I primarily fish for bass. I've been using a bait caster exclusively for years.
However since I started fishing out of a kayak, I've really have been enjoying fishing with spinning reels.

I'm wanting to get a spinning real that is smooth to cast. But also one that can handle a 10lb bass with no problems.

So what are y'all using. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
Shaun

I just want to figure out how to cast my new baitcaster without getting a huge birdsnest. Gotta get some time alone with it and beat it into submission.

Shimano Stradic 5000 on a Shimano Clarus 8.5'
Shimano Sedona 4000 on a Shimano Clarus 7.5'

Daiwa D-shock

For heavy trolling, drift fishing and bottom fishing I use a Cabela's Salt Striker Metal 60 on a Ugly Stick 6'5"

You want smooth to cast but you also want smooth drag.

My favorite rig is my Shimano Saros 3000 on a Teremar SE inshore 7'6" MH I use this for swimbaits and frogs
My lighter bass rigs that I use for shakey and other finesse presentations is a Sahara 3000 on a 7' medium Compre

Both are really good reels and have super smooth drags.

I have a Saros 2500. The 3000 is about the same weight and has a stronger drag and more line cap, but I like the slightly smaller profile of the 2500. No doubt in my mind it'll handle a 10 pounder. Caught a 15 lb buffalo with it last fall without a hitch. The Stradic's the next step up, so couldn't go wrong there. The Symetre is a good reel too, but the Saros and above have the beefier worm gear and those models all come with a spare aluminum spool. I'm pretty much always using 10 lb fireline, but I do keep the spare spool loaded with 6 lb copoly for when I decide to try for crappie. Never have had any line twist problems. Lots of good spinning reels out there when you get into the 100 plus price point, but I really like the oil maintenance port on the Shimanos and the spare metal spool. Don't think you can beat it in my book.

shimano sedona,sahara,20lb power pro 6'6" medium rod and some good luck to get a ten lb in the yak.

Can't go wrong with a Pflueger Trion, or even a Cabela's Gold Label if you're looking for something affordable.

Thanks for all the input. It's time to head to BPS and handle a few.

Shaun,
Been using a Shimano Sustain 3000 for over a year now. Smooth as silk and bullet proof. Run 20lb Power Pro with a 7' Shimano Compre. The only issue that I had was I had to replace the clicker on it as it broke during one of MANY large Hybrid runs. Warranty-N/C. Awesome reel and I will be adding a few more of them to the line up.
It's handled 1000+ Sandies, 80+ Hybrids to 9lbs, Largemouth to 7lbs, and a fluke ( but a S*** load of fun) 42lb Blue.

A little more money, but worth it!

I use the Abu Garcia STX 10 spinning reel for Bass and chasing Reds. Great reel and it has a spool designed for braid. I've been very pleased with it after 2 years.

For spinning reels I use exclusively pflueger presidents of varying sizes and one little pflueger ultralight for all my pan fish needs.

Mean the spool has a rubberized coating so you don't have to back it?

It has two rubber o-rings that are placed in grooves that the braid can bite down on. I've had no problems with slippage. I have two spools for it, one with 10/4 Sufix Performance Braid and the other with 8 lbs P-Line CX Premium Copolymer.

That's what I figured it was. I'd notice that pfluegar had come out with two models above the presidental price point that came with a spool that had this. I'm not a big braid fan so I didn't pay it too much mind but still a cool idea.

Shimano Spirex or Symetre.