Re: Best Spinning Reel?
 

4000 for sure. The 5000 is a heavywieght @ 19.3oz.

Shimano has some odd reel sizing. The Stradic FJ for example, goes from 10.8oz on the 5000 to 20.8oz on the 6000 and 20.5oz on the 8000.

Re: Best Spinning Reel?
 

Not sure why I never see anyone mention this, maybe I'm weird... :o But I love baitrunners for Bucktailing and Jigging.. for the same reasons I like conventionals.. line control.. I can cast, close the bail, flip on the BR, and let the jig fall on a taught line...making it much easier to detect and react to the bites that so often occur on the drop.. just gives me a lot more control than letting line tumble off the spool on an open bail, trying to control it by hand, , then trying to get the bail closed, slack picked up, and the hook set at the bite.. also a lot easier to maintain bottom contact by flipping the BR and paying out a little as needed.. As far as brands IMO, Shimano is the king of baitrunners..

Re: Best Spinning Reel?
 

^you're not weird at all...I use a Thunnus ci4 4000 as well. Love it's 2nd drag/bait-runner feature.

Re: Best Spinning Reel?
 

I agree, its not that weird, to a an experienced fisherman, the bait runner can be worth its weight in gold!!! To others, its no better than a spin-cast reel! :D

Re: Best Spinning Reel?
 

lol..yeah, to others it's just a lever that gets in the way while they wonder why it doesn't stop the handle from reversing...'oh, there's another lever for that?!?!'

:D