The size of your reel.    This is one that I talk to people about on a daily basis.   Regularly people are using reels that are larger than they need.      On my charters I am handing people reels that are “2000” size reels.    This size is comfortable to hold all day long.     Going up to a 2500, more line capacity and a little more beef to battle larger fish.

3000 for what we do around here:   I wouldn’t do it.   I call this “kingfish” or “tarpon” reels.     That’s what you use those for.    To go out to catch any of the other fish we have around here on a 3000 reel:   Why?

I’ll tell you that I think a 3000 is too big for a lot of what kind of fishing we have here.     I have 15 rods and reels that rotate, only two of them are larger than 2500’s.     A lot of 2000’s.    The people I take fishing that have 3000 reels will add the smaller reels to their tools.    With the diameter of the lighter braided lines, you can fit plenty of line on a spool on a smaller reel, something that was a bigger problem years ago.

A 1500?    If you do nothing but pompano, trout and flounder a 1500 reel is even better.     You will have some trouble with it if you use it for redfish.     But the 1500 fits into a category I call “ultralight”.   Downsize the rod.     Silver trout and whiting, they are fun on the lighter gear.    A 1500 reel on a whippy ultralight rod:  That’s fun.

You have limited options:  Get a 2500.    You have more options, get a 2000 as well.   If you do a lot of small species stuff watch for a 1500.    I can tell you that you will enjoy certain things.   The 1500 I actually currently don’t have but if I see one out there I will probably get it.     I will stick with the 2000’s.     I only have a couple of 2500’s.    90% of my reels are 2000’s.

Fly fishing, the same thing.   What size?    Talk it over with the fly guys.   My go to is an 8 weight.     You have to size up way higher to go for a tarpon. .  You can size down for that “ultralight” feel.

I won’t deviate from the topic.    I could go on many tangents with reels.    This on “reel size” I would say:   Get what you need.   If you are after something large out there, you want to size up.    If you are doing trips like I am doing, consider downsizing.      You won’t regret it.

Enjoy your fishing!

Neil Taylor

Neil is the owner and operator at Strike Three Kayak Fishing.    Administrator and owner of capmel.com, Neil enjoys the outdoor community.    An outdoor writer and speaker, Neil still sits up high in the fishing world.

Neil Taylor
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