Shimano Stella FJ Spinning Reels

The Stella 5000 FJ is a NICE REEL. I have a Stradic FK 4000. If I close my eyes, and go reel to reel, the only difference is the handle. Seriously. The 4000 Stradic FK and the 5000 Stella FJ feel and fish exactly the same. The Stella 5000 FJ is not $729.00 worth of reel. I returned mine. I am really curious about what a Stella 6000 SWC will be like because the SW is a more robustly sealed reel, holds more 20lb braid, and is more solid. The Stella 5000 FJ is NOT a sealed reel. It has seals, yes, it's true. BUT, THAT THING WILL DIE ON THE BEACH.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Stella FJ as a thing all by itself, but Shimano was using an old playbook when they designed it. The biggest problems with a Stella 5000 FJ are the Stradic FL and the Van Staal VR50. You could get both for the same amount of money as the Stella FJ 5000. Then you would have a water-proof tank for the beach, and a nice free-spinning reel for the lake. Nothing does it all at this time.

Also, in the real world, the Stella 5000 FJ holds 160 yards of 20lb power pro V2. 200 yards will fit onto the spool, it is true. Barely, with a machine. After all the wind knots are out though, you've got about 160 yards. Not enough line for 25-60lb fish, which is the purpose of a 5000 reel.

Nice Reel. Shimano makes great products. They need to direct their efforts a little differently however. The priorities are a little suspect on this product. Needs 2019 sealing. Needs More Line. The Anti Reverse Clutch feels like it's plastic (it is). It's kinda flexy, too. Doesn't feel solid. When you shake it, it rattles inside. Handle had play, maybe needed a shim.

It made an 11lb pike look like a little punk. It's smooth. Well made. A good reel.

I just want more of what it's missing.

With the resources and expertise that Shimano has, they could make a 12oz reel (this one is 9.2oz) that is still super smooth, holds 250 fishable yards of 20lb power pro, have tons of silky smooth stopping power, survive a dunk in the surf and have a high quality rigid feel to it. One reel that can handle a 2lb Largemouth, and a 150lb Tarpon.

That is not this reel. Maybe a 6000 SWC. But that doesn't exist right now.

Just my opinion.

Best reel on the market, it is a little pricy but it is well worth the price, I have caught countless bluefin and yellowfin off the coast of New Jersey and I can easily say it is my favorite reel to fish with.

Nothing beats a day out on the water...... nothing beats a day out on the water fishing...... and there is Absolutely nothing that can beat a day on the water fishing with this reel. Silky smooth, effortlessly powers fish into the boat unless you want to fight them and truly have fun. I bought this reel for bass and crappie fishing but i wanted to test it out and snagged a 30-40 lb carp. Yeah, it wasn't even fair to the carp, dragged his ass in and its safe to say this reel can do it all. Im going to invest in 4-5 diff Rods and use this one reel for them depending on applications. Would be way too expensive to have 4-5 Stella FJ's.

One Awesome Reel! This newest offering (Stella FJ) from Shimano is every bit as smooth as the previous models with the big plus of being almost 100% silent. Did a little walleye fishing last weekend, and what a joy. I will buy more!

Stella 1000 FJ
If you’re reading this, then you’ve already researched the information and specs on this reel. Yes. The product is as described by the manufacturer. Silky smooth drag, handle, and rotor rotation. I loaded 115yds.of 6lb. braid backing and got a solid 50yds. of 6lb. fluoro top shot (those #’s are exact). I thought this reel was a bit large for 2lb. ultralight and would suggest to those looking for 2lb. ultralight reels have a look at the Daiwa Exist models. Overall, I’m elated with this reel. The price is what hurts.

Spooled 6lb. Spiderwire InvisiBraid with a crossover uni knot. (as the arbor knot kept slipping). From rod TIP to a 2’ Bimini Double, I’ve got a solid 115 yards. Then tied a top shot of Seaguar 6lb. fluoro to the Bimini and got an additional 50 yards...FYI...

I can't believe it, the fish just jump in the boat to touch this reel! I never have to waste money on bait, hooks or rods again. Best purchase ever!

This reel is incredible. After 300 days on the water the reel works and looks like new. Not one issue, Shimano hit a home run on this Stella!

I have a Stella 5000FJ on a gloomis NRX883S for stripers. Absolutely love it! Cant say enough good about it!

I have officially worn this reel in with many hardfighting redfish. This reel is smooth, exactly what you would expect from a high-end Shimano reel. The drag is super smooth, fish after fish. After a week of heavy use kayak fishing in saltwater still as smooth as it was on the first fish. I have it paired with a St. Croix Tournament Legend. I would go with the 2500 over the 3000 if I did it again, but that is down to personal preference. Love this reel!

Should I compare the previous best against THE BEST?????

I compared Shimano Stella FI STL4000XGFI and Shimano Stradic FK ST4000XGFK,
Now, I will compare Shimano Stella FI STL4000XGFI, Shimano Stradic FK STC3000HGFK, and Shimano Stella FJ STLC3000XGFJ.
Yes, I purchased Stella FJ and Stella FI within 2 months, Stella FI made me think the best retrieve feeling, drag noise, and bail flip sound ever but Stella FJ has improved all category and $100 cheaper!!!!
I have Stradic FJ 2500, 5000, Stradic FK 1000, 3000, 4000, 5000, Stella FI 4000, and Stella FJ 3000, Stella FJ C3000XG is the best fit for Long Island sound fishing (some says Shimano Stradic FK C5000XG and Stella FJ C5000XG.....), But, light weight reel with max 20lbs drag, continuous 13lbs drag, this is reel is the best of bests.