Maria Boar SS145: A Smaller Rock-Shore Jerking Minnow for PE #3 Tackle
minagiman
Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano 25 Barchetta F Custom: A Counter Reel Built Around the Fall
minagiman
Light boat fishing used to rely a lot on feel, but reels have evolved with counters and features that make it smoother. Shimano’s 25 Barchetta F Custom, released in May 2025, focuses on the fall (letting the rig sink), making it a strong choice for light boat games.
Suggested retail price: ¥35,800 before tax.
Key features
New fall control system
The core upgrade is the fall lever. With older fall levers, tightening the brake also made winding heavier. A new mechanism with a built-in one-way roller bearing solves this: you can tighten the lever hard without feeling extra weight on the retrieve, and control fall speed precisely. The lever is also wider with a dimple on top, so it is intuitive to use wherever it is set. And if you get a bite during the fall, you can set the hook without engaging the clutch.
Retrieve distance alarm
A new alarm starts measuring when you begin winding after touching bottom and beeps at multiples of your set distance, up to three times. Set it to 5 m and it sounds at 5, 10 and 15 m off the bottom, so you can hit the right depth without watching the counter.
60 mm handles
The 150/151 models come with a 60 mm power handle and large CI4+ round knob. The DH models use a 60 mm long double handle, Shimano’s longest ever. The longer handle gives powerful, steady winding with heavy metal sutte (squid jigs) and sinkers or when fighting large blue-water fish, with less fatigue on long days.
Line learning system
As well as the usual learning function, data for the most common PE sizes (0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5) is preloaded. If the line is wound to within about 1 mm of the spool edge, the depth display is accurate enough whatever the backing.
Fall speed display
The LCD shows fall speed and retrieve speed together with depth, making it easier to understand bite patterns and depths.
Solid basics and durability
- Level wind linked to the line release for straight, smooth falls
- Carbon cross washers for a very smooth drag
- HAGANE Body and X-Ship for rigid, light winding under load
- X-Protect water resistance and S A-RB bearings for durability in salt water
Versatile
Metal sutte squid fishing is the main use, but it also covers tenya tachiuo (ribbonfish) and light jigging, especially anywhere the fall matters.
Specs
All models: 32/22 mm spool, nylon 3-110 / 4-80, PE 0.8-400 / 1-330 / 1.5-200 (Japanese size – metres), 60 mm handle, 5/2 bearings, ¥35,800 before tax.
| Model | Gear | Max drag | Weight | Retrieve per turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 (right) | 6.9 | 5.5 kg | 230 g | 69 cm |
| 151 (left) | 6.9 | 5.5 kg | 230 g | 69 cm |
| 150DH (right) | 6.9 | 5.5 kg | 225 g | 69 cm |
| 151DH (left) | 6.9 | 5.5 kg | 225 g | 69 cm |
| 150DHXG (right) | 8.1 | 5 kg | 225 g | 81 cm |
| 151DHXG (left) | 8.1 | 5 kg | 225 g | 81 cm |
Summary
- New fall lever with one-way roller bearing: precise fall control without heavy winding
- Retrieve distance alarm for accurate depth
- 60 mm handles, including Shimano’s longest double handle
- Preloaded PE learning data and fall speed display
- ¥35,800 before tax
For more on squid, see my bigfin reef squid guide, and for ribbonfish, the tachiuo guide.
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.
