Northwest Fishing Reports

I have got an Okuma Inspira IA-45 for salmon and steelhead. It's nice but a little too big for steelhead fishing. So am looking for a smaller spinning reel, something that holds around 120-150 yards of 12lb. test. Any recommendations are a appreciated.

check out the quantum pt series reels. they are awesome reels.

I have become a big fan of the Shimano Spirex line of spinning reels. They have a rear drag with two means of adjustment. A dial along with a "during the fight" lever that makes it easy to jump from a drag setting to let the fish have line, to a lock down and crank it in setting. Unlike basic reels where you reach over with your "not rod hand" to open the bail, this has a trigger that allow you to open the bail and grab the line with your finger in one fluid motion. You just reel backwards to quickly line the trigger "and line" up with your finger. "One Hand Casting" in a nutshell I think they are a great value for around $60 bucks. They even come with a spare spool so you can have different line on each. Almost like having two reels that way.
The SR4000RE holds around 200 yards of 10 lbs mono. I used mine to reel in a 90 lb Tarpon on 20# super braid on a florida trip last year when casting live bait.
The fish made several 100+ yard runs and the drag held up great. I use the smaller SR2000RD "older version" for my steelhead spining setup.



Good Luck