Shimano Talica A Two-Speed Lever Drag Reels

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.