Reel Size

[Nate]

I am considering getting a couple of new spinning reels and had almost decided on the Shimano Stradic to pair with a St. Croix Avid 6'6" MF rods. Almost exclusively cast crankbaits at night (deep running rogues, spoonbill rebels, ripsticks) on 10-12 lb. fireline. Can't decide whether to go with the Stradic 2000FG or 4000FG (probably need a 3000 but it doesn't appear that they make one). Would appreciate advice from those who have used them. Is the 2000FG too small for this application? or Would the 4000FG be too large/heavy for casting over long periods of time? This is a significant investment for me and want to make sure I get the right reels...can't really afford the new MG Stradics. Thanks for any suggestions you might have.
Nate

[Papa Jack]

Can't decide whether to go with the >Stradic 2000FG or 4000FG Is the 2000FG too small for >this application?

Nate, I have a couple of Stradic 2000FG reels and love them. I think you would love them for what you want to do.

[Dodge1]

Nate,

Shimano just came out with a new Stradic FH series of reels that offer ARB corrosion-resistant ball bearings and a maintenance port for direct drivetrain lubrication. On these new Stradics, they dropped the 2000 and replaced it with a 2500, which offers a tad more line capacity.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0016681117195a&navAction=jump&navCount=5&indexId=cat20271&podId=0016681&catalogCode=ID&parentId=cat20271&parentType=index&rid=&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.2_A&_DAV=http%3A%2F%2Fa1460.g.akamai.net%2Fv%2F1460%2F 1339%2F6h%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fconte nt%2FPod%2F01%2F66%2F81%2Fp016681ii02.jpg

However, Bass Pro Shops has a sale on Stradic FG’s for $99.99 and that includes a free rod, which you could put on eBay, or keep as a backup.

http://www.basspro-shops.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTextId=21606&hvarDept=100&hvarEvent=&hvarClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=2&hvarTarget=browse

As to your question about the 2000FG being to small for casting cranks at night. The line capacity of this reel is 6/170 and since 10lb Fireline is equivalent to 4lb mono, you should be able to get ~ 200 yards on the 2000FG. If that’s not enough capacity to handle any walleye, I don’t know what is. FYI, I'm not certain that Fireline offers a 12lb test line.

However, for casting, I think PowerPro has a distinct advantage over Fireline and they offer a 15/4 line, which would address any concerns you might have about line capacity.

One other point to consider; I know the 2000FG comes with a spare spool but I’m not certain that the 2500FH does. So, you might want to check that out before pulling the trigger.

[Nate]

Thanks for the information....I had seen the $99.00 offer at Bass Pro and that is what made me decide to purchase the Stradics. Actually the new 2500FH is listed at $119.00 so maybe it is worth the extra $, I don't know. The special on the FG series just seemed too good to pass up. I appreciate your recommendation on the 2000 vs. the 4000. The extra 3 oz. on the 4000 could make quite a difference, particularly for someone like me with rotator cuff problems. I will look into the Power Pro. I use the 50 lb PP on my muskie jigging rod and like it...I might just give it a try for casting walleye cranks. Appreciate the help !
Nate

[Dodge1]

I've got 3 St Croix Avid rods and 2 of their Legends. Have you looked at either the AS76MF or the AS70MF, vs the AS66MF.

[Nate]

Good idea...I might also look at the 7 footers. Actually I have been using two PS70M's and they have worked well. Was trying to find something lighter like the Avids. I fish primarily in two midsouth/mountain reservoirs...lots of trees/rhodoedendron/laydowns along shorelines where I cast. Was thinking that the shorter 6'6" would perhaps be even more effective given the shoreline structure, but the 7' have been fine...certainly get more distance with less effort and can work the fish back to the boat better with the longer rod. The 7'6" would be too long, I am afraid. Maybe I ought to get a 6'6" and 7"....a good suggestion. Thanks for your input on the rods!
Nate

[Dodge1]

Nate,

Drop me an email @ npdodge1@netzero.com

[Peanut]

Nate, I would think that with either Fireline or PP, the line capacity of a 2000 would be sufficient. And, $99 bucks for a stradic is a very good price.

I would base my decision more on balance (REW taught me this). When you find the rod you want, put each reel on and see how balanced the unit is. Depending on the weight of the rod, 3 ounces may or may not make a difference. I've discovered that a balanced rod is far easier on the wrist and arm.

Good luck. (And by the way, if you are ever thinking of getting rid of either or both of your PS70M's - drop me an email).

derrek.

"Sometimes I think we're alone in the universe, and sometimes I think we're not.
In either case the idea is quite staggering"
- Arthur C. Clarke

[Eyez]

Concerning balance, I use a 2000 spirex on a st. croix as66mlf, which is just a tad lighter than the as66mf you're looking at, and the balance in my hand is almost perfect. The match you're looking at should balance quite well.


Dusty