Gear Review: Shimano Sustain 5000FG
I spend 90 percent of my time casting artificial baits to fish along the Florida coast. Making hundreds of casts over the course of the day can take a toll on the angler and your gear. By late afternoon casting can become lazy and half hearted.
The best way to keep yourself fishing hard all day long is by using a high quality reel. Lightweight, solid design and super smooth. These qualities are all found in the Shimano Sustain FG series. Advanced features in a light weight design, these reels are a dream to fish all day and at a moderate price point, they won’t exactly break the bank.
I have found that these ultra light weight reels need to be properly balanced with a light rod. Otherwise the outfit can feel off balance and cumbersome. I’ve switched over to custom rods designed by Matt Sewell for the perfect light weight inshore setup. Check out Matt’s Rods Here
Features of the Shimano Sustain FG as listed on fish.shimano.com
- X-Ship
- New “Magnumlite CI4 Rotor” (1000-4000)
- Aluminum Sideplate
- Rapid Fire Drag
- New “Reel Stand” on 1000-5000 only
- Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement
- Propulsion Line Management System: Propulsion Spool Lip, SR One-Piece Bail Wire, Power Roller III. Redesigned Bail Trip, S-Arm Cam
- Aero Wrap II Oscillation
- SR-Concept: SR 3D Gear, SR One-Piece Bail Wire
- S A-RB (Shielded A-RB) Ball Bearings
- Aluminum Spool
- S-Concept: S Rotor, S Guard, S Arm Cam
- New Machined Aluminum Handle
- Direct Drive Mechanism (Thread in Handle Attachment)
- EVA Handle Knob
- WP Drag (Waterproof Drag)
- Maintenance Port
- Fluidrive II
- Floating Shaft
- Dyna-Balance
- Super Stopper II
- Repairable Clicker
- Approved for use in Saltwater
- Rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon and PowerPro lines
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE REEL NOW THAT YOU HAD A CHANCE USE IT FOR AWHILE?
Tom – It’s close to a year of abuse on these reels. Countless redfish and snook have been landed on the reel and no major performance issues. I have had to replace the line roller bearing ~ $12 on the oldest reel. Besides that, they are still super smooth and sturdy. I would certainly purchase again.
Capt. Ross