OHUB Evaluate: Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel

Shimano reels have always been a staple in my household. Browing up fishing saltwater, I was introduced to my first Shimano and I put that reel through the ringer. Since then I have continuously purchased Shimano reels which leads me to my latest one – the Shimano Miravel spinning reel. 

Let’s start out with what this reel is. The Miravel is a reasonably priced ($139) reel that comes in five different sizes: 1000, 2500, 3000, 4000, and 5000. 

I purchased the 2500 and paired it with a Shimano Intenza spinning rod that was 7-feet long.

On my first few casts, the first thing I noticed was how light it was. The reel specs at 7.2oz. and was extremely smooth during my first cast. I was fishing a small river called the Bouge Falaya in Southeast Louisiana. The river is teaming with largemouth bass and I was throwing a KVD spinner bait. 

During my retrieves, the reel was very smooth which was to be expected since it had 6 ball bearings. Another positive with this reel was the rigidity. The reel had no flex whatsoever which is the result of a carbon-infused CI4+ body and Hagane gearing with X-Ship technology. Shimano has done a great job with all their C14 reels. 

I was only able to fish for about two hours but during that time I put the drag to the test when a 4-pound bass smashed my KVD. The fish made a hard run and the Cross Carbon drag system was up to the challenge. One thing that I look for in a great drag system is not only how smooth the line leaves the reel as the drag let’s line out, but how it sounds. This reel sounded almost exactly how my Shimano Stradic Fl sounds which is something to be said.

After throwing the KVD, I switched over to a lighter, weightless Fluke Jr. The reel performed well with the weight change which is probably because of its high gear ratio which makes it a versatile reel for working various lure styles. 

In the end, I was very satisfied with the performance of my new Shimano Miravel spinning reel and recommend this reel for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The reel hovers just beneath the premium price tag, which is appealing to both pros who want a workhorse reel and beginners who are looking to take another step up in their search for a quality spinning reel. 

Keith Lusher

Keith Lusher is an award winning outdoor journalist that resides in Covington, Louisiana. He owns and operates NorthshoreFishingReport.com and writes a weekly outdoor column for the Slidell Independent Newspaper. He also writes for the St.Tammany Parish Tourism Commission’s VisitTheNorthshore.com. He is the former host of The Northshore Fishing Report Radio Show and is on the board of the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association. Keith contributes to numerous publications both online and in print and prides himself on promoting South Louisiana’s unique fishery. To contact Keith email: [email protected]