What Spinning Reel Size Is Best For Saltwater Fishing?

Are you wondering what spinning reel size is best for saltwater fishing?

The best way to evaluate spinning reels by class is to look at their respective line capacity specs because the overall 2500, 3000, etc. ratings are not consistently applied.

The biggest mistake most saltwater fishermen make is to use reels that are bigger than needed.

[georgiabowhunter]

I picked up three Fuego 2500DXH and one 3000 based on previous Salt Strong reviews and couldn’t be happier. I’ve caught everything from Bluegills to big Redfish on them. A huge bonus is they hold up well to salt water. They are the best overall value available.

[Steelman]

Thanks for the information. I downsized my spinning reel to a 1000 coupled with a 7’ moderate light AllStar rod. 10# braid, 20# copolymer leader. I’ve caught slot redfish, speckled trout, flounder and bass on this setup. This is my new go to rig when using spinning gear. So much fun and less soreness at the end of the day. I’ve been fishing for 60yrs and I’m enjoying fishing more now than ever.

[drevil]

I was on the lookout for a compact light-ish tackle reel a few months ago. I decided on the Saltis MQ4000. What I did notice is that reel and rod preference vary greatly from country to country. In South Africa for example it is difficult to find a 7 to 8 footer for jigging etc. You make queries and everyone suggest 12ft and above. Your channel is a breath of fresh air. Not everyone needs a harpoon if you are just going to jig off of a kayak and or do some fishing off the rocks. Getting the right stuff over here is a bloody nightmare though!!!

[HWCism]

Thanks for the info. I have been downsizing my reels over the passed couple of years. More fun catching on smaller gear.

[SandbaggerJoe]

The 4000 size in Daiwa LT and Shimano Reels is the weight and size that works for me and has less line management problems than smaller reels

[auggyboy]

What you say makes sense. It does come down to the target species and location. Fishing the VA/NC coast, a 4000 size reel is the staple.

[EdwardKelly-visg]

THE BEST GEAR YOU CAN HAVE IS THE GEAR YOU CAN AFFORD...THE FISH DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE , BUT YOUR WALLET DOES...!

[Labrador-oy]

Great info. Best channel and nice that you guys are living and working your passion. Just wish we could get to Florida again. I miss Matlacha!

[rontruocchio]

i'm pleased with my daiwa bg 3000. its metal, its fairly light weight, its strong, smooth, and it didn't bust my budget. i 've caught flukes, blues, stripers, skates and everything in between from the surf with no problem.

[kingdomman]

I fish the open surf so I normally go a minimum of a 4000 size penn with 20lbs braid. Just wanna prepare for anything.

[stevengarland]

I have been fishing Indian River (mosquito lagoon/haulover to be specific) and my Fuego 4k paired with a medium Star rod is the lightest and most versatile setup I have EVER owned.

My Nasci FC 3k & Star rod combo is night for sure as well. I have no complaints whatsoever from either one besides they don't get used enough.

[nitro]

Great video. Lots of solid information on a really important topic. Thank you.

[jerrygibbs]

The arrival of braided line was pivotal to the move to smaller and smaller reels. 150 to 200 yards of braid is more than 95% of fishermen will ever need.

[blackcanvasremix]

As a kid, all I had was light tackle, and I caught hundreds of under slot snook on my grandmother's dock with a 2500 sized reel. My first over slot snook came near the inlet under a bridge. I used my river rig because, well, that's all that i had. The 2500 reel had carbontex style drag washers (15lb drag) Keep in mind the Reel was just composite, and as i was holding this snook away from structure, i had to max out the drag and i could see my line roller arm flexed to the max, it was almost touching the pole, i was waiting for it to explode into pieces but it surprisingly held. 20lb braid. 30lb leader. 1oz red tail hawk. The Rod was a 7 foot 2-piece diawa and was flexed to the breaking point during that fight. I ended up landing a 38" fat snook. So the takeaway... a metal reel is a necessity when fighting over slot snook around structure. 15lb drag was plenty. I caught my personal best 48" snook on the same setup, but i wasn't around structure. She screamed off line like a tarpon. 30lb leader worked because i was using a circle hook. 🍻

[ryanvlasic]

Whether it is 2500 or 3000 depends on the specific reel. For example a 3000 diawa BG is too big and heavy for most inshore applications, while I consider my saltist back bay 3000 to be the perfect inshore reel. It totally depends on the brand because some reels are just heavier.

[oliverpapa]

i love my 4500 penn spinfisher 7 and personally i find it incredibly comfortable

[johnnybarfoot]

Great and informative video. Thank you.

[lnomolas]

I started with 4000's just as you said. I went down to 2500 and 3000's and find I have stuck on 3000's - they are very close in weight to a 2500 and carry more of the same size (10lb braid) line. I do have a 1000 on a light 6' rod and it is a blast for trout. All Shimano...

[saltylawaia]

I love the Daiwa saltist back bay 3000, haven’t seen you guys do a review on that yet

[alienzone]

Hi, I am new to saltwater fishing, I am getting a Shimano FX2500 reel in a few days, can you please advise me on a 6 or 7 ft rod to go with it, I mean the specs. Also the specs of a braided line I should use with it. I want to use it for shore casting, my target is to catch 7 to 10 lb fish. Thanks.