Navigating the diverse options of fishing reels on the market can indeed be challenging for beginners, particularly when it comes to choosing a spinning reel. The sizing conventions can vary between brands, adding an extra layer of complexity to the selection process. After conducting a quick internet search, it became apparent that precise information on spinning reel sizes tailored to kayak fishing was lacking.
In this article, we aim to fill this information gap by providing guidance on selecting the optimal size for a spinning reel to complement your fishing rod. By following our advice, you can simplify the decision-making process, allowing you to then establish a budget and choose a brand that suits 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 can be excellent choices for spinning reels, especially for kayak fishing.
However, it’s noteworthy that other reputable brands like Pflueger, Abu Garcia, and KastKing also offer high-quality spinning reels. If you’re considering these alternatives, you’ll find comprehensive information here to aid your decision-making process.
When transitioning between brands, it’s important to note that sizing conventions may differ. To simplify the 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 exploring. This helps maintain a level of familiarity with reel dimensions.
Size Equivalence Between Daiwa and Shimano
This is a subject that comes up often in discussions because many anglers would have preferred a size equivalence between these two brands. This difference was accentuated by the arrival of ratings of the types 2008, 3012, 3000S, etc. It is difficult to give a perfect equivalence between the sizes of these two brands but we can generalize by saying that for equal size, a Daiwa reel is a little bigger than a Shimano. We can also summarize by saying that you have to take a size above at Shimano to have a Daiwa equivalent in size.
| 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
Usually, the first and only criterion for choosing the size of the reel is the balancing of the reel rod assembly. It is an important step and if done correctly, it will allow you to have a comfortable setting when fishing. By comfortable set, we mean a set that is pleasant to use on long outings.
Balancing a set amounts to bringing the point of balance of a rod a few centimeters in front of the foot of the reel, where the hand is positioned during the fishing action.
Most often, a bare rod will tend to nose down when it is held in the hand at the level of the reel seat. But it happens that certain powerful rods are very conical (with a large difference in diameter between the tip and the heel). The point of equilibrium is already very close to the handle. When you add a reel to a rod, most of the time, you shift the balance point backward and this is all the more so as the reel is heavy.
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 the size of the 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, exemplified by Ci4 at Shimano or Zaion at Daiwa, challenge traditional norms in the fishing reel industry. These innovations question established rules because the substantial weight reduction achieved through these advanced processes enables the provision of 4000-sized reels that weigh as much as 2500-sized reels from just a few years ago. Consider two reels of size 4000, identical brand and dimensions, but separated by almost a decade.
The more recent model, thanks to the utilization of cutting-edge materials, is nearly 120g lighter (after deducting the weight of braid) compared to its counterpart from a decade ago.
Adapt the Size to the Type of Fishing
In certain scenarios, it becomes necessary to deviate from the pursuit of the perfect balance between the rod and reel, opting for a size either above or below the initially planned configuration. For instance, an angler targeting ultralight small fish with a rod measuring less than 2m may choose to downsize the reel to enhance overall lightness. Conversely, for someone pursuing sizable fish in a kayak with a relatively short rod, it is advisable to consider stepping up to the next reel size.
For example, fitting a Shimano 4000 or Daiwa 3000 on a 2.1m rod can maintain a satisfactory balance while ensuring the reel is robust enough to handle substantial fish without undue fatigue. Similarly, when fishing with large shads in strong currents using a 2.4-2.5m rod, opting for a Daiwa 4000 or a Shimano 5000 is recommended. The larger reel size is better equipped to handle the added force required to retrieve these lures, placing less strain on the gears and ensuring greater long-term durability compared to a smaller reel.
For very powerful fish, increasing the size is almost mandatory to have a reel with a brake and a frame powerful enough to counter rushes and prevent breakage … of the reel! No more, no less.
Bearings
In principle, a reel with a higher number of bearings tends to offer smoother operation, a crucial quality for lure fishing that involves frequent casting and retrieving. However, it’s essential to contextualize this aspect by considering the quality of the bearings used in different reel models.
Consequently, direct comparisons between brands may be challenging, as the effectiveness of the bearings is influenced by factors beyond their quantity. For example, a reel featuring 3 + 1 bearings from one brand might deliver smoother performance 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 consists of exerting a frictional force on the spool to slow down its rotation. Its power is in particular linked to the size of the frame (see the beginning of the article). The larger the reel, the better the brake will normally be. There are 2 main types of brakes:
The front brake is the most common and is located on the front of the spool. In general, the reels are mentioned as F (for Front) or FD (for Front Drag). The less frequent rear brake offers access to the brake at the rear of the reel (R for Rear). In both cases, a quality brake will be micrometric (you will hear a tick tick with each rotation), which allows you to better gauge the brake without necessarily viewing it.
There are also “triggers” allowing besides the classic brake to have accessible and permanent control of the brake during a fight.
Recovery Speed and Ratio
The link between these two criteria is closely associated. The higher the ratio, the faster the recovery speed is. The ratio is the number of turns of the coil wound for a complete turn of the crank.
When you have a ratio of 5.2: 1, this means that for one revolution of the crank (number to the right of the “:”), we recover 5.2 turns of the coil. This number of turns of the coil, multiplied by the perimeter of the coil, gives the distance recovered for one turn of the crank.
At equal ratios, a reel with a larger spool will recover more than a smaller reel. Compared to fishing, certain choices are to be favored. A reel that has a high recovery speed is not necessarily better. For slow scratch fishing and surface lure fishing, a low recovery will be more comfortable and more precise. Conversely, for hard bait fishing or fishing with large pulls with soft lures, a large recovery will help you to keep the banner taut during the downward movement of the rod.
- 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!
