Reels

[corncob]

Fished with a friend recently and he was using a large open faced reel instead of a baitcaster.....This guy is a bit weird, BUT, got me to thinkin.....Saltwater fisherman use those outsized spinning reels, why not bass fisherman?....

[TR21HP]

You don't need anything that big for bass. I've used a 2500 series spinning reel for Peacock bass and never had a problem. I think it would just be overkill.

[Burchoid]

Fished with a friend recently and he was using a large open faced reel instead of a baitcaster.....This guy is a bit weird, BUT, got me to thinkin.....Saltwater fisherman use those outsized spinning reels, why not bass fisherman?....

Try it and report back.

This seems like a silly question to me, but here's why I would never use one:

-too heavy

-too large

-innacurate casting

-poor line control

-too expensive for a quality reel

-you'd look like a tool using one

[corncob]

Awrighty then!.....I wasn't suggesting using a gigantic reel, simply one a click larger than the normal spinning reel.....STUPID question?...OK.....I'll crawl back under my rock!....Real nice of you to point that out!

[Cecil]

I have used a larger reel in the past. It will allow you to cast further and your line doesn't get quite the memory of a normal sized spinning reel since it has a larger spool.

I would try it and see what you think!

[Craigums]

Might be good for deep diving cranks, longer cast would give you more time in the strike zone.... 1st rule of fishing: There are no rules in fishing!

[Burchoid]

Awrighty then!.....I wasn't suggesting using a gigantic reel, simply one a click larger than the normal spinning reel.....STUPID question?...OK.....I'll crawl back under my rock!....Real nice of you to point that out!

'normal spinning reel' = what size to you?? What's a click larger?

The biggest I'd go is a 3500... I use a Saros 3000 and like it a lot. 2500's are real nice too and probably what most people consider 'normal' for size. Anything 4000 or bigger starts to get too bulky in my opinion -- they are often labelled as 'offshore' reels (4000-10000). So no, I wouldn't use a saltwater reel bass fishing, but a click bigger than normal, sure!!!

[Duffman]

I use a 4000 Saros, it's nice to be able to fit more line on the spool. I have 17lb mono on it. 17lb on a 2500 series reel doesn't give ya a ton of line. If I do get a nasty tangle that sacrifices a lot of line, I still have plenty left to use on the spool.

It's a bigger bulkier reel, but not overly so. I'll not only use it for bass, but also muskie, steelhead, and some saltwater fishing. Overkill for bass? Maybe in some folks eyes, but not mine.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I think bass fisherman adopted low pros because they are light, can manage heavy line well, comfortable to fish a long time with and are probably the most accurate reels available.

Big spinning reels give you big spools and high line capacity for long casts and hard running saltwater fish. They also have excellent drag systems.

[Nick Kuhn]

I see no reason to use a large spinning reel. I always opt for the lightest reel I can use/afford. Sure, they will all catch fish, but the lighter combos are more sensitive and accurate. A longer rod is a far better way to increase cast distance as opposed to using a larger spooled reel.

[Deitz Dittrich]

The weight of your complete set up plays a very large roll of the total sensitivity of the set up. Granted, the more tip weight, not so much the reel play a part in it.. That said, I do know people who use very large spinning reels and do fantastic with them. Its not about what works good for others, its about what works good for you. Give a big spinning reel a try, find out, you may love it.

[CaptZ21]

I will agree with Cecil about larger reels and memory. There have been numerous threads about dock fishing and flouro vs braid. I will and have used a 4000 with 10# flouro for some dock fishing just to help alleviate the memory problem you can get with flouro, especially when you throw in the adrenelin of being in a tournament. I personally recommend a 4000 series with flouro for this type of fishing, especially if the water is pretty clear. I use a 7' GLX, 10# flouro and skip weightless lures quite a distance with this combo. To date I have two over 6 while fishing in tournaments, so I like the combo and dont mind the extra weight of the reel.

[TonkaBass]

Those big spooled smaller framed reels are supposed to be awesome at handling large diameter line. Like the USreel and the Arbor

[corncob]

Thanks for all the info guys.......I may try a spinning set up as suggested....I normally use my spinning set ups for Smallies with 8-10lb copoly and a medium weight rod. A real blast in open water,but, of course , different rules for heavy cover like rice beds or pads for largemouth......As far as others laughing at me, I'm too old to worry about such things.

[Meat-Run]

grizilla,

I have one heavy duty spinning reel that I use for slugs in slop, it's 8ft heavy action a notch or two above your typical walleye reel loaded with 20lb fireline. I like it for more supple lures or landing lures in very specific spots.

Don't listen to those other guys they're all using spinning equipement for musking fishing, ask RK!?!? ;o)

mr

[slipperybob]

The fish don't care about the equipment you use. It's all about how you go about using it. One thing to consider about spinning reels is, that you need to determine the line test (diameter) you want to use first. Consequently larger heavier lines will work better on the larger spinning reel. They will take up any smaller line, but at a huge capacity. A 4000 is will simply overpower most bass. Barely even feel like you've got a fish on. The smaller 2000-3000 size will get the job done just fine.

The best advantage a spinning reel has, is casting into the wind with no fear of backlash or short distances. That's spells confidence.

[TonkaBass]

99.9% is the rod

[slipperybob]

My philosophy is 90% fisherman, 10% equipment. Except for (KISS) keeping it simple straight forward cranking, then it sometimes seems to be 90% equipment enjoyment by the fisherman. 10% deciding where to cast.

If just looking at rod and reel. I'll lean 60 rod and 40 reel. A $300 rod is hindered by a $30 reel. A $300 reel can do almost nothing to help a $30 rod.