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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano 25 Stile HG: Ultra-Light Baitcaster for Boat Light Game
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Shimano has released the 25 Stile, a compact baitcaster for Japanese boat light-game fishing — filefish (kawahagi), puffer, small squid, whiting and tenya-style cutlassfish. It replaces the long-running 16 Stile with a magnesium frame, a longer handle and a lighter, smoother build. Here is what changed and which gear ratio to pick, with the 100HG/101HG as the main model.
25 Stile HG specs
| Item | 100HG / 101HG |
|---|---|
| Gear ratio | 7.8 |
| Line per crank | 71 cm |
| Weight | 145 g |
| Max drag | 3.5 kg |
| Spool (diameter/width) | 29 mm / 19 mm |
| PE capacity | #1-200 m / #1.5-150 m / #2-100 m |
| Bearings | 10 / 1 |
| Handle | 55 mm double |
| Line type | PE only |
| Japan price | 54,000 yen (excl. tax) |
| Release | September 2026 |
101HG is the left-hand version. No line counter is fitted.
Other gear ratios
| Model | Gear | Line per crank | Max drag |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG | 6.4 | 58 cm | 4.5 kg |
| HG | 7.8 | 71 cm | 3.5 kg |
| XG | 8.9 | 81 cm | 3.5 kg |
Key features
- Magnesium frame — a big part of why it weighs only 145 g
- 55 mm double handle (the 16 Stile had 51 mm) for easier winding and bite control
- Palming clutch for one-hand free-spooling while you hold the rod
- Micro Module Gear and X-Ship for smooth, quiet winding
- HAGANE body, CI4+ parts for rigidity without weight
- SVS brake with manual on/off — usable for short underhand casts
- S3D spool, Super Free Spool and S A-RB bearings
- Drag click sound
Which gear ratio for which target
| Target | Gear |
|---|---|
| Kawahagi (filefish) | XG |
| Puffer (fugu) | XG |
| Maruika (small swordtip squid) | HG |
| Shirogisu (Japanese whiting) | HG |
| Tachiuo tenya (cutlassfish) | PG |
| Tai-rubber (sea bream) | PG |
XG suits fast slack-taking and quick hooksets; PG gives more cranking power and drag for heavier rigs and steady retrieves.
How it compares
| Reel | Weight | Max drag | Counter | Japan price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano 25 Stile 100HG | 145 g | 3.5 kg | No | 54,000 yen |
| Shimano 21 Grappler 150HG | 205 g | 4 kg | No | 32,800 yen |
| Shimano Barchetta BB 150HG | 220 g | — | Yes | 17,200 yen |
The Stile is the premium, ultra-light choice. If you want a depth counter or a lower price, the Barchetta BB is the alternative; the Grappler is tougher for jigging.
Minagiman’s take
For most boat light-game anglers the HG is the right first Stile: it covers squid and whiting directly and is still fast enough for filefish. Add an XG later if you get serious about kawahagi or puffer.
Read next
- Shimano 26 Grappler 300
- Daiwa 26 Morethan TW PE Special
- Daiwa 26 Zillion TW150
- PE line and leader chart
ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
