Spinning reels have become one, if not the most common type of fishing reel by anglers of all skill levels. Even bass fishermen are using them more often than ever before! This is in part to their extreme versatility, not to mention they are easy to use, even for beginners. With that being said, you’re probably wondering “what size spinning reel is best for bass fishing?”
The Best Size Spinning Reel for Bass Fishing
While you can use anything from a small ultralight all the way up to a 5000 size reel, in my opinion, the best size reel for bass fishing is something in the 3000 range. This size spinning reel will give you plenty of power to handle any size bass, but will also allow you to target larger species of fish such as Walleye, Salmon and even saltwater fish like snook and reds.
What Does a 3000 Size Reel Mean
Most spinning reel brands rate their reels ability and size by a number between 1000 all the way up to 10,000. Some, prefer to use 20, 30, 40, and so on. In short, the smaller the number, the lighter the load the reel is designed for. A 3000 size spinning reel is not gonna cut it when trying to tie one on with a large grouper or snapper. On the flip side, a 9 or 9,000 size reel that’s meant for surf fishing will be too big for casting lures to bass.
Why is a 3000 Spinning Reel Good For Bass Fishing
I don’t have a ton of money to spend on fishing equipment! I can’t go out and buy ten different types of reels for different fishing situations, which is why I prefer a 3000 size spinning reel. With this size, you can fish for smaller panfish such as bream, but will also be able to target largemouth bass and even some of the smaller inshore saltwater species like trout, redfish, and snook.
Will a Saltwater Spinning Reel Work for Bass Fishing
Yes, a saltwater reel will definitely work for bass fishing! In fact, I would recommend that you buy a spinning reel that is designed for saltwater fishing! This way, if you ever decide to try your luck on the flats, you already have a reel that can do the job.
With that being said, if you are someone who is landlocked and probably won’t be getting to the ocean to do some saltwater fishing anytime soon, then I would just stick with a reel that’s not intended for saltwater use.
Saltwater reels are made with corrosion-resistant materials, which allow them to stand up to the harsh elements of fishing on the ocean. However, these materials are not cheap, so if freshwater fishing is all that you’ll be doing, save your money and opt for a freshwater reel.
Is There a Certain Brand That’s Better Than Others
If you’ve already started searching for a reel, then you already know that there are no shortages of fishing reels to choose from and all of them claim to be the best. The truth is that fishing reels are like cars! Some people are Ford people and others are Chevy.
Shimano vs Penn
In the fishing world, this usually comes down to Shimano vs Penn. I personally have always used and bought Penn reels. It’s not because I necessarily think that they are better than Shimano, it’s just that this is the first quality reel that I bought and have never had any issues with them.
My favorite reel of all time is the Penn Spinfisher VI 3500. It’s not because it’s a Penn reel or the fact that it has a full-metal sealed body either! It’s my favorite because it feels really good in my hands when casting, reeling, and every now and then (when I’m lucky), when I’m reeling in a nice fish.
If you would like to see more reviews and check out the price of the Spinfisher, you can check it out on Amazon.
As long as you avoid the Walmart specials and stick with a reputable brand such as Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, etc., you should be okay.
If you still can’t decide on which brand to buy, head over to your local sporting goods store and try a few out. Which one feels best in your hands?
3 Reasons To Choose a Spinning Reel Over a Baitcasting Reel
In the world of bass fishing, the baitcaster reel is king! Even though spinning reels are becoming more popular, a baitcaster is usually the reel of choice for serious bass fishermen. With that being said, there are three reasons why I would choose a spinning reel over a baitcaster when bass fishing.
1. Ease Of Use
Spinning reels are just so much easier to learn how to use when compared to baitcaster reels! Baitcasters can potentially be a real pain, even for an experienced fisherman who may not use them very much. Can you imagine how much harder it would be for a newbie to learn how to use one?
2. Versatility
Spinning reels are more versatile! Not only do they make a great reel for beginners, but they are also the go-to reel for many experienced anglers, including fishing guides and fishing pros.
3. Artificial and Live Baits
You can use both artificial and live bait! Baitcasting reels, especially the ones that are made for bass fishing are designed for casting artificial lures. This is great and all, but what if you want to fish with live bait? With a spinning reel, you can cast artificial lures, use live bait, and even use flies that are normally intended for fly fishing.
Will a 30 / 3000 Spinning Reel Hold Enough Line For Bass
The good thing about bass is that they typically don’t go on long runs like some other types of game fish do. Even if they did, a 3000 spinning reel would hold more than enough line to handle any size bass.
As I mentioned before, my favorite spinning reel is the Penn Spinfisher VI. The 3500 model (my go-to size) holds 210 yards of 8lb mono and 230 yards of 10lb braid.
The braided line I like to use on my reels for bass fishing is the Power Pro Spectra. It’s incredibly versatile and strong. I use it in both freshwater and saltwater and absolutely love it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re new to bass fishing and bought a baitcasting reel only to find out that it’s a little more difficult to use than you thought, then you may want to consider getting yourself a spinning reel. As I’ve outlined in this article, I recommend that you get something in the 30 / 3000 range.
This will not only provide you with a reel that can handle any bass but will also allow you to target larger freshwater fish, as well as some inshore saltwater species.
Products Mentioned In This Article
Below are the reels and fishing lines that I mentioned in this post. These are my go-to reels and lines when it comes to setting up my bass fishing gear. Click on any of them to be taken over to Amazon.com to learn more and see current prices.
