For your fairy wands, what's the max size you guys go up to on reels? I found a good deal on a Diawa Certate 3500 SH, but that seems awful large to me. The biggest I currently have is 3000 which I use on the great lakes for long casts smallmouth fishing. Do you think a 3500 too big for most bass applications?

3500 isn't too big for a stout 7'+ MH spinning rod. I use one for deep cranking--much prefer the drag control you get with a robust spinning reel vs a baitcaster. Keep in mind that some 3500s have bigger frames than others.

I have a 4000 reel that I use for big 130-190 sized topwaters

I like the drag systems and larger rotor in a 3500 size vs a smaller size. Easier line management. Weight differences are negligible too.

I saw KVD say he used a 40 sized reel for drop shotting.. enough for me to try. I bought a couple of Pfluger Presidents in the 40 size I I like them a lot. Works for me.
BD

40 sized.