Can be difficult to know which fishing reel to buy.

But if the reel just won the award for best new one, that helps.

Shimano’s Stradic C3000HG-K won the award for best new freshwater reel at ICAST, the annual International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, this summer.

The reel is part of the
company’s Stradic FK
series of spinning reels.

The FK’s, originally introduced in 2007, are designed
around Shimano’s Hagane concept, the company says.

That’s reportedly part of Shimano’s cold-forging expertise.

Hagane or tamahagane can refer to high-quality steel used to make Japanese swords.

The FK reel bodies are made with Shimano’s Hagane metal that’s high in rigidity that eliminates body flexing, the company says.

“The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power,” it says. “It’s efficiency through strength.”

The FK’s drive gear is also made with Shimano’s Hagane technology.

The teeth are never cut, and instead are cold-forged in minute detail, giving the angler long-lasting smoothness, like when you first use a reel, but over and over, Shimano says.

“Assured resilience” is another way the company describes that.

It’s the fruit of Shimano’s inexhaustible pursuit for durability, the company says.

The strength and power of forged metal is the fundamental concept of Shimano reels, it says.

CoreProtect is another concept the FK reels use.

That reportedly provides water resistance, sealing key areas from water intrusion, without affecting the feeling of the reel’s rotation.

FK reels can be used for freshwater, including for bass, walleyes and trout, but also for many saltwater fish, including striped bass and blues.

 At ICAST,  tackle manufacturers, buyers and outdoor media who attend vote on the awards.

Might be difficult to decide on a reel, but there’s a recommendation.

For more info about the C3000HG-K  and the rest of the FK reels, visit Shimano’s website.