Hello everyone, the topic is very interesting. I have been choosing a rod for fishing for a long time. And I chose the coil in the same way. I saw a review of a Shimano reel on YouTube, and then read this article about reels
https://theoutdoorsman.org/best-shimano-spinning-reels/. Do any of you use Shimano reels? And is it worth buying it at all, I will be glad for your help.
Olver.
Hi Oliver,
Most of my reels (but not all) are made by Shimano and they’ve all been excellent reels.
I also have a few Diawa, Drennan and Abu reels but out of all of them my Shimanos get used the most. Diawa also have a large following although I myself prefer my Shimano reels.
Sam has already mentioned all you really need to know about which size and models to use in different situations (float,leger and/or lure fishing etc.)
Examples of which ones that I generally use:
I usually use my Shimano-Aero-4000FA front drag reel when I’m fishing a float or feeder for smaller species. The front drag allows me to set the drag a little more precisely when using fine lines.
I usually use my Shimano Stradic GTM-RC 4000 rear drag reel for leger/feeder fishing for mid sized fish like Chub or Tench and occasionally for Barbel and small Carp etc.
I usually use my various rear drag Shimanos (5000 and 6000 series reels) with baitrunner functions for my heavier work (Barbel, Carp, Pike etc.)
Front or rear drag?
Front drags are generally more sensitive because of the slightly larger drag washers you often get with them; however some of the cheaper models can have far less range of adjustment and the front knob can unscrew and even fall off if you loosen it too much; however the more expensive front drag models have a much larger range of adjustment and don’t seem to suffer from the knob falling off when you’ve loosened the drag right off.
The more sensitive adjustments that a front drag reel gives you can make it a lot better when finer lines are being used.
Rear drags are a lot easier to adjust while you are playing a big fish; not least because you are not trying to adjust a drag on the front of a moving spool (that could be spinning); which is a very useful thing when your playing a much larger fish. I often adjust my drag several times when I’m fighting a large fish. Plus there isn’t a drag knob to fall off if you loosen the drag too much either.
Because rear drag reels are not generally used for light float work; and are mainly used with slightly heavier lines; the ultra sensitive adjustments that you get with the front drag reels is not really needed; although they are still sensitive enough for most other fishing situations.
I stress that this is just my opinion and others on here may think differently.
Keith