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How to choose a reel size that matches your target fish 🐟
A genius way to get old line off of fishing reels ⭐
A fish stew recipe brought to you by the one and only Stanley Tucci 🔪

The Reel Deal: Sizing Up Your Gear

Walking down the reel aisle can feel like staring at a secret code. Between the cryptic numbering systems and the endless debates on gear ratio, it is easy to grab the wrong tool for the job. We see it constantly—a high-quality rod paired with a reel that throws off the entire balance. A setup that is too heavy fatigues your wrist, while one that is too light leaves you under-gunned when a trophy strikes. The goal is to create a rig that feels invisible in your hand. Here is how to decipher the numbers and pick the right size for your target.

The Numbers Game

Most manufacturers follow a standard sizing chart (1000, 2500, 4000, etc.). Here is the quick rule of thumb:

1000 - 2500: The finesse group. Perfect for panfish, trout, and drop-shotting for bass. These balance well on light to medium-light rods.
3000 - 4000: The workhorses. If you’re chasing bass with crankbaits or hitting the inshore salt for redfish, this is your sweet spot. They hold enough line for a run but won't weigh you down.
5000+: Heavy hitters. Strictly for surf casting, offshore boat fishing, or targeting monsters that demand serious drag.

The Braid Factor

Here is where it gets interesting. If you rig with braid, you can often downsize your reel. Because braid has a much thinner diameter than monofilament or fluorocarbon, you can pack heavy-test line onto a smaller, lighter reel. For example, a 3000-size reel might struggle to hold 100 yards of 12lb mono, but it will easily hold 200 yards of 20lb braid. Rigging with braid gives you the power of a winch in a compact package—just don’t forget your fluoro leader for stealth.

💡 Pro Tip: Perfect Spooling

A poorly spooled reel can ruin a day of fishing faster than a flat tire. The key is tension and line twist management. For spinning reels, lay your new line spool label-side up on the ground and reel slowly, watching to see if the line coils. If it coils, flip the spool over. For baitcasters, have a friend apply firm, consistent pressure to the line spool as you reel to ensure a tight, even line lay. This maximizes casting distance and prevents backlashes.

Deciphering Ball Bearings

Reel specifications often list numbers like 7+1 or 10+1. The first number is the count of ball bearings (BBs), which reduce friction and improve smoothness, while the "+1" is the anti-reverse roller bearing. While more is generally smoother (aim for 5 or more), quality is king. Look for stainless steel or sealed bearings. A few high-quality, corrosion-resistant bearings (SS) are far superior to a dozen cheap bearings that will rust out by the end of the season.

Get the balance right, and the gear disappears so you can focus on the fish.

🎣 IN THE FIELD

If you’re looking to gift someone a new reel this holiday season, we highly recommend the PENN Pursuit IV - they’re great all-around reels, especially for those that are saltwater fisherman.
Forget your best catch of the year: a single 32.0-pound (14.5 kg) "Kirameki" yellowtail just fetched a record-tying $25,683 (4 million yen) at auction in Japan, proving that some fish are truly worth their weight in gold. The prized winter delicacy, purchased by a local supermarket to support the earthquake-hit Noto region, will soon be sliced into the world's most expensive, and meaningful, sushi.
A pretty genius way to remove fishing line: