This week at the ICAST trade show in Orlando, Florida, Shimano North America Fishing proudly unveiled the Stradic FM spinning reel, a product that promises to continue the legacy of excellence associated with the Stradic line of reels.
"The Shimano team is extremely excited to introduce the Stradic FM reel to anglers around the world," said Bob Mahoney, Freshwater Product Marketing Manager for Shimano North America Fishing. He emphasized the design philosophy behind the reel, noting, "The Stradic FM represents the most complete Stradic in a long lineage of performance, delivering the perfect balance of power, smoothness, and reliability that our customers have come to expect from Shimano."
The Stradic FM is designed specifically for inshore fishing, targeting popular species like striped bass, bluefish, and false albacore. Building on the reputable foundation of its predecessors, the Stradic FM integrates advancements from the Stella family of reels, making it accessible for anglers at a competitive price point.
Notable features of the Stradic FM include the groundbreaking InfinityXross Technology, which enhances gear durability. This innovation spreads the load evenly across the gear teeth, providing significant advantages when reeling in large fish. Mahoney elaborated on this, stating, "The addition of Shimano’s Infinity Drive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, while the new Duracross Drag system provides smooth, consistent performance."
The ergonomic design of the Stradic FM also caters to anglers looking for comfort during long fishing sessions. With this reel, Shimano aims to minimize fatigue while maximizing enjoyment, making it a reliable companion for any outing.
In terms of performance, the Stradic FM excels with its whisper-quiet operation and exceptional casting capabilities. "Anglers will be able to achieve maximum line management through the new Anti-Twist Fin—an elastic polymer on the underside of the roller—so being spooled by a supersized albie is of least concern," Mahoney added, highlighting another layer of functionality that sets the reel apart.
Furthermore, to address durability concerns, the reel is equipped with Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating, supplemented by a water-channeling labyrinth construction that prevents water intrusion in vulnerable areas. This feature ensures that the Stradic FM can withstand the rigors of both boat and surf fishing, promising longevity and reliability in any condition.
For those attending ICAST, Shimano invites them to visit booth #2144 or explore the specifics of the Stradic FM at fish.shimano.com. Additionally, anglers can find retailers carrying this innovative reel through Shimano’s dealer locator, ensuring they can get their hands on the newest addition to the Stradic family.
In summary, the introduction of the Stradic FM reel illustrates Shimano’s commitment to enhancing the fishing experience for anglers. With its advanced technology and focus on user comfort, this reel reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to innovation and performance in the fishing industry. As anticipation builds among the angling community, the Stradic FM is poised to become a preferred tool for both seasoned and novice fishermen alike.