How To Choose The BEST Inshore Spinning Reel For You

STOP paying full price for your tackle and get on the water regional fishing tips every week. Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3ihd1EZ
It’s reel selection time!
Do you need big spinning reels to fight inshore fish like big redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon?
NO.
And you're probably wasting a ton of money and missing fish because you're going in too overpowered for the situation.
Turns out that even a 1000 series spinning reel can get the job done in most cases.
But there are downsides to going too big AND too small on your reel size.
So in this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know so that you can make the best decision for your style of fishing and what you are targeting!
You'll get the answers to these questions:
- What do different reel sizes mean?
- What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a spinning reel?
- Do you need a big reel for tarpon?
- And more!
So many factors go into what spinning reel is right for you!
Do you have any questions about spinning reel sizes or what's best for your style of fishing?
Let me know down in the comments or on our Fishing Tips blog here: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI

[@Saltstrong]

STOP paying full price for your tackle and get on the water regional fishing tips every week. Click here to join us in the Insider Club: bit.ly/3ihd1EZ

[@got_to_roll]

No love for the PNW fisherman? No place to to join click for Washington state.

[@skyblazerrc7228]

Shark fishing w cheap reels would be fun to watch and a good stress test

[@andre2679]

3000 is my sweet spot. Perfect size, in my opinion.

[@pano3232]

This is a college classroom and Im gonna have to watch this multiple times to let the lesson sink in.

[@markdavid578]

I love the Daiwa BG.

[@rickleyh2192]

I really enjoy this type of information in a vid, thanks

[@michealmedhat7368]

I caught a 25lb giant trevally on a fuego 3000 and a daiwa legalis sea bass rod 7 foot on a 40 gram jig it was a hard fight and the rod nearly broke but got the fish to the boat at the end

[@alanjohnson8396]

Interesting and insightful. Believe it or not watching this video made me rethink my reel choice for a 9’ surf spinning rod and drop down one size. It was if I knew this instinctively but wasn’t willing to accept it based on old biases. Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching, glad it was helpful!

[@saltysnooker9693]

I still use two Mitchell Reels for saltwater, dock fishing and wade fishing..G4000 and the AVSIV 4000…they have held up for years, a little spray with freshwater and most of these reels can last! However I do also have a BG 6500 and you really can’t beat that for tarpon and pulling giant snook from under piers! 👍 thanks for the videos guy, this helps a lot of fisherman even those who aren’t in our insider club! Thanks guys..tight lines

[@simontimoney]

I just bought a Daiwa BG 4500 .. What length of spinning rod would you recommend to pair with it? To balance it out.. Thanks in advance

[@eves08109]

It depends what you're using it for?

[@iplaywithtrucks7230]

Watched several of your videos, looking for a budget setup spinning reel and rod for intercoastal area and backwater in Alabama. Fishing for redfish or anything else I can eat. I will use for a week and then maybe once a year in saltwater but may use in a deep lake in midwest.

[@boldcityfishing9265]

You guys put me on Daiwa and now I am never turning back. The fuego can handle big fish and the bg is a great live bait reel for pulling fish out. I have not experienced flex with the fuego. With 10 pound braid and drag set light you can’t flex it. Thanks guys!

[@frostizz2072]

I got 3 fuegos love them, so smooth but a jack yoinked my rod in the water lol

[@johngrosariu1992]

For some reels 2500 have a I shape knob handle and 3000 a T shape. That’s why they make this 2 very similar in size. The handle style is the difference.

[@scarri3r]

Hi Joe and Luke - You both mentioned you used to buy a lot of 4K size reels. Nowadays the technology has gotten so good that the 4K reels are sometimes 8 oz or less. I use a MedHeavy Rods - like Pro Green and Green Water from GLoomis - really good rods and pricey. The 4K reels like the KAGE MQ seem to balance it out perfectly… Is this wrong? I still line it up w/ 10lb power pro and seem to be able to cast a mile.

[@kelley71]

I would be curious your guys thoughts on spool diameter and the casting release (where it sits on your finger). I can put a casting plug in a soup can at 120 feet with a bait caster but can't hit a barn door with a spinning rod. I saw where the smaller reels sit different on your finger due to rod angle? Would a 3000 be easier to cast in this respect?

[@michaelt2571]

I have caught 35 inch snook w 1000 fuego 1st day using it no problem. I love fishing small reels.

[@CVNTGETENOUGH]

What rod do you use?

[@LivingLifeOurWay365]

Penn squadron III inshore 7ft medium light, 10lb braid 10-25lb leader, 3000 bg is my go to for 75% of my fishing here in the north east. Then ill go up to a 9ft penn prevail to a 3500 bg 20lb braid and 20-30lb leader for my semi larger lures. Then 10ft penn prevail, 6000 penn battle 50lb braid to 50lb leader for my larger lures. These are my go to setups since im a bank or surf fishing type guy here in north east. And so i also by the way love for light tackle fishing and always have. And always will be. So this years personal goal is to catch a 15lb bluefish here in the north east on my medium light setup and yet to do it. But i know it will before end of season. This all is because of yall. Learned so much from yall how to fish with lighter style setups. So thank you.

[@Saltstrong]

You're welcome!

[@rdo075]

Awesome videos as always

[@robertabrams91]

Hi guys.. always good content. Can you make a video on budget rods like (daiwa D wave…sweepfire…shimano FX… even the GX2 ugly stick.. etc..etc) thanks in advance.

[@heartwormskillcats8357]

Thanks!

[@petera1117]

For me, SoCal fishing with Phenix trifecta lite 9’ paired with a fuego LT 3000 to toss artificials with #20 braid and short flouro leader. The setup is crazy light but I could probably go to a lighter reel with what I’ve been catching😆

[@HanSoloxcs]

There's not much lower you can go than 3000 which is usually equivalent to 2500 body...you're fine.

[@JohnNugentJr]

Hey there! Just stumbled across your KZbin channel (and IG profile) this weekend. I'm a now-30-year-old Palm Bay, FL, native (living currently in Saint Cloud, FL, due to work) who did a ton of saltwater inshore fishing with my dad as a kid and teenager (off causeways, jettys, surf fishing, and Indian River wading/island/boating fishing)...primarily for redfish, Jack Crevalle, & Snook. For my old man's 65th birthday, I'm looking to buy him a great new rod and reel setup to get him back into the saltwater fishing spirit. Ten years ago and beyond, he was a huge Shimano + Ugly Stik fan (and, with a 17' Edgewater boat, caught many 30"+ and even 40"+ reds and Jacks...I can share pics if you want haha, just lmk)...but checking online nowadays, it seems Daiwa BG (or BG MQ) has all but dominated the mid-class inshore saltwater reel market. Based on everything I've shared so far, I'm curious what your guys' recommendation(s) would be for my dad's 65th (6/17) & Fathers' Day. Thanks a ton!!!

[@Saltstrong]

Hi John, our team saw your message on IG and responded there. DM us if you have any other questions!

[@timhelton548]

Shamono sienna $30 reel there great very smooth drag

[@herbcounselorh7734]

Well done!

[@joefbtg28]

The 3000 Fuego/Ballastic also gets the bigger handle, which is nice.

[@yazeedpetersen1691]

Hy . Im kinda new to salt strong and I fish in south Africa so I know it's not always the same . I just want to know on your bg do you go higher than 30lb braid and if you do for what type of fish

[@tushaardaiboo4004]

Would be great to have a video that explains all the range of spinning reels and their application.. For e.g I have a long cast meridian 7000, should I use it for surf casting only or can I use it offshore?

[@jtoker9758]

Long cast reels usually just has a higher (taller) spool compared to the regular version of the same model. So wanting to get that extra distance, one would use those in casting out as far as possible, like on the surf. You don't have to use it only on the surf, but having that capability is better to not use than not have and want it. 7000 on paper (not all brands have similar sized 7000s, 6000s, etc) would be good for a minimum sized for offshore. Depending on what you going for and what type of line you want.

[@kencleg7721]

6 lb and 10 lb damm I use that for brown trout Trolling high country lakes I use 10 for whites and stripes u would think gulf inshore would be at least 20 lb on a 4-5 k reel. ?

[@Zahishahid]

Which rod you recommend for shimano tranx 401. Land base shore fishing.

[@stevedupree525]

What rod did you have matched with the BG 4500? It looks like an St Croix Avid Onshore.

[@turboboy0]

i only have 1 DAIWA reel and i use it for catfishing. it is a DF100A (10000 size) spooled with 100lb braid and a 8/0 circle hook. it is comically oversized but it works for me as i have nerve damage and limited range of motion in my left hand/wrist. i have yet to lose a fish using this reel.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@mannjt11]

i have a 20+ year old shimano sienna that i think i paid $30 for. it has been through salt and sand and every other type of hell. i have never even so much as rinsed it. works like the day it was new

[@edthomas6872]

I wish that I had seen this video before I bought the Diawa Ballistic LT 5000. I purchased this when I compared the body of this reel to the couple of others I own in the 3000 series of other brands that I own. Dont get me wrong, the Ballistic is a fantastic reel.

[@Adam-de8jm]

How has your ballistic held up? I got the 3000 fuego but I’m looking for something a little bigger for the inlet

[@12askalHarry]

I choose the shimano 3000 size over the 2500 because i do a lot of bank fishing and I’m my situation the line does matter when you hooked up to a 31inch red and next you make catch a small flounder that’s how saltwater fishing is

[@moblack5883]

Not that much difference in size in them reels. I love Shimanos too

[@Angler_bro]

Which reel is good for medium heavy action 8fr rod?

[@mikebainter8917]

So what is the Tarpon Reel you were talking about? I dont do much Tarpon but I do enjoy Cobia fishing in the Spring. I currently use a 5000 Penn Battle which I absolutly love but I am open to trying something new.

[@carsonbaird7407]

The best reel is the Diawa BG 2500 I just got from you guys! Can't wait to strap it to my Fenwick HMG, Medium 7' stick

[@2003zq8]

How's that Fenwick hold up? I was lookin' @ that same rod in M and the 7" M St.Croix Avid. Theres not to much info on those HMG series rods and how they hold up fishing inshore.

[@carsonbaird7407]

Hard pressed to find a better all-around rod for $100. Early days so far but it’s been great.

[@2003zq8]

@@carsonbaird7407 Thanks

[@nelsonfelixoutdoors6095]

agreed ! 2500 to 3500 all the way from the kayak especially!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@josedeandrade5084]

Hey guys awesome video and very helpful - just wondering how do the amount of bearing effect the reel? Is it worth paying for more in you reel?

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI

[@jackkutzerjfkutzer-ar9630]

Interesting video & lots of good info... Just wondering... What would it take to create a spreadsheet, or some table, which would list the various characteristics of reels? My thought is headings like this: Manufacturer // Reel Name // Line size (range) // Line Capacity // Reel weight // Inches per full turn // any other columns that you think are relevant. It could start with the reels listed in the fish strong store as example and insiders could submit, or add, specifications for other reels we use. Probably need to set up a standard format for submitting data, possibly a google form feeding a google spreadsheet. Anyone have any other thoughts?

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI

[@trevinmerrill4732]

I’m wondering what y’all’s option is on the penn battles. And which one you would use for trout and slot reds. Im on the Mississippi coast

[@ryansimmons4342]

Great all around reel. Very versatile!!

[@conservativejones3537]

Okay guys, what is your recommendation as to maintenance of reels and gear after a saltwater excursion?

[@thomaseaves6119]

Give us the crazy cheap reel failure video! That would be great view and will protect us from buying it to test.

[@charlierahner2141]

Hey guys, what about casting distance? What features maximize casting distance? Will a long cast spool help much? I'm looking at the new Diawa Ballistic MQ LT versus the new Shimano Sustain FJ with the long cast spool - both in the 3000 size. Which one will cast further?

[@ShinkiZer0]

Longer Rod + Thinner line. LC spool cast abit farther but i personally go for lighter 3000 reel so i can cast all day. I use my spinfisher LC reels + surf rods since i need every bit of range for surf fishing then let the bait sit for a while and im not casting frequent.

[@ShinkiZer0]

And between those 2 youd pick id pick the sustain. Me personally for a 200+usd reel it shud have better material than zinc gears doesnt matter how big the gear is.

[@stevengarland895]

Have you guys tried to Cadence CS5/CS6 ?

[@Charsept]

I bought into the 4000 series mentality. Looking for a lighter smaller reel for inshore.

[@doctordifferentialspeedsho9506]

I’ve recently had good luck with a KastKing amazon reel, as far as cheap reels go.

[@Saltstrong]

Great feedback thank you!

[@gennerobootz6490]

On my 7 ft and 6/4 rods I put a 3000 or a 3500 snd on my 7/6 or 8 foot I shore rods I use a 4000 size reel

[@SouthernBear71]

I am in my 50's. I have fished all my life with never spending over 60.00 for a rod and real combined price. And I have caught everything from minnow shiners to 7ft hammerhead. Apparently this video is a video for new upcoming tournament guys.

[@Saltstrong]

Whatever works for you!

[@sunilramnath8972]

We usually go fishing at a river mouth/mangrove delta system for Snook and Tarpon. The snooks are usually in the 2-3lb sizes but the tarpons can get up to 40lb+, but generally under 20lbs. What size reel and line test would you recommend? I usually use 3000 and 4000 size penn or shimano reels with 20lb - 40lb braided line. Thank you.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the question! Check out the full blog and you can post a comment there where our coaches can respond directly. You can find it here: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI. Thanks!

[@robwiduch7339]

In the North East we use all different size rillas and certainly four thousands

[@michaelyanni4422]

I like this guy he is cool !!!!! SMART

[@osvaldo8393]

I’ve caught big 20-30 lbs black drum on a 3000 Daiwa emcast Baitrunner and 30 lb braid. But it really depends on the style of fishing you’re doing. Really close to shore you can probably get the job done with 1000-3000 series reel 10-15 lb braid or mono. If you wanna really get your bait out there, you’re gonna have to get a heavy power surf rod, and something with a lot of line like a shimano Baitrunner , or a okuma coronado, and generally 50lbs of braid atleast to withstand the weight of the bait and the weight of the lead. I generally run with a 6’ 6 to 7’2 rod medium light with a 2000 series reel 7-12 lbs of drag strength and 10-15 lb. Just to catch sheepshead, small baitfish, small drum, even trout. The emcast is good because it doesn’t take much line to fill the spool, and it comes with two spools, I have mono on one and braid in the other. And I generally use my surf rods for anything bigger

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the insight!

[@Thecariboumoose10]

Looking at my first inshore combo , I got a hold of a kastking pedigree II 7’6” medium heavy rod, and a Penn pursuit Iv 2500 , which seems to favorably compare to the Diawa fuego 3000 , is this gonna be too light a real for SC coastal inshore waters? To long a rod ? Should I go up to the 4000 size reel?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@timepasshero]

What rod and reel would you suggest for salmon and snapper

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu.

[@alpacarlo]

Hello, a daiwa bg 3500 is it suitable for a popping rod 7.4 ft 40/80g?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for the question. Please visit the full blog on our website at bit.ly/2Vh9kpI and post your question there for our team to respond to directly.

[@rontruocchio5744]

i enjoy light reels as much as anybody else but i find they twist and flex on the big ones. i bite the bullet and always go with aluminum bodied reels. they can be 2500's or 3000's but metal. i find the daiwa bg series the best buy for smoothness and strength out there.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the input

[@1126robert]

What is the rod that's with the BG?

[@rickgage2511]

have yall tried kast king reels

[@cindylougranada404]

Using 1000s reel but load with line 100m is it okay?

[@sethlindsey1359]

Would the slammer iv 2500 or 3500 be a better option? Going for trout, mangrove snapper, Spanish mackerel, and redfish

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@lizardgamertv8195]

@@Saltstrong u coulda just answered under this comment

[@sylvestermerced3988]

Great reviews. How about spinning reel casting distance .

[@Saltstrong]

Great question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI

[@squansurf1]

What rod is matched with the BG4500 for tarpon.

[@83codygs]

Looks like a st Croix avid rod. Not sure what length or power. I only know because I use a 7' ML avid for inshore and absolutely love it. They are fantastic rods.

[@gennerobootz6490]

Yes my tsunami shield is a 4000 but it’s like a 3500 or a 3000 size reel

[@BoxingFishingGuy]

Tried to bump up to 15 lb braid on my Fuego 2500 and it just doesn’t cast as well

[@dirtyharry7616]

2500 15lb spiderwire ultracast 15lb pinke ande for leader 7ft. medium st. croix rod

[@colegray3037]

BG 2500, 15lb j braid grand, 20lb Andre mono, 7’6” MH st. Croix

[@michaelbarquin7243]

What about using a kastking sharks ?

[@davidcarvolth7685]

Abu garcia revo 2000 is great for a 150 spool of braid.

[@Comrade_Akimov]

Ok, off topic, but jeez I dodged a bullet when I was buying by first bigbait casting reel for pike. First I was smart enough to get the left-hand retrieve (which is how 99% of anglers cast in Latvia, but globally it’s the opposite), but also I tested the reel same day and realized I needed the highest 8.1:1 gear ratio! Took the line off, dried the reel, got to the shop on Friday night, last hour and got it replaced. Wheew 😅

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nicholassabella8338]

What feels good in your hands and size of fish and lures you are fishing for

[@andrewyi3202]

I agree what you guys talking about because my experience tells the sameness. For instance, reel vs rod and smaller reel unless doing offshore fishing. Good luck to you Guys !

[@MetalRush666]

How important is balancing your rod and reel? I got a new rod and thought a 2500 would be great for it but it only balances with a 4k size reel.

[@ShinkiZer0]

Depending on what type of fishing your doing. Imagine shore/inshore jigging when your setup is front heavy. doesnt matter how light your set up is your wrist and arm will feel it vs a well balanced set up for jigging. If you really love your combo but front heavy try putting chair rubber feet+coins or weight to balance it better. =)

[@Rekmeyata]

I forgot to mention, there was a guy somewhere on KZbin that had about a dozen lines tied to a bar, a few were fluorocarbon, a few were mono and a few were braid, the one type of line that disappeared almost completely was fluorocarbon, braid was the most visible. Not sure if any of that means anything, but I thought it was worth mentioning. He also used 4 different colors to see which color disappeared the best, and clear was the winner.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

Yeah. I’m an ultralight junky. 50 inch redfish vs Daiwa ballistic 1000 and 6 pound j braid? No problem.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for watching!! If you would like to find more tips and tactics, we have a massive library on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@angelzayas9709]

Ok guys i got a TFO tactical inshore 7ft medium and i was thinking on a stradic 4000 but now looking this video you recommend me a stradic 3000?

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@legione1capone]

I'm curious to know cause you have a reel that is to fast in how much line it reels in?

[@Saltstrong]

Please clarify your question

[@Outdoorswithluke]

Hey, I got a serious question. I'm new to the Shimano brand. I got the vanford 500 for XUL fishing but I slipped and it got dunked. So after that incident the whole day was full of lock ups. Lost my trust on Shimano right away. Does reel locking up common? Well I've used many reels Daiwa, Okuma, Bullzen, Ryobi, Penn which never happened even when Im wading. Does locked up reels only happens to Shimano?

[@mohammedalfares2940]

I have a 2000 size Shimano Sienna (I know it's a very cheap Shimano) and it has NEVER been dunked but it does seize up when reeling it in. I have two Diawa Revros reels that are similarly priced that I use for surf fishing and have had their fair share of being dropped in the sand and they have never seized up and they are being used nore often than the Shimano. Never buying Shimano again, sticking with Diawa.

[@Outdoorswithluke]

@@mohammedalfares2940 true. Even if revros lt isn't saltwater rated still it works even in saltwater. You should try the new legalis lt it works like a beast but im still looking for a good 500 sized reel that'll handle well even in saltwater

[@mohammedalfares2940]

@@Outdoorswithluke planning to try out Penn reels, although they are much heavier than the Diawas

[@Outdoorswithluke]

@@mohammedalfares2940 try battle 3 DX better than the old one and looks great too. Just got mine it's true it's heavy but hey it's a tank not a sedan

[@kennylove188]

Getting water/saltwater in a reel when it gets lightly splashed, or very briefly dunked, will usually NOT result in the reel locking up immediately. BUT, if you drop the reel in to the surf for a few seconds or more, OR, it gets dropped in the beach sand, there is a fair likelihood you will get some sand particles in the gears, and/or in the bearings, and that WILL cause the reel to get noisy, jerky, or lock up. i have several 20yr old Shimano Stratics, Curados, and Penns that still preform like new, but I always lightly spray them off after fishing in saltwater. And, I will always do a complete teardown, clean, and relube if they get dunked, or annually at a minimum. Higher end equipment will last IF YOU TAKE CARE OF IT !

[@HBweisse]

Nice video. By the way the main difference between Fuego and BG is that BG sizes are the old typical Daiwa Sizes, whilst the LT Daiwa series has adopted (basically) the Shimano size convention. Comparing old Daiwa sizes with Shimano( or new Daiwa) it approximately is: Daiwa (old) - Shimano (Daiwa new) 2500 - 4000 3000 - 5000 4000 - 6000 5000 - 10000 6500 - 18000/20000 8500 - maybe 25000 but not sure

[@WATTSROBIN]

Would love to see what you think of the Chinese stuff. I must admit to having s few...some OK...some a bit iffy.

[@MetalRush666]

I went through many reels trying to go cheap. I have saved a lot of money buying a little better reel. They just don't last and the parts corrode a lot quicker.

[@yajtramer6913]

Reaching In to the turkey hole searching for diamonds

[@sethrogers1327]

Based on this info, would it be safe to say, not only is a 1000 size reel lighter (enabling your wrist / arm not tire as easily), the 1000 size reel might be a better choice for trout fishing in extremely cold conditions, when the slowest possible retrieve is recommended... of course, slowing down your retrieve can accomplish this same slow retrieve, but as many will say - "when you think you are fishing slow, slow it down even more." With the 1000 size reel, retrieving on average 10" less than a 2500 or 3000, the 1000 will actually help prohibit you from retrieving too fast... in these winter months when the slowest possible retrieve is preferred. In my opinion, inshore saltwater fishing for Speckled Trout, Red Fish, Etc, seems to be moving more towards freshwater bass fishing. Personally, I have started using many baits traditionally used for bass fishing, to catch Speckled Trout /Drum... That being said, just as bass fisherman have found they are catching large/jumbo size bass actually "speed cranking"... and finding success with these faster speeds/baits during winter months, when traditionally, the slower you can retrieve baits, the more success you will have. These higher speeds are actually getting a reaction bite, even when these fish are lethargic.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

1000 size reel is my go to for cold weather. With 6 pound j braid. Ain’t no fish too big.

[@gemarimancingTV]

Nice video 👍👍👍👍🙏❤️

[@JuanRamonLopezjr]

Can you put heavier line than what is stated on the reel. Also i have a couple 5000 reels. And i notice I’m not catching as much as i feel i should. Do any of that matter. .. TSSPE5000 TSCIT5000 Also i have an old Daiwa SS tournament 1600. Any good?

[@JuanRamonLopezjr]

And to clarify the Daiwa is on a Hurricane Redbone 7’6 medium fast And the other two reels are both combos that i bought. One is a Tsunami Citidal medium heavy and the other is Tsunami Spear medium fast.

[@JuanRamonLopezjr]

I am also an Insider member. Thanks for the car decal and lures.

[@kalae7036]

$800 reel!!!! I went to tackle shop to get line on my $30 daiwa crossfire from academy and the guy almost couldn’t tell the difference between that and the daiwa procyon that they had in the store. So I even question whether a $150-$200 reel is even worth it if the pros can’t barely tell.

[@2003zq8]

They have pro's working at sporting goods stores??? From my experiences the majority of guys working the fishing departments at places like Academy and Dicks are'nt knowligable. I find that doing research and/or having some prior experience with what your looking to buy is the better route. IMO, if you ask and trust the guy working in that dept. who's basically there to make a sale and does'nt know there ass from there elbow is a risk of your money.

[@moblack5883]

It’s a difference between a 30 dollar reel from a 800 reel.

[@kalae7036]

I should probably have worded that a little better. I wasn’t trying to compare a $30 reel to an $800 but I guess it probably seemed that way. I also wasn’t referring to the guys that work at places like academy as “pros” although with my very beginner level of fishing, they still know more than me. I’m sure you all do...

[@Rekmeyata]

Very interesting video, and I agree with everything you said. Having said that, my old 80's era Shimano TX Aero ULS-A Ultralight reel needed to be replaced, it was probably rated as a 1000 size back then? Anyway, it had what was called a long cast spool and some sort of aero wrap to help the line cast even further, and that thing would cast a light lure a long way. So, when I started shopping for a new reel, I was looking for similar features, and I found it in the Daiwa BG2500, the smaller versions did not have the long cast spool system. When I compared the size of the BG2500 to the ULS-A it wasn't that much larger, while it does hold more line than the ULSA does due to a longer spool, dimension wise they're darn close. So, once I got the reel and compared it, I decided to keep the reel instead of sending it back for a 1500. I put 8 pound fluorocarbon line on the BG2500, and 6 pound on the USL-A. That BG2500 also casts light lures very far, quite a bit further than my friend can cast with his President XT that cost more money than then mine did. I think for the money the BG series of Daiwa reels can't be beat by anyone for its features. I'm not an expert fishing person by any stretch of the imagination, so now I have two different reels for two different types of fishing. The only other spinning reel I have is a reel my brother bought in 1962, a Mitchell Garcia 306, now this reel is quite large, I've used it for fresh and a lot of salt water for years and it's still in good condition and works great, not as smooth as modern bearing reels are but that 306 will never break, it's a tank. The weight of the Mitchell Garcia still doesn't bother me, I can cast all day with it and not have any problems, and I'm 67 years old.

[@kencleg7721]

Still use my m g 403 salt w 15 lb test it flys Great bait reel

[@ThomasShue]

What rod is that BG 4500 on?

[@Saltstrong]

It is a St. Croix Avid Inshore. You can find that here: fishstrong.com/products/st-croix-avid-inshore-series?variant=32787359826005

[@hdpmrr]

[24:30 - 29:30] REEL SIZE and the Daiwa BG 4500

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@suavelifestyle9094]

I know exactly what i want but one thing im trying to figure out is what do i get if im inshore and see a 40+ inch snook or a 50lb tarpon rolls right near me , like what size reel that u have just incase u need it to handle a monster every so often and not over kill? Im thinking the bigger 4000 reels or the regular 5000 size reels.

[@suavelifestyle9094]

Nevermind i was thinking daiwa BG 4000/4500 anyway so perfect i shoulda watched the whole video before commenting😂

[@Saltstrong]

That should work!

[@johnwoodard1255]

Like most videos there are so Mannnny yahoos and wish they were. You guys rank up there with the few I can tell that know there sh1t. Although a great video, I didnt see where you discussed the "Specs" for the different applications...line capacity for certain applications being my current question. I'm upgrading my equipment including a (2) 40 year old diawa bg 2500s that i just took to the surf for the first time in 20 years. still going stong but almost out of line after casting and setting in rod holder. You modern BG review was helpful. If you see this, post a link to any advice. Untill then I will keep searching with "salt strong" added to my query.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks - check out the post here for more info: bit.ly/2Vh9kpI

[@glennplatvoet7111]

I payed $60 for first penn feris you can touch one under $150?? What 😯 there allso much money. My surf reels are okuma bait runners great getting old still working great

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@mistermatsuda]

On the Shimano Stradic FLs, the 2500 has felt drag washers and the 3000 carbon washers. Might be worth going with the 3000. Fishing the flats where I'm from, no one uses smaller than 4000 since we have big bonefish and GTs roaming around. 5000 is more the norm.

[@kendebeer9269]

Smooth Drag Carbontex drag washers are a quick and inexpensive upgrade. Perfect fit. Add a touch of Cal's drag /reel grease on all washer surfaces and you have a smooth and powerful drag system on your reel.....

[@ivanvedris9636]

nice video thank you,, what do you think about daiwa maided in Vietnam? my ninja and legalis are from Vietnam

[@Saltstrong]

We'd love for everything to be made in the USA, but that's just not realistic today.

[@tidalflatzoutdoors3516]

Thnx Luke & Joe ! , Maybe Mexico or Honduras or El Salvador ( poorer countries ) can have a chance to build some of your product ideas ,,, Manufacturing & Shipping Issues may be less problematic than having SE Asia to make & ship these these needed peoducts ,,, ( help consistency ) ,,, God Bless U & Ur Families 🐟🕊✨

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback and for the support!

[@gennerobootz6490]

I just wanna know if I can put my 4000 size reel on my tsunami slime wave

[@fishinmagician81]

OMG Good stuff Guy's ,love the comparisons and the crazy differances between makes and even Models of same brand ,Thanks for that..,Also never and I mean Never Apologize for Dumb and Dummer References LOL Great Movie.,,, and third I really think the over seas market should be exposed for the junk they try to pass off as economical... Peace

[@kencleg7721]

In shore and beach the fish are not that big how many 20 lb fish u really catching ? I e went down to 1500 and 300 type reels Long cast bigger reels for running fish and line capacity

[@Saltstrong]

Guess it depends on where you are!

[@ewmism861]

Why be limited? The 5000 twin power HG is a beast and can do it all.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@vernlivingthefloridadream7370]

Ok Joe, when you said "it's like having a 150hp on your bass boat" I laughed my a__ off. Do you want to guess what size motor I have on my bass boat?

[@noahjohns7954]

200 or 250?

[@gisellesbikeseat]

25?

[@LVLogisticsLLC]

You get what you pay for. Buy cheap and it will only last two or three years depending how much you use it and take care of it. You pay for a better reel it will last longer and it also have better warranty.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing

[@unthinkable1063]

Is it an issue running braid on smaller diameter reels with line twists/wind knots? In my mind the tighter loops on a smaller diameter spool could be an issue.

[@gabrielduarte3904]

not at all, braid doesnt get really affected by line twist.

[@johngalbavy451]

@@gabrielduarte3904 but wind knots can be a beee-otttchh lol.

[@Dave30867]

I think if you do your own services you could save a hell of a lot of money i do not care for warranty cover also if they stuff it up and your reels not right you will know they did nothing to your reel service i have heard of people who have put their reels in for a service and nothing was improved after the service .

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@dwightcassidy7056]

Great video, keep working on the shipping cost.

[@Saltstrong]

Noted and working on that now! Thank you so much for your support!