Stradic 1000 or 2500?

[Can'tCatchAnything]

I recently bought a 6'6 6-12 lb E6x bass rod, 782 SJR specifically, and need a reel for it.

I tried a Stradic 2500 on it at the store when I bought the rod, and it felt pretty well balanced. My goal is to go light tackle for trout, reds, and bass by pitching jigs and weedless swimbaits.

Does anyone use a 1000 size reel over a 2500 size? 3000 over 2500? If a 1000 size is all I'd functionally need then I don't see why I should go larger. I'm planning on running 8 or 10 lb power pro.

[silverking]

The Stradic 2500 and 3000 reels are the same except for spool size. The 3000 is slightly longer for increased line capacity. Either would be a good match on that rod when loaded with 10-pound PowerPro.

Light tackle is the way to go with light lures and to maximize the sport. Dropping down to the 1000 class is a little too light though, in my opinion. You will undoubtedly run into a red, jack or maybe a Spanish where you'll appreciate the extra line capacity and drag capability of the 2500/3000. Go too light and you run the risk of wearing down the fish to the point of exhaustion, which reduces their chance of survival if released. If it will double as a bass reel, you'll definitely want the beefier drags.

Here's a comparison of the reel specs:

Stradic FK 1000
95 yards/10-pound PP
7 pounds max drag

FK2500
150 yards/10-pound PP
20 pounds max drag

FK3000
200 yards/10-pound PP
20 pounds max drag

The 1000 weighs 6.9 ounces versus 8.3 for the other two.

[Can'tCatchAnything]

That's exactly what I needed to hear, thanks Capt. 2500 or 3000 it is, depending whichever deal I come across. I assume I can swap spools to go from one to the other.

Now if I can find a deal on a 2500 Ci4+...

[silverking]

No problem. Good warm-up for one of the seminar sessions.

Yes, spools between 2500 and 3000 are interchangeable.

The CI4+ in either size would really be sweet. Both weigh just 6.7 ounces!

[onefishtwofish]

I think the relative size of the braided line makes the 2500 quite acceptable for most of my fishing. But the 3000 spool difference is nice if you want to use it for more of a light line type rig for bottom fishing for reds. I think you will be happy with either. They balance better to me and sometimes that is more important than weight.