Daiwa 26 Morethan TW PE SPECIAL: A PE-Only Seabass Baitcaster With a 36 mm Spool
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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano 26 Stella SW 30000: What Changed From the 25 Stella SW, and Who the 30000 Is For
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After the 25 Stella SW in 2025, Shimano completed the lineup in 2026 as the 26 Stella SW, from size 4000 to 30000. The new addition is the 30000, aimed at big tuna and even marlin. Based on Shimano’s official information, here is what changed from the 25 Stella SW, and what kind of fishing the 30000 is for. This is a spec overview, not a field review.
25 Stella SW vs 26 Stella SW
The short answer: the 26 Stella SW is not a full model change. Shimano treats them as one series, the “25–26 Stella SW”, with the same overhaul and after-sales programme. The two main changes are:
- The 30000 size was added
- An official after-sales programme was launched
Key systems such as the XX Tough Drag and Infinity Loop were already in the 25 model. So it is more accurate to see the 26 as an expanded lineup and support package than a big jump in features.
26 Stella SW 30000PG specs
| Item | Spec |
|---|---|
| Weight | 995 g |
| Gear ratio | 4.4 |
| Max drag | 27 kg |
| Retrieve per turn | 130 cm |
| PE capacity (Japan no.-m) | PE 12-420 m / PE 10-500 m / PE 8-620 m |
| Price in Japan (inc. tax) | ¥217,800 |
With 420 m of PE 12 and 27 kg of drag, this is not a reel for yellowtail amberjack or yellowtail from piers and rocks. It is meant for offshore fishing and casting for yellowfin tuna and other big pelagics. For surf and pier fishing, sizes 4000 to 8000 are more than enough.
Which size?
- Light shore game for flounder and seabass: 4000–5000
- Big yellowtail and hiramasa from the surf: 6000–10000
- Offshore casting for mid-size yellowtail: 14000–20000
- Big-game fishing for yellowfin and marlin: 25000–30000
If you fish mostly from the shore, you will almost never need the 30000. If you are unsure, work backwards from the PE size you use and how much drag you set.
Release and prices
Release dates vary by size. The 4000 to 10000 sizes came out first, and the larger sizes such as the 30000 followed from spring to early summer. Prices range from about ¥125,000 to ¥220,000 depending on size. Decide the size from your target species and tackle balance first.
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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.
