What Size Braid For Spinning Reel?
Fishing is a slow and relaxing process, which is why people across the world have taken up the hobby to get some peace and quiet.
And while fishing can be fun with the right equipment, it can take some time to discover the correct tools.
For example, if you have bought a new spinning reel, then the first thing you need to do is determine the best size braid for your purpose.
Something that can be extremely complicated when considering the various factors and needs.
However, it is important to remember that choosing the right braid size is just as important as finding the right model and is a lot easier than it sounds.
Just take a look at the following guide and you will find everything you need to get started…
What Size Braid For Spinning Reel?
When it comes to choosing the braid for your spinning reel, the size should be determined by the kind of fishing you are planning to do.
However, there are also other important factors that will need to be considered:
- Are you fishing in freshwater or saltwater?
- How big is the species you want to catch?
- What size spinning reel do you plan to use?
In most cases, saltwater reels will require a stronger braid than freshwater reels, as they are commonly used to catch larger fish.
The braid will also need a greater line capacity since most saltwater species are known to make long runs once they have been caught, which would be difficult to accomplish with a small braided reel.
Because of this, it also makes sense that saltwater fishing would require a larger reel than freshwater fishing, which will vary between species.
For example, if you are interested in catching crappie and bluegill, then you would need a size 1000 spinning reel, whereas other species such as tuna would need 9500 – 10,000.
If you want to calculate the best braid size for your desired catch, then you can take a look at our size chart down below.
What Are Braided Fishing Lines?
Braided fishing lines, as the name would suggest, are made from braided materials.
When first introduced, braided lines were made from natural fibers such as cotton, as this helped to produce a line that was thick in diameter.
However, in recent years, the manufacturing of braided fishing lines has changed and they are now constructed using man-made materials such as Dacron.
Because of this, modern braids are now known for their low diameter and immense strength. When compared to monofilament lines, braided lines are more powerful, although their only drawback is that they are visible in the water.
Because of their strength and durability, braided lines are now commonly used in saltwater and specimen fishing.
Braid Sizes Explained
Despite braided lines being a popular component in modern fishing, they are not defined by traditional sizes and are instead referred to by their strength and line diameter.
Because of this, we have decided to compile a series of informative charts that include everything you need to know about the different spinning reels and their appropriate braid strengths.
Small Spinning Reels (1000 – 3500)
Small spinning reels are commonly used in freshwater fishing, which means they only require a braid strength of 4 – 14 lbs.
Despite being associated with freshwater fishing, small reels can also be used in protected coastal waters:
| Reel Size | Braid Strength | Applications | Species (NOAM) |
| 1000 (10) | 4 – 8 lb | Ultralight fishing in freshwater and coastal areas. | Trout, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch |
| 2000 (20) | 4 – 8 lb | Ultralight fishing in freshwater and coastal areas | Bass, trout, crappie, bluegill, yellow perch |
| 2500 (25) | 4 – 8 lb | Light fishing in freshwater and coastal areas | Bass, walleye, northern pike |
| 3000 (30) | 6 – 14 lb | Light fishing in freshwater and coastal areas | Bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish |
| 3500 (35) | 6 – 14 lb | Light fishing in freshwater and coastal areas | Bass, walleye, northern pike, catfish |
Medium Spinning Reels (4000 – 5500)
Medium spinning reels are ideal for rods in the 7 – 8 foot range and can be used to catch mid-size species that weigh around 30 pounds.
Because of this, the reels should be paired with a braid strength of 10 – 25 lbs.
Medium spinning reels are commonly used for more complex freshwater applications and can be used to catch saltwater species for inshore fishing.
| Reel Size | Braid Strength | Applications | Species (NOAM) |
| 4000 (40) | 8 – 20 lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, muskie, snook, redfish, snapper |
| 4500 (45) | 8 – 20 lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, muskie, snook, redfish, snapper |
| 5000 (50) | 10 – 25 lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, muskie, snook, redfish, snapper |
| 5500 (55) | 10 – 25 lb | Medium fishing in freshwater and inshore saltwater | Catfish, muskie, snook, redfish, snapper |
Large Spinning Reels (6000 – 30000)
Large spinning reels, as can be surmised, are perfect for heavy fishing rods and can be used for offshore and rock fishing.
These reels will usually require a braid strength of 24 – 100lb, as they are used for saltwater applications and catching large fish.
| Reel Size | Braid Strength | Applications | Species (NOAM) |
| 6000 (60) | 12 – 30 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Striped bass, salmon, snook, redfish, red drum |
| 6500 (65) | 12 – 30 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Striped bass, salmon, snook, redfish, red drum |
| 7000 (70) | 15 – 40 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Striped bass, salmon, snook, redfish, red drum |
| 7500 (75) | 20 – 50 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Striped bass, salmon, snook, redfish, red drum |
| 8000 (80) | 20 – 50 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Wahoo, roosterfish, dorado, barracuda, amberjack |
| 8500 (85) | 30 – 50 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Wahoo, roosterfish, dorado, barracuda, amberjack |
| 9000 (90) | 30 – 50 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Wahoo, roosterfish, dorado, barracuda, amberjack |
| 9500 (95) | 30 – 50 lb | Medium fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Wahoo, roosterfish, dorado, barracuda, amberjack |
| 10,000 (100) | 30 – 60 lb | Medium-heavy fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 10,500 (105) | 30 – 60 lb | Medium-heavy fishing in inshore and offshore saltwater | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 12,000 (120) | 30 – 60 lb | Medium-heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 14,000 (140) | 30 – 60 lb | Medium-heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 16,000 (160) | 40 – 70 lb | Medium-heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 18,000 (180) | 40 – 70 lb | Medium-heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Tuna, wahoo, dorado, shark |
| 20, 000 (200) | 50 – 80 lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, large tuna, tarpon, giant trevally |
| 25,000 (250) | 50 – 80 lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, large tuna, tarpon, giant trevally |
| 30,000 (300) | 80 – 100 lb | Heavy offshore saltwater fishing | Sailfish, large tuna, tarpon, giant trevally |
Final Thoughts
Choosing the correct braid for your spinning reel can be an easy process, especially when you understand the various factors that need to be considered.
If you are interested in basic fishing, then you will only need a braid with a strength of 4 – 25 lbs.
While more advanced fishing will require a strength of 12 – 100 lbs to accommodate the size of the fish and the conditions of the ocean environment.
