Fishing reel technology has evolved at an exponential speed. The number of spinning reels on the rods of saltwater striped bass anglers overwhelmingly outnumber the occasional conventional reels in active use. Why? Because saltwater spinning reels have no backlashes and because they have equal or greater cranking and drag power than conventional reels. Unlike conventional reels, saltwater spinning reels are available with sealed and waterproof drags and gear systems. In contrast, even though freshwater spinning and baitcaster reels have functionally equivalent performance, the number of baitcasters on the rods of large and small mouth bass anglers overwhelmingly outnumber the occasional spinning reels in active use. Why? Complacency! Anglers who use baitcasters do not want to try anything new. New anglers adopt baitcasters because “everyone else” uses them. Personally, I avoid compliancy because like cancer, it will consume you.
My go-to freshwater spinning reel is the Shimano Stradic 2500FK HG. This real is light (8.3 oz), easy to use, and full of high performance features like 6+1 bearings, a 6.0:1 gear ratio, 20 lbs of drag, and 35 inches of line-per-crank. This reel has helped me cast the full spectrum of baits into challenging spots, from conventional to unconventional angles. I have landed several heavy largemouth bass and gator chain pickerel (40+ inches) with this reel. I have confidence in the Shimano Stradic 2500FK HG.
