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Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ Review

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ field test

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ on the box

I was recently looking for a lightweight spinning reel for pike and perch fishing with a high line capacity and a strong drag. I decided on the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ. Can a reel for around 80 dollars really be any good?

I put the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ through its paces and I’ll tell you whether it lives up to the hype. Spoiler alert: the combination of modern technology, solid construction, and great design surprised me!

In this practical test review, I’ll share my experiences with this spinning reel.

Design and construction

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ on a wooden table

The Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ has a silver-colored body made of XT-7 graphite. The foldable handle arm is made of aluminum and makes a very sturdy impression. The spool is made of cold-forged aluminum with small gold-colored elements.

To improve casting performance, the spool has a V-shaped spool lip. There is also a black line clip on the spool where the line can be hooked. At the front of the spool is the grippy and solidly constructed drag knob.

On the underside of the reel body, there is a small switch to turn the anti-reverse on or off. When the anti-reverse is engaged, the handle can only be turned forward, so that line is retrieved.

Anti-reverse switch on the underside of the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ reel body

Overall, the reel makes a well-made and high-quality impression.

 

Line lay and retrieval

Knowing this water holds some monster catfish, I spooled up with a heavy-duty line. When spooling up with 54 lb braided line, I noticed how evenly the line lay on the spool.

This reel boasts 3 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, resulting in a smooth and stable retrieve. Thanks to Shimano’s SILENTDRIVE technology, cranking is pleasantly quiet.

 

Spin fishing field test

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ spinning reel paired with a Shimano STC Mini Tele 270ML rod resting on a rocky surface

For my light spin fishing adventures, I paired the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ with my trusty Shimano STC Mini Tele 270ML rod (8 ft 10 in, 1/4-3/4 oz casting weight). Weighing in at just 8.5 oz, the reel felt comfortable in hand and balanced perfectly with this lightweight spinning rod.

Before casting, I loosened the drag and tested the setting by pulling on the line. The drag knob has a satisfying click, and it took several full rotations to lower the drag pressure significantly.

Thanks to the Sedona 2500 FJ’s smooth line lay, I was able to cast my lures far and accurately. The reel maintained a smooth and quiet retrieve throughout my fishing session. With a 5.0:1 gear ratio, I could quickly reel in my lures, which is ideal for covering water effectively.

Even after several hours of use, I didn’t experience any line tangles or other issues.

Overall, I’m very impressed with the reel’s real-world performance. While I didn’t catch anything on this particular outing (those fish were playing hard to get!), I would definitely recommend the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ based on my experience.

 

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ: A Deep Dive into Tech, Specs, and Best Uses

The Shimano Sedona FJ is packed with cutting-edge Shimano technologies for enhanced performance and durability:

  • HAGANE Gear: This cold-forged gear is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability, providing smooth and efficient power transmission even under heavy loads.
  • SILENTDRIVE: Experience an incredibly smooth retrieve thanks to SILENTDRIVE technology, which minimizes vibration and play in the gear system.
  • G FREE BODY: Shifting the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod, G FREE BODY improves balance and reduces fatigue during long fishing sessions.
  • AR-C SPOOL: This specially designed spool with a V-shaped lip reduces friction during casting, resulting in longer and more accurate casts.

On Amazon, you can find the 2500 HG FJ version with an even faster gear ratio of 6.2:1 (compared to the 5.0:1 of the FJ model) for around $80.

Shimano Sedona 2500 HG FJ

56,55 $

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Last updated on: 13/02/2025 9:37 PM
Buy now*

Field test rating:5 stars
Mono line capacity:8/140 (lb/yds.)
Gear ratio:6.2:1
Number of bearings:3+1
Type of drag:Front drag
Drag force:20 lb
Weight:8.5 oz
Material:XT-7 graphite
Saltwater resistant:Yes
Baitrunner function:No

With its generous mono line capacity of 8/140 (lb/yds.), powerful 20 lb drag, and lightweight 8.5 oz design, the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ is a versatile reel that excels in spin fishing and float fishing. It’s even well-suited for bottom fishing.

The 20 lb drag is more than enough to handle most bass, zander, pike, and catfish. However, if you’re specifically targeting trophy-sized pike, zander, or catfish, I’d recommend stepping up to the 4000 model* with its 24 lb drag and 12/160 (lb/yds.) mono line capacity.

 

Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ: Weighing the Pros and Cons

 

What I liked:

  • Powerful drag
  • Generous line capacity
  • Lightweight design
  • Smooth operation
  • Excellent build quality
  • Saltwater ready
  • Outstanding value (price around 80 dollars)

 

What I didn’t like:

  • Nothing comes to mind. A very good reel at this price.

 

What I especially love about the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ is its impressive 20 lb drag. This gives me the confidence to confidently fight and land even larger fish. The mono line capacity of 8/140 (lb/yds.) is also ideal, providing ample line for long casts.

Despite its power, this reel is a true lightweight at just 8.5 oz. It feels comfortable in hand and allows for fatigue-free fishing, even during those marathon sessions on the water. The Sedona’s operation is buttery smooth, and thanks to SILENTDRIVE technology, it’s whisper-quiet too. Cranking is a pure joy!

The build quality feels robust and top-notch. I have a feeling this Sedona will be a faithful companion for many years to come. Another bonus is its saltwater resistance, allowing me to use it in a variety of environments, from lakes and rivers to the open sea.

And the best part? You don’t have to break the bank to get all these features. The Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ is available for around 80 dollars, which is an absolute steal!

Honestly, I can’t find anything negative to say about this reel. It offers exceptional value for money and has impressed me on all fronts. That’s why I’m giving the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ a 5-star rating.

 

Conclusion: Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ – A Reel Winner

The Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a reliable and versatile reel without breaking the bank. With its solid performance, modern technologies, and attractive design, it’s a true all-rounder that excels in various fishing situations.

Whether you’re spin fishing, float fishing, or bottom fishing, the Sedona 2500 FJ is a joy to use. Plus, it’s saltwater ready, so you can take it to the coast without worry. I can’t wait to see what fish I land with it next!