Shimano 23 Stradic FM 4000XG

The Review.

Previously reviewed on 26-10-24

When I got back into lure fishing a few months ago, I had to buy new gear. I hadn't fished in years, so when it came to choosing a reel, I looked at online reviews and what people were using to catch bass. After about a week, I decided on a reel that I thought would be good for my fishing. At first, everything seemed good. I loaded it with the braid and started fishing, but then problems started. I was getting wind knots and major bird nests of the braid, one that was so bad I had to dump the braid. There was an error on my part, not just the reel.

I did some due diligence and researched the problem I was getting. As I researched, I found out that this make of reel was noted for having problems, which I was encountering. I reached out to my Facebook Group Kernow Bass and asked what makes and models the members were using. The biggest share of members were using Shimano reels, and the two most popular models were the Vanford and Stradic. I also asked what size models members were using; the 3000 and 4000 size models were the most popular.

But which to go for was about 50/50 on the members' recommendations, then a guy called Mike from my group sent me a message, he told me he had tried a lot of the Vanford and Stradic, and he asked what I would be using it for and recommended the Stradic FM 4000XG. I read some reviews and watched some videos about it, liked what i saw, and bought it,I think it would be always good to go to a shop and look at a reel first and see if it was suitable for you and your rod, and now i always recommend to others to do this, but the advice i was given was good.

So I ordered the reel from Veals in Bristol. When you join the Bass Anglers Sportfishing Society (BASS), you can get 10% off your order, making it an even better deal. The reel arrived a couple of days later. Upon opening the box, you are greeted by a beautiful, sleek silver reel as seen in the photo above. A few turns of the handle, and you feel the smoothness. I loaded up the reel with 20lb Major Craft Dadan Braid X8 Multicolour braid, which comes in a 300m spool. I just wound the whole lot on. I know most put on a mono backing and add 150m of their favorite braid, but I went with full braid. The braid went on smoothly thanks to the Antitwistfin, which suppresses line troubles and increases casting safety. I then attached about 2ft of fluorocarbon leader to the end of the braid.

So what is it like to fish with? I'll use one word: "Exceptional" for me. Shimano has so many brilliant features incorporated into the reel; it just performs amazingly out of the box. I attached it to my old rod, a Savage Gear SG8, and went down to my local mark. Every cast, the braid flowed smoothly off the spool; every retrieve, the braid lay evenly across the spool with the help of the Antitwistfin system.

But I wanted a fish to see what the drag system could do. I hadn't caught anything decent so far this year—lots of schoolies. I was using a Fishus Espeit 95mm flashy shad, walking the dog style on the surface. I had fished the ebb down, and it was dead on low tide. Then, a huge splash! The rod arched over, and the Stradic drag kicked into action. I had hooked a better fish; I adjusted the drag a little and brought the fish under control, and beached it. I had caught my first decent bass of the year, but also my PB bass of 56cm (at the time). The Stradic had been christened, and it performed beautifully.

The Shimano Stradic is an exceptional reel; it comes in many models and sizes to suit different situations. I went for the 4000XG upon a very good recommendation, and I am so glad I did. It has an RRP of around £230, but I have seen it lower recently. So far, this is the only Shimano reel I have tested, so I cannot comment on any others. For more information, visit the Shimano page here. Update: I have recently bought a Vanford FA 3000HG, so I will be reviewing this in the future.

Conclusion.

Every time I go out, I know I can trust it. I have had no issues with knots or birdnests, and it has made my fishing more enjoyable. In another session, I caught 30 Bass up to 38cm without any issues, and another 44cm Bass last weekend.