Reading these boards I notice most people like the 3000 size reel or even smaller for inshore fishing. When I moved down here and went to buy new rods/reels from the tackle shop, the guy set me up with 2 Penn Battle 5000’s and a Penn Fierce 4000. My question is does having the larger size reel make any difference for inshore applications. I wouldn’t see how it would affect my fishing any but wonder why others don’t use the larger size reel on here. I don’t need to go out and buy new reels or anything like that, do I?
Like everything else in fishing the size of your tackle has a direct correlation with what you’re doing with it. I don’t know your particular flavor of inshore fishing (there are alot of ways to fish inshore)… But the gear you just mentioned would really only be suitable for bait fishing… more particularly, bait fishing around docks or other heavy structure. Also shark fishing in inlets, or fishing the jetties would be fine with gear that size.
I’m of course basing this off of the assumption that you have those 5000’s rigged on Medium Heavy, or Heavy rods… and that 4000 is probably on a medium action rod.
The 4000 would work for some artificial fishing, but its heavy for casting all day, and those heavier rods take alot away from your sensitivity, which is going to hurt you in the artificial game.
The reason you mostly see 3000 size reels around these days is that it’s really all you need. There is really nothing inshore that you can’t handle with a 3000 reel and a med-light action rod… The exception being trying to pull big reds out of docks or heavy structure… for creek fishing though, you can handle the biggest inshore fish on pretty light stuff with a little bit of angling skill… Its more fun that way anyway… Having fun is why we’re out there right…
Those rigs you have will cover the heavier side of the inshore game and as I said off you some jetty, nearshore opportunities as well… but if you want creek fish for trout/flounder/redfish… you’ll be alot happier with lighter gear, especially if you like to fish with plastics…
So in short… No. you don’t need to run off and buy new gear… BUT- If you would like better sensitivity and a more sporting fight, it may not hurt to add a lighter rig to your arsenal…
Hope any of that drivel helped…
Mad Mike
"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "
5000’s are great for the Harbor/Jetties/Grillage and even offshore bottom fishing for smaller stuff. They are also just fine for inshore bait fishing for reds/flounder. But for casting all day they are a bit heavy - and probably a bit large for trout.
New reels have stronger drag systems and braided lines allow for more capacity on a smaller reel. 3000 reels spooled with braid basically replace older 5000 reels spooled with mono. They are lighter, easier to cast all day and provide a better fight. But do you need to rush out and buy some - no.
I use 5000 size reels for inshore fishing, always have, and I don’t see where it would hurt you versus a smaller reel. I like the added versatility of the lrger size reel. Now as the above posters said, you may want to add a smaller reel next time you go make a purchase, more sensativity, lighter to cast, more fun, etc, but as far as you catching fish it makes no difference. Your not going to catch 15 fish using the 3000 and only 10 using the 5000, or anything like that everytime you fish. I use a 5000 even for tossing artificials and for trout, flounder, and redfish, and catch the same fish as the guy with the 3000. Hope that helps.
Ok, so I gather from this that the 3000 size reel is only really better for inshore if you are casting artificials and lures. If you are using live bait (mud minnows,shrimp,blue crab) etc., then the 4000 or 5000 is perfectly fine for inshore flounder, trout and reds. Since I fish mostly live bait and not much artificials seems like they steered me in the right direction with the 5000 size reel. Am I reading this right?
For me the 4000 size is as big as you will need inshore. I use one sparingly only if I know I will be catching 30+" reds or big bonnetheads with big baits. Otherwise I use 3000 size for live/cut bait and artificials and 2000 size for slinging lures only.
A 5000 is overkill and will throw off the balance of any decent inshore rod. Contrary to what was said, a lighter outfit that is balanced (reel, rod, line, and lure) will outfish an heavier one in skilled hands.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14
We land bonnets on Shimano 3000 Symetres but its about a 50% rate of getting a big one in the boat. I use 15 lb moi moi diamond braid and it will land pretty much anything else inshore.
quote:
Originally posted by Kebda380Ok, so I gather from this that the 3000 size reel is only really better for inshore if you are casting artificials and lures. If you are using live bait (mud minnows,shrimp,blue crab) etc., then the 4000 or 5000 is perfectly fine for inshore flounder, trout and reds. Since I fish mostly live bait and not much artificials seems like they steered me in the right direction with the 5000 size reel. Am I reading this right?
Yes, you’ll be fine with what you have.
I agree, no need to buy new rods/reels. As I said before, you will catch the same fish on the 5000 size reel that people will catch on their 3000 for inshore.
Like some the guys said here. Use what you have. My cousin always uses this ugly no name rod and an old 4000 size reel and he out fishes me every time. The last two eyelets are gone on his rod and he still smokes whiting and reds.
Chris
Isn’t that the truth. I always see these guys with cruddy rod/reels bringing in the fish with me and my $300 setup lucky to catch a few. I think the fishing gear industry (Penn,Shimano,etc.) makes us think we always need the latest best equipment while the guys with the Walmart gear go about their business and catch the fish. I don’t think you end up with any more fish at the end of the year using the 5000 you have versus the newest 3000 reel and St. Croix rod for anything inshore to be honest.
quote:
Originally posted by jdem989353Isn’t that the truth. I always see these guys with cruddy rod/reels bringing in the fish with me and my $300 setup lucky to catch a few. I think the fishing gear industry (Penn,Shimano,etc.) makes us think we always need the latest best equipment while the guys with the Walmart gear go about their business and catch the fish. I don’t think you end up with any more fish at the end of the year using the 5000 you have versus the newest 3000 reel and St. Croix rod for anything inshore to be honest.
Fishing gear is pretty much designed to catch fisherman… When I stared to fish again (not with my dad or as a mate), I was broke and could only afford $20 Fish Bonz rods - I got two of them, spooled with whatever line they came with, and used them for two years of striped bass fishing on the Susky Flats - fish up to 40#'s. They still worked, but I upgraded to 2 $60 Pfluger combos - used them for 5 years. I fished out of a bow rider, no GPS, no FFer, no rod holders - and we pounded the big rock with the best of them.
My old man fished his entire life with a hodge podge of rebuilt rods that he would find in trash piles or at flea markets. Nothing matched or worked the same way. We grew up fishing without electronics, boga grips, costa’s, yeti’s, van stall’s, florocarbon, braided lines… and we always caught a ton of fish.
I’m a fan if the smaller stuff, I’m in it for the fight. A 1000 on a Xlite spinning reel for trout and bass, a couple 2000s and 2500s for reds and casting rods. A 3000 for all purpose, and a 4000 on a big rod for slinging bait under a dock. I do have a penn 5000 combo also but it doesn’t get used as much it’s for big black and overshot reds around structure and the jetties. You can fish on a 5000, or a 3000, go buy new stuff if you want, or just keep it in mind next time. Also make sure you’re using braid on your reels, you’ll be a lot happier with your gear
14’ Skiff-“Redfish Reaper”
i’m lazy & i get hung up & break line so much, that i prefer a 3000 or 4000 reel just so i don’t have to re-spool with line as often. to me, the 5000 reel is just to big & goofy inshore, and the 1000 or 2000 reels just feel inadequate, despite their capability