Shimano Thunnus CI4 Spinning Reels
by Shimano
$289.99 - $319.99
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| Model TD Code | Line Capacity (Test/Yards) | Power Pro Capacity (est/Yards) | Line Retrieve Per Crank | Max Drag | S SUS Bearings | Roler Clutch | Gear Ratio | Grip | Weight | Price |
| TU4000CI4 SHM-1616 | 8/240 10/200 12/160 | 15/270 20/190 40/145 | 30 in | 15 lbs. | 6 | 1 | 4.8 | Small Egg | 12.7 oz | $289.99 USD | |
| TU6000CI4 SHM-1617 | 10/300 12/265 16/170 20/120 | 30/245 50/210 65/130 | 35 in | 20 lbs. | 6 | 1 | 4.8 | Small Egg | 18 oz | $299.99 USD | |
| TU8000CI4 SHM-1618 | 14/295 17/250 20/195 | 40/295 50/290 65/180 | 36 in | 20 lbs. | 6 | 1 | 4.8 | Small Egg | 19.4 oz | $309.99 USD | |
| TU12000CI4 SHM-1619 | 12/550 16/350 20/265 | 50/505 65/310 80/230 | 37 in | 25 lbs. | 6 | 1 | 4.4 | Large Egg | 27.7 oz | $319.99 USD | |
Lightweight and the power to stop big fish. Not a sentence you are used to hearing! Seemingly against the laws of nature. Thunnus takes a page from our Bicycle division using Carbon materials in high impact situations. Thunnus CI4 is a response to all the anglers out there in love with the ease of use and functionality that wanted the reel to shed some weight. Thunnus CI4 is up to 7 ounces lighter than its predecessor without sacrificing any power. Quite the opposite!! Due to new drag systems for the Main Drag and the Baitrunner drag Thunnus CI4 is the most efficient live bait spinning reel on the market with unmatched adjustability for fishing any bait in any condition as well as the smooth stopping power that this generation of Thunnus will be known for.
- Lightweight CI4 Frame and Rotor (AL on 12000)
- Aluminum Sideplate
- Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement
- Propulsion Line Management System: Propulsion Spool Lip, SR One-Piece Bail Wire, Power Roller III. Redesigned Bail Trip, S-Arm Cam
- Varispeed Oscillation
- S-Concept, S-Rotor, S-Arm Cam, Direct Drive Mechanism (Thread-In Handle Attachment), Oversized Septon Grips for Power and Comfort, WP Drag (Waterproof Drag)
- Machined Aluminum Handle
- Dartainium II Drag Washers (Cross Carbon)
- Repairable Clicker
- S A-RB (Shielded A-RB) Ball Bearings
- Super Stopper II Anti-Reverse
- Dyna-Balance
- Floating Shaft
- Fluidrive II Gearing
- Approved for use in Saltwater
- Rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon and PowerPro lines
5 Stars based on 44 reviews
By Paul
Southern California
Excellent Reel
July 31, 2022
I have wanted the Shimano 12000 Thunnus reel for several years now, but the price tag was holding me back. I finally decided to buy this reel and quickly found out it is worth every dime.
The reel is smooth, lightweight and very easy to use. I wish I would have bought it years ago.
First time out with it fishing in the Ocean I hooked up and landed a 30lb Yellow Tail. The reel worked flawlessly.
The reel is smooth, lightweight and very easy to use. I wish I would have bought it years ago.
First time out with it fishing in the Ocean I hooked up and landed a 30lb Yellow Tail. The reel worked flawlessly.
Pros
- Everything about this reel is excellent
Cons
- None
By Joseph B.
DE
Excellent Reel
July 30, 2022
This is my third Thunnus. These are excellent reels, never will they disappoint you.
By Peter
Massachusetts
Very versatile reel
April 21, 2022
This reel does it all for me in New England for stripers. I can slow troll mackerel on live liner, which lets the bass take the bait for a bit before switching over to the main drag. Previously I had to use conventional gear to produce the same results.
I also used this reel when snagging pogies was still legal - great casting reel to get the hooks into the pogie schools, and then switch over to the live liner once a bait is snagged - worked like a charm. Still using the reel for live lining pogies, but have to bring them to the boat first now.
In a pinch, the Thunnus also makes a good plugging reel. Casts great and not so heavy that it feels like you are using the wrong gear. I prefer other setups for plugging, but if I had to have one reel to do it all, this would probably be it.
I also used this reel when snagging pogies was still legal - great casting reel to get the hooks into the pogie schools, and then switch over to the live liner once a bait is snagged - worked like a charm. Still using the reel for live lining pogies, but have to bring them to the boat first now.
In a pinch, the Thunnus also makes a good plugging reel. Casts great and not so heavy that it feels like you are using the wrong gear. I prefer other setups for plugging, but if I had to have one reel to do it all, this would probably be it.
By Harry
Voorhees, NJ
Shimano Thunnus Spinning Reel
March 20, 2022
Excellent reel. High quality. This is the second one that I’ve purchased. I’m using it when surf fishing especially for stripers. I highly recommend it.
Pros
- Lightweight
By Tom H.
New Smyrna Beach, FL
New pair of Shimano Thunnus 8000's..
November 28, 2021
Two new 8000 Thunnus reels make my fishing room look like a showroom, next to two new Stradic's, I feel at 72 like I have died and gone to heaven...these are the finest spinning reels I have ever owned, Grandson at 19 has new pair of Twin Power 8000's...he recently earned his Captains license and will be using for decades TO COME! He knows he will inherit all my Shimano's as well...my last retired Stratic was purchased in 1995 and used daily!
Pros
- high quality, superb engineering, the finest available...and a great price!
By Blaken
Florida
Smooth
October 29, 2021
Very smooth
By Mark
Massillon, OH
I now have them all!
March 27, 2021
I'm a huge Shimano fan of spinning reels. I have original thunnus 6000 and a couple of bait runners from 20 years ago. All great reels. Use them in the surf so they've been exposed to the salt and sand for a long time. Stopped using the original 6000 because it is so heavy. A couple years ago decided to start upgrading to the new CI4 thunnus reels. They are so light and smooth. I now have all the CI4 Thunnus. Each is dedicated to it's specific use. Mostly bait/live bait fishing. I use other Shimano reels for lures.
Pros
- Much lighter than originals. Still same smooth reels.
Cons
- Nothing
By joshua g.
Orange county, california
Great Reel
October 29, 2020
Use to use the older Baitrunner 12000D and upgraded to this bad boy. Wondering why I didn't do it sooner. Smooth baitrunner and strong drag. Can handle anything from bass, yellowtail up to easily 50+ tuna.
By Alexandre
Naples, FL
My favorite spinning reels
June 3, 2020
Incredibly smooth reels with no backlash. They last years and maintenance is simple. The bait runner system is fantastic. Favorite spinner, hands down.
By Joe
newark, de
Great reel
May 30, 2020
just like the old one but lighter and just as powerful. I use this reel for stripers
By Nick c.
Hawaii
Shimano thunnus
May 25, 2020
Exactly ask I ordered. I live in Hawaii and My order came in fast. Thanks and enjoy the product. Aloha�
By Jarrid
Kailua, HI
The Best Baitrunner Spinning Reel On The Market!
March 29, 2020
This reel is incredible. Exactly what you'd expect from Shimano. Powerful, smooth, lightweight and versatile, dominating in all categories. The baitrunner feature is so simple to use and the various drag settings make it easy to match with the size of the bait you're using. I highly recommend this reel if you're seeking a Spinning Baitrunner Reel.
Pros
- Smooth Drag, Lightweight, Excellent Baitrunner Feature.
Cons
- None
By Dan
Harleysville, Pa.
Great reel!!
March 28, 2020
This reel allows me to fish with live bait while throwing lures with another rod. Works like a charm!!
By Jeff
Roanoke VA
Great spinning reel
May 31, 2019
Bait runner is awesome!!!!!
By hui
staten island, new york
great for bait fishing
February 22, 2019
love this reel for striped bass fishing~!
19 Questions &
20 Answers
Garrett Henderson
from CA asked:
August 22, 2018
What size would be recommended for yellowfin tuna fishing. Pairing with a 8' graftech medium rod.
1 Answer
The 12000 would be best for yellowfin and pairing with the 8 foot rod.
Submitted by:
Bernie
on August 23, 2018
Pelagic T
from San Diego, CA asked:
August 15, 2022
I fish So Cal ocean -- primarily Yellowtail (a jack) and, when available, Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna. Â I anticipate the Thunnus for schoolie tuna, 50 pounds or less. Â
When (on a conventional reel) I have a small live bait, I often pull off the line and feed it through my fingers to the bait -- Â rather than force the bait to pull the spool and the line. Â ((Usually from an Accurate Tern 500 on free spool.)
Can I do this conveniently with the Thunnus ? Â
Will a So Cal anchovy work with this reel? Â
Or should Thunnus bait best be sardines or mackerel?
Thanks,
1 Answer
Hi, The Shimano Thunnus CI4 Spinning Reels are designed to be used with the Live Bait switch engaged for using both cut and live bait. Any kind of bait including sardines, mackerel or other baitfish will work with this reel. I would recommend using the live bait switch and pulling off line off the top of the spool with your hand which would also allow you to also hold the line with your fingers. I also would recommend using a Large 12000 size. https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-thunnus-tu12000ci4-spinning-reel.html This would be large enough to use for both Yellowtail and small school sized tuna. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.Â
Submitted by:
Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service
on August 18, 2022
Garrett
from Miramar, Fl asked:
April 10, 2022
Would the 12000 be a good reel for grouper and red snapper fishing? Â I have a 20-40 class glass and graphite composite rod to pair with itÂ
1 Answer
The Thunnus is a great live bait reel. If you are fishing with cut bait or artificials, I suggest going with a 8-10000 Saragosa.
Submitted by:
KRAIG FRIEDMAN
on April 19, 2022
Jaxon Matheny
from St. Petersburg, Florida asked:
December 29, 2021
I am in the market for a heavier reel to do multipurpose fishing. I typically fish flats and docks for snook, trout, and redfish and I love my Spheros SWs and Vanford. However, they just dont quite have what it takes for the giant snook I occasionally hook up with under the docks adjacent to the flats.Â
I am looking for a reel that can power 40+ snook out of docks, chase kingfish and tarpon, and possibly throw on a boat rod for grouper and snapper. I may go with multiple down the road, but funds currently limit me to one or two setups outside of my primary fishing. Any advice on the best reel for these scenarios? I was thinking about the Thunnus 8000, but dont want to go overboard. Thanks in advance!!
1 Answer
Hi Jaxon, Based on the fishing applications you mentioned, I would recommend a Daiwa Saltist 8000 Spinning Reel. https://www.tackledirect.com/daiwa-saltist8000-saltist-spinning-reel.html This reel is not only strong enough for the fish you are targeting but it can also hold plenty of braided line need to fight snook, tarpon, and grouper species. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.
Submitted by:
Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service
on December 30, 2021
Ross Macklin
from Cork asked:
August 1, 2021
When will 12000s be back in stock? Thanks
2 Answers
Ross,
Those reels are currently on indefinite backorder at this time. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Submitted by:
Rick Scheffler
on August 2, 2021
Ross,
Shimano is currently providing an eta of late November 2021 at this time for the 12000 model.
Submitted by:
Paul - TackleDirect Customer Service
on August 2, 2021
Gerald
from Dalton, GA asked:
July 22, 2021
I believe that the Thunnus CI4 would be great for my needs, but just unsure about which size would be best. I'm leaning toward the 6000. It's use would be freshwater and the target would be large catfish on the Tennessee River. 50lb+ is possible...
1 Answer
6000 will be perfect for this.
Submitted by:
Paul Olah
on July 22, 2021
Brandon
from Elberta, Alabama asked:
September 18, 2019
I recently purchased a Thunnus 4000 am I'm waiting for it to come in. I mainly inshore fish for reds and speckled trout. Is the 4000 to big for this and also I thought the bait runner would be good for live shrimp. Also what size rod would you recommend for this reel for inshore?
1 Answer
Tallus 7' M or MH would be great.
Submitted by:
Chris Renna
on September 18, 2019
Mike
from West Palm Beach asked:
April 7, 2018
What is reel match fir gloomis NRX 883S MR 7â€â"¢4†med-heavy? For back water snook redfish trout and tarpon.
1 Answer
The Shimano Thunnus TU6000CI4 Spinning Reel would be a great match pairing it with the NRX 883S MR for the style of fishing your doing.
Submitted by:
Donald
on April 7, 2018
Ken
from Miami, FL asked:
March 9, 2018
Need reel size recommendation of 6000 or 8000 Thunnus to match with Gloomis Pro Blue 8FT med-heavy spin rod.
Use: Fish piers, jetties, and going after big tarpon and anything that is over 50lbs.
1 Answer
Based on the application you're describing I'd suggest the 8000 size. It will give you an adequate line capacity with a 50# braided line and will likely be the best fit in terms of size for the rod you are using.
Submitted by:
Devon
on March 12, 2018
R Lahn
from Fort Myers, Florida asked:
January 10, 2018
Want a a Shimano reel to pair up with my G-Loomis GWR 901S 7'6" Mag Medium Rod. Primary fish inshore and near shore in Florida. What would you suggest?
1 Answer
The Shimano Thunnus 8000 would match well with the G-Loomis GWR 901S 7'6" Mag Medium Rod for the application your using the combo for.
Submitted by:
Donald
on January 11, 2018
Julie
from Southern california asked:
April 30, 2017
What reel and size would you match up with the seeker blue lightning 7' S
Was debating between thunnus or stradic
1 Answer
The Shimano Thunnus 8000 would be a better fit for the seeker blue lightning 7' S.
Submitted by:
Donald
on May 2, 2017
Chris
from Ponce inlet fl. asked:
April 13, 2017
What rod should a pair a 6000 with? I will be using it target bull redfish in 16ft of water with 3 to 4 oz of weight.
1 Answer
The Tsunami Elite Bluewater Spinning rods as well as the Shimnao Trevala jigging spinning rods would be great rods to pair with the Thunnus 6000.
Submitted by:
Donald
on April 13, 2017
Doug Taylor
from Midlothian, VA asked:
February 7, 2017
I have an 11' Avid surf rod that I will be using a lot on the Outer Banks, NC, which Thunnus would you recommend...
1 Answer
You could get by with the 8000 size and not have to go with the huge 12000. However this would probably be my last choice of reel for this application. Check out the Ultegra from Shimano.
Submitted by:
John
on February 8, 2017
Fred
from Abingdon, Maryland asked:
September 13, 2015
Does the Thunnus C14 have sealed bearings?
1 Answer
From the information that I have been able to find, the only sealed part of this reel is the drag system.
Submitted by:
David
on September 16, 2015
Mike
from New Jersey asked:
August 4, 2015
Would this reel be capable of handling tuna in 35-50 lb class?
1 Answer
The larger sizes of this reel would handle tuna in that weight class very well.
Submitted by:
David
on August 6, 2015
Pat
from NewYork asked:
March 20, 2015
Would the Thunnus 8000 model be a good reel for a 10'6 st croix mojo surf 2-6 oz fishing bait
1 Answer
Hello Pat.
Yes the Thunnus 8000 would suit you perfect in that application. Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions!
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on March 21, 2015
Mike
from Gainesville, FL asked:
December 31, 2014
What would be the best rod for the 4000 model ?
1 Answer
A medium to medium heavy rod in the 7'-8' range would fit that reel very well. The "best rod" depends on what you are fishing for and what method you use.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on January 5, 2015
Steve Alexander
from Cypress, TX asked:
October 27, 2012
Is this reel made in Japan?
1 Answer
Product of Malaysia. I have been fishing the 8000 and 12000's for a year now for white marlin and sail fish. the quality has done nothing but astonish me. they are ultra light with very smooth drags. What i like most is how quickly and securely it will shift from bait mode to your primary drag, a big improvement from the last generation.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on October 29, 2012
Jim MulhearnVjmulhearn
from Archer fl asked:
August 4, 2012
What is the difference between this reel and the bait runner other than $100.00 I need to buy (4)
1 Answer
The Thunnus CI4 reels are lighter than the Baitrunners, since the frame and rotor on the Thunnus reels are made of CI4 material and the Baitrunner's frame is made of graphite. The Thunnus is a lighter, stronger version of the Baitrunner.
Submitted by:
Customer Service
on August 5, 2012
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