To catch fish efficiently and effectively, an angler will need a top-grade and high-quality reliable fishing reel. In the market, there are 4 types of fishing reels. Among all of them, the most popular and versatile reel is the spinning reel. These reels are open-face designs and feature an excellent amount of line capacity.
One of the top spinning reel manufacturing brands is the Shimano. Every year Shimano comes up with one of their new and innovative fishing reels. All of their salmon fishing reels are equipped with protective, smooth performing, and durable technologies. They use technology like G-free to balance the weight, HAGANE body, and gear for a silk-like performance.
Here, we will share a list of the best Shimano spinning reels. We will discuss both freshwater and saltwater fishing reels to help all the anglers out in the world.
The Shimano Sedona FI is the successive upgrade from the Shimano Sedona FG, and it can come in any size between 500 and 8000 and a maximum drag of 7 lbs.
As for the body of the reel itself, Shimano has implemented the G-Free technology to this model. The aim of this design is to push the center of gravity towards the rod. That helps relieve a ton of tension and pressure from the wrist, forearm, arm, and back of the angler.
Moreover, it helps reduce the weight of the reel along with the single paddled handle. The Shimano Sedona FI weighs only 7.6 oz, which is pretty lightweight in comparison to other reels in general and the four other Shimano spinning reels that we have on this list.
Moving on, let’s speak about the HEGANE gearing. The 3-D col-forged design, along with three ball bearings and one roller bearing, allow for smooth casts, smooth retrievals, and excellent flexibility; you’ll never come face-to-face with any stiffness.
Our next pick is the Shimano Baitrunner D, and it still has a few rather impressive tricks up its sleeve.
Let’s start with its build, which is mostly out of graphite with metallic finishing touches and a cold-forged spool. This build allows for strength, durability, and saltwater compatibility. Another thing that provides for saltwater compatibility is that the bearings, all four of them, are entirely covered, in addition to the waterproof double drag system.
Now, let’s speak about the drag system for a little bit. There is a primary and a secondary drag system that works interchangeably in order to relieve tension and score the catch every time. This system has Dartanium washers which could be named the only con in this reel since they aren’t very durable.
Although the Shimano Sienna is our budget pick, and it’s incredibly affordable, it still brings impressive competition to the table.
First of all, this reel is incredibly balanced and stable; even if your casting distance is 150 ft, you won’t find it wobbling in your hand. Moreover, the line itself can hardly ever miss its target, thanks to the propulsion technology, which gives it the needed energy to stay as straight as possible.
The entire reel is protected by a hard case that doesn’t only add to its durability but also its compatibility, making it saltwater-friendly. Another thing that helps with that aspect will be the ball bearings. We only have two of them, which is not our best option; nevertheless, they are made out of stainless steel and covered with graphite. Hence, they do provide a lot of value and lifespan for their money.
Premium means that something is top-notch quality from the inside out, and that is exactly the case with the Shimano Socorro. Let’s dissect this exceptional reel outside to inside.
The first thing that you’re going to spot is its stylish gold/black design all around its lightweight graphite body, along with an oversized handle for easy handling. Plus, it weighs 15.05 oz and comes in a variety of sizes between 5000 and 10000.
On the inside, you’ll find 4+1 ball bearings along with the X-Ship technology, which makes for an unprecedentedly sleek performance. The two ball bearings on the pinion gear’s ends maintain stability no matter the weight and the pressure that the reel is facing.
Next, you’ll find the HEGANE gearing system, which is cold-forged so that the gears are aligned at all times, again, no matter the pressure that they are under. The next spot will have to be the 22-lb CrossCarbon drag system.
The Shimano NASCI is a highly advanced reel that has managed to gather 99.9% of the technologies that we have spoken about, plus a few new ones all into a small compact G-Free body.
Most of this reel is made out of cold-forged aluminum, including the spool, the bail, and of course, the HEGANE gearing mechanism. That is along with the oversized handle that has been equipped with a rubber band. This piece of rubber strengthens the fishers’ grip and gives them the maximum level of control.
As for the inside of the reel, you’ll find 4+1 anti-corrosion ball bearings and a 20-lb drag system, with washers that can either be felt or CrossCarbon, according to the size. Speaking of size, this reel weighs 8.8 oz and can come in various sizes, starting at 1000 and ending at 5000.
This upcoming section will cover the primary criteria that go into the selection of any spinning reel, not just the Shimano brand. These are the features that any spinning-reel-seeker must keep at the forefront of their minds:
Anglers must always know the average time that they want to spend out on the water surface as that will be a determining factor in a lot of features, and weight is one of those features. If you spend a lot of time fishing, you will gravitate towards a reel on the lighter side.
Nevertheless, you’ll always want to balance weight and capabilities. Don’t go too low with weight, as you might end up with a useless reel.
The handle is one of the most critical parts of the reel. You must go for something that is:
The drag system is, in simple words, the tension placed on your line when you’re trying to reel in your catch. Put too much pressure on your line, and it’ll snap; put too little pressure, and your catch will have its way.
Hence, an easily adjustable drag system is always the best choice. Another aspect that you must never forget when exploring your drag system is that it must be completely sealed so that it can be waterproof; therefore, saltwater compatible.
Ball bearings are the core of the mechanism moving inside the reel in order to make it work. To be completely honest, we think that you shouldn’t go anywhere below four ball bearings, although there are some exceptions when other gearing systems are supporting the reel.
Nevertheless, the best option to go for is stainless steel ball bearings. If they are covered with graphite or any other anti-rust material, that would be perfect.
Efficiency features are all the technologies placed by brands into the reels to reduce the effort needed by the fishers to cast and retrieve. They include things that eliminate line knots and trouble in general.
For instance, Varispeed oscillation, or Instant anti-reverse, prevents the reel from reeling backward, hence destroying your line and spool. The list goes on and on, so try as much as possible to explore all of your options thoroughly.
Shimano does boast an envious collection of products, which is why we chose to review our picks for the best Shimano spinning reels. Before we say farewell, let’s refresh with our top picks.
Our first recommendation is, without a doubt, the Shimano Sedona Fi as it comes with HEGANE gearing, saltwater compatibility, G-Free body, and Varispeed oscillation.
Next, we have our runner-up, the Shimano Baitrunner D. This is by far the best reel for everything and everywhere. It’s strong, durable, lightweight, balanced, and ergonomically designed to fit easily in your hand. Also, let’s not forget the Fluidrive II.
Budget picks are always winners, so here’s ours: the Shimano Sienna. This one is all about giving as many options as possible without making a hole in your wallet. It’s completely waterproof with graphite-covered stainless steel ball bearings, in addition to an M-compact body.
