Shimano Sonora FB4000 thoughts?

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Anyone heard any reviews on these new reels. I believe they may be brand new so not sure if anyone has used these on open water yet, but thought I would ask.

I bought the 4000 for Pike fishing on Lake Minnetonka and some lakes in southern Minnesota. The only rod and reels I have are for Catfishing, so I decided to get something I can use on the lakes. I am putting 12 lb. test on and the rod is a Ugly Stick 6'6" medium action.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

8/240, 10/200, 12/160 - Line capacity

[NCLaker]

I've used Shimono's from $20-160. Liked them all. Never used a Sonora, but I'm guessing you'll be pretty happy with it.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Kind of late to ask for opinions after you've already bought it, eh?

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Just trying to make sure that I didn't waste $50.

[metrojoe]

I've got a couple Shimano reels that have to be pushing 10 years old. I don't remember the models, but I have not had any problems with either of them. I believe I paid around $40 for each.

Shimano puts out a quality product. You shouldn't have anything to worry about.

Not sure I'm crazy about the orange color though.

[TonkaBass]

I wouldn't worry about it, Shimano is a great reel company. I use all shimanos and have never had a problem with them! Not sure how many guys can say that about their reels.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

The orange is different, but it looks great matched with my Ugly Stick so I'm happy with it.

[nofishfisherman]

I fish mainly shimano reels as well. Can't go wrong with them, they are a great product at all price points.

My two reels I currently use are the Slade I picked up for I think around $30 and the Sedona that my wife bought for my birthday but I believe they are in the $50 range.

My only complaint is that now I can't blame losing a fish on having a bad reel.

[Deitz Dittrich]

For the price point, its a very good reel. Like many have said, they are not crazy about the orange color.. But the orange will not affect how the reel works! I think you made a good purchase.

[Northlander]

Besides the silly orange color (why would Shimano make a orange reel?) its a good reel in that price range.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Hmmmmmm I like the orange and suprised to hear nobody really likes it. That's fine though.

[Northlander]

Im waiting for a bright pink Sedona 500.

[solbes]

Kind of reminds me of the old "Orange Crush" Broncos jerseys. Count me in, I like it!

I have a Sedona reel and my wife has a Sonora reel (maybe 2 yrs old). Okay, really it's my Sonora reel. Both are nice and the Sedona is just a tad smoother. I'd like to move up to a Stradic someday, but that will probably wait.

[Northlander]

This years Sedonas are very nice. I got one from Matt Johnson at Thorne Brothers and at 1st I thought it was too expensive for a 500 series reel but man am I glad I got it now. It performed great and is very smooth.

I would say theres no reason to buy a more expensive spinning reel than the Sedona. Ya my Stradic is nice but I dont think its nice enough to justify the price difference.

About Christmas time Gander was clearing out Saharas for $30 so I bought a few. Another nice reel for that price.

[nofishfisherman]

I agree with Northlander. A shimano in the $50ish range is about all you need in a spinning reel. I am not able to see a big enough difference in the higher end models to justify the expense.

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Glad I at least got a good reel in a Shimano. I have never used one before, just Quantums, Abu Garcia's and some Shakespeares.