But before you pick a spinning reel, you should have a clear idea of what kind of spinning reel will suit your fishing needs better. For example, you might want to go fishing on Lake Champlain or on Smith Mountain Lake, which is famous for largemouth fishing, by the way. You will need a freshwater spinning reel because what may work immensely well for fishing on freshwater may not be the best to use for saltwater fishing off a boat or offshore.
And to do it right on your first time shopping for a spinning reel, you must have a clearer view of what you want. Ask yourself what fishing techniques are you going to use. Where do you want to fish? What kind of fish do you want to catch? Are you going after small-sized fish or bigger ones? And of course, what you must not forget, is your budget.
Imagine yourself sailing on your boat, feeling the salt, touching the warmness of the sun, and breathing the air of the ocean breeze calmly. While you’re enjoying the sunlight soothing through your skin and enjoying the view of the crystal clear waters, you got excited to go fishing some large size fish. Maybe you’re thinking of catching a Marlin or a Tuna, but you are unsure whether you brought and have the right kind of spinning reel and if your reel can handle the fight.
Why Go for Shimano Stradic FJ Series?
Shimano is a prime in engineering superior, strong spinning reels with the elegance of smoothness in performance. Many find Shimano spinning reels are pretty expensive. The reason behind it is Shimano’s dedication to creating a high-quality spinning reel. Shimano prioritizes the reel’s engineering, construction, and material to ensure superior performance and longevity with this vision.
Unlike disposable spinning reels that you can acquire in the market for about $20-$35, the Shimano Stradic FJ series’ qualities are unbeatable and supreme, and incomparable to any other reels. You can indeed depend that these reels are durable, strong, and is worth the price. The Shimano Stradic feature will give you the advantage against a fighting fish such as a Mahi, Samson Fish, a Red Snapper, a savage Kingfish, or a Sword.
These features include Propulsion Spool Lip Design, Aerowrap II Casting Technology, Dynabalance, Customizable Anti-reverse Handle, S-concept, X-ship, Ultra-powerful Front Drag System, and a Maintenance Port. There is no question that the Shimano Stradic FJ series was included in the top ten spinning reels Shimano has produced and launched.
Big Boys Spin Real
Most people and those who are much into fishing want to be in a great fishing game and enjoy the comfort fishing has to offer. But most of all, anglers may be novices or experienced and want to be in a big game.
People like to have anything and everything significant. Who would not want a big, gigantic catch or a monstrous fish that you can brag to your friends and other anglers? And have that final say like “hey, caught the big one, how about you?” Isn’t that the most excellent feeling ever? So, gear up and embrace the thrill as the big boys of the Shimano Stradic FJ series round-up their way: the ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ.
Break Time!
There is a reason why you should go for a bigger reel like these big boys. Both of these reels come with a large reel capacity that can withstand the battle of an offshore monster. Based on both specifications, as you can see, the two Stradic are quite almost the same.
Contents
ST6000FJ specifications:
- Gear ratio: 4.8:1
- Bearings:5+1
- Drag power (kg): 12
- Monocapacity(g/m) 5/242
- Bradi capacity (lbs./Yds): 30/245
- Weight (g):590
ST8000FJ specifications:
- Gear ratio: 4.8:1
- Bearings:5+1
- Drag power (kg): 12
- Monocapacity(g/m) 5/315
- Braid capacity (lbs./Yds): 40/270
- Weight (g):580
Are you somehow confused by these specifications? Well, most searchers and first-time anglers are. And you may also share the same sentiments. Get your hands on them together and get ready to do the breaking.
For a large spinning reel with a size 6000, such as the Stradic ST6000FJ, the suggested mono and braid capacity must be 6-8 kg(12-16lb) and 12-30lb, respectively. This spinning reel is famous for fish types like the Snapper, Tailor, Cod, Mulloway, Kingfish, Morwong, and Samson fish.
So, when you pair it with a rod, it is the best match on 5 to 8ft boat fishing rods, 8 ft to 9ft general purpose spinning rods, or when you’re doing rock or surf fishing, better use a 10ft fishing rod with a line rating of anywhere between six to fifteen kilograms. The Stradic ST6000FJ suits your need when you want to go boat fishing or when you’re on the beach, and you also want to go rock fishing.
On the other hand, a spinning reel with 8000 is comparably larger than a 6000. These reels are designed to accommodate larger fish species on surf, rock, or ocean boat fishing that you have in mind. When picking the right large spinning reel with this size, such as Stradic ST8000FJ, you should check on its mono capacity to have 8-10kg (16-20lb) while its braid should be 20-50lb. So you are ensured that you’ll get what you want to catch.
This spinning reel is the best match with a rod around 12 ft. or more in length if you are going for surf fishing. On the other hand, about 10kg or more is suggested when boat fishing is what’s on your mind.
Now, let’s take you further with these reels. Both Stradic reels have the same gear ratio, which is 4.8:1. These reels are considered to have a low gear ratio. You might think this is a downside. But it’s not. Because having a low gear ratio means having less speed, but it will also have more torque.
There are a variety of applications for spinning reels with a low gear ratio, like deep cranking. In deep cranking, a low gear ratio has greater torque and can reduce the strain on your wrist, especially for long periods of fishing. And because lower gear allows you to crank the handle faster, you will have a faster retrieve. And not only have that, since deep-diving crankbaits tend to have more excellent resistance, but the 4.8:1 gear ratio is also ideal because it eliminates the hard pull and reduces the resistance.
A low gear ratio can also be used on swimbaits, deep spinnerbaits, and chatter baits that require a slow, steady retrieve. The increased torque also keeps you in control and helps you drag the fish out of the water without straining too hard.
Monster Capacity
The Stradic ST6000FJ has no match with the ST8000FJ! There’s a big difference between both reels' mono and braid capacity. You can put longer lines on the ST8000FJ. And this is vital because, in saltwater and offshore reef fishing, you will need more line capacity to handle the water’s depth and the type of fish that may catch up with your line.
The Propulsion Lip Design allows Shimano Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ to perform with reduced friction. The edge with the Propulsion Lip Design is that it handles the elimination of backlashes and wind knots. Comparing these two spools, the Shimano Stradic ST8000FJ must have a larger spool since it has a longer casting distance, which makes it better than the ST6000FJ.
The Aerowrap II Oscillation system gives the Stradic FJ series the edge in casting that helps you achieve longer, effortless casting distance. Most people are unaware of this system's advantage over the Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ. Shimano uniquely designed this system with a perfect pitch to provide optimal oscillation speeds and better overall casting. So, in this round, the Stradic ST8000FJ won over the Stradic ST6000FJ.
Drag Like a Man
These big boys are on their way to manhood when it comes to deep water and offshore fishing. The maximum drag of these reels is 29lbs, perfectly huge enough for offshore reef fishing.
Drag is a necessary evil for a monstrous catch to be out of the deep sea. Shimano designed the Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ with a front drag system. The front drag system offers an increase in durability and performance compared to reels incorporating a rear drag system. Moreover, the rear drag system, although easier to access, this kind of system does not perform well on large, hard-fighting fish species.
No Wobbles!
Shimano’s Dynabalance redistributes the rotor weight and eliminates vibrations during retrieval. You do not want a reel doing a wobble. Using this technology, you are guaranteed to experience smooth retrieve and rotation.
The Dynabalance works well for both of these reels. Yet on the many reviews, the Stradic ST8000FJ stands out as most anglers who have used this spinning reel experienced its smoothness say that this reel is so incredibly smooth that any angler who would use it won’t even notice that they are retrieving their lure.
Also, Shimano’s X-ship feature within these reels provides increased gearing efficiency and power that creates an ultra-light handle rotation and a smooth, effortless retrieve.
Got the Balls for the Game?
Over and over again, reviews and experiences from anglers and hobbyists emphasize the importance of ball bearings. Like the Stradic ST6000FJ, the ST8000FJ has five A-RB Ball bearings. Bearings make everything smoother and reduce wearing out of your reel.
The only downside of the Stradic FJ series is that these reels are not waterproof. Stradic FJ is not suitable for fishing on big waves, as there is a great possibility that water may get through the insides of the reel and will then cause inefficiency in performance. Yet on some reviews and experiences of anglers doing surf fishing, these reels can still do their work well on splashes of saltwater.
A lot of experienced anglers recommend putting grease on the internals of the reel before using it. It is also highly suggested to apply Corrosion-X on the roller bearing as this is often a trouble spot for any spinning reel that frequently had a hard run on salt waters.
The Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ may not be waterproof like the other high-grade Shimano reels, which are, by the way, way more expensive. And Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ may be susceptible to corrosion over a period and years of use without the proper handling knowledge and by way of how hard you punish this reel for striking its lure.
But one thing’s for sure that these reels will impress you big time! And it will give you the same satisfaction and the comfort that waterproof Shimano reels offer, yet at a price that is right on your budget.
Big Boy
It’s not easy to decide which of these ‘Big boys’ overpowered the other. These spinning reels are just as fantastic as their features and specs are. But at the end of every game, there should only be one ‘Big Winner,’ which goes to Shimano Stradic ST8000FJ!
Here’s a breakdown of why the Stradic ST8000FJ is the ‘The Big Boy.’ One, it’s bigger, which also means it has a larger spool. Bigger reels are stronger in every way, and that seals the deal! Stradic ST8000FJ, because of its bigger spool diameter, promotes less line twist and coiling. And you also got the edge for a longer casting distance with the large spool that ST8000FJ has. Another is, you can use more lines for this reel. Lastly, it weighs incredibly lighter than the ST6000FJ though the ST6000FJ is smaller in size.
A Winner
The line finally ends, and you’re about to choose the reel that best suits you. And whether you decide to get a Shimano Stradic ST6000FJ or an ST8000FJ, choosing a Shimano Stradic FJ will already make you a winner. You can never lose choosing Shimano Stradic.
Grab one now if you want to make a smart choice and won’t ever regret it! Want to catch the “Big One”? Love to have more drag and longer casting distance? Do it with Shimano Stradic ST6000FJ and ST8000FJ: Win Big and Win the Game!
