

I own a Van Staal 250 and like it a lot. I will look into it. I also have the Quantum Boca and Cabo reels and find them smooth as silk. All of them I own are too big for the rod, but I think these two brands of reels may be my final choice. I hadn't thought about the Van Staal until now. It is expensive, but worth the money. Thanks.
Sanford

Sanford, I would forget about the Microwave guides and slap a set of casting guides on that blank and get yourself a OKUMA Cedros #CJ-273 saltwater rated baitcasting reel. I think it would be better suited for your intent.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

The guy is building a Spinning Rod
Why should he do that ???

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks Bill

Bill , Its just a suggestion. I don't think the microwave set up would be beneficial.There's nothing to gain. I think it would hinder the rods capability in this application. I think K guides would be a better choice for a spinning rod for this use.

Dennis J. Danku
(Sayreville,NJ)

That does make sense No pig tails to have to streighten out With more distance in casting

Bill - willierods.com

Sanford, I'm happy to see you agree with me about the Van Staal reels.
They are awesome machines and a pleasure to use. It's great to never have to worry about the reel failing under pressure.
I've done very well purchasing them on that unnamed site... both new and used.
In case you wonder about the strength of the VS100 it handled a 100lb shark without a hitch.
I'm also a big fan of their fly reels. Simply the best!
Good luck to you.
I wish I could be on board with you when you hook into those stripers.
Dave

Shimano Stradic 3000