19th Oct 2014
How to choose the best fishing reel size for your needs (spin)
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Are you confused with what the model size numbers mean? - There are so many sizes when it comes to spinning reels and because of this it can often be a little difficult to comprehend what the sizes mean and how to interpret which reel size will be the best fishing reel to purchase for your angling requirements.
We are here to help! - Fishing Tackle Shop is well known in the fishing tackle eCommerce industry for providing scores of information aiming to help you make an informed decision when purchasing from us. In fact, we did a quick search on the internet and were surprised that we couldn’t find much information at all about fishing reel sizes which is why we went all out to create this helpful guide assisting beginner and even more experienced anglers figure out what the best fishing reels are to buy in terms of sizing that will suit your angling requirements.
So, what is the go with the reel sizing?
1000, 2000, 3000, 20, 25, 30 etc. - Well to be honest each manufacturer rates their reels differently so there is no fixed rule however as a general rule of thumb, the smaller the model number the smaller the reel but in 2 different ways. You may find a spinning reel as a size 20 or as a 2000 or a 25 and a 2500 – so what’s the go there? Well essentially these are the same approximate size, it’s just all to do with how each individual fishing reel manufacturer has branded their merchandise.
How do I pick the correct reel for me? - When you are looking through our fishing reels for sale you will need to keep in mind where you are likely to be using the reel. For example what may work quite well for rivers or lakes may not be the best fishing reel for saltwater fishing off a boat or from the rocks.
In this guide below we have segregated fishing reels into small, medium and large as well as providing you with some information on suggested line classes, common forms of angling, common forms of fish targets and even some matching rod recommendations.
Whilst this article is a guide only and we have narrowed everything down to common applications – there may be many other uses our reels can be used for, but we trust you will find this guide very useful in helping you find and choose the best fishing reel for your needs.
In the event you still require further assistance we would be more than glad to assist. Getting in touch with us via our live chat, email or by phone is all it will take.
Section 1 - Small Spin Reels
Spinning Reel Size: (1000 or 10)
- Suggested mono: 1-2kg (2-4lb)
- Suggested Braid: 4-8lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Small fishing reel mostly suited for light fishing in lakes, rivers, bays, harbours etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Bream, Trout, Whiting.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: - As the 1000 or 10 sized spinning reel is quite small, a rod you would typically pair this reel to is one with a length of around 6-7 foot that has a fishing line rating of anywhere between 1-4Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (2000 or 20)
- Suggested mono: 2kg-3kg (4-6lb)
- Suggested Braid: 5-10lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Small fishing reel mostly suited for light fishing in lakes, rivers, bays, harbours etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Bream, Trout, Whiting, Bass, Flathead, Perch, Luderick.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: A 2000 or 20 sized reel being a quite small reel ideally will suit a fishing rod between 6ft – 7ft 6 inches in length that has a line class rating somewhere between 2-5Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (2500 or 25)
- Suggested mono: 2.5kg-4kg (5-8lb)
- Suggested Braid: 5-12lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Small fishing reel mostly suited for light fishing in lakes, rivers, bays, harbours etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Bream, Trout, Whiting, Bass, Flathead, Perch, Luderick.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 2500 or 25 size reels are offered favored amongst anglers using a rod in lengths between 6-7ft which have a line rating of around 2-5Kgs.
Spinning Reel Size: (3000 or 30)
- Suggested mono: 3kg-5kg (6-10lb)
- Suggested Braid: 6-14lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Small fishing reel mostly suited for light fishing in lakes, rivers, bays, harbours etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Bream, Bass, Flathead, Tarwhine, KG Whiting, Mangrove jack.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 3000 or 30 Sized spinning reels being of fairly light class would normally be most suitable for pairing up with a rod that is around 6-7ft 6 inches in length which has a line class between 3Kg-7Kg. you could also use this sized reel as a light weight blackfish reel on rods which are around 9-10ft rated to 4Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (35/350/3500)
- Suggested mono: 3kg-5kg (6-10lb)
- Suggested Braid: 6-14lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Small fishing reel mostly suited for light fishing in lakes, rivers, bays, harbours etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Bream, Bass, Flathead, Tarwhine, KG Whiting, Mangrove jack.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 35/350/3500 is a reel size you should dedicate to pairing up on a rod that is for around 6-7ft in length that has a line class rating anywhere between 3-7Kg but this size will also be fine to use on a light 10ft rod that is rated to around 4Kgs if it is blackfish or whiting that you are chasing.
Section 2 - Medium Size Spin Reels
Spinning Reel Size: (4000 or 40)
- Suggested mono: 4kg-6kg (8-12lb)
- Suggested Braid: 8-20lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Medium fishing reel mostly suited to lakes, rivers, bays, harbours, light offshore boat fishing etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bone Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway, Drummer.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: A 4000 or 40 reel is where you start to gain a little size so this sized reel will generally suit medium action classes of rods in the 6ft-7ft (barra/snapper style rod) with a line class of around 4Kg-10Kg or in an 8ft-10ft (light surf) rod with a light line class rating of around 3-5Kg. Remember this is a guide only to suggest common applications so by all means you can use this reel for several other applications as well.
Spinning Reel Size: (5000 or 50)
- Suggested mono: 5kg-7kg (10-14lb)
- Suggested Braid: 10-25lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Medium fishing reel mostly suited to lakes, rivers, bays, harbours, light offshore boat fishing etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bone Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 5000 or 50 Sized reels are of medium size and will generally marry up well with 6-7ft barra or snapper rods rated up to 10Kg or will be great to use on light-med 10-11ft surf rod rated up to 6Kg or you could even use this fishing reel on an 8-9ft general purpose rod.
Spinning Reel Size: (45/450/4500)
- Suggested mono: 4kg-6kg (8-12lb)
- Suggested Braid: 8-20lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Medium fishing reel mostly suited to lakes, rivers, bays, harbours, light offshore boat fishing etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bone Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway, Drummer.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 45/450/4500 models make a great mid size reel that will suit 6-8ft rods with a medium class between 4-10Kg. Though this is not what you are limited to as it will also be fine to use on a light surf rod as well rated up to 5Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (55/550/5500)
- Suggested mono: 5kg-7kg (10-14lb)
- Suggested Braid: 10-25lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Medium fishing reel mostly suited to lakes, rivers, bays, harbours, light offshore boat fishing etc.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bone Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 55/550/5500 sizes are usually fine for marrying up with 6-7ft snapper or barramundi fishing rods rated up to 10Kg and are find for matching up to medium class 10-11ft surf/rock rods rated up to 6Kg and on top of this reel will also be fine to use on an 8-9ft general purpose type spin rod.
Section 3 - Large Size Spin Reels
Spinning Reel Size: (6000 or 60)
- Suggested mono: 6kg-8kg (12-16lb)
- Suggested Braid: 12-30lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Cod, Mulloway, Aust Salmon, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 6000 or 60 is where we where we start to move into larger size fishing reels and as such this size fishing reel will usually suit 5-8ft boat fishing rods, 8-9ft general purpose spinning rods or 10 foot rock/surf fishing rods with a line rating of anywhere between 6-15Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (7000 or 70)
- Suggested mono: 7kg-9kg (14-18lb)
- Suggested Braid: 15-40lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Cod, Mulloway, Aust Salmon, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Groper, Mulloway
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 7000 or 70 is a fishing reel size suitable for the likes of boat fishing rods (spin models), 10 or 12 foot beach rods, or even 8-9ft general purpose rods. In terms of the rods line rating, generally if using monofilament you should be looking for a rod that is rated approximately in the range of 6-10Kg and if you are going to use braided fishing line you can usually use on rods rated anywhere between 6-20Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (8000 or 80)
- Suggested mono: 8kg-10kg (16-20lb)
- Suggested Braid: 20-50lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Kingfish, Aust Salmon, Kingfish, Samson fish, Grouper, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 8000 or 80 sized fishing reels are large fishing reels which are designed primarily with surf, rock or ocean boat fishing in mind. So, what you would normally be looking for in a rod to match is one that is of around 12 feet or more in length if surf fishing is your thing otherwise if boat fishing is more your style normally a rod with a rating of 10Kg or more should be fine.
Spinning Reel Size: (10,000 or 100)
- Suggested mono: 10kg-12.5kg (20-25lb)
- Suggested Braid: 30lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Small Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Small Tuna.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 10,000 or 100 model sizing gives you a large capacity fishing reel which will often perfectly pair up on any fishing rod that is 10 foot or more in length. You can even use in conjunction with a spin type boat rod or jigging rod rated above 10Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (12,000)
- Suggested mono: 12kg+
- Suggested Braid: 30lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Small Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Small Tuna.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: Narrowing it down to the most common applications the 12,000 size spinning reel are for quite serious med-large capacity fishing styles. Ideal for any rod 10 foot or more in length if shore based or 5-8ft for boat based angling. In terms of line class you should be concentrating on finding a rod that has a rating of at least 10-15Kg+ depending on your intended target species and fishing styles.
Spinning Reel Size: (14,000)
- Suggested mono: 14kg+
- Suggested Braid: 30lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Small Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Small Tuna, GT.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: The 14,000 model are starting to get to that crossover point between a large and extra large reel. Therefore you should be looking to match this reel up with a 12 foot or longer beach rod, a heavy 8ft GT Popper Rod, or a boat rod (spin type). Line class choice is really up to your personal preference but generally we would recommend you go with a rod that is rated above 14Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (16,000)
- Suggested mono: 16kg+
- Suggested Braid: 40lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Small Tuna, GT.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: Suited to boat fishing for either bottom bouncing or jigging or for use for shore based beach and rock, an ideal choice in rods to go with a 16,000 spin reel would be a rod that is 12ft or longer for land base fishing styles and a size between 5-7ft for boat fishing. In terms of line class our recommendation would be to look for a rod with that is rated above 14Kgs.
Spinning Reel Size: (18,000)
- Suggested mono: 18kg+
- Suggested Braid: 40lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Large Mackerel, Small Tuna, GT.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: For heavy surf fishing, an 18,000 model will match up well with a 12 foot or longer surf rod with a rating of 10-15Kg or above. Also popular for targeting GT this reel will go well with a GT popper rod, or for ocean going boat anglers or jiggers you will appreciate this sized reel for a large capacity matched up with a 15Kg+ spin style boat or jigging rod.
Spinning Reel Size: (20,000)
- Suggested mono: 20kg+
- Suggested Braid: 50lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Mulloway, Sharks, Tuna, Large Mackerel, GT.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: Beach and boat fishing is what anglers can normally expect to use a 20,000 sized spinning reel for. So, when looking for a fishing rod to match this size consider purchasing a fishing rod that is between 12-16ft and rated 10-15Kgs+ for heavy surf fishing. For use on a boat look for a spin type boat rod that is rated anywhere from 15-40Kg and that broad range is because can depend on the intended target species and type of line used be it mono or braid. As braid lines are quite thin in diameter this is why you can usually use heavier classes of line and still have a decent capacity.
Spinning Reel Size: (25,000)
- Suggested mono: 25kg+
- Suggested Braid: 50lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Tuna, Large Mackerel, GT, Marlin.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 25,000 reels are fine to use for either beach or boat angling styles and when it comes to selecting an appropriate rod go for a rod that is at least 12 feet or more in length with a line rating of 15kgs and above for beach fishing or in terms of boat fishing, go for a rod that is between 5-7ft in length with a line rating of 24kgs plus.
Spinning Reel Size: (30,000)
- Suggested mono: 30kg+
- Suggested Braid: 80lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Tuna, Large Mackerel, GT, Marlin.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 30,000 is the beast of all beasts. It is a heavy duty monster sized fishing reel tailored to serious boat fisherman on the hunt for serious sized fish. Use this reel on a boat spin rod with a rating of 24-37Kg or above.
Spinning Reel Size: (65/650/6500)
- Suggested mono: 6kg-8kg (12-16lb)
- Suggested Braid: 12-30lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Cod, Mulloway, Aust Salmon, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: A size 65/650 or 6500 are a size where we start to move into the beginning of the larger styles of fishing reels. These sizes are frequently used in conjunction with ocean boat fishing rods of around 5-7 foot and are also used on 8ft, 9ft or 10ft fishing rods for shore based fishing with most fibreglass rods rated between 6-15Kg.
Spinning Reel Size: (75/750/7500)
- Suggested mono: 8kg-10kg (16-20lb)
- Suggested Braid: 20-50lb
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Kingfish, Aust Salmon, Kingfish, Samson fish, Grouper, Mulloway.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 75, 750 or 7500 sizes are a large size that will be fine to use on a heavy 9 foot, 10 foot or 12 foot fishing rods for shore based angling and in terms of line class, look for a rod with a line rating of 10Kgs or more. For boat anglers likewise find a spin style boat rod with a line rating of 10Kgs or more.
Spinning Reel Size: (85/850/8500)
- Suggested mono: 12kg+
- Suggested Braid: 30lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, GT
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: Where you would likely use an 85/850/8500 spinning reel is on a rod that is either 10 foot or longer in length to go fishing from the beach or rocks. You would also comfortably use this size on a heavy action deep sea boat rod of 5ft or longer. When talking terms of rod line class rating try and look for a rod that is rated to fish 10Kg line or heavier.
Spinning Reel Size: (95/950/9500)
- Suggested mono: 14kg+
- Suggested Braid: 30lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing, beach or rock fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Large Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Tuna, GT
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 95/950/9500 are heavy duty style reels designed for heavy class fishing or those who love large line capacities. In terms of rods to suit if you find a surf rod with a length of 12ft or more, or a heavy boat rod with a line rating of 10-15Kgs or more then you are on the right track to a perfect combination.
Spinning Reel Size: (10500)
- Suggested mono: 20kg+
- Suggested Braid: 50lb+
- Common Applications (Guide only): Large size reel commonly used for boat fishing.
- Popular for fish type (most common species): Kingfish, Mulloway, Sharks, Tuna, Large Mackerel, GT, Marli.
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: Whilst you could use a 10,500 reel from the shore it may get a little difficult to cast. Whilst it is not impossible to use this reel on a shore based rod normally where you would most likely use this reel is from a boat and as such you would be best to match this beast of a reel up to rods that are rated to take lines above 24Kg.
