Last updated at 12/05/2026 22:38:47
Shimano Sahara FJ Spinning Reels Fishing
Delivery $27.61
originally posted on cabelas.com
Shimano Sahara Spinning Reels are my go to reels for freshwater and surf fishing for many years. I needed a reel for a medium weight rod and didn't hesitate purchasing another Shimano Sahara reel. They are reliable, have a decent drag system and are durable. This reel is spooled with 8# mono and casts great
originally posted on bcf.com.au
Excellent reel, I've caught many trout & large Carp with the drag working beautifully. The handle mechanism has no back play what so ever. I'm very happy with this reel.
originally posted on basspro.com
In store I was going for Pfleuger and changed my mind when the store associate showed me the Sahara. It was great in store. As soon as I went to string it, the screw broke, and is stripped. Then I called to see if I could exchange for a different product and I was accused of breaking and switching. I made a mistake buying this reel, and buying from Mesa Bass Pro Shops.
Shimano Sahara FJ Spinning Reels Fishing
Delivery $27.61
Shimano Sahara Spinning Reels are my go to reels for freshwater and surf fishing for many years. I needed a reel for a medium weight rod and didn't hesitate purchasing another Shimano Sahara reel. They are reliable, have a decent drag system and are durable. This reel is spooled with 8# mono and casts great
Excellent reel, I've caught many trout & large Carp with the drag working beautifully. The handle mechanism has no back play what so ever. I'm very happy with this reel.
In store I was going for Pfleuger and changed my mind when the store associate showed me the Sahara. It was great in store. As soon as I went to string it, the screw broke, and is stripped. Then I called to see if I could exchange for a different product and I was accused of breaking and switching. I made a mistake buying this reel, and buying from Mesa Bass Pro Shops.
I bought two of them without hesitating, because I trust Shimano to make durable reels, also love the Hagane body. This reel is more durable than the previous Sahara and nearly like the Nascis but not the Ultegras/Stradics. I’ve gotten monster Stripers and Bass’ from them and they still look brand-new with no signs of wear or play. (No offense, people just need to take better care of AND know how to use their reels, DON’T test the limit right away, example: This reel is not built for Sharks so of course sharks are going to break it. So people just need to know the right reels for the right circumstances.
I have a Sahara 3000 reel and love it paired with my Old18 ultralight rod for saltwater fishing. I bought a Temple Fork UL 6’ crappie rod so I thought I would pair it with a Sahara 500 reel. It works fine but it feels so small. I think a 1000 would be a better choice and balance better.
After careful internet research and in store comparison, I finally pulled the trigger and purchased this reel. I have a Daiwa Regal 1000 (9 ball bearings and $59 at time of purchase) on my main ultra light rod, paired with a St. Croix 6ft 9in ultra light fast action rod. I liked that pairing a lot but was hoping to get a reel that would allow me to cast a bit further. Long story short, I returned the Sahara and purchased a second Daiwa Regal 1000. The Shimano Sahara did not cast any further, even with 2 lb line vs. 4 lb line, was heavier and a bit more bulky on the St. Croix rod. I did a side by side comparison, on the water, with the Regal and the Sahara. Back and forth between rods, switched reels and rods, pretty thorough. Same results. Both reels cast almost ... MoreAfter careful internet research and in store comparison, I finally pulled the trigger and purchased this reel. I have a Daiwa Regal 1000 (9 ball bearings and $59 at time of purchase) on my main ultra light rod, paired with a St. Croix 6ft 9in ultra light fast action rod. I liked that pairing a lot but was hoping to get a reel that would allow me to cast a bit further. Long story short, I returned the Sahara and purchased a second Daiwa Regal 1000. The Shimano Sahara did not cast any further, even with 2 lb line vs. 4 lb line, was heavier and a bit more bulky on the St. Croix rod. I did a side by side comparison, on the water, with the Regal and the Sahara. Back and forth between rods, switched reels and rods, pretty thorough. Same results. Both reels cast almost exactly the same distance, even though the Sahara had lighter line. The Sahara has a click when opening and closing the bail, which although not a deal breaker, was a bit of a nuisance for me. The Daiwa is a much more enjoyable reel for me to fish with. Lighter and feels smoother when reeling. It also cost $25 less at time of purchase. I'm only 5' 6" tall and I have smaller hands, so that could be part of my comfort issue. FYI: Second rod is a St. Croix 7' Light power, extra fast action.For testing, I compared side by side, 5 casts each, 5 times each, then switched the reels to the opposite rod, and repeated the tests. The same lure on each rod. 1/16 ounce jig head and the same twisty tail grub. Distance was the same with both reels no matter which rod they were on, so it wasn't a rod issue. I know some people might have thought the rods would have made the difference due to their power and action difference. They did not.I caught plenty of Crappie on both set ups. The reel performed well. The drag was smooth enough and it cast just as well as my other combo. I really wanted to like this reel, and did, but I just really liked the lighter and smoother and easier (less effort) reeling Daiwa better.
Very nice high quality reel, ordered the 3000 as well! Love the rear drag system, swapped the handle for a Shimano Super GT single handle. Prefer a single not double handle. Thats just my preference though!
I love Shimano products and have used many middle ranged reels over the years. I’ve had my Sahara FJ for over a year now, and it feels smoother than when I first purchased. Definitely worth spending that bit more compared to the current FI Sedonas.
Used this reel in 2500 on a 6'6" Medium rod jigging 1/4oz for walleye. Used for an hour, landed about 8 walleye, reel was great, drag was smooth. Next day went out, started off the same way. Felt a bite, and reel just clunked, then went back to its smooth self. 10 minutes later, the same clunk but now the reel is very jerky and locks up 4 times per handle rotation. Returned to store.
Tiny reel, works well. The handle screws in directly so the is not much wobble. It is on the noisier side, but not the worst.
The AR-C spool not only aids in reducing line troubles but also helps in further casting distances. The screw-in handle complemented with the reel's Silent Drive technology gives the angler a sturdy yet smooth reel for a comfortable cranking experience during fights with fish. This is crucial for lure fishing because if there is looseness or play when retrieving lures, you will not be able to acurately grasp the situation underwater. A C5000XG model with a rounded handle knob is included in this versatile lineup, from size 500 all the way to C5000.
The AR-C spool not only aids in reducing line troubles but also helps in further casting distances. The screw-in handle complemented with the reel's Silent Drive technology gives the angler a sturdy yet smooth reel for a comfortable cranking experience during fights with fish. This is crucial for lure fishing because if there is looseness or play when retrieving lures, you will not be able to acurately grasp the situation underwater. A C5000XG model with a rounded handle knob is included in this versatile lineup, from size 500 all the way to C5000.
in 1 offers
The lowest price for Shimano Sahara 500 Spin Reel in Various Sizes | Fishing Superstore right now is $186.42 at Snapklik AU.
The all-time low was $147.54 on 7 May 2026 — today's price is 26% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before — worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 12 May 2026.
Shimano Sahara 500 Spin Reel in Various Sizes | Fishing Superstore
The AR-C spool not only aids in reducing line troubles but also helps in further casting distances. The screw-in handle complemented with the reel's Silent Drive technology gives the angler a sturdy yet smooth reel for a comfortable cranking experience during fights with fish. This is crucial for lure fishing because if there is looseness or play when retrieving lures, you will not be able to acurately grasp the situation underwater. A C5000XG model with a rounded handle knob is included in this versatile lineup, from size 500 all the way to C5000.
The AR-C spool not only aids in reducing line troubles but also helps in further casting distances. The screw-in handle complemented with the reel's Silent Drive technology gives the angler a sturdy yet smooth reel for a comfortable cranking experience during fights with fish. This is crucial for lure fishing because if there is looseness or play when retrieving lures, you will not be able to acurately grasp the situation underwater. A C5000XG model with a rounded handle knob is included in this versatile lineup, from size 500 all the way to C5000.
