I received a new spinning rod for Christmas, it's a light 1083 blank. The spinning reel I currently own is the Shimano Symetre 4000FH. I got it with salmon in mind for a heavier rod. This reel is too heavy for my new rod so I'm in the market for a new one. (My Symetre is for sale or trade if anyone is interested.)

My question is, what kind of reel do you guys recomend? I want something that holds aprox 120 yards of 10 pound test that's light weight. I found a good deal on an Okuma Metaloid MD-30, it looks like a great reel, only the specs say it's just as heavy as my Shimano, despite the fact that it holds less line. The MD-20 does not hold enough. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I went with a Diawa Laguna 2500 last time around. It's very nice......line capacity is good without being too heavy.

I also have a Shimano Spheros 3000, which has good line capacity without being too heavy.

IMO, the 2000 series reels are a little small, and the 4000's are a little big. The 2500 is a nice compromise.

How about the Okuma Inspira 30?

I have 2 of the 40's, and found them stronger and smoother than any other. (but that's just my limited experience).

Need a Inspira or Epixor 30 for a new 8 1/2 med. action Lamiglas. It ain't a Loomis, but it'll do for me just fine.

Tough choices in life, huh? Ain't we lucky!

Mike

JF,
Me again.
Actually a good way to stay in a smaller reel and still have enough capacity and line test is to go to a braided line like PowerPro or Tuff Line. It casts nice off a spinning reel and 20lb test has the equivalent diameter of 6 lb mono! Now I'm no expert, but reel size has not been as much of a limiting factor for me as a quality drag system when it comes to the smaller reels for steelhead and salmon. Get a good small one that balances comfortably, use the braid with a mono shock tippet and your there. LtlCleo has been a great resource on small spinning reels. You might want to check some of his past threads. Just a thought.

Mooch,

I started using the PowerPro this year (20 lb.) and just love the stuff.

Casts like a dream, doesn't twist up and has very little (if any) stretch.

Get's my vote as the best I've ever used.

Mike

Stella 2500

Daiwa Ondine 2500.

My suggestion would be to stay away from braid lines on spinning reels. I've used them for float fishing and though a quality spinning reel does reduce line twist it still happens. And if you have ever delt with twisted braid you know it's quite the pain.
Okumas seem heavy for their size compared to their counterparts. Alot of bearings mean more to fail and more weight. How many bearings do you need anyway. I like the suggestion posted above about the 3000 spheros. Excelent reel for 10lb mono. I have owned stradics for years, but they've never made anything in between a 2000 spool and a 4000. Last year they finally came out with the 2500 stradic and redisigned the reel. I've since purchased two 2500 stradics and they are the best spinning reels I've ever used. Light, stradic smooth, increased capacity and alot less that a Stella. $120 is worth the price to me. That shield drag design in the spheros and new stradic and the slow oscillation of the stadic are really nice features, as well as being exceptionally smooth. Durability of the old stradics are excelent too, and I bet the new ones will also hold up to the abuse.
(Gees, I sound like a salesman. All appoligies)
One more thing. Smaller spinning reels have smaller drag washers and I have had all the 2000's washers replaced in the last few years due to normal wear. (Floridian fish do a # on small reels) Good Fishing

i like PENN reels myself,the SS series or the newer slammer series of reels are just great!

I'm with Dan S on the Diawa Laguna 2500. Great spinning reel for the money! (around $65) I've been using #20 PowerPro (#6 diameter) on mine and can easily get the whole 150 yd filler spool loaded on. Great for float fishing or casting Dick Nite spoons.

Sometimes a bigger, heavier reel balances the rod better than a smaller reel would. Usually the longer the rod the heavier reel will balance better. Before you buy a reel try them on yor rod. All day fishing is a lot easier if you have a good balanced outfit.

It's a light/medium 9' rod. I'll probably have to do some looking at a store.