Reel size and casting distance

Greetings, I have a dumb question. as an avid fisherman, part time guide for years, I'm a bit stumped by this one. First off, I'm a Musky fisherman by nature, fishing Walleyes Smallmouth, and steelhead in the spring. I panfish all winter long, but have just taken up panfishing fairly seriously in the spring over the past couple years. I have a plethora of 2500-3000 size reels at my disposal, but nothing smaller any longer, that isn't mico sized and on my ice jig rods.. As a matter of fact, I just received two new Shimano Sahara 3000 reels, to go along with my 3-4 Symetre 2500's. My question is this: I'd like to spool up with 4lb or 6 lb line with my 2'-3' tipet of 3lb floro, and would like to know your opinion on casting distance with panfish rigs(micro jig and rocket bobber for example) on my larger 3000 size reels vs a smaller 1000 or 1500 sized reel. Of course I will fill up with backing, so my reel is plump full. My thinking is that I should get as much distance with my larger reels as I would with a smaller reel, the smaller reels just being nice and compact to make the combo more balanced no doubt. I ask this because on of my Sahara 3000 is still new in the box, and I would contemplate dropping down to a 1000 size if it would give me better casting distance with small tackle. Again, the comparison will be apples to apples linewise as I'll fill either spool with backing and line to maximize the spool features. Thanks in advance, Jason

I use 3000 series reels on all my panfish combos, and load them with 1-2lb dia. braided lines....perfect for chucking spoons!

One thing to try for increased casting distance is to use Berkeley micro ice line. I prefer the 4lb. in the steel grey color that stuff seems to cast a mile. Might want to give it a try on your daughters poles when you make your discision on style.

Yup, definately don't plan to spend much. I have at least 6 reels in the 2500-3000 size, most in excellent to like new condition as I maintain them yearly. I'm on Tooth Tamer Rods staff, so I'm good in that regard, but I am more interested in what people think about casting distance with the 1000 size reels vs the bigger 2500-3000. I agree though that some(me included often) over think the panfishing, and I am trying to simplify for sure. I like the comments so far, and am leaning towards not trading the new 3000 Sahara in for the smaller one. Thanks much guys!

I just bought a pflueger im8 graphite rod with an rx7 reel (combo) at cabelas for 60 or 80 bucks. it is light action(amazing), sensitive for panfish but strong enough to haul in 18 inch+ bass. it is a great rod and reasonably priced. panfishing is really not complicated like buying high dollar st croix musky rods. get a good cheap combo. for musky the $ really matters, for panfish not as much just go decent.

You will get better distance with the larger reel,and have less problems with line twist because of the larger spool.Because of the reels weight it will be a little less sensitive but because the larger reel has a high line retrieval rate in will make up for some of the extra weight.Faster gear ratios are more sensitive lots of people do not realise this but it is true.I would put the larger reel on a long rod with light line and bomb away.