[hyperichie]

What's going on Anglers!!! I need a little help with REEL Size for my new 7.5' Pier Fishing Plugging rod.
I have my eyes on the Shimano Symetre 2500 or 3000. I see a decent amount of people using larger and I am unclear why such a heavy reel when you are plugging all day with it? Please share your thoughts and tips

 

[hyperichie]

Maybe I should be looking at a 3000 vs 4000?

 

[Shakespeare]

As you are probably aware larger blues and macs can be pretty feisty. I run 4000"s because of the drag and line weight specification. You also have a faster line return with the 4000. See this chart for comparison; Shimano® Symetre Spinning Reel at Cabelas

I wouldn't go less than a 3000 but that's just me. I also like to match the reel as much as I can with the pole line specs.

 

[Hammerlane]

keep in mind one thing on a pier reel. Will it withstand the weight of a fish being haul up and over the rail. This being said the reel has to have a beefed up main gear. Also can the anti reverse take the abuse of a 1oz plug being jerked hard. The ONLY reel I would recommend is the a Penn 360 and I think its now a 3500. Try fishing all day with a large heavy reel ( hoping for large blue or Spanish ) At the end of the day your arm will be glad you went with the lite one.

 

[sundrop]

I use a Shimano Stradic FH 4000, I have a Sahara 3000 I also use. I have used a 2500 and caught Blues and Spanish all day but nothing of "size". If I had hooked a chopper or a big Spanish I would have probably been spooled.

 

[hyperichie]

Thanks for all the good info!! The Stradic is a little pricey for my twice a year OBX trip but will def check it out..

 

[crabman00]

I like the 4000 for added casting distance and a little more guts for when mr Albie shows up.

 

[sundrop]

Thanks for all the good info!! The Stradic is a little pricey for my twice a year OBX trip but will def check it out..

Anything is the Shimano line from Sedona/Sahara and up will do fine doesn't have to be a Stradic. They make good Striper and Catfish reels too so they will get used if you fish much.

 

[hyperichie]

I cant believe the weight difference from a 3000 to a 4000 on some of these reels.. 3000 Shimano Sedona is 8.6oz and a 4000 is 11.3... I will pick one up at Bass Pro Shops on the way down to OBX.

 

[Scott Hobbs]

I am using 2500 series on my rods. I expect to target Spanish and blues, so that is what I gear up for. I have caught a lot of choppers, bonita and albacore on that same reel. If I am targeting bigger fish, I use a different setup. I do use 15 pound Power Pro braid on my reel, gives me a lot more line. ON the working end I put a 20 to 30 pound leader for those toothy critters. Check it often and be read to change it as needed.