Need Advice From Those Who Have Fished A 2500C

[Walleye Guy]

Can a 2500C be used to cast 3/4 ounce spoons or are they better suited for smaller lures?  I realize that the spool is smaller so the retrieve rate might go down on a long cast then when compared to a 5000 but is the reel capable of casting heavier lures?

We normally use 5000-family reels when we go up to Canada to fish for pike and walleye and use them for casting 3/4 and 1 ounce spoons, #5 Mepps and larger crankbaits.  We use spinning rods for smaller lures like 1/4 ounce crankbaits and jigs.

We're limited by weight because we fly in so I need to think through which combos I bring along.  I bought a 2500C recently...always wanted one...and would like to take it with but I'm not sure it will handle larger lures. 

Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[oc1]

I haven't been into my 2500 in a while, but aren't the mechanisms pretty much all the same?  The levelwind pawl, worm and carriage will take most of the pressure/abuse from a heavier weight.  The spindle and spool bearings much less so..

[Walleye Guy]

You could be right and that sounds logical...but I haven't dug into mine yet.

[nelz]

IMHO 3/4 should be fine as long as you're willing to put up with the slooowww retrieve bringing it back. You might even see the bottom of the spool depending on what line you use.

[Walleye Guy]

I tend to crank too fast so that actually might be a blessing in disguise because we often go up north in June when the water is cold.

[borntofish]

What line weight will you be using? You will need a shock leader I would think - otherwise the line capacity will be very small with the sort of line required to cast a 3/4oz lure. There is no reason the 2500c won't cast that weigh - just doesn't seem like a very balanced outfit. Why don't you use it to replace one of those spinning outfits you mention?   

[Keta]

20-30 pound spectra will make up for the smaller spool.

[oc1]

20 Spectra is what's on mine too.  I fished with it for a while and liked the small size; but then decided I was happier with something lighter and without an anti-reverse and drag.  With the right rod, the 2500 should throw a 3/4 oz spoon about a mile or so.

[oc1]

Here's a rough 2500 for $20 plus shipping.

[borntofish]

Here's a rough 2500 for $20 plus shipping.

That's just the opening bid though. I have the one I bought new in 1978. Still fish with it. They are a bit of a collector's item compared to the other sizes.

[oc1]

It's rough, but after pointing it out to a whole world of reel nuts there are still no bids.  That site does not get much traffic.  If I was a real reel junkie I'd have kept my mouth shut.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Please. Why tip my hand so early the auction still has 2 days on it. On the 'bay my first bid arrives in the last 3-5 seconds of the auction. At the earliest.

[oc1]

They only ship FedEx so it gets pricy if you live in the boondocks.

[tincanary]

You'll be fine with 3/4 spoons.  It'll probably wing them out of sight as the spool is fairly light (16g).  The 2500C was designed to throw the same lures as the Abu Cardinal 3, which was introduced the same year as the 2500C.  Back then, 1/4 oz was considered ultralight, and it'll throw that no problem. 



The weak points of the 2500C are the pinion gear and frame.  Running a locked drag could cause the pinion gear crown to warp or the frame to become misaligned.  The frame can be fixed if you have access to a frame jig, while the pinion gear is out of production and you'd have to buy used or buy the Avail gear set.  Max drag for these reels is about 6lb.  Feel free to pick my brain, I have a pair of these along with their thumb bar counterparts, the 1600C IAR and 2600C IAR.  I've tuned and built out many more than that for others and know these inside and out.

[quang tran]

Most walleye fisherman don't use braid line ,I used to use Dam 220 with 6 lbs test and 1/16 to 1/8 oz jig or Rapalas Shadrap #7 .To use 1/4 oz spool I would use bigger reel with 10 lbs test prefer bait casting reel