2026.10.28

Shimano 25 Lesath Returns After 24 Years: One Rod for Many Kinds of Fishing

minagiman

After 24 years, Shimano has brought back the Lesath, a name many Japanese anglers remember alongside the World Shaula. The 25 Lesath returns with modern Shimano technology and the idea of one rod for many kinds of fishing. As someone who wants to fish for both rockfish and seabass, I find it a very attractive rod.

Contents

Key features
Specs
Which one?
My take
Read next

Key features

1. Easy to swing, easy to control

The Lesath focuses on ease of swing and lure control, giving a sharp, clean cast and precise control when working lures.

2. Extension grip on every model

Every model comes with an extension grip that adds 150 mm to the handle. That lets one rod cover both casting and jigging. An aluminium end part locks it firmly, so it does not wobble or loosen while fishing.

3. Built for staying power

To give the blank strength and staying power, it uses Spiral X Core and Hi-Power X. Light titanium-frame guides improve handling, so it suits a wide range of targets.

Specs

All models are two-piece with a 130 cm closed length. Model numbers starting with 1 are baitcasting and those starting with 2 are spinning. Prices are Japanese list prices before tax.

Model	Length	Weight	Lure	Jig	Nylon (lb)	PE (Japan no.)	Price
15101F-2	5’10”	150 g	5–20 g	max 120 g	8–16	max 1.5	¥52,800
1604SS-2	6’0″	180 g	15–80 g	max 300 g	16–50	max 6	¥54,800
1651R-2	6’6″	155 g	5–20 g	max 120 g	8–16	max 1.5	¥53,300
1652R-2	6’6″	155 g	7–28 g	max 160 g	12–22	max 2	¥53,800
16102R-2	6’10”	160 g	7–28 g	max 160 g	12–25	max 2	¥53,800
1703R-2	7’0″	177 g	10–40 g	max 200 g	14–30	max 3	¥53,800
2650FF-2	6’6″	135 g	2–8 g	max 40 g	3–8	max 0.8	¥54,300
2651R-2	6’6″	135 g	4–15 g	max 80 g	5–12	max 1.2	¥54,800
2682R-2	6’8″	150 g	5–20 g	max 120 g	6–14	max 1.5	¥55,800
2683R-2	6’8″	155 g	7–35 g	max 160 g	8–20	max 2.5	¥56,300
2751R-2	7’6″	150 g	4–15 g	max 80 g	5–12	max 1.2	¥55,800

Which one?

2 651R-2 / 2 751R-2: light spinning models for 4–15 g lures, rockfish and light seabass
2 683R-2: a versatile spinning rod for 7–35 g lures and jigs to 160 g with the extension grip
1 652R-2 / 1 6102R-2: baitcasting all-rounders for 7–28 g lures
1 604SS-2: a heavy baitcasting model for 15–80 g lures and jigs to 300 g

My take

The biggest appeal of the 25 Lesath is that one rod can handle so many kinds of fishing. You can of course change rods for each job, but I personally do not like collecting gear I end up not using. A Lesath plus one other rod could cover most of my fishing.