I've had my new Shimano Stradic FK for just a few days, but have had the chance to get some time on the water. Let me say first off that the water here is really high, muddy and still "winter" cold. Not ideal. So the fish have been a tad lacking.

So the reel, it's amazing. It feels perfect on my rod (St Croix Legend Tournament Bass Dropshot). It balances perfectly and makes the slight tip heavy rod feel great. The reel design feels perfect in regards to how it sits in the reel seat. The arm shape make it a bit more towards the tip than I'm used to, and closer to the rod itself. It makes it feel strong, solid and compact. 

The drag is flawless. I'm used to Pfleuger Presidents so the upgrade is out of this world. It never skips, is super adjustable and you can fine tune it by the smallest amount. 

The castability is flawless so far. I purposely over filled the spool with 15# PP to see how it handled it. I didn't go crazy, but past where I was would normally. I didn't have any issues. No wind knots, uncoiling, springing or anything. Braid over-spooled on a spinning reel has been a BIG pain for me before and so far the spool's advertised castability and line control, have delivered. 

The biggest knock I've heard about the reel was it's lack of an anti-reverse switch. For me, it isn't that bad. I don't back reel while fighting fish so the benefits far outweigh the loss of it. They say the lack of the switch makes it that much harder for water and dirt to get in, thus increasing durability and life of the reel. For me and my 200$ investment, that's a huge plus.

I have been consistently reaching for it while getting my lure set for a cast, but am learning to use the drag to do it. Old habits die hard apparently.

Yesterday a friend and I were out in the canoe on the flooded river. I caught 2 Brown Trout (my first) and a 30" pike. The drag and reel handled them awesomely! I never felt over matched even in the fast currents we were casting into.

I'm very happy so far and can't WAIT to get some warm weather again to wake up the Smallies asap! 

Nice to hear you like it.  I'll be ordering a couple JDM FKs shortly.

Very sweet! Assume you got a 2500?

9 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Very sweet! Assume you got a 2500?

Yep, 2500. Can't wait to try it out with some more fish!