What Spinning Reel Size Is Best For Saltwater Fishing?

Are you wondering what spinning reel size is best for saltwater fishing?
The best way to evaluate spinning reels by class is to look at their respective line capacity specs because the overall 2500, 3000, etc. ratings are not consistently applied.
Get any of the Spinning Reels featured in this video: bit.ly/3IomOpy
The biggest mistake most saltwater fishermen make is to use reels that are bigger than needed.
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[@Saltstrong]

Get any of the Spinning Reels featured in this video: bit.ly/3IomOpy

[@georgiabowhunter]

I picked up three Fuego 2500DXH and one 3000 based on previous Salt Strong reviews and couldn’t be happier. I’ve caught everything from Bluegills to big Redfish on them. A huge bonus is they hold up well to salt water. They are the best overall value available.

[@Saltstrong]

They are an amazing reel for the money! Thanks for sharing!

[@user-ey2te5vs3z]

Great info. Best channel and nice that you guys are living and working your passion. Just wish we could get to Florida again. I miss Matlacha!

[@coryholbrook3371]

I bought two Fuego 2500's from you guys about a year-and-a-half ago right after relocating to Crystal River in Central Florida... Caught some fish way bigger than I thought it would handle! I combined it with the suggested TFO 7-0 rod and I expect to be using the setup for quite some time... Love this reel! Thanks guys!

[@Saltstrong]

It is a great reel!

[@HWCism]

Thanks for the info. I have been downsizing my reels over the passed couple of years. More fun catching on smaller gear.

[@Saltstrong]

So fun! Thanks for watching!

[@7506nitro]

Great video. Lots of solid information on a really important topic. Thank you.

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for checking it out!

[@EdwardKelly-vi9sg]

THE BEST GEAR YOU CAN HAVE IS THE GEAR YOU CAN AFFORD...THE FISH DON'T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE , BUT YOUR WALLET DOES...!

[@Saltstrong]

Love it

[@Douglisthe1111]

GET COOL STUFF. NO MATTER WHAT. ITS FOR ENJOYMENT. GET THE GEAR THAT YOU WANT THE MOST. AND THAT YOULL BE MOST EXCITED TO USE

[@SandbaggerJoe]

The 4000 size in Daiwa LT and Shimano Reels is the weight and size that works for me and has less line management problems than smaller reels

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@drevil4454]

I was on the lookout for a compact light-ish tackle reel a few months ago. I decided on the Saltis MQ4000. What I did notice is that reel and rod preference vary greatly from country to country. In South Africa for example it is difficult to find a 7 to 8 footer for jigging etc. You make queries and everyone suggest 12ft and above. Your channel is a breath of fresh air. Not everyone needs a harpoon if you are just going to jig off of a kayak and or do some fishing off the rocks. Getting the right stuff over here is a bloody nightmare though!!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@auggyboy284]

What you say makes sense. It does come down to the target species and location. Fishing the VA/NC coast, a 4000 size reel is the staple.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@rontruocchio5744]

i'm pleased with my daiwa bg 3000. its metal, its fairly light weight , its strong, smooth ,and it didn't bust my budget. i 've caught flukes, blues, stripers, skates and everything in between from the surf with no problem.

[@Saltstrong]

Love it! It's a great reel thank you for leaving the nice comment!

[@stevengarland895]

I have been fishing Indian River (mosquito lagoon/haulover to be specific) and my Fuego 4k paired with a medium Star rod is the lightest and most versatile setup I have EVER owned. My Nasci FC 3k & Star rod combo is night for sure as well. I have no complaints whatsoever from either one besides they don't get used enough.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing! Sounds like your set up is solid!

[@floridasaltlife]

Love the high speed Fuego's, got 2 2500's. Gonna order a bgmq series with a new slot machine when they become available...just to experience the difference.

[@Saltstrong]

They are great!

[@FrankLadd]

Thanks for this. On your previous advice I did get a couple 2500 size reels and I like them for small fish. I don't think they work well for large red drum, big sheep, bigger blue fish, and Albies. If I only had one size it would still be the 4000, but now I have a couple 2500s , a few 4000s, a 5500 a 6500 and a couple 30 size trolling reels. Thanks for the advice.

[@Saltstrong]

No problem! Sounds like you have a good selection!

[@lnomolas3427]

I started with 4000's just as you said. I went down to 2500 and 3000's and find I have stuck on 3000's - they are very close in weight to a 2500 and carry more of the same size (10lb braid) line. I do have a 1000 on a light 6' rod and it is a blast for trout. All Shimano...

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

I agree 3000 is just right. 2500 is to small and can makes you feel under powered inshore.

[@Saltstrong]

Very true - that is a good size to stay with!

[@Cornuts1000]

I’m undecided on whether to get a Stradic or a Vanford and a Ballistic. I will me Tatulas and Fuegos for fresh water. I have a 3000 3 year old BG. It’s a tank but heavy. I kayak fish when I get to Florida from this miserable snowy north. Appreciate your expertise and look forward to your opinion.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching! Check out the blog post on our site and ask our coaches there. bit.ly/3IomOpy They will reply directly to your comment there!

[@hugolopez2543]

I got to c3000s I think it’s the perfect stop is the same weight as 2500s but bit more line in case something big show up. My fav is the ahí mano exsence c3000 with the Varivas 8 PE #1 paired with a bull bay sniper MH 7f. For me best most balance combo

[@Saltstrong]

Sounds like a good combo!

[@user-ey2te5vs3z]

How much backing if any are you using before your braid. Fresh water I put a fair bit but wondering for salt water

[@leomortimer2565]

What I noticed about dawia BG MQ spinning reels is that they seem more compact. My BG MQ 4000 is slightly larger than my 3000 Saltist MQ, and about 1 ounce heavier. So I went 4000 for the BG MQ, and 3000 Saltist MQ. Now just got to pick out some rods for them.

[@chickendlablo6502]

I picked up a Daiwa BG 4500 after watching one of your videos - it is a workhorse easily matching other 6000 size reels. I have a BG 2500 size but honestly I think it would underperform to a BG 4000 for example on a Skyway Pier situation, because of line weight and spool capacity.

[@pintofmiller]

Love the BGs. I remember them saying the 4500 BG is on one of their Tarpon setups.

[@Saltstrong]

The BG's are a great reel - thanks for sharing!

[@JeffB1961]

i got one of the new 2023 2500 fuegos and was not smooth at all ! took it back to bass pro and got two of the 2020 series 2500 fuegos and it's a nicer as the one i got 2 years ago . the 2020 fuego are not as smooth as my 3000 procyon al but they are decent IMO and much better than the 2023 version .

[@saltylawaia8958]

I love the Daiwa saltist back bay 3000, haven’t seen you guys do a review on that yet

[@Saltstrong]

We have done some reviews on this model - check out some of the tips here: www.saltstrong.com/search/?wp_searchable_posts%5Bquery%5D=saltist+back+bay+3000

[@jrudmanjr]

I have the 4000 and absolutely love it

[@kencleg7721]

Maybe cause it’s 250$ I can’t see spending that money on a reel when u can catch big fish on a fly rod Med heavy spinning 30 Zata is what I use 15 lb braid just cause chucks a 1/8 jig head w 10/12 lb mono test leader target bigger just change the leader 15,17,20, mono leader 1/2 jig heads if needed can go to 3/4 oz if needed it’s usually the other way

[@ryanvlasic1849]

Whether it is 2500 or 3000 depends on the specific reel. For example a 3000 diawa BG is too big and heavy for most inshore applications, while I consider my saltist back bay 3000 to be the perfect inshore reel. It totally depends on the brand because some reels are just heavier.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@basslover1173]

I found that the Daiwa Ballistic LT MQ 3000 and 2500 are fine for structure especially the 3000, but the 2500 is fine even though it's made of ZionV. It might be because the 3000 has more drag at 22lbs. I've noticed no flex at all on 30" striped bass (the up north equivalent of redfish).

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@Smith944]

Thank you

[@WeldingForJesus]

I fish mostly inshore for cod and pollock but also a bit of small lakes for trout and my reel collection range from 1000 to 4000 in sizes, and I only rarely use my 3000-4000s, the vast majority of my fishing is done on either 1000s or 2500s and the biggest fish I ever hooked was on a 1000 reel. Unfortunately it broke my rod instead. 😂

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@pvnchy]

would you recommend the shimano sedona for inshore saltwater?

[@Noreasta508]

I’d like to see some reviews or comparisons of sealed reels for the surf

[@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.

[@kingdomman5873]

I fish the open surf so I normally go a minimum of a 4000 size penn with 20lbs braid. Just wanna prepare for anything.

[@Saltstrong]

Good choice!

[@rushdrift]

I was wondering what happen to this channel good to see there's new video, I just got back into fishing just bought 3 reel shimano sedona 4000xg, abu garcia sx5000 and kastking centron 3000, can you do a rod review from budget to expensive for bottom and lure fishing? anyway I catch mostly mekong catfish, giant snakehead, mangrove jack this is the usual fish in my country

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jerrygibbs1947]

The arrival of braided line was pivotal to the move to smaller and smaller reels. 150 to 200 yards of braid is more than 95% of fishermen will ever need.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@karelmunnikde6822]

Hi there, nice vid and thanks for the info. What size bg mq would you guys use for hailibut, cod, coalfish etc. In norway

[@devinshook3289]

I would imagine it depends on depth. I live in the pnw and I've done some offshore fishing mostly with conventional reels. I just bought and daiwa BG 6500 and it's huge.. 300 yards of 80 lb braid. I bought it for sturgeon but I imagine it would work for moderate depth bottom fishing. Hope this helps

[@cj2467]

How about good value rods and sizes? Great info! Thanks!

[@Saltstrong]

We've got a ton of reviews on our website. You can find everything here: www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tips/. Just use the Search to narrow it down. Comment on any post and our coaches can respond directly!

[@SaltLifeGeo]

What do you guys think of the certate 4000 for snook and tarpon on the beach?

[@Saltstrong]

That is an excellent reel. A 4000 is plenty for beach snook, but I think it's it's a bit light for full grown tarpon... I'd go up to a 5000 or 6000 if big tarpon are what you'll be targeting on a fairly frequent basis.

[@robertlarocco6812]

Hi, what do you think would be the best entry level to mid range level rod and reel for surf fishing in the mid Atlantic area? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[@Saltstrong]

The TFO Professional S is a fantastic option!

[@syedyasin4681]

Does reel size helps in casting longer distance and if yes what should be the size of reel I should use with a 2.7 m spinning rod

[@devinshook3289]

No it doesn't help much. The thing that would affect your casting distance would be line diameter, how full the reel is and weight of the rig you use

[@bilal_5569]

Shimano ultegra 5000 is my all time favorite. Light, strong 💪

[@Saltstrong]

Great choice!

[@christophervarela7699]

My reels are Penn Battle 2-3000 series,2 Battle 3-3 3000 series, Spinfisher 4000 Series, and Battle 3 6000 series. I'm into the Penn brand.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing! Penn are great reels!

[@robertbridges9900]

I’m getting back into fishing and I need a good fresh water rod and real set up and a good saltwater rod and real set up for fishing in Mississippi Tennessee area

[@tornagawn]

Shimano Rarenium 3000 or Stradic 2500/ 3000 for softbaiting Shimano Saragossa with 80lb hollow braid and 100lb leader for stickbaits chasing Kingfish

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SM-dv6wi]

I have been fishing braid for 10/12 years in Salt, RI and Ma. I NEVER spool my whole reel with braid. I spool up with mono and tie on 100 yds of braid, I’ve caught 40 pound stripers and never got into the mono on my spool . I bottom fish in 50 ft of water and have never had an issue. Are people spooling the whole reel with Braid? Why? After 1 or 2 years of fishing I take the braid off and reverse it. I’m getting 3 to 4 years on 100 yards of braid, am I wrong? Any comments appreciated? Makes no sense to me to spool 100% braid.

[@ivanjovanovic4502]

Im insider,and i can tell:you guys are amazing. I would like to meet you one day and fishing with you.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the support! Make sure to reach out to the coaches in the Community to set up a trip!

[@michaelmitchell4660]

I love the Nasci 3000 15Lb. Test braid Nasci 5000 15lb.Test braid 🎣🎣🎣☺️

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@codyd9089]

I bought a 2500 bg mq last year from salt strong website as an insider after watching several reviews on it. Last October it fell in the water when I was unhooking an over slot red. I pulled it out immediately and rinsed it very thoroughly with fresh water when I got home that afternoon. Fast forward to yesterday now the reel want even crank I opened it up and found a lot of corrosion. I disassembled it cleaned it and greesed it and it is still not working properly. Definitely disappointing being that I only got to use it once.

[@Saltstrong]

Please email our Customer Service Team at [e-mail] and let them know what is going on and they may be able to assist.

[@codyd9089]

Ok will do

[@tamalpias]

Is there anyway your company get euro model Daiwa reels? I want a red color reel for my red shimano terez rod. Daiwa bg rr lt. looking for a 4k or 5k model size.

[@Saltstrong]

We unfortunately do not. We would recommend checking out the reels directly on the manufactures site or reaching out to them to see if there is a retailer in your area.

[@jmcastillol]

Do you think a 2500 can handle a 3 to 4 kilos (7 to 9 lb) snapper? The snapper trending to run to structure or donyou recommend a 3000 for this

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the question! Please visit the full blog on our website and post your question there. That way, Luke or someone on the team can respond directly. You can find it here: bit.ly/3IomOpy

[@Wheelygonzales]

The one you can afford is the one you get. I got a 4000 size Penn Fierce III for $38. That was the only size on sale.

[@Saltstrong]

Agree - you don't always have to spend tons of money of equipment! Thanks for checking it out!

[@agua1304]

Where can I buy one of?

[@YzKnox]

Did you think daiwa 4000 reels are okay for yellowtail or mahi occasionally?

[@Saltstrong]

Yes!

[@nickt423]

Ive heard the argument that reel sizes (e.g., 1000, 2500, etc.) are not possible within the industry, or even within a company, because different materials and shapes are used for each reel model. If that's the case, they need to come up with a more exact number to standardize it (e.g., 2600, 3700, 4300).

[@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.

[@Bootytreats5000]

What size would you rec for a snapper reel?

[@Saltstrong]

For nearshore snapper, a 3500-4500 reel will do the trick!

[@cowboysnation1594]

I’m doing jet ski fishing inshore what reel do you recommend?

[@Saltstrong]

Depends on the rod you're going to match it up with. For inshore fishing, 2500 or 3000 reels are great choices.

[@shark_bones]

Diawa has stated that their reels are only designed to last 3 to 4 years. That is fine but people need to understand what they are buying

[@wesharrison6106]

Penn Battle 3 2500 for me!

[@michaelhornung7266]

Thoughts on VanStahl vr50 or vr75??

[@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.

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

I have been guilty of being a 4000 size reel man. I've taken your previous advice and went down to 3000, but 2500 is just to light for me. I might go after crappie with that.

[@4trx3vxn4]

Do you think a 2500 would be good for 5-6 lb large mouth considering its ratings

[@Prone-Ski_BX]

@@4trx3vxn4 That will work if it has a metal frame and 10 lb braid with a 20 lb leader. Yeah no problem.

[@Saltstrong]

Let us know how you like it!

[@stumpspurchasing6340]

@@Prone-Ski_BX does not need to be a metal frame, 2500 reel with carbon frame will EASILY handle 5-6# bass

[@stumpspurchasing6340]

@@Prone-Ski_BX i have the stradic Ci4 carbon body 3000 reel. Ive caught 34' striped bass with ease, paired with MH 7' extra fast rod

[@sithefishingguy5890]

What size reel for sharks

[@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.

[@Carthaginois123]

big reels are for mono, small reels perform great with braid

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback and for checking out the video!

[@punishthewicked5845]

Until you encounter some real bruisers like GTs or Goliaths I’m up to Ocean Spinners in the 105000s

[@fame0095]

3k-4k, from a yellowtail to a 100lb turpin

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dink_master_fishing]

I use 2500-6k for inshore

[@Saltstrong]

That is a great set up!

[@errolwilcox747]

No teeth- Zebco A couple teeth- Abu Garcia More teeth than not- Penn Missing a couple here and there- Daiwa Full set of chompers- Shimano

[@randomuser1596]

Lol

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the checking it out! Great response :)

[@randomuser1596]

An over abundance of teeth-Lews

[@watchman316ly]

IMO- 3000 is the best!!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@joeyfitzpatrickfishing]

20-30% of the LB test line

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching!

[@undisputedtruth4954]

Crap! I'm that guy!🤣 My smallest reel is tsunami salt x 4000 silver!😂😂😂

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the comment!

[@Cornuts1000]

Sorry. I didn’t spell check or read what I just posted before I posted it. Sorry about that

[@Saltstrong]

No problem! :)