High-Performance Saltwater 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 Torium A Star Drag Reels deliver the torque, retrieve speed, and saltwater confidence needed for everything from yellowtail and tuna to grouper, snapper, and amberjack. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps the reel comfortable to fish, while HEG gearing and a star drag give you smooth control when a deep drop turns into a hard pull.

With HG models for faster line pickup and PG models for more deliberate cranking power, the Torium A family covers light inshore work through heavy offshore applications. Choose the size, retrieve direction, and gear ratio that fit your line plan instead of forcing one reel to do every job.

Speed When You Need It, Torque When You Don't

HG models are the choice when fast retrieves help you work a jig, recover line, or keep up with a moving fish. PG models trade retrieve speed for a lower 4.2:1 ratio and a more power-focused retrieve. The star drag is simple to adjust during a fight, while the compact aluminum frame keeps the outfit manageable on long days. The trade-off is that the Torium A is a single-speed reel, so it does not offer the gear-range switch of a two-speed lever-drag model.

Key Features That Matter Offshore

Models & Confirmed Specifications

Tables are horizontally scrollable on narrow screens. Capacities are shown in pounds/yards where noted.

Line Capacity

Best For

• Yellowtail and tuna with surface iron, jigs, or live bait.
• Halibut and white seabass on live bait and large swimbaits.
• Grouper, snapper, and amberjack on deep bottom rigs and jigs.
• Offshore jigging, party-boat trips, and long-range saltwater fishing.
• General Pacific and Southern California offshore applications.

Best Techniques & Conditions

Choose the Torium A for nearshore and offshore saltwater around reefs, structure, kelp paddies, and deep bottom. Use HG when retrieve speed is the priority, and PG when you want a more deliberate, power-focused retrieve. Match the spool capacity to your line, depth, and target species before choosing a size.

Tackle Express Tips

• Choose HG or PG first: Decide whether fast line pickup or power-focused cranking better matches your technique.
• Check the hand direction: The lineup includes right- and left-hand variants, including the 16HGAL, 20HGAL, and 40PGA.
• Rinse after every trip: Freshwater care and regular maintenance help protect the reel during repeated saltwater use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Torium A HG and PG?

HG models use a 6.2:1 gear ratio for faster retrieves, while PG models use a 4.2:1 ratio for a more power-focused retrieve.

Which Torium A size is best for tuna?

Start with the line capacity and depth you expect to fish. The 20, 30, and 40 size options offer larger capacity choices, while the listed 20 and 30 models provide up to 27 pounds of maximum drag.

Is the Torium A a two-speed reel?

No. The Torium A is a single-speed star-drag family. If you need both high-speed pickup and a dedicated low gear, compare it with a two-speed lever-drag reel such as the Shimano SpeedMaster II.

Compare Shimano Conventional Reels

For long-casting surface-iron work, compare the Shimano Trinidad A. For dedicated high-speed vertical jigging, see the Shimano Torium A 2000HG Jigging Special. You can also browse the Shimano Conventional Reels collection or read the Shimano Conventional Reels Buyer's Guide.

The Shimano Twin Power SW Spinning Reels are designed for anglers demanding strength and durability. The TwinPower SWC dominates even the most challenging fighting offshore game fish. Now featuring Infinity Drive to provide anglers with more cranking power under load, the TwinPower SW will put anglers in the driver's seat to win the battle even against the most hard-fighting game fish.

New for 2021, the TwinPower SW 10000 and 14000 models incorporate Shimano's Heatsink Drag to deliver overwhelming drag performance by dissipating heat away from the spool to reduce drag-force drop caused by friction. The Heatsink Drag also provides insulation against potentially-damaging heat flowing into the line to give the anglers increased performance during blistering runs and long fights with hard-fighting game fish.

Whether targeting reef species with jigs or pitching live baits to pelagics, the new TwinPower SW empowers anglers to have a distinct advantage and conquer any battle.

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