Stradic - FL, FJ, FK, FH etc etc..

[MDRookie]

I'm interested in picking up a Stradic.. used. So, not a CI4. There seems to be a few older models out there. I think I'm leaning toward an FJ. Are they all created equally? Which would be a good fit for a Shimano Sellus 6.5' rod? 1000 or 2500 series? Thanks in advance..............

[PatrickKnight]

I have used the Stradic FG and the FK. Both are amazing, I had the FGs for close to 15 years before going with my FK. I personally don't like a 1000 series reel due to line management issues with non braided lines. I currently use a 3000 because I will also use this reel for inshore salt water and like the slightly larger spool over the 2500 but if you are only going for bass a 2500 should work just fine.

[MDRookie]

Thanks for the reply! Is the 3000 the only one rated for inshore salt water use or just due to the spool size? I would like to have this versatility as well.. as variety is the spice of life. I'm not anywhere close to being an avid bass fisherman. 

[Poolshark]

I have an fh and I love it. Good drag and durable. I've gotten my money's worth for sure. parts are hard to come by though. 

[The Bassman]

FJ would look good on the Sellus.  Probably can be had at a good price on the Bay. 2500 would be fine for inshore.  Plenty of capacity  for braid.

[PatrickKnight]

1 hour ago, MDRookie said:

Thanks for the reply! Is the 3000 the only one rated for inshore salt water use or just due to the spool size? I would like to have this versatility as well.. as variety is the spice of life. I'm not anywhere close to being an avid bass fisherman. 

 

I use the 3000 because it holds about 50 yards more of 10 lb braid vs the 2500 while being the same reel size. I also prefer the T handle on the 3000. I would not hesitate for a second to get a 2500 if I found one for a good deal as it is plenty of reel for inshore and bass fishing.

[Hulkster]

I have owned the FE (late 90s gold and white), FG (2000 gold and white)  FH (2004 gold and white, last one made in japan and last one to include a spare spool) and FJ (last white one offered)

 

and the FJ is my favorite of them all. The direct drive handle is much more solid feeling than the older key style handle and the newer spool lip casts much better. It also has the maintenance port for adding oil which I liked. it did not come with a spare spool however.

[Darren.]

I have 1000 sizes in FI, FJ, and FK

 

I'd go for an FJ or FK if I were you, and I do
use 1000 for in shore fishing, though I've not
caught "big" species yet.

 

I do use braid, so management is a non-issue
and the size is perfect, light and brilliant.

[MDRookie]

Thanks for the feedback... 

 

Besides age.. are there major differences.. say.. between a FL, FH or a FJ? I'm leaning toward a 1000 sized reel.. as most of my fishing is done from a canoe and smaller waters. 

[PatrickKnight]

6 hours ago, MDRookie said:

Thanks for the feedback... 

 

Besides age.. are there major differences.. say.. between a FL, FH or a FJ? I'm leaning toward a 1000 sized reel.. as most of my fishing is done from a canoe and smaller waters. 

 

Go with the FJ if for no other reason than the handle screws straight into the main gear. One thing to think about with older model Shimanos is once that model has been out of production for 5 years they no longer make parts for it. That is why I got my FK it was super hard to find a new anti reverse bearing for my FG so I got fed up and just got a new reel.