OHUB Overview: Shimano Stella FK Spinning Reel

With regards to saltwater fishing, having a top quality spinning reel that checks all the bins in terms of sturdiness, smoothness, and drag, is essential. I do fairly a little bit of saltwater fishing and have discovered what to search for over my 49 years of expertise.  I had the chance to check out the Shimano Stella FK Spinning Reel this previous week on a fishing journey within the marsh.

I paired this reel with a 7′ medium/quick St. Croix Premier Rod and loaded 30-lb. Energy Professional Spectra braided line.

Whereas there are tons of issues that I preferred in regards to the reel I’ll begin with the retrive. The Stella Fk blew me away with its buttery clean retrieve. It’s acquired 13 complete ball bearings inside which makes an enormous distinction after I was reeling in. I used to be throwing a 3″ Matrix Shad on a 1/4 oz. jighead and after I made my first solid I observed one thing. The easiest way I can describe it’s the reel felt prefer it was powered by an engine. I turned the deal with thrice and let it go and the deal with made 4 extra revolutions by itself. The reel felt prefer it was loaded with WD40 and was clean from my first solid to my final solid.

I discussed that the reel has 13 ball bearings however as well as, it has one thing known as “Infinity Drive.”

What that is is the principle shaft is supported by a brand new low-friction bushing that reduces resistance which ends up in the lightest winding reel within the trade. Most reels in the marketplace have the principle shaft supported by the pinion gear so that is an attention-grabbing change and was definitly noticeable.

One other factor that I observed was this reel’s rigidity which is only a fancy time period for the reel being strong. There was no flex or give in any part of the reel when retrieving. The reel labored in unison with none give within the gears, reel seat, or spool.

Now let’s discuss sagging pressure. The Infinity Loop and Anti Twist Fin made up for the most effective degree winding I’ve ever skilled. There isn’t a sagging pressure by any means with this reel.

The drag was strong as nicely. I set the hook on a 16-inch redfish and the drag was clean and in step with no inconsistent jerks. After the redfish made a run I used to be capable of tighten the drag barely and muscle him into the boat.

This reel is a masterpiece!

Shimano minimize no corners with this reel. It’s as in the event that they threw the funds out of the window with this spinning reel.

The draw back with the reel is clearly the value tag. the Shimano Stella FK begins at over 700 bucks with it coming in at over 700 bucks. I’ll say this reel jogs my memory of my Daiwa Saltist Black Bay LT Spinning Reel which can be a strong high-quality reel nevertheless the Daiwa doesn’t evaluate when going face to face with the Stella.

In conclusion, the Shimano Stella FK is the most effective spinning reel that I’ve ever used for saltwater fishing. I extremely advocate it to these anglers who’re on the lookout for a lifetime reel. However I warn you! When you you expertise this reel it’s exhausting to fish with one other one.

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award successful outside journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outside column for the Slidell Unbiased Newspaper. He additionally writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Fee’s LouisianaNorthshore.com and Louisiana Northshore Discover Journal. He’s the previous host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Present and is on the board of the Louisiana Outside Writers Affiliation. Keith contributes to quite a few publications each on-line and in print and prides himself on selling South Louisiana’s distinctive fishery.