Choosing the right spinning reel can be challenging for beginners, especially given the diverse options available on the market. The sizing conventions often vary between brands, which can complicate the selection process even further. A quick internet search reveals a lack of precise information on spinning reel sizes specifically designed for kayak fishing.
This article aims to fill that gap by guiding you in selecting the optimal spinning reel size to complement your fishing rod. By following our advice, you can simplify your decision-making process and then focus on establishing a budget and selecting a brand that meets your preferences and requirements.
The choice of a reel is not made at random but according to criteria to be defined beforehand:
- Cane size
- Cane power
- Type of Fishing
- Target fish
Daiwa and Shimano are well-established and widely recognized brands with a strong presence in the fishing community. Given your familiarity with these brands and your past positive experiences, they are excellent choices for spinning reels, particularly for kayak fishing.
However, it’s worth considering other reputable brands like Pflueger, Abu Garcia, and KastKing, which also offer high-quality spinning reels. If you’re exploring these alternatives, you’ll find comprehensive information here to assist you in your decision-making process.
When switching between brands, keep in mind that sizing conventions may differ. To simplify your selection, try to match the size of the Daiwa or Shimano reel you’re accustomed to with the equivalent size in the brand you’re considering. This approach helps maintain a level of familiarity with reel dimensions, making your choice more intuitive.
Size Equivalence Between Daiwa and Shimano
This topic frequently arises in discussions, as many anglers prefer a size equivalence between Daiwa and Shimano reels. The introduction of ratings such as 2008, 3012, and 3000S has further highlighted these differences. While it’s challenging to establish a perfect equivalence between the sizes of these two brands, we can generalize that, for equivalent sizes, a Daiwa reel tends to be slightly larger than a Shimano. In simpler terms, if you’re looking for a Daiwa equivalent, you’ll need to select one size larger in Shimano.
| DAIWA | SHIMANO |
| 1000 | 1500 |
| 2000 | 2500 |
| 2500 | 3000 |
| 3000 | 4000 |
This table is indicative and only there to give an idea of the size difference between the two brands. Certain sizes of reels within the same brand are identical in terms of construction, only the capacity of the reel is different. This is the case with some Shimano reels in 2500 and 3000 but also at Daiwa where only the capacity of the spool changes between 3000 and 3500.
Balance the Cane
The primary criterion for selecting the size of your fishing reel is ensuring a balanced rod and reel assembly. Achieving this balance is crucial for a comfortable fishing experience, especially during long outings.
Balancing the setup means positioning the balance point of the rod a few centimeters in front of the reel foot, where your hand rests during fishing. Typically, a bare rod will tend to tip downward when held at the reel seat. However, some powerful rods are designed with a significant difference in diameter between the tip and the butt, resulting in a balance point that is already closer to the handle. When you add a reel, it often shifts the balance point backward, particularly if the reel is heavier.
We can establish a basic rule, which will be used to orient our research to save a little time, between the size of the rod and reel.
| ROD LENGTH | REEL SIZE | SUGGESTED BRAID |
| 1.6 – 1.8m | 1500 – 2000 | 4-10lb |
| 1.8 – 2.1m | 2000 – 2500 | 5-12lb |
| 2.1 – 2.3m | 2500 – 3000 | 6-14lb |
| 2.3 – 2.8m | 3000 – 4000 | 8-20lb |
| 2.8 – 3.3m | 4000 – 5000 | 10-25lb |
| 3.3m – 3.8m | 5000 and more | 12-50lb |
- Small fishing reel suitable mainly for light fishing in lake, river, bay, port, etc.
- Medium size fishing reel suitable for lakes, rivers, bays, harbors, light offshore boat fishing, etc.
- Large reel commonly used for boat, beach, or rock fishing.
New material technologies, like Ci4 from Shimano and Zaion from Daiwa, are changing the fishing reel industry. These innovations challenge traditional norms by significantly reducing weight. For example, a modern 4000-sized reel can weigh as little as a 2500-sized reel from a few years ago. Consider two 4000-sized reels from the same brand and with the same dimensions, but a decade apart. The newer model, using advanced materials, is nearly 120g lighter than its older counterpart when you exclude the braid weight.
Adapt the Size to the Type of Fishing
In some cases, it is necessary to adjust the balance between the rod and reel. An angler targeting ultralight small fish with a rod under 2 meters might downsize the reel to improve overall lightness. On the other hand, someone fishing for larger fish from a kayak with a short rod should consider moving up to a larger reel size.
For example, pairing a Shimano 4000 or Daiwa 3000 with a 2.1-meter rod offers a good balance. These reels are strong enough to handle substantial fish without causing fatigue. Similarly, when using large shads in strong currents with a 2.4-2.5 meter rod, it’s advisable to choose a Daiwa 4000 or Shimano 5000. The larger reel can better manage the force needed to retrieve these lures. This reduces strain on the gears and ensures greater long-term durability compared to a smaller reel.
For powerful fish, opting for a larger reel is essential. A bigger reel provides the necessary brake and a sturdy frame to handle sudden rushes and prevent breakage. It’s a must for reliable performance!
Bearings
In general, a reel with more bearings offers smoother operation, which is important for lure fishing that involves frequent casting and retrieving. However, it’s essential to consider the quality of the bearings in each reel model. This makes direct comparisons between brands challenging, as the effectiveness of the bearings depends on more than just their quantity. For instance, a reel with 3 + 1 bearings from one brand performs more smoothly than another brand’s reel with 8 + 1 bearings.
On the other hand, a universally present attribute among all manufacturers is the consideration of anti-corrosion treatments for their fishing reels. When reels are equipped with specific designations such as S A-RB, CRRB, or RRB, it indicates their qualification for use in marine environments, aiming to minimize wear and corrosion.
The Brake
The combat brake works by applying friction to the spool, slowing its rotation. Its effectiveness is primarily linked to the size of the frame; generally, larger reels have better brakes. There are two main types of brakes:
- Front Brake: This is the most common type and is located on the front of the spool. Reels with this brake are usually labeled as F (for Front) or FD (for Front Drag).
- Rear Brake: This less common option allows access to the brake at the back of the reel, labeled as R (for Rear).
In both cases, a quality brake will have a micrometric adjustment, producing a ticking sound with each rotation. This feature helps anglers gauge the brake setting without needing to look at it. Additionally, some reels have “triggers” that provide accessible and constant control of the brake during a fight. The brake power is an important factor to consider based on the target fish species.
Recovery Speed and Ratio
Recovery speed and gear ratio are closely linked. Generally, a higher ratio means a faster recovery speed. The ratio represents how many turns of the spool occur for each complete turn of the crank. For example, a ratio of 5.2:1 indicates that for one revolution of the crank (the number to the right of the “:”), the spool makes 5.2 turns. Multiplying the number of turns by the spool’s perimeter gives the distance recovered with each crank turn.
With equal ratios, a reel with a larger spool will recover more line than a smaller reel. When it comes to fishing, certain preferences can influence your choice. A high recovery speed isn’t always better. For slow fishing techniques, like scratching or surface lure fishing, a lower recovery speed provides more comfort and precision. In contrast, for hard bait fishing or using large soft lures, a higher recovery speed helps keep the line taut during the rod’s downward movement.
- READ ALSO: Which fishing rod is best to start?
Final Thoughts
Selecting the appropriate size for your spinning reel to complement your new fishing rod involves several considerations. Begin by achieving a harmonious balance with the rod, adjusting the reel size according to your specific fishing preferences – whether it involves upsizing or downsizing. Also, modern models offer various retrieval speeds within the same size category, allowing you to choose the one that suits your comfort level best. If possible, do not hesitate to go to your close retailer with your rod to choose your spinning reel rather than buying a blind reel!