The infinite evolution of Stella FK continues at ICAST 2022

by Shimano 6 Jul 2022 10:22 PDT

Leaders never settle while redefining innovation. Instead, they maintain a trajectory of infinite evolution.

The iconic Shimano Stella family embodies this mindset with the debut of the new Stella FK, a reel packed with innovative technologies that enhance power and durability, drag performance and line management. Loaded with industry-leading features, the redesigned Stella represents the pinnacle of Shimano reel engineering and enhances the on-the-water experience of every angler.

The Shimano legacy of high-precision gear development continues to evolve within the all-new InfinityXross system, making its debut in the Stella FK family of reels. InfinityXross expands the drive gear tooth horizontally, dispersing load between the drive gear and pinion gear more efficiently. By distributing contact points over a larger surface area, Stella's InfinityXross system delivers unrivaled gear durability to enhance reel performance and longevity. "From a practical standpoint, I want to use the best equipment available, and it needs to be tough," reflects Bassmaster Elite Series professional Jeff "Gussy" Gustafson. "The build quality, tightness, rigidity and tolerances of the new Stella FK are absolutely perfect."

"This reel is a dream."

Stella FK evolution continues at ICAST 2022 - photo © Shimano

Shimano's technologically advanced Infinity Drive system is the heart of the new Stella FK. Passed down from Stella's larger saltwater brethren and making its debut in the industry's finest spinning reel built for a range offreshwater and inshore applications, Infinity Drive features a unique low-friction bushing that significantly decreases frictional resistance, delivering smoother and more powerful winding. A proprietary surface treatment on the main shaft coupled with special processing drastically reduces rotational torque, yielding a reel that can actively wind even under heavy loads - dramatically benefiting anglers when fighting stubborn game fish.

"We caught some really big fish in a few of the smallmouth tournaments this year - five or six pounders - and a lot of times using small hooks, light line and finesse techniques," notes Gustafson, a Champion on the Bassmaster Elite Series and a leading authority on capturing supersized bronze bass. "Having an ultra-smooth drag coupled with great winding efficiency is critical. After using the new Stella FK, I can't imagine fishing anything else - especially for finesse presentations."

"I truly believe Stella is the best spinning reel available."

Stella FK evolution continues at ICAST 2022 - photo © Shimano

Shimano's new DuraCross drag system fortifies the new Stella FK family with enhanced run-stopping power coupled with extreme durability. Revolutionary DuraCross washers incorporate cutting-edge materials woven in a unique pattern compared to conventional drag washers. The DuraCross system provides the smooth feel and operation of felt washers but with ten times the durability. Thanks to Stella FK's new DuraCross drag, anglers have the advantage in every battle.

One of Gustafson's favorite elements of the Stella FK is Shimano's new InfinityLoop line management system. "InfinityLoop allows the spool to move up and down at an extremely slow speed, which creates a precise winding pattern that is uniform and parallel. With each cast, line comes off the spool super smooth. It is very noticeable." By extending spool oscillation during the retrieve, InfinityLoop ensures the line lays as evenly as possible on the spool, virtually eliminating gaps and line stacking during the retrieve. InfinityLoop benefits anglers on every cast, as smooth and even line lay results in reduced friction as line departs the spool, yielding dramatically enhanced casting distance.

Stella FK evolution continues at ICAST 2022 - photo © Shimano

Gustafson grew up casting the shores of Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada and is particularly confident with the new Stella FK. "I'm most comfortable with a spinning reel in my hand. Up north, we fish a lot of deep and clear water, so I use spinning gear about 75 percent of the time at home. That experience carries over to some techniques down south, where other anglers traditionally rely on baitcasting reels. With all the new enhancements to the Stella FK, I have even more confidence with my spinning gear," added Gustafson.

Anglers fishing with monofilament or fluorocarbon main lines are familiar with the challenge of line twist. Stella FK's new Anti-Twist Fin eliminates line twist that may develop while fishing, especially as anglers present artificial lures. This innovation is an elastic polymer placed on the underside of the roller, which maintains constant tension on the line as it enters the spool. This Stella-exclusive system eliminates twist before line contacts the roller and prevents line from sagging on the spool during the retrieve.

Stella FK evolution continues at ICAST 2022 - photo © Shimano

A refined Propulsion Line Management System completes the array of technological innovations in the redesigned Stella FK. By adjusting the angle of the spool's upper lip and reducing the edge of the drag knob, the new Propulsion Line Management System results in fewer tangles should anglers inadvertently throw a loop into their line during a cast or retrieve. By combining improved line management with enhanced reeling and drag performance, Stella FK is a powerful new ally for anglers who demand the very best.

"My job relies on these reels, and I am lucky to be able to fish with them. They are a work of art and the C3000-series is the dream reel for bass anglers everywhere," asserts Gustafson. A size known for its popularity among anglers worldwide, the Stella FK C3000 (STLC3000XGFK) has the capacity to handle 200 yards of 10-pound-test PowerPro and has a 6.4:1 gear ratio to retrieve 37 inches of line per crank. While touring bass professionals who demand the best rely on the Stella FK, anglers casting to speckled seatrout, snook, redfish and bonefish atop the shallows will also appreciate how the newest member of the Stella family helps them conquer inshore fisheries.

Stella FK evolution continues at ICAST 2022 - photo © Shimano

A foundation of premium technologies supports all of the best-in-class innovations that permeate the Stella FK family. A lightweight and robust magnesium HAGANE Body and a cold-forged HAGANE Gear fortify Stella FK for enhanced durability. The reel's MicroModule II gear tooth refinements and SilentDrive system provide for amazingly smooth and quiet reeling. Stella's extreme water resistance, provided by Shimano's X-Protect system and shielded S A-RB bearings, enhances its longevity. No other spinning reel can claim a stronger legacy or a brighter future.

Evolution is a history of innovation based on legacy. Future possibilities are limitless. The journey of Stella never ends. Look for the Shimano Stella FK (MSRP $749.99 to $799.99) in the ICAST New Product Showcase Freshwater Reel category, and learn more about Shimano's innovative new products by visiting Booth 2244 at ICAST 2022.

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