I blindly bought a size 4000 spinning reel, and I have no clue what to throw out with it. I’ve got 12lb braid on it. I wish I had bought a size 3000 or lower for bass fishing

How much does the 4000 weigh? If less than 8 oz, I’d say still okay for Bass fishing, but on the heavy side.

Better weight class would be anything under 7.5 oz. 6.5 oz would be ideal.

The 4000 series reel is really about “swing weight”. You can throw out anything within the recommended line/lure weight range indicated on your rod, but the “swing weight” of a heavy rod and reel may wear you down.

That said, have fished for Bass many times, using multiple finesse techniques, with a PENN Battle II 3000 spinning reel that weighs a whopping 12.5 oz.

And I’m casting that setup with both hands for better cast control.

The key is to first balance the 4000 reel with your rod.

How? Mount reel on rod; hold rod straight horizontally and place your index finger of your right hand under the very top of the rod handle where it meets the rod blank. Let go with your left hand. A balanced rod/reel at rest will be horizontal. Tip down at rest is “tip heavy”. If “tip heavy”, add weight to the butt of the rod handle.

How? The Home Depot (or Lowe’s, Ace Hdwe, et al) sell rubber crutch feet that go on the bottom of crutches. Start by inserting a couple of quarters into to the rubber crutch thing and slide it onto the rod butt. Add or subtract quarters until you have a horizontally balanced rod/reel. I have $1 in quarters in one of mine.

Good luck, and post a photo of your first “4000” catch!
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by Hoocaso