Looking for Answers about Shimano Shimano® Saragosa® Offshore Spinning Reels?

I have the 8000 loaded with power pro and LOVE the reel use it alot for throewing jigs to cobia and shallow snapper fishing.

I put 50lb power pro on my 6000, just happened to have a spool. I use 12lb mono for backing under the power pro. Casts and retrieves very well.

40 or 50 would be even better.

Saragosa 4000 all the way

The Saragosa is your best option. I use only 25lbs of drag on stubborn AJs up to 100lbs. I've also used the Fin Nor 95 before and returned it after 1trip, not worth the money. Go with the Saragosa.

This isn't really a direct answer I guess, more like my "2 cents". Like you, I was also comparing the Saragosa to the Thunnus when trying to find my next saltwater reel. For me, it came down to the applications to which I will use the reel for and the Thunnus is really much more reel than I need. Notice that the highest gear ratio the Thunnus provides is 4.8:1. This thing is a tank for hauling in the big fish, such as Tuna (which is what Thunnus actually means). The Thunnus is also a "baitrunner", allowing you to feed out line while keeping the bail closed. Again, this feature isn't something I needed as I mostly fish artificial baits or I jig bait on the bottom for ground fish. So where the Saragosa can serve as an all purpose offshore rod (can be inshore too, no reason why it can't be), the Thunnus can serve a few more specific applications when using it's specifically designed features. Other than that, I would carefully read through the descriptions and the features to see if there is anything that would entice you to choose one over the other.

As for which size for your rod, I also have a 7'0 St.Croix rod (an Avid Inshore to be exact), and I went with the 4000 size for the Saragosa and the balance is great. Even the 3000, if you can find it, would probably balance nicely too. I also have an equivalent reel to the 5000 size but it's simply too much reel for my rod. I can't say which size Thunnus would fit best since I haven't handled one in person.

Usually it's a difference between how well the reel is sealed from the outside elements. Saltwater inside of a reel is like acid. But each mfgs definition of this will carry.