It's time to upgrade to another spinning reel and I'm having a little trouble. Only two brands I'm interested in are Shimano and Daiwa. Only problem is that looking through my BP catalog I can't tell which ones are too big for wade fishing and casting. If some of you could suggest some models I'd appreciate it. I'd like to stay under $300.

Depends on what you are fishing for. Most folks for trout and reds use a 2500 size and some use a 4000. I use both depending on what is up but I do not wade fish. MOst guys I know use the 2500 for that.

only reel you need is stradic 2500 loaded with braid. You can get the older models or the new CI ones. I have three and strickly fish saltwater with it.

I agree with the Stadic on this. Finest reel for the money you can buy and excellent with Saltwater use.

Remember to flush out the line roller good and keep it oiled. The rest is pretty much self contained and an annual maintenance should do the trick unless you dunk it (Wade and Yak Fishermen need to service more often due to the fact they do get dunk more often)

Check out the Shimano Sahara as well in both the 2500 and 4000 if price is an issue. i've good luck with both sizes but use primarily the 4000 for reds and trout. Keep them clean and they will serve you well.

Is the shimano sustain 3000 a good reel and the right size for what I want?

yes the sustain would be a great reel and that particular model would be fine for the fishing you're after.

I looked at the differences between the two and it seem the only feature it has over the stradic is a titanium lipped spool. Not worth the extra money IMO. I'm going with the Stradic. Is the 4000 still small enough to be very comfortable to use?

For me the best spinnind reels in salt water are DAIWA WISKER SS TOURNAMENT and for wadind SS 1300.I am fishing for over 10 years with this reels without problems.Very fine drag,big long cast spool and easy maitenance.
I fish just with braid+fluorocarbon leader.

I have a 4000 and a 2500. The 2500 has handled everything I needed but I think if you are fishing the surf and using a longer rod the 4000 may balance it better (just a my thought, could be wrong). The 4000 is a sahara. I expect the drag isn't as good as the stradic and i am more attentive to cleaning it because my perception is that it may not be as self contained as the stradic. I don't know for sure but I surf fish and it gets dunked quite a bit.

There is a difference between the Sustain and the Stradic, but you may have to handle them side by side. Personally, I've caught everything up to small tarpon and 20# jack crevalle on a 3000 Stradic with no problem. Should handle the TX coast just fine.

PENN 440 SSG !!!!!!