Saltwater / Bass Spinning Reel Advice Needed - Stella 3000?

[jkid]

I am interested in a Shimano spinning reel I can use for bass in KY and mate to a St. Croix 7' 1/4-3/4 travel rod, 15-20# pp, for light surf and bay fishing from the beach at Pensacola. I typically throw 1/4 to 3/4 oz. spoons, jigs and plugs. I used a Stradic 2500 and it worked well for ladyfish, flounder and spanish mackerel but the line capacity concerned me. I looked at the Sustain. The 2500 seems a little small/light and the 4000 seems a little large/heavy. I also need to use it for bass fishing on a 6'3" Med. Shimano Crucial. So, I'm leaning towards the Stella 3000 FB for line capacity and the excellent drag. I'd rather have one good reel than two or three for different uses and I can't find any Stellas around here to really examine.

The questions.
Any experience with the Stella 3000?
Will it hold enough line for saltwater?
Can it handle the species in salt?
Is it too big for bass and my crucial rod. (senkos, rapalas etc.)
How does the size of the reel and spool compare to the Stella 2500 and 4000.

Sorry to be so wordy but I wanted to give enough info.

[RAT]

The 3000 is the same as a 2500 but with a larger spool. It will hold more line than the 2500. I personal fish the same area you are( own second home in Gulf Breeze) and I use a Loomis green water in 71/2 foot with a stella 4000 with 20 lbs Power Pro and fluro leader. The 3000 should work for you as a combo for fresh/ light salt. ( Also, stay off the pier with that combo. They have a way of walking off )

[jkid]

I don't fish the pier. I fish the beach in the morning before the kids get up and go to Ft. Pickens to fish the bay some afternoons and evenings. It makes for a nice vacation and we just keep going back.

[Jean Scurtu]

Try DAIWA SS TOURNAMENT 1600(or 1300)super reel for salt water and to fish with braid.
I fish in salt and sweet water with SS 1300 using braid (FIRELINE 4LB. ,SPIDERWIRE ULTRACAST 10LB.+LEADER FLUOROCARBON 6LB.-15LB.) and i like the reel and the price(no reason to spend so much money on STELLA,but is just my opinion)