Types of Light-Med Inshore Shimano Reels
From Sienna and Stradic to the flagship Stella, every Shimano light-med inshore spin reel is a powerhouse of performance-driven, technologically. From entry-level to the aspirational price points, Shimano innovation, precision and durability consistently delivers in every spin reel that hits the shelves.
Welcome to our Shimano light and medium inshore range. Whatever your inshore application, you can rest assured there’s a Shimano spin reel here for you. Whether you chase the smallest brook trout in isolated mountain streams or seek meter plus barra in the top end, Shimano and the fishing tackle shop has you covered. Follow the links and choose your next Shimano.
Shimano Size Guide for Light-Medium Class Reels
The light to medium size range typically covers the 1000 to 5000 spin reel sizes. These days, the 4000 and 5000 straddle size designations, as the strength and power in smaller modern Shimano reels completely changes the rules. 4000 and 5000 reels are now at home against a larger class of fish from the rocks beach and even outside the heads. Let’s say that this category of reel sizes covers the inshore and beyond. From the ultra-light finesse applications of the most dedicated pro to hunting Aussie salmon from your local beach to a rocky headland.
Shimano 1000 Size Reels for Sale
The 1000 size reel is the smallest. Designed for the lightest of sports fishing with targets that include whiting and bream in the salt, and bass and trout in the fresh. It’s all about light lines, light lures and ultra-light rods.
A 1000 sized reel typically is spooled by the angler with line classes of 1-2kg, with up to 3 kg with braided lines. The 1000 sized Shimano is usually strapped to an ultra-light rod up to 6 or 7 foot, rated 1 to 4kg. You’ll use a 1000 throughout the inshore waters from the estuaries to the fresh lakes and mountain streams. The 1000 delivers the ultimate in finesse fishing.
Shimano 2000 Size Reels for Sale
Targets and locations are mostly the same for the 2000 as the 1000. The 2000 delivers a benefit of more line capacity and a slightly heavier line class. Rod length remains at the 6 to 7 foot range but increases line class up to 5kg.
Targets will include fresh and saltwater species such as trout, bream, bass, flathead, luderick and perch. Given added spool capacities and a heavier line class, the 2000 offers a little more scope for dealing with larger category of the fish as mentioned above.
Shimano 2500 Size Reels for Sale
While it’s only a small jump in line class and rod ratings from its lighter cousins, the 2500 allows anglers to target a far broader range of inshore fish while still sitting firmly in the finesse class of spin reel. This fact alone makes the 2500 size reel incredibly popular for inshore anglers of all skill levels.
In many respects, the 2500 could classify as the light-weight allrounder. Modern Shimano technology delivers a 2500 that packs plenty of serious punch. Spool capacities and drag strength ensure you can punch up, tackling a big class of trout, bass as big as they grow, monster flathead, and just about anything that inhabits the bays, lakes rivers and estuaries.
This size is straightforward to use and is particularly useful for those new to fishing. Casting long and accurately is easy to master. Being able to increase rod length up to around 7ft 6 inches foot is also advantageous.
More experienced sports anglers will target surprisingly big fish with a 2500. In days of light surf and wind, this size reel is capable of tackling surf gutters that are close to shore. It’s a fantastic size for surf bream, elbow slapping whiting and decent flathead. For the thrill-seeker, there’s nothing quite like the action when an Aussie salmon tackles your whiting rig. Believe it or not, your Shimano 2500 has the capacity to win such a David and Goliath battle.
Shimano 3000 Size Reels for Sale
With a Shimano 3000 reel, you can spool up with 3 kg or less and tackle everything from bass to trout and whiting. Spool up with 15-20 pound plus braided line, and your hunting barra cod and mangrove jack.
Sports anglers in the north will not hesitate to cast at juvenile trevally that are chasing baitfish in the rivers and estuaries. Sure, it’s the fight of a lifetime, but with Shimano technology, you’ve got the upper hand. The 3000 allows you to cast a larger lure, therefore attracting a larger class of fish.
A brilliant size, that covers a larger class of fish, while allowing you to tackle pan size species without the slightest bit of overkill.
Shimano 4000 Size Reels for Sale
By the time you hit a 4000 size fishing reel, you’ve left the smaller fish, and you're after the larger fish that inhabit the inshore waters. You’re also very confident on the beach, and chasing snapper outside the heads.
You’ll notice that a 4000 Shimano still looks very compact. Ignore the size, but revel in the lightweight feel. A Shimano 4000 has enough stopping power to turn a big one before it’s too late. However, there’s typically enough spool capacity to allow you to be patient with the long hard runs.
Choose a 4000 to chase the larger inhabitants of the inshore waters. A 6-8ft plus sized fishing rod rated to around 8kg gives you access to the likes of river mulloway and Murray cod. You’ll also take tailor and salmon from the beach, and have plenty enough stopping power should your flathead pass the 80cm mark. The 4000 delivers outstanding sport on the beach. Fish light enough, and you’ll have all the casting power you need.
Shimano 5000 Size Reels for Sale
While classed as The allrounder, general-purpose, poke at anything reel, a Shimano 5000 spin reel will take you even further than the average 5000. Take the Stella, for example. Shimano’s flagship reel in 5000 size has astonishing capabilities.
The Shimano 5000 will be all you need for the biggest of Murray cod and barra. From the rocks, you’re tackling the power of the biggest drummer while negotiating the ocean rock structure for the biggest bream in the ocean.
Fish live baits for mulloway from a break wall or head offshore and drop floating or bottom baits for smaller tuna, snapper, and kingfish. The beach is covered, with ample capacity for the biggest of Aussie salmon and tailor.
After chasing the modest sizes of the oceans toughest, the very same reel is equally at home pulling elbow slapping whiting from the gutters of a gentle surf break. With a Shimano 5000, the only limit is your imagination.
Shimano Technology
Except for just one other manufacturer, no brand is more dedicated to the science and technology of fishing reels. Shimano’s technologies have become fishing household names. X Tough Drag, X Ship, X Rigid Gear, X Protect, Super Stopper II, AL Aircraft grade aluminium, and S A-RB.
These examples don’t even cover half of the technological advances that have revolutionised the small spinning reel. Even the most affordable small Shimano reels come equipped with market-leading technologies that enhance your fishing experience and take you fishing dollar further.
Shimano Light – Medium Class Fishing Reel Summary
This Japanese-Malaysian manufacturing brand is synonymous with everything mechanically refined, precision and performance. Even at it’s lowest entry-level price point, Shimano light to medium spin reels stands head and shoulders above its rivals.
