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Shimano Saragosa 8000

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Shimano Saragosa 8000 - For Quality Saltwater Fishing Experiences

Now in its eighth year, the Saragosa 8000 continues to be one of the better saltwater options for the angler in search of pelagic fish.

Angler’s Gear would think by now the Shimano corporation would have updated the reel at least to some degree, but this may be a case of ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it.’  Continue reading to find out what this is the case for this particular Shimano spinning reel.

It was only last year that Shimano came out with the new flagship Shimano Stella line, a strong recommendation for any angler interested in facing off against saltwater fish.

The Saragosa is built with serious fishing in mind.  Not only that, it is common for anglers to drop, kick, scrape, drag, and otherwise abuse the reel in the course of a day’s fishing or in the off-season when the rods and reels are put away. 

At the beginning of the new season, dust off the Saragosa, and head to the water.  The reel is more ready than you are for the next cast.

Anglers comfortable with reel maintenance and care, necessary after time on the saltwater, rarely discover any signs of interior saltwater damage. 

It is almost as if the Shimano corporation recognized the necessity of a reel that would stand up to everything an angler could throw at it and then some.

A word to the wise – just because the Saragosa can take some of the worst of the worst does not give you carte blanche to treat the reel inappropriately.  Take care of the Saragosa 8000 like you would any reel, and it will provide you with a lifetime of service.

Shimano Saragosa 8000 Specs

Shimano Saragosa 8000

The first thing that you may notice about the Saragosa 8000 is the body’s construction is not just graphite but XGT7 graphite.  It is the same with the rotor.  A cursory Google check mentions the XGT7 as a fresh component and stronger than standard graphite. 

This by itself is noteworthy.  It is when you couple the XGT7 graphite to an aluminum frame.  This gives the Saragosa 8000 two vital characteristics – rigid and flexible – both necessary when large, pelagic fish are on the other end of that reel.  The added advantage of the graphite and aluminum – the Saragosa 8000 weight makes it comfortable to fish through the day.

With the body and frame of aluminum and the rotor of the XGT7 graphite, Shimano adds its X-Ship bearing pinion gear and larger drive gear for smooth and effortless, as much as that is possible, cranking ability for lifting leviathans from the depths.  There are other proprietary Shimano components – the X-Shield and X-Protect – to keep saltwater where it belongs.  The Cross Carbon drag has the same feature, and it is quite simple to crank down the drag for a fight-ending scenario.

Hagane bodies are on all of the Saragosa lines from 1000 to 8000.  It casts easily, perfect for the novice, with the Varispeed line laying and ARC coil. 

The Drag Settings

boy, child, fishing

Pelagic fish have an open ocean to roam, big bodies, and large muscle groups.  This means when one is hooked that the fish is not likely to appreciate it.  Chances are it will share their disapproval with a run down, across, or a combination of the two.  It is during these times that a reel needs a quality drag.  The Cross Carbon drag featured on the Stella and Twin Powers line is all you need for the fight destined to come.

The Cross Carbon means the drag washers are criss-cross cut, roughening the surfaces to increase drag friction and providing a chance for the accumulated heat to dissipate.  The drag maxes out at 20 lbs., but it is more than sufficient to stop a fish.

The Saragosa SW, saltwater, is upgraded a bit more with its drag – 44 lbs. and will stop anything in the sea short of a sinking bus.

Waterproofing

Water is the most powerful solvent.  Add salt, and it is one of the most destructive forces in nature.  The X-Shield and X-Protect features of the Saragosa line provide ample protection for the reel.  Understand: This does not mean you can fish hard with it for a season and lock it away after.  The reel should be cleaned and serviced, ideally after each saltwater trip, before storing.  Failing to do so will mean investing in a new Saragosa 8000.

There are lips that interlock with each other at major points like where the spool and rotor meet.  In the innermost lip, reel grease keeps the water at bay – for a time.  However, with proper maintenance and a bit of common care, the reel will last you for decades.

The body is Shimano’s HAGANE – a metal body that is highly rigid in makeup.  The reduces, if not eliminates, the flex that often happens in the body when a large fish is on the line.  This fact means additional strength and power for fighting the fish.

The gears are also HAGANE and are the basis of the reel.  While eight years old and growing, the Saragosa’s gear is forged and not cut.  The 3D design and high technology are only a part of what makes Shimano an outstanding standout in the fishing industry – the continual pursuit for the stoutest, more resilient reels on the market.

Sizes

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There is a Saragosa reel for virtually any saltwater angler from the light 5000SW to the 25000SW with the 8000 falling comfortably in the center for a solid, general option for anglers.

Durability

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It is obvious by now the Sargosa 8000 is one of the most durable reels the Shimano company has put out since its inception.  The fact the reel has not been updated since 2013 should speak to the quality and technology of the Shimano product line.

Shimano Saragosa 8000 price

This is not a cheap reel by any stretch, but a dedicated angler does not see a reel as a cost but as an investment in the future.  As with all quality Shimano Reels, you will pay for that quality and investment but reap the rewards for many years to come. 

The general pelagic angler or possibly a professional guide would be well served to have at least two of these reels on the boat at all times.  Match the reel to a Shimano rod, and any angler will be ready to take on some of the biggest and worst saltwater fish with ease.

 

Saragosa SW spinning reel terms and questions

How much drag does a Saragosa 8000 have?

The Saragosa reels are made specifically for fishing in cold water feature a durable drag and are comfortable to use. These reels are designed for the Blue Water angler and are ideal for tackling the most difficult species and weather conditions with style and power. With up to 44 pounds of drag, these reels can hold even the toughest offshore fish at bay.

Is the Shimano Saragosa sealed?
In the Saragosa line, Shimano offers X-protect and X-shield technology, which means they’re “nearly” fully sealed, so you can feel good about tackling even wet and wild fishing situations.

 

Final thoughts

Angler’s Gear is always looking for the best quality products for its readers, and this means the best often command a quality price.  So long as you consider the purchases to be an investment that will provide decades of service with minimal care, you would do well to consider any reel in the Saragosa line with particular emphasis on the 8000.

However, we want to hear from you.  What is a Shimano product you want us to review for you?  Is there another brand, make or model you want to hear about?  Let us know in a comment below.  Meanwhile, we will see you on the water!