Spinning reel size vs. rod size

[The Rooster]

When you match a spinning reel to a rod, do you do it under preconceived ideas that certain rod lengths, powers, and actions require certain sizes of reels? Most people will consider weight of the reel in matching to a rod, but how about spool size (not line capacity so much as actual spool diameter)?

Normally I use a Pflueger 35 size reel with 8 pound mono line on a 6'6" medium powered rod. Last time I bought a new reel I went one size smaller and got a Pflueger Trion 30 size, to try a smaller diameter spooled reel on a rod with larger line guides to try to get longer casts. Well, I got that for sure, and more. As for cast distance, first of all the rod is rated for 1/8 - 5/8 lures, but it's never been any good with baits in the 1/8 size, even with the 8 pound line, just 1/4 oz. and up. Now, using the same 8 pound mono on the smaller reel, it will cast 1/8 oz. Roostertails or a weightless fluke or worm on a 3/0 EWG hook like a dream! At least 20-25 more feet on a cast.. But even more than that, the rod sensitivity always felt dead with a 35 size reel on it so moving baits or line watching techniques were about all I ever used it for. I mistakenly blamed the rod, thinking the IM6 graphite was not as good as higher grades (I know better now). Somehow this 30 size reel changes all that. It's like this rod just suddenly came alive. I can feel the bottom better now, and even tell what sort of hardness it is.  I'm sure the 2 oz. lighter reel helps that, not just in overall less weight, but in the balance also, which would explain the sudden increase in sensitivity. I think the prior weight just kept my arm fighting it all the time.

The reel looks a little undersized on the rod, but WOW I love the way it feels! The look of it is what always kept me from trying it, but I'm glad I did. Does anyone else have an unlikely matched combo that just seems to be magical in hand?

[Pferox]

For the most part, the size of reel usually affects the balance as much as anything else, and THAT had a dramatic effect on what you are noticing.

Another thing I have noticed when it comes to sensitivity is that if the line runs though the stripper guide instead or resting on it I seem to get better "feel".

[cortman]

Interesting idea, thanks for sharing. I guess I usually had it in my mind that 2500 meant ML power, 3000 M, 4000 MH, etc. Depending on what rods and reels you have mixing it up could be beneficial as you've found.

[Bradleto]

As you know some panfishing rods can be rather long . . . especially for crappie fishing over the gunwale of a boat to sort of reach out far and drop your bait/lure right over the area you are fishing. But, those 10 (or longer) footers are not for long casting, being rather specialized. But, for those intended to cast a light lure far, go over to St. Croix's website and they sell a panfish rod series. There, you will note that they have rods intended to throw weights as low as 1/32nds from a length of 5'4" all the way up to 6'9". That 6'9" rod is intended to make long casts with the lightest possible lures. Its power rating? UL or ultralight.

Regarding spinning reels, you will cast lighter lines much farther with a smaller reel designed for lighter lines. Here, you might check with the data provided on Shimano Stradic Ci4+ spinning reels.  Shimano makes two 1000 series reels and one is specifically for throwing really light micro lines. They are intended for lines in the 4 to 6 lbs. range.

You never really said what your target fish are, but I assume that if you are throwing 1/8ths, that you are likely not targeting 10 lbs. LMBs so much.

Anyway, just seeing what goes on down in the panfish area gives you an idea of what kind of set-up it takes to get long distance casts with light lures. It should lead you to consider, for casting distance with light objects:  1) a long rod is better than a short one; 2) a long casting rod is whippier; 3) a smaller spinning reel can handle smaller line better; 4) and, light line casts much farther than heavy line.

Then, too, there are specific casting techniques that will greatly affect casting distance. ***Think about flying a paper airplane for distance, here, where a soft push into a release almost always results in a longer glide path than if you wind up and throw it too hard.

Brad

Brad

[The Rooster]

I'm fishing for bass with 1/8 oz. Roostertails. I don't guess a 10 pound fish is likely to hit it but I've caught keepers on those baits before. I have one in particular that they either love or hate because they're always either trying to eat it or destroy it every time it hits the water. It's been bent and straightened half a dozen times, chipped and banged all over, and the hackle skirt is faded almost colorless compared to new ones. It is a 1/8 Glitter Frog Roostertail. I have 4 more the same size and color based on this one's success but the bass have not taken to them like they have that first one.