Lever Drag Reels

Shimano SpeedMaster II 2-Speed Lever Drag Reels give offshore anglers a practical way to switch from fast line pickup to low-gear cranking power. With an all-metal body, carbon drag, four bearings, and two-speed gearing, this family is built for deep-water bottom fishing, light trolling, and yellowtail or tuna trips where pressure and control matter.

Choose from six listed sizes: 8 II, 10 II, 12 II, 16 II, 20 II, and 25 II. The smaller sizes keep a lighter profile for nearshore work, while the larger models add line capacity and higher maximum drag for deeper water and bigger fish. Confirmed technical rows for SPM12II through SPM25II are shown below; the 8 II and 10 II variants are available, but corresponding technical values were not included in the supplied specification data.

Why Two Speeds Earn Their Keep

Use the high gear when you need quick line pickup, then shift into low gear when a fish gets deep and every turn of the handle needs more leverage. The lever drag gives you a repeatable way to manage pressure during the fight. The trade-off is extra weight and a more involved reel than a single-speed model, but that added control pays off when deep-water cranking power matters.

Built for the Work Offshore Demands

Models & Confirmed Specifications

The values below are listed by model, not price, so you can compare the reel to your line plan and target species.

Monofilament Line Capacity

Capacities are shown as pounds/yards.

PowerPro Braid Line Capacity

Capacities are shown as pounds/yards.

The Right Pick If...

• You want one conventional reel family for deep-water bottom fishing and light trolling.
• You want low-gear leverage for bigger fish without giving up fast pickup in high gear.
• You are comparing yellowtail and tuna setups and need to match reel size to line capacity.
• You prefer a rigid metal-bodied reel with lever-drag control over a lighter single-speed design.

Best Techniques & Conditions

The SpeedMaster II is a strong fit for nearshore and offshore trips, especially deep-water bottom fishing and light trolling. Use high gear when you need to recover line quickly, and shift to low gear when depth, current, or a hard-running fish makes each crank count. For yellowtail or tuna, compare the capacity tables with your planned mono or PowerPro braid before choosing a size.

Tackle Express Tips

• Plan the spool first: Start with the line capacity table, then choose the smallest model that gives you the reserve you need.
• Use the gears with purpose: High gear is for pickup; low gear is for controlled pressure and deep-water cranking.
• Match the rod: Pair the reel with a conventional rod rated for your line class and technique rather than choosing by reel size alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shimano SpeedMaster II a two-speed reel?

Yes. The family uses high and low gear ratios, with the exact ratios varying by model. SPM12II and SPM16II are listed at 5.7:1 / 3.1:1, while SPM20II and SPM25II are listed at 5.2:1 / 2.3:1.

Which SpeedMaster II size should I choose?

Choose based on your target line plan, depth, and fish size. The SPM12II and SPM16II are lighter and list 40 pounds of maximum drag, while the SPM20II and SPM25II provide more listed capacity and 44 pounds of maximum drag.

What line can I spool on these reels?

The confirmed tables above include both monofilament and PowerPro braid capacities for SPM12II, SPM16II, SPM20II, and SPM25II. The 8 II and 10 II variants are available, but their corresponding line-capacity values were not included in the supplied specifications.

Complete the Setup

For a bait-fishing setup, pair your reel with Shimano Teramar West Coast Inshore Casting Rods. For vertical jigging, compare it with Shimano Grappler Type J Conventional Jigging Rods. You can also compare the full Shimano Conventional Reels collection or read the complete Shimano Conventional Reels Buyer's Guide.

Shimano Talica A Two-Speed Lever Drag Reels are built for the moment a strong fish sounds and a single-speed reel runs out of answers. Push-button shifting gives you high-gear line pickup when a tuna runs toward the boat, then low-gear leverage when the fight turns deep and heavy.

The six-size lineup covers SoCal bait fishing, yo-yo iron, sinker rigs, flat-fall and knife jigs, kite fishing, trolling, and long-range saltwater. Match the reel to the line class you actually fish, then use the size guide below to choose the capacity you need.

Two Speeds for the Part of the Fight That Gets Hard

High gear helps you recover line quickly, work a surface iron, and stay connected when a fish changes direction. Low gear gives you more leverage after a fish sounds under the boat. You can shift under load without backing off the drag, which is the advantage that separates this family from a single-speed conventional reel.

What the Talica A Redesign Adds

Models & Size Guide

All six listed sizes are right-hand retrieve. Use the size, line-class, and technique guidance together rather than choosing by fish name alone.

Line Capacity Reference

The following PowerPro capacity figures are confirmed in the current listing. Capacities are shown as line weight/yards.

Best Species, Techniques & Conditions

• Bluefin and yellowtail: Sinker rigs, flylined sardines or mackerel, and yo-yo iron.
• Deep-water jigging: Flat-fall and knife jigs around 200–400 feet, especially with the 20IIA and 25IIA.
• Kite and trolling work: The 25IIA, 40IIA, and 50IIA for heavier offshore presentations.
• Trips: Catalina and Channel Islands runs, 1.5-day and long-range boats, private sportfishers, and Baja saltwater trips.

The Right Pick If...

• You want both fast line pickup and low-gear cranking leverage.
• You fish bluefin on a sinker rig and need a reel that can handle the turn from open water to deep pressure.
• You want a 12IIA or 16IIA for lighter tuna and yellowtail work, or a 20IIA and up for heavier long-range applications.
• You prefer a lever drag with an included light-line cam for more gradual pressure on lighter line.

Tackle Express Tips

• Set strike drag with a scale: Roughly one-third of your topshot's rated breaking strength is a sensible starting point for bait fishing.
• Shift before you are exhausted: Move to low gear when the fish stops running and starts circling, rather than waiting until the rod is fully loaded.
• Protect the reel after the trip: Rinse with low-pressure fresh water, back the lever off for storage, and service the two-speed mechanism regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Talica A size is best for bluefin tuna?

The 20IIA is the lineup's practical starting point for many bluefin sinker-rig applications. The 25IIA adds more 65 lb. PowerPro capacity for longer-range work, while the 12IIA and 16IIA fit lighter 30 lb. class fishing.

What is the difference between the Talica A and older Talica II?

The A series adds Infinity Drive, Cross Carbon Drag, X-Protect water resistance, and an included Light-Line Drag Cam. It is a mechanical redesign rather than a cosmetic update.

Is the Talica A available in left-hand retrieve?

No. All six listed Talica A sizes are right-hand retrieve.

Complete the Setup

Protect the reel with Shimano Talica Reel Covers, or add leverage with the Shimano Talica-A T-Bar Handle Replacement. For line and terminal tackle, browse PowerPro and Seaguar. For the wider comparison, see the Shimano SpeedMaster II, Shimano Conventional Reels collection, or Shimano Conventional Reels Buyer's Guide.