Shimano has long been know as one of the leaders in the fishing tackle industry and has consistently produced quality reels for the mass market since 1978.
Shimano is best known for its wide offering in spinning reels and baitcasting reels. If you were to ask 10 anglers what is the best ____ reel we are sure that you would have a handful of people say that it is the Shimano ____.
The reason for this is that Shimano is a big brand and they do manufacture quality reels that are known for being very smooth.
While Shimano does not offer a large selection of reels in what we would call the entry-level price range. They do offer a huge selection in the mid-level price range and a handful in the high-end price range.
Best Shimano Spinning Reel Reviews
Shimano Baitrunner D
Retail around $169
The Shimano Baitrunner D is one of the most sought after bait feeder or baitrunner reels on the market. If you are fishing with either live or cut bait in a situation where you want the fish to be able to pick up the bait and run with it then you need this type of reel. Read Baitrunner Fishing Reels Explained for more information. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000-12000 | 28 -37 | 4.4:1 - 4.8:1 | 15 - 20 | 3+1 | 13.5 - 30 |
Shimano NASCI
Retail around $99
The Shimano NASCI is an entry level saltwater spinning reel that is well suited for inshore fishing. Here is your opportunity to get a Shimano reel without breaking the bank. Some of the quality features you will get are Cold Forged Gearing, Composite body, X-Ship Technology, and Shimanos Coreprotect Water Resistance. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000-5000 | 26-41 | 5.0:1-6.2-1 | 7-24 | 4+1 | 7.6-10.6 |
Shimano Saragosa SW
Retail around $269
The Shimano Saragosa has been part of the main stable of Shimano saltwater reels for over a decade with the Saragosa SW being released in 2013, it is one of our favorite saltwater reels. This is Shimano’s mainstay for the mid-tier saltwater market or larger spinning reels. If your looking for a large capacity spinning reel that has what it takes to land your pelagic species then this is a good choice as it contains many of the same components of some of the more expensive Shimano reels. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000-25000 | 38-45 | 4.4:1-5.7:1 | 22-44 | 5+1 | 16-34.2 |
Shimano Sedona FI
Retail around $69
The Shimano Sedona FI is the latest version of the very popular Sedona FI spinning reel. This is a great entry level reel from Shimano and has many features found in more expensive reels. Whiule Shimano states that the reel is sutiable for saltwater as well as freshwater, I would do this sparingly as there is little protection from the elements. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE500FI - SE8000FI | 27 - 37 | 4.6:1 - 6.2:1 | 7 - 24 | 3+1 | 6.3 - 21.7 |
Shimano Socorro SW
Retail around $129
The Shimano Socorro SW is a no-frills saltwater spinning reel designed for your larger species such as Bull Reds, Big Snook, Tarpon and Sailfish. If you are looking to get a Shimano reel that won’t set your bank account back to much and will still deliver the goods for your larger 5000-10000 sized reels then this would be a good pick. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000-10000 | 31-40 | 4.6:1-4.9:1 | 22-27 | 4+1 | 15.5-23.5 |
Shimano Spheros SW
Retail around $199
First released in 2014 the Shimano Spheros SW is a larger saltwater spinning reel and fits in between the Shimano Socorro SW and the Shimano Saragosa SW when it comes to price and features. This is a lower cost Shimano reel that is specifically designed for your larger saltwater gamefish available in sizes 5000-20000. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000-25000 | 33-41 | 4.4:1-4.9:1 | 22-41 | 4+1 | 16-32.8 |
Shimano Stella SW
Retail around $1,059
Some have been known to call the Shimano Stella SW “The King of Saltwater Spinning Reels” and with good reason. First is the quality of the reel with its high-end components and attention to manufacturing quality. If you are seeking to own the Mercedes of big game spinning reels then this is it, however it comes at a hefty price, the question is, is it worth it?. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5000-30000 | 31-53 | 4.4:1-6.2:1 | 29-62 | 14+1 | 15.3-34.9 |
Shimano Stradic FK
Retail around $199
TRhe Shimano Stradic FK is the most recent revision of the infamous Stradic lineup from Shimano. With precision Hagane gears surrounded by a Hagane body, Fluid Drive and a solid Front Drive the new Stradic FK is a winner. This is a solid inshore reel that is both lightweight as well as durable for all day saltwater fishing. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000-5000 | 31-41 | 6.0:1-6.2:1 | 7-20 | 6+1 | 6.9-11.3 |
Shimano Stradic Ci4+
Retail around $229
The Shimano Stradic Ci4+ spinning reel was released in April of 2016 and has a few upgrades over its predecessor the Shimano Stradic Ci4 spinning reel. The most noticeable being the addition of Shimano’s X-Ship technology that has a double bearing supported pinion gear that leads to a much smoother retrieve especially when cranking under heavy loads. READ OUR FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 - 4000 | 31 - 39 | 6.0:1 - 6.2:1 | 7 - 24 | 6+1 | 5.6 - 8.1 |
Shimano Sustain FI
Retail around $299
There is a reason that the Shimano Sustain FI won the “Best of Category – New Saltwater Reel” at ICAST in 2017. This is an awesome reel that finds it home between the high-quality lightweight Shimano Stradic Ci4+ and th