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Learn More »A Tackle Shop Guide to the Shimano Sienna FG Reel
When new anglers come in the shop looking for their first proper spinning reel, they're often confused by the wall of options. The Shimano Sienna reel is the one we've been confidently recommending to new anglers now for over 20 years. Sure, it's not flashy like Shimano’s range of flagship reels, but the Sienna is a tough, simple fishing reel that is ideal for most of the inshore fishing styles we do here in Australia, and it's a great starting point option to get into fishing, especially with modern lines like braid.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"The Shimano Sienna reel has been in the range we offer for sale since we first started business! It's the reel series so many anglers in the Illawarra cut their fishing teeth on, due to my own and my staff team recommendations, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if it is still a reel remains part of their setups even as a spare if they have since upgraded. For the performance you get out of a Sienna for the price it’s a pretty hard reel to beat in the Shimano line up if you are just getting into fishing for the first time, or purchasing a spinning reel as a spare.
For our customers in the local area I’m setting them up with a 2500 size for fishing Lake Illawarra and the other estuaries in the area. It’s a great all round size for inshore fishing. For those fishing a little heavier for snapper or heading away to target barra and looking for an affordable spin reel the 4000 is my suggestion."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Decoding the Features: What Matters
The Sienna's reputation comes from being tough and simple, but the newer FG model has a couple of design tweaks that make it more comfortable to use.
Pro-Tips: Looking After Your Sienna
- Don't Overfill the Spool: When you're spooling up with braid, make sure you fill it to about 1-2mm below the spool lip. If you fill it all the way to the edge, you'll risk getting wind knots.
- Rinse It Lightly: This is not a sealed reel. After you've been in the salt, the most important thing is to give it a very light rinse with fresh, running water (don't blast it with a hose) and let it dry in the shade.
Technical Specifications: Sienna FG Reel Range
There are 5 models in the FG series that we choose to sell. The 1000-2500 sizes are for light finesse work, while the 3000 and 4000 models have a much stronger 8.5kg drag system for heavier fishing.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Weight | Braid Capacity (yds/lb) | Mono Capacity (yds/lb) |
| 1000 FG | 5.0:1 | 3kg | 225g | 95/10 | 140/4 |
| 2000 FG | 5.0:1 | 4kg | 250g | 140/10 | 165/6 |
| 2500 FG | 5.0:1 | 4kg | 245g | 170/10 | 140/8 |
| 3000 FG | 5.0:1 | 8.5kg | 245g | 200/10 | 140/10 |
| 4000 FG | 5.2:1 | 8.5kg | 320g | 265/15 | 200/10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between the 2500 and 3000 size?
That's a common question we get in the shop. They use the same body (which is why they weigh the same), but the 3000 has a deeper spool. It's for anglers who want the 2500-size body but need the extra line capacity of the 3000. The 3000 also has the much stronger 8.5kg drag system.
Is the Shimano Sienna Fishing Eeel good for braid?
Yes. The AR-C spool on the Sienna FG is-specifically designed to help manage braided line and reduce the chance of wind knots, which was a common problem on older, cheaper reels.
Why is the drag on the 3000 and 4000 so much stronger?
Shimano designed the 1000, 2000, and 2500 models for light estuary and freshwater work (Bream, Whiting, Trout), so a 3-4kg drag is all you need. The 3000 and 4000 are built for heavier targets (Snapper, Barra, Mulloway), so they use a different, more powerful drag system (8.5kg) to handle those bigger fish.
This reel is so affordable. What am I missing out on?
That's the main question. The biggest difference is the materials and sealing. A dearer reel like a Stradic or Nasci will have a more rigid body (less flex), more bearings for a smoother feel, and better water sealing. The Sienna is a simple, tough reel, but it's not sealed, which is why our Pro-Tip about rinsing it lightly is so important. You're paying for reliable, simple performance, not high-end finesse or saltwater protection.
Will the graphite body flex or crack on a big fish?
The graphite body is quite strong for its intended use. For estuary and lake fishing, it's perfectly fine and has the benefit of being lightweight and corrosion-proof. If you hook a large snapper or mulloway on the 4000 size, you might feel some flex, but it's designed to handle that. It's a very reliable material for all-round fishing.
The 'G-Free Body' is listed. What does that actually feel like?
It's a balance thing. Shimano moved the reel's centre of gravity closer to your hand. It doesn't make the reel *weigh* less, but it makes it *feel* lighter and less tip-heavy on the rod. It's a small comfort change that just makes the reel a bit nicer to use all day.
A dependable reel for getting into the sport or for a solid spare setup. Choose your size and add a Sienna fishing reel to your kit.
