Shimano Thunnus TU12000CI4 Spinning Reel

Shimano Thunnus TU12000CI4 Spinning Reel

Price: $319.99
Model
TD Code
Line Capacity (Test/Yards)Power Pro Capacity (est/Yards)Line Retrieve Per CrankMax DragS SUS BearingsRoler ClutchGear RatioGripWeightPrice
TU12000CI4
SHM-1619
12/550
16/350
20/265
50/505
65/310
80/230
37 in25 lbs.614.4Large Egg27.7 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.
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.
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~!
9 Questions & 9 Answers
Eli
from San Diego CA asked:
April 6, 2019

Is this reel only good for live bait?


1 Answer
This reel is great for live bait. 
Submitted by: Bernie De Graaf on April 11, 2019

Cliff
from Santa ana ca asked:
December 18, 2018
Can this reel handle white sea bass in California?
1 Answer
This reel can handle white sea bass.
Submitted by: Bernie on December 19, 2018

Bradley W Larson
from CA asked:
July 18, 2022
Is this reel suitable for trolling live bait for roosterfish


I'm a big Shimano fan...if this isn't right for roosters...which one is recommended 

1 Answer
Hi Bradley, We do not recommend using a spinning reel for trolling as the strain would be too much for the reel. We recommend going with the Torium Star Drag reel in the 30 size for trolling ( https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-torium-star-drag-reels.html ). Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with!
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on July 21, 2022

Carl Orlandi
from Ma asked:
February 23, 2022
I have the 1200 Thunus .I fish in Cape Anne Mass. What would be a great spinning rod for this.We usually get some big stripers on live pogies and an occasional football Tuna
1 Answer
Hi Carl, I would recommend a Shimano TLXS72H Tallus PX Spinning Rod. https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tlxs72h-tallus-px-spinning-rod.html This would pair nicely with your Shimano Thunnus 12000 for fishing for stripers, porgies, and the occasional tuna. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on February 23, 2022

Harry
from Voorhees, NJ asked:
February 1, 2022
Would this reel be a good match for an 11 foot surf rod? I use this mainly to catch stripers.



1 Answer
Hi Harry, The Shimano Thunnus TU12000CI4 Spinning Reel would be a great match for a 11ft surf rod for any bait fishing fishing applications. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.
Submitted by: Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service on February 2, 2022

Blain Lehman
from Texas asked:
August 12, 2021
Looking for a good reel to pair with my Tallus Blue Water EC rod.  Is this a good reel for offshore, inshore, and surf conditions?
1 Answer
Blain,

If you are looking for a reel with a live bait feature, then the Shimano Thunnus is a very choice as it's light weight and has a very smooth powerful drag.  For your Shimano Tallus rod, if it's 6'6" or 7', the 8000 size would pair better.

Submitted by: Rick - TackleDirect Customer Service on August 13, 2021

anthony
from clark, new jersey asked:
April 28, 2018
i have a loomis pro blue 7’ MH fast action rod. was going to use it for boat and surf in the norh east ( new jersey) for stripers , blues, sea bass , flounder ect ect.. would the 1200 be over kill ? or should i drop down to an 8000. i kinda dig the all aluminum fram on the 1200
1 Answer
The 12000 would be a bit excessive to use for that application. I would recommend stepping down to the 8000 model for the style of fishing your doing.
Submitted by: Donald on April 28, 2018

Tron
from San Pedro, California asked:
November 26, 2014
what's the heaviest fish will be able to handle
1 Answer
This reel is designed to handle large fish. However, it has a carbon composite body. Some people say it can "torque" on you under strain. It should handle fish up to around 100#.
Submitted by: Customer Service on November 28, 2014

Jeff
from Glendora CA asked:
August 15, 2014
Can the handle be switched to either side?
1 Answer
Yes it can be switched.
Submitted by: Customer Service on August 15, 2014

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