Spinning reel size for UL rod

[hungry_cow]

I decided for my ultra light bluegill / crappie setup spinning is more practical than baitcasting. But for my lighter bass fishing I went to bait finesse so I have a Stradic CI4 3000 that just sits there collecting dust. Will it work to put on an UL spinning rod? I am thinking probably a 6 to 6ft 6 UL, or should I downsize to a 1000 or 1500 size? I plan to use 4 lb line.

[RMCatchNrelease]

I like a 1000 on rods under 6' and running 3lb maxima. On my 6'9" UL I like a 2500 for balance and managing 6lb floro. I have fished the 1000 on the longer rods, but prefer the 2500.

Good luck

[Big-Bass]

Split the difference and get the new Shimano Sedona 2000FE.

[Bronzeye]

I don't own a 3000 size Stradic, so I can only comment based on general experience.

The two problems you might experience are uneven drag resistance and less-than-optimal line spooling.

If the drag system is optimized for the line strengths recommended for the reel, it might not provide steady resistance at strengths below that. Note that I didn't say will not; the Stradic might do just fine. If you backreel, this need not be a concern in bass/panfish lakes unless they also contain carp that you want to land if you hook one. (Carp are fast and powerful swimmers.)

When 4 lb. line is being reeled onto a reel designed for thicker line, it might not be laid down all the way to the front of the spool skirt. That can mean that some wraps of line slide down below a "ledge" of line that forms; in theory, that should impede the smooth flow of such wraps on an outgoing cast and reduce distance. You won't know until you try.

If your Stradic is brand new, you might consider selling it and replacing it with a lighter-weight reel designed for light lines. If it has been used, then give it a shot. Compared to the cost of a new reel of equivalent value, line is cheap.

[Pen3]

I like the C2000S size reels for a 4lb flouro setup. I had a dedicated TwinPower C2000S that is going to be retired and replaced by a Vanquish C2000HGS. They are about the same size and weight as the 1000 with the slightly bigger spool to help manage flouro.

[slipperybob]

1000, you might like it more, you start using UL for other stuff.

[bronzefly]

I've used the Shimano Symetre 500FL on an ultra light spinning rod for panfish and it's a lot of fun using little line and little baits. I wouldn't want any spinning reel larger than a 1000 with a little UL spinning rod.

[bradbellflower]

This question really comes down to your definition of ultralight and your choice of rod. Good mono in 4 pound test or less does NOT need a reel with a large OD spool. I use a Symetre 500 with Stroft 4 pound mono for big smallmouth.

[Pen3]

This question really comes down to your definition of ultralight and your choice of rod. Good mono in 4 pound test or less does NOT need a reel with a large OD spool. I use a Symetre 500 with Stroft 4 pound mono for big smallmouth.

Well i like shallow to run 4lb Shooter on shallow spools and i am not confident the 500 will be able to manage the line perfectly or at all. I ran 4lb Metan Green Shooter on my '09 TwinPower MG C2000S for 4 years straight without any issues till the line became harder to find. I am excited about my new reel arriving tomorrow, it is a C2000HGS size.

[oops]

For a true UL spinning setup I cant imagine using anything over a 1000 size.

I have a Symetre 500 (idk what model...whatever was new in 2011-12) on my ultra light imx trout/panfish rod with 4lb mono and it is perfection. I would definitely not want a 1000 size on this setup.

I have a 2nd setup with another more stout fenwick techna av rod that is sweet for getting solid hooksets and bringing up bluegill from the deep water with an older 750 size symetre also uaing 4lb...on this one I think I could get away with a 1000 size but I also wouldn't consider this a true UL setup

[overdose]

4'6"-5'6" I would do 500 size reel, anything over that I would do a 750-1000 depending on the length of the rod. 2000-2500 is overkill for ultra light tho.

[Pen3]

I don't know, my c2000 reel isn't much bigger than a 500 and weights only 5.3oz. I have it on a rod rated at1/64～1/8oz and 2-6lb line. It might not be true UL, but so is 4lb or superline users. I would say 90% of bass anglers in Japan use 4lb flouro for their spinning reels.

[zodiak311]

Is there a JDM version of the Symetre 500?

[Martin Lo]

I don't know, my c2000 reel isn't much bigger than a 500 and weights only 5.3oz. I have it on a rod rated at1/64～1/8oz and 2-6lb line. It might not be true UL, but so is 4lb or superline users. I would say 90% of bass anglers in Japan use 4lb flouro for their spinning reels.

I have 2 C2000hgs. Both weigh next to nothing and looks pretty good. My choice for UL