Japanese fishing reels are coveted by both hobbyists and professionals alike, as they represent personal fishing style. Janbox is here to help you find the best fishing reels brands in this guide. We will also suggest popular products and explain why they are essential additions to your adventure.
1. How To Choose Fishing Reels From Japan
A fishing reel is fundamentally a sophisticated mechanical device, equipped with components like ball bearings and anti-return crank systems. In the context of fishing reels from Japan, we generally identify two primary categories:
- The Spinning Reel: It is undoubtedly the most favored choice, thanks to its versatility and adaptability to various fishing styles. Its benefits, including casting distance, size, and weight, are complemented by its typically affordable price.
- The Casting Reel: When targeting pike and other sizable fish, casting fishing requires precision. Casting reels allow for accurate lure placement and can be controlled by halting the cast with a simple thumb press.
Apart from that, the specific attributes of each reel should also be considered. Here are the main characteristics to review:
1.1. Height and weight
The most important factor, which depends on the type of rod you use, is achieving the right balance. This balance must suit not only your other equipment but also the fishing technique you employ. A reel for trout will not be the same as one for carp. In general, larger reels are more powerful and offer stronger drag.
However, keep in mind that a large reel is not necessarily suitable for every situation. Choosing a reel that’s too large can disrupt the balance of your setup, affecting overall performance. Many manufacturers use a sizing code to indicate the dimensions of their reels.
Usually, this system of notation makes it easier to determine reel sizes, though you should be mindful that some manufacturers may use their own unique coding methods.
- 1000 or 10 = fish from 1 to 2 kg
- 2000 or 20 = fish from 2 to 3 kg
- 5000 or 50 = fish from 5 to 7 kg
And so on
1.2. The Brake
Generally, the brake is positioned either above the spool or at the back of the reel, with each placement having its pros and cons. Don’t disregard the brake, as it’s essential for fine-tuning the line and controlling tension during a fish fight.
1.3. The Spool
The spool’s capacity, measured in meters, is essential when fishing. It enhances the smoothness of your casting and retrieval, helping to avoid tangles and knots. Two reels of the same size might have drastically different spool capacities! Since the spool diameter affects the winding speed, be sure to check it carefully.
1.4. Recovery and Ratio
Recovery refers to how many times the spool will turn with each crank rotation. For instance, a recovery rate of “4” means the spool will make four full turns per single turn of the crank.
Regarding the ratio, if the ratio is 6.4:1, this indicates that the spool completes 6.4 turns for every one turn of the crank. With a recovery rate of 69 cm, it means you retrieve 69 cm of line per crank rotation.
If your fishing style involves fast line recovery, the recovery rate and ratio are essential factors to consider.
1.5. The Handle and the Crank
While these elements may seem minor at first glance, they are the ones you’ll use the most. Comfort in these parts is essential for long fishing trips: do you have a preference for flat, round, cylindrical, plastic, rubber, or metal? It is also quite normal to base your decision on style. In fishing, as in many things, you have the opportunity to express yourself and choose what appeals to you!
Lastly, remember that besides all these features, factors like the type of fish you are targeting, the water conditions, the environment, and how often you fish are also crucial when selecting components.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Japanese Fishing Poles For Your Next Fishing Trip
2. Top 5 Best Japanese Fishing Reels Brands
“The main dish” has arrived! Let’s explore the top 5 most reputable fishing reel brands from Japan.
2.1. Shimano
Shimano stands as a symbol of top-tier Japanese fishing reel. Leveraging decades of experience and a commitment to cutting-edge technology, their reels deliver exceptional reliability and performance.
The advanced engineering behind Shimano reels ensures they are smooth, powerful, and resilient enough for tough conditions. Whether you are fishing for bass in freshwater or going after large offshore species, Shimano offers reels that deliver on precision, durability, quality, and finish.
Top-selling models from Shimano – one of best brands of fishing reels, include:
- Vanford: Speedy and efficient reels tailored for finesse fishing, delivering exceptional responsiveness.
- Stradic: A top-performing range that fuses Shimano’s latest technological advancements with excellent control.
Shimano stands as a symbol of top-tier Japanese fishing reel. Below are some standout and popular products from the Japanese fishing brand Shimano that consumers favor.
* Shimano Stella C3000MHG
Shimano Stella C3000MHG has a gear ratio of 6.0 and maximum drag force up to 9 kg. Their weight is only 210g. This reel is evaluated as the best spinning reeling on the market at present. Shimano applies the precision cold forging technology while designing Shimano Stella C3000HMG. The design of this product is based on the basic design.
But the manufacturer has revised the drive parts from various angles. This model by Shimano has a quite winding experience and a smoother rotation performance. The necessary features such as waterproofing and durability have been significantly improved. Water can’t reach inside the reel.
The high waterproof performance and smooth rotation are guaranteed when their line roller part and body are made with a water repellent treatment and labyrinth structure. You can adjust the drag force even under heavy loads thanks to the coiled wave spring. Anglers are able to reflect their intentions thanks to this coiled wave spring.
Shimano Stella C3000MHG has a veil that allows us to have a large opening and closing angle when fishing. This newly designed veil prevents trouble if the bail arm returns by itself.
* Shimano Antares DC MD
Again, a product manufactured by Shimano is evaluated as the best reel. Now, they are not spinning reels. They are the best bait reels.
They have a gear ratio of 7.8 and a maximum drag force of 6kg. Their weight is 235g and spool diameter is 38/22mm. So, Shimano Antares DC MD is used to fish big baits frequently. These reels are designed with a fine brake setting. The XB brake is used and set up to 8 levels. This XB mode helps us catch big fish more easily. This model has a high performance for fishing at high speeds.
The manufacture uses robust body supporting technology when they create Shimano Antares Dc MD. Using this technology is the perfect choice to have the best reel. The body is highly rigid. And this model has extremely smooth winding. Shimano Antares DC MD is equipped an ultra-small and accurate gear. When we use Shimano Antares, we are very comfortable with a silky feel of vibration.
* Shimano BB-X Hyper Force
Here are Shimano BB-X Hyper Force’s advantages:
- This reel model is light. The weight is just 240g.
- The body is highly rigid. The precise internal mechanism is supported so much thanks to this rigid body. The manufacturer designed this reel carefully. Unexpected impacts are not a problem for the body. And it can minimize deflection to transmit the winding force.
- Manufacture applied two technologies while creating this reel. They are three-dimensional design technology and precision cold forging technology. So, Shimano BB X-Hyper Force has a gear with precisely designed tooth surfaces.
- Shimano uses lightweight carbon material as the main material while manufacturing this reel. So, this reel model is very light and stable.
- One of the important features of this reel is highly waterproof. Water can not reach inside of this reel. To achieve this feature at the higher level, fill special grease.
* Shimano Power Aero Spin Power
If you want a lightweight reel, the product by Shimano is the first choice. Shimano Power Aero Spin Power is an example. This reel model has a greatly compacted overall design but still maintains a high firm rigidity.
Here are Shimano Power Aero Spin Power’s main professional specifications:
- Gear ratio 3.5
- Maximum drag force 19kg with twin drag mechanism.
- The average maximum winding length per handle rotation is 84cm.
- Weight: 565g
- Have wide rotor, one-piece veil, and spool dimension 3.0/35mm.
Shimano Power Aero Spin Power is equipped with an X-Ship. This X-Ship allows us to reel smoothly even when this reel is loaded or light.
You can set a strong drag force to have a stronger drag when you go fishing in an area with a fast tide flow. You can turn on and off the drag and adjust it to match the drag-waiting. You can adjust the drag waiting setting, too. However, it takes time so much.
* Shimano Stella SW
We have more Shimano reels on this list – Shimano Stella SW. This is a jigging reel. Shimano Stella SW has a gear ratio of 5.6 and maximum drag force up to 25kg. This model’s weight is just 635g with a spool dimension of 22mm.
The winding is powerful under heavy loads. The manufacturer uses special low-friction bushings to support the main shaft in order to reduce the sliding resistance. The main shaft’s surface is treated well to have more low friction. Water can not enter because of a waterproof treatment X-Protect. Components of the drive (such as worm shaft pins, worm shaft gear, drive gear) are revised. The revision ensures a smooth and quiet winding experience.
Shimano Stella SW has smooth and stable tough drag performance, so it is suitable for fishing big fish. They use precision cold forging to create rigid gear. When the gear operates, it can reach the big fish smoothly without noise. The spool is designed with a special shape, so the line can flow naturally without line tangles. The spool is treated well with a strong abrasion treatment. It can withstand the load when you use it in saltwater.
2.2. Daiwa
Daiwa is another name in the list of top Japanese fishing reel brands, famous for its high-quality reels that merge traditional skills with modern technology. Characterized by their strength, light weight, and inventive design, Daiwa reels rank alongside Shimano at the pinnacle.
Daiwa’s collection spans from baitcasting to spinning reels, designed to meet the needs of anglers at any skill level. With innovations like Magsealed bearings and Digigear technology, their reels ensure superior smoothness and long-lasting performance on the water.
Daiwa also provides an extensive range of products, with their most sought-after models including:
- Saltwater: These reels are tailored for ocean fishing and are constructed to resist all elements, making them highly durable against corrosion.
- Tatula: Versatile Tatula reels are perfect for various fishing environments, including offshore and bank fishing, and are particularly effective for pitching.
Daiwa’s collection spans from baitcasting to spinning reels. Below are some standout and popular products from the Japanese fishing brand Shimano that consumers favor.
* Daiwa Celtate
Daiwa Celtate LT2500-H is a product from Daiwa. This item is in the second of the best spinning reels. It has comfortable winding and high strength. Daiwa Celtate LT2500-H reels are used by the fishers who go for heavy fishing frequently. They caught sea bass or shore jigging with this reel of Daiwa Celtate.
There is an interesting thing here. “LT” can be explained as “light and tough”. It seems contradictory, right? If you want to have a reel with the lightweight, you have to skip its durability and strength. It is not easy to balance these features. But Daiwa can do it. They are offering Daiwa Celtate LT2500-H that satisfies many fishers. Its weight is just 205g while the maximum drag force is up to 10kg.
This product has a gear ratio of 5.7.1. The winding length is 80cm with nylon winding amount 6lb-150m, PE winding amount No 0.8 -200m. Each reel is designed meticulously. They have a monocoque structure. Its body is rigid and resistant to twisting and sagging. You can save space when you use this reel. The main material used to create Daiwa Celtate is a highly durable aluminum with precision.
The drive gear is designed with careful calculation. They don’t make noise in use but respond to the fisher’s delicate accurately. The manufacturer equips nylon into Twist Buster II in order to reduce thread. The direction of your force can change the line roller at any time.
* Daiwa Tatula SV TW
The next reel belongs to the brand Daiwa, too. This reel model is really light, just about 190g. Therefore, Daiwa Tatula SV TW and other items that belong to Daiwa Tatula become the lightest reel now. It is easy to manoeuver. It is designed with an offset 85mm AL press handle. There is not any shaking when operating because the rotation motion of the center axis connected directly to a solid winding.
Daiwa Tatula SV TW uses TWS or T-wing system. An outstanding feature of this system is a flight and fast fall. TWS also reduces trouble, backlash but increases control. The internal structure has the ultra duralumin SV spool. The spool diameter is just 1.3 inches or 32mm, so this reel can achieve high performance. The reel frame is smaller than other models, so it is easy to grip and maneuver.
* Daiwa Tournament ISO LBD
This reel model is equipped with a new-generation brake, so it has double efficiency. The new brake uses titanium material with a high coefficient of friction. Form brake is revised, too. The strength of the brake increases.
Daiwa Tournament ISO LBD has Hi-grip T Shape Knob that allows us to have a high hold force. You don’t need to worry that it slips because you are having wet hands. A new-generation drag system is equipped for this reel. The line is harder to break
>>> Read more: Best Japanese fishing lures | High-Quality Fishing Tackle
* Daiwa Tournament Surf
Daiwa Tournament Surf has top-quality technologies. This reel is built precisely. You can it for a long time in saltwater. The key feature of this item is its durability. It has Mag Sealed reel body. This is technology innovated by NASA scientists. Saltwater can not enter, so the reel is prevented from the highly corrosive saltwater. This outlasts the time use of the Daiwa Tournament.
A smooth acting power conversion ensures that this reel is capable of pulling the biggest and most aggressive of fish. This product is able to cast far out beyond the surf.
* Daiwa Saltiga
The next Daiwa product in this list is Daiwa Saltiga. This is an ideal choice for anyone who wants more big fish. Saltiga has overwhelming strength and durability. This reel is equipped with a larger and thickened gear to increase its strength. The reel body is monocoque and screwed directly into the engine place.
Manufacturers use a new drag system. They increase the number of washers. The drag knob doesn’t pass through the resin parts, so no burning of the washer. It is very safe to use and increases the reel durability.
2.3. Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia is also one of the key brands of fishing reels, especially in casting. Even though it is not a Japanese-exclusive brand (Abu Garcia is owned by an American company; many of their popular models are made in the original Swedish factory), its Japanese-engineered reels are celebrated for their remarkable quality and performance.
Since 1921, Abu Garcia has been pioneering reel design and technology. The legendary Ambassadeur baitcast reels and the modern Revo series are examples of their commitment to quality, trusted by anglers around the world for their consistent performance.
The top-rated models/ranges from Abu Garcia are:
- Revo: Renowned for bass fishing, it matches the Tatula in quality but features less play.
- Silver: A well-liked reel known for its excellent ergonomics. The low-profile and streamlined design fits well in your hand, ensuring a firm grip, particularly useful in close-combat fishing situations.
Abu Garcia has been pioneering reel design and technology
2.4. Megabass
Another notable name among the best Japanese fishing reels brands is Megabass. Megabass delivers a luxury collection of fishing reels for those who expect nothing but the best. Each reel is an exquisite piece of craftsmanship, designed to offer top-notch performance and precise control.
The X-Ship gear system and Infinity Drive technology in Megabass reels ensure unmatched smoothness and power, making them a top choice for serious anglers worldwide. Yet, their high cost often puts them out of reach for most beginners.
Customer favorites from Megabass include:
- Gaus: This reel delivers powerful performance with superior spinning response, enhanced by its lightweight and rigid design.
Megabass delivers a luxury collection of fishing reels
2.5. Okuma
Okuma, a company with a history dating back to 1918, may not be widely known but is respected for its sturdy products. Their reels are designed for use in both sea and freshwater environments.
Best Japanese fishing reels from Okuma are:
- Ceymar: If you are just starting out, this reel is a great investment for the long term. It combines ease of use, robustness, and longevity into one package. Coupled with an anti-return feature and an affordable price, it’s a reel you shouldn’t miss.
Okuma reels are designed for use in both sea and freshwater environments
>>> Read more: Top 14 Best Japanese Fishing Rod Brands To Buy [Update 2023]
3. Why Choose Japanese Fishing Reels?
How do Japanese electric fishing reels stand out from the rest? The secret is found in the meticulous attention to detail, relentless drive for perfection, and steadfast dedication to quality that characterize Japanese craftsmanship.
Fishing reels from Japan are designed to exacting standards, utilizing the best materials and latest technology to ensure exceptional performance and resilience during use. No matter if you’re an amateur angler or a seasoned expert, opting for a Japanese fishing reel is a decision you will definitely appreciate.
With top-tier fishing reel brands like Okuma, Abu Garcia, Shimano, Megabass, and Daiwa, you can be assured of a reel that consistently performs well, aiding in your fishing success and helping you build lasting memories on your adventures.
Fishing reels from Japan are designed to exacting standards
4. Where To Buy Japanese Fishing Reels?
Whether you are an amateur or professional angler, and whether you prefer modern or vintage Japanese fishing reels, Janbox can help you find the product you’re looking for. Here are some reputable sources where you can purchase high-quality Japanese fishing reels at reasonable prices:
- Yahoo! Shopping and Rakuten Japan: The most widely used platform in Japan, providing the option to merge purchases from different vendors to save on shipping costs. These two sites will help you find the seller you’re looking for.
- Amazon Japan: An ecommerce platform providing comprehensive and transparent product descriptions.
- Yahoo! Auction: Trying to find a rare item? You can discover new or pre-owned items at auctions with competitive pricing.
Perhaps you did not know, but all the mentioned e-commerce platforms are integrated into Janbox. Just create an account, search for your desired products, and complete the purchase to order directly from Japan.
With Janbox, you can lower your shipping expenses significantly, and enjoy free repackaging and consolidation when buying multiple items. When it comes to payment, you can choose from several methods, such as Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, or Alipay. Notably, you have the option to buy either new or used Japanese fishing reels:
- If you choose to buy new, simply search for the fishing reel that you like, complete the payment, including item’s price, service and shipping fees, and wait for the item to be delivered to your doorstep.
- If you go for a used item, place your bid by entering the amount you’re willing to pay. Should you win the auction, you only have to cover the shipping fee and then wait a few days for delivery to your doorstep.
Janbox serves as your gateway to the global e-commerce market, providing access to billions of products from Japan and the USA. Enjoy swift delivery to over 220 countries, reduced shipping costs, and free repackaging with our service.
>>> Read more: How To Buy From Rakuten Japan? [Guide Step-by-step]
Conclusion
Japanese fishing reels are the pinnacle of precision and unmatched quality in the angling world. Whether you are a hobbyist or an expert angler, the sophisticated technology, durability, and craftsmanship of these reels promise a superior fishing experience. Make sure to check out Janbox to place your order directly from trusted Japanese e-commerce platforms and get your favorite fishing reel from Japan.
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