I currently have 4 baitcasting reels. Looking to add my very first spinning reel set up to my arsenal. Which size do you recommend for bass fishing and why? I’ve narrowed it down to either a 2000, 2500, or a 3000. This spinning set up will be primarily used for wacky rig, drop shot, and a shaky head set up. Basically a finesse rod.

I prefer 2500 size. No rhyme or reason why, just like the size. I've noticed that several of the pro's use 3000 or even 4000 size.

2000 light to medium light rod—light small open hook presentations like 1/6oz Ned Rigs and 1/8oz panfish jigs
2500 medium rod—drop shot, shaky head, jerkbaits, small light crankbaits, lighter spoons.
3000 medium heavy rod—Texas Rig, spinnerbaits, crankbaits up to 6XD, heavier spoons
3500 heavy rod—lighter Arigs, 3/4oz to 1.5oz crankbaits and treble hooked swimbaits
4000 extra heavy rod flipping or pitching very heavy cover and bigger swimbaits
The 4000 spinning reels will wear you out for flipping/pitching; but I’ll still use one from time to time for bigger treble hooked swimbaits.

Spinning gear shines in the light to medium categories.
However, I do like the drag systems with spinning reels for crankbaits and smaller treble hooked swimbaits.

300 size. It’s a nice balance of weight and line capacity.

You DONT need a lot of line capacity, but the larger spool casts better and line management of the larger spool is better.

Most 2500 and 3000 reels are identical in size except for spool depth. 2500's hold more then enough line for bass fishing.

Spool size is exactly why a 3000(300) is a better Choice. Larger spool means better line management. A side effect of a larger spool is smoother drag as well.

Most are actually the same diameter spool. The 3000's are just deeper not larger. Again, a 2500 is more then enough for bass fishing. Now if you occasionally chase stripers or do some light salt water fishing then go with the 3000.

2500 for me.

This!

2500

2500 works for me.

Let me count the votes....I’ll get back with y’all next week.

Don’t bother counting. They’re all rigged these days anyways.

I’m thinking 2500 is the way to go. Why are they so hard to find? It’s easier to find 4000, 5000, and even 6000's than the 2500’s.

2500 is perfect for 8lb line finesse stuff and 3000 for 15lb braid and 10lb leader stuff like shaky heads or even a t-rig (gf catches them on it lol)