Matching multiplier to spinning rod

hi folks,

i have a question about how literal to take manufacturers advice and so on when matching a reel to a rod.

i've been looking for a multiplier recently to use with the rod i have already (a beastmaster heavy bass 3,3m/11ft spinning rod) - the rod itself is quite a stiff/heavy type for the spinning label it carries and perhaps an unusual rod. to be honest for the moment i don't want to fork out for a new rod and reel, so i'm looking to adapt what i already have.

i'm looking to pair it up with a multiplier to gain some distance, i've used this rod from the rocks and it's been fine. had quite a tussle with a 2 kilo mullet close-in last summer.

as a spinning rod it is rung up with 12 fuji type rings, the first of which is extra large for a f/s. rod has coped pretty well so far with the venues i've fished.

i'm thinking about getting a penn 525 - any comments as to any restrictions this might bring about fishing-wise? is this type of combo likely to cause me problems? maybe the reel is too heavy for the rod? the reel i use it with at the moment (tica 4000 spinning) does seem a very light match. the casting weight of the rod is 25-125g (roughly 1-3oz). so far the places i've fished the rod has coped (from harbour, over rock, beach).

at some point in the future i might look at a longer rod for distance casting, maybe even the zziplex profile (if the price comes down by a mile), but for now this is what's in my bag so to speak.

cheers for any offers of advice,

nick

Hi Nick,

Personally I'd be leaning towards a smaller multiplier. Perhaps and Abu 5500 or 5000. These reels will also be very handy of you want to switch to 2oz plus bait. You might have a little trouble with over runs on these reels with light spinners, so try to get one that is magged. You can pick a 5500 (dome end plate) on ebay with magnetic conversion for about €80 or so.

If you are using heavy spinners and lures this would be a nice set-up. If you are going to by throwing little Rapala J9's I'd stick with the fixed spool.

Do you fish braid or mono for your spinning?

Kevin

Shimano cardiff or similar would make a nice pairing with that rod, I use mine with an 11ft 6 plugging rod and a 6ft jerkbait rod.
I use left hand retrieve for ease of use.

cheers for the advice lads.

i should have said i hardly ever use it for spinning, even though it was designed for that. most spinning rods i've seen are quite light in comparison with this one. until i have cash to get a more general-use rod i'm looking to carry on using it casting fresh baits up to 3oz, it copes fine.

maybe the 5500/cardiff wouldn't suit the way i'm using the rod, the tica f/s reel i already have which i'm pretty happy with (fast retrieve, solid construction) is kind of an equivalent to these models.

i thought a 2nd hand 525 would do the job being more robust, and leave some scope to upgrade to a heavier rod in the future. i'm not into the idea of collecting a lot of kit!.

i'm not sure if reels like the 6500/525 would be overkill. i hope this makes some sense at least, there are so many varieties of fishing modalities and equipment it can be daunting. ideally i'd like one rod and reel to cover all situations, unrealistic i suppose. i'm going to start a collection of hooks instead!

If that's what you want to do then get yourself a bass rod rated to 4oz and pair it with a 525, I use my sl20sh with a mustad viking bass from time to time at some marks, but it's not ideal and it's only because my larger beach casters are all fs. It works, so maybe that's what you want. I've also used the same rod with the cardiff for the likes of mackie bashing, I prefer the left hand retrieve if I'm lure fishing.

i use a sports mag on my odessa bass rod with 3 oz and its grand but the rod is rung for fixed spool or multi and is quite stiff in the tip i dont think distance would improve much on your rod , the 525 would probably be too heavy for it , i get just as far with a fixed spool on the same rod :?:

just wanted to say thanks for all your helpful suggestions.

in the end i've decided to stick to the f/s reel on the spinning rod and continue to use if for the lighter stuff.

will get a multiplier that i can use for most other fishing situations (penn 525), and find a suitable rod to go with it. just won one through auction on ebay for 60 quid, sounds reasonable.