SR, there are those that use spinning reels a lot more than I do but I do have two 8000 size Okuma reels. I would think that size would fit nicely. With the casting distance from the 12 foot rods be sure and look at line capacity for the line strength you want to use. Of course so much depends on what waters and species of catfish (or fish) you are targeting. A little more information might be helpful.

good luck.

 

I really have a hard time figuring out what those reel size numbers mean. Seem's most manufacturer's use their own number's. I think it's the larger the number the larger the reel but I have an ABU 2500, pretty big number but also the smallest round level wind ever from ABU! Had a big Ocuma spinning reel and 8' MH rod I gave away as just only use UL spinning equip. No clue what the number was but biggest spinning reel I ever saw, really smooth also! Still have a Mitchell 300 and a Daiwa J-25. Now 25 I'd think is a small number but, to me anyway, this reel is rather bid, bigger than my Mitchell 300!

 

Yes it drives you nuts with the reel sizes. I usually try to match up capacities with reels that I have so that I can gauge the size. Even that drives you nuts as alot of them use different weight lines for the capcities.

Really wish the manufacturers would come up with some type of standardized sizing. Doubt that will happen though.

 

Penn Spinfisher 8500

srmo.com PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning - SSVI8500

 

Sorry, this rod will be exclusively for bank fishing in the Mississippi trying to catch catfish.

 

An 8000 would about right

 

Penn battle in the 8000 size

 

I use Daiwa BG 6500's(as big or bigger than most 8000 sizes in other brands and you'd be hard pressed to find a smoother drag in this price range,$119 at SRMO)and 5000's on my 12'rs and I have a 4500 I use on a 10 or 11'r,can't remember.

 

What brand of spinning reel was you wanting? Size numbers on reels vary drastically. An 8000 Penn is a beast of a reel. My 8000 Battle 3 holds 300 yards of 30lb test mono. An 8000 shimano is about the size of a 6000 Penn.