Shimano SpeedMaster II Lever Drag Reels
by Shimano
$249.99 - $339.99
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| Model TD Code | Retrieve | Gear Ratio | Line Retrieve Per Crank | Mono Line Capacity (lb test/yds) | Braided Line Capacity (lb test/yds) | Bearings | Max Drag | Weight | Price |
| SPM12II SHM-3806 | Right Hand | 5.7:1/3.1:1 | 42in/23in | 20/350 25/280 30/230 | 50/580 65/400 80/355 | 4 | 40lb | 25.7oz | $249.99 USD | ||
| SPM16II SHM-3807 | Right Hand | 5.7:1/3.1:1 | 42in/23in | 20/440 25/350 30/300 | 50/750 65/550 80/450 | 4 | 40lb | 26.5oz | $259.99 USD | ||
| SPM20II SHM-4041 | Right Hand | 5.2:1/2.3:1 | 52in/23in | 30/470 40/320 50/260 | 65/725 80/575 100/435 | 4 | 44lb | 34.6oz | $309.99 USD | ||
| SPM25II SHM-4042 | Right Hand | 5.2:1/2.3:1 | 52in/23in | 30/550 40/420 50/340 | 65/1010 80/730 100/470 | 4 | 44lb | 36.2oz | $339.99 USD | ||
Built to provide high end performance and dependability in a compact lightweight frame, the Shimano SpeedMaster II Lever Drag Reel is an absolute fish fighting machine. These two-speed lever drag reels feature the same sleek and functional design coupled with unrelenting power that blue water anglers have come to expect from Shimano conventional reels, but now at a price that everyone can appreciate. The rigid Hagane Body prevents the misalignment of moving parts under the heaviest of loads, giving the SpeedMaster II the strength to handle anything from tough pelagic species, to bottom dwelling heavy weights. Whether you are trolling, chunking, live-lining or jigging, the SpeedMaster II has the wide adjustable drag and high torque power you can rely on to come out on top. Included is a spare drag lever for adjusting the drag curve for optimal use with monofilament lines, giving the SpeedMaster II a less aggressive drag curve that is ideal for targeting sailfish and white marlin.
4.5 Stars based on 25 reviews
By Neal
Sacramento, ca
Speed master 12
April 4, 2021
Best bang for the buck shimano reliability and seen proof with San Diego bluefin caught with them.
ProsGood drag and sturdy construction
By Scott
Placida, FL
Solid reel for the price.
February 25, 2021
Bought this reel to use for tarpon in Boca Grande pass. High speed retrieve is great. Very smooth drag and lots of it. May also use this for grouper on the gulf wrecks with the low gear ratio.
ProsVery smooth drag.
ConsA little heavy.
By Joel
Riverside, CA
Speedmaster II
January 12, 2021
Great reel for the price. Paired it with a Cousins rod for live bait and light trolling in Baja. Combo got me Dorado, YFT and 40# Wahoo with live rigged bait. The quality isn't as good as the Talica, but for the price you can easily purchase line/rod for it. the reel does scratch pretty easily, but in my opinion it gives it character. Just make sure to clean after usage.
ProsGreat price and quality. Just picked a 16 for my trips.
ConsScratches very easily.
By Nathan
NC
Great Reel!
December 13, 2020
For the price you can't really ask for more on a lever drag reel! Pretty much a talica as far as components go.
By updateCategoryParent
California
Cabo Special
November 1, 2020
Didn’t want to spend too much money on a reel I would use while traveling to Cabo San Lucas. Reel worked flawlessly at price range.
By Skip
Lantana, TX
Best in Class
October 10, 2020
Matched a speedmaster 12 with a Shimano Terez rod. Caught Groupers, Cobia, snapper, and sharks and this reel stopped them in their tracks. The reel is smooth, drag is super strong. Shimano quality throughout. For the price, you can’t find a better reel.
ProsSmooth, strong drag. 2-speed is easy to switch and definitely worth having. Exceptional quality. Great price.
ConsNone
By Wayne
Florida
Nice reel however, side plates/covers are very soft
August 11, 2020
Great reel and I have landed some big fish (200#+) however, if you want it to look good for long, you have to baby it. The side plates/covers are soft plastic that scratches and dings easily. My reel is months old and looks worse than my 4-year old Squall
ProsNice, light, heavy duty, everything I want in a reel except the side covers.
ConsEasy to scratch and ding due to soft plastic parts
By Angel J.
Sinaloa, MX
Great looks, feels tough.
July 31, 2020
Haven’t have the chance to tray it yet, but the reel feels so good and very well made, great choice for not the price of a talica reel but same specs.
Good for the shimano guys.
Good for the shimano guys.
ProsPrice
Quality
Looks
Feels
Size
Weight
ConsNone
By Ovi
NC
Great reel!
July 30, 2020
Using this reel for snapper and grouper fishing. Amazing power from such a small reel.
By Wayne
Bradenton
A delicate little flower
July 19, 2020
I’ve been using mine for less than six months and it looks worse than any of my other reels, some of which are five years old. The plastic parts are very soft and just don’t take any rough treatment. If you like your gear looking good, you will have to treat it as a delicate little flower.
ProsStrong, smooth.
ConsSoft plastic parts
By Lee
Miami, FL
Great reel to jave
July 13, 2020
I recently completed a Dry Tortugas Trip. I primary used this Shimano Speedmaster II (16) during this trip. I used a 65lb braid with a 100yd Top shot of 80lb Mono. Was a able to fight with a sandbar shark, believed to be around 10 ft long. Also used this reel to catch 20 LB Mutton and Red Snappers at about 270ft depth. Also brought up some Grouper With ease as well. During all times the reel worked like a charm. Excellent Drag and easy operability. No complaints at all.
By Daniel
Boston
Little tow
July 12, 2020
Compact ,Light and strong,
By John M.
Gardena ,California
Awesome Reels
July 11, 2020
Shimano packed there technology from the Talicas and Trinidads into the speedmaster at a better price point. It has 40 plus pounds of drag more then any other reel at the same price point on the market. They have become my favorite reels. I own many different brands of reels but seem to fish speedmasters more then the other reels.They have become my go to reels as of now. Small,smooth and powerful.
ProsCan be fished light or heavy because of the 40lb + pounds of drag.
Comes with two drag cams one for mono and one for fishing braid.
Price point.
ConsNone at this time.
By Michael
San diego, CA
Absolute tank!
May 25, 2020
Picked up the 12 right when they got released and this thing has been my all around work horse! super smooth drag, great line capacity, holds a lot of line and has plenty of drag that you can put some serious hurtin on some fish
By Ferd
Brooklyn, NY
GREAT REEL FOR A GREAT PRICE!!!!
April 16, 2020
Excellent Reel and even a more excellent price! Can't wait to use it! Going to get a couple more! Heavier, and slower in winding speed than the Talica IIs
ProsExcellent reel, great construction, great drag!
ConsA tad heavier in weight and slower in winding speed, than their Talica II cousins!
24 Questions &
24 Answers
Ben
from New hamburger asked:
November 3, 2019
Would this reel be too big on a northeast teramar 6ft6in heavy rod for tautog
1 Answer
The speedmaster would be to much of a reel for tog. You may be better off going with the Torium star drag
Submitted by:
Bernie De Graaf
on November 4, 2019
Gabriel Cruz
from Pomona, Ca. asked:
October 1, 2019
Hi I fish tuna up to 100 pounds give or take we feel size will be best for me , the 12 or 16 speedmaster ?
1 Answer
Hello Gabriel, the 16 is going to give you a little more line capacity. That's the only reel difference is the line capacity.
Submitted by:
Bernie De Graaf
on October 3, 2019
Mario Sison
from San Diego, CA asked:
July 10, 2019
Do they come with left hand
1 Answer
Unfortunately, it does not.
Submitted by:
Ethan
on July 13, 2019
Jay
from fort lauderdale asked:
July 10, 2019
How many yards of 20lb mono does it hold?
1 Answer
20lb/350yds for the 12 size
20lb/440yds for the 16 size
Submitted by:
Ethan
on August 10, 2019
Chapito
from Oxnard asked:
December 7, 2020
Looking to buy the speed master 16 and love to use mono if I change the lever for the one for mono would it change the drag on the speed master and do I have to change it or can I keep the braid lever on for mono? Plz help
1 Answer
We would recommend that you change the Drag Cam for Monofilament use, this mono cam just ensures a less agressive drag curve, although shimano does not release specs with this Mono Cam i would believe that the max drag specs would be slightly less than the original drag cam
Submitted by:
TackleDirect Customer Service
on December 16, 2020
michael s
from fl asked:
October 28, 2020
i was looking into this reel and i had a couple of questions about it, i have heard that the side plates are weak if this is true i would like to know if they are replaceable, also i want to use this reel for snook'
tarpoon, mahimahi, tuna, and sometimes sharks out of florida would this be a good reel for this and if not could you give me some suggestions i'm looking for a cheap conventinal that will last a while and supply a decent amount of line and drag tha
1 Answer
This reel would perform wonderfully for the fishing applications you wish to achieve. We do not sell Shimano reel parts however almost any part they make is available here:
Fishshop.shimano.com
If this is not the reel for you I would recommend switching down to a Penn Fathom 2speed reel
Submitted by:
Alex T
on October 28, 2020
Mike D
from NJ asked:
April 27, 2020
What Terez rod would pair well with the speed master 25 for offshore trolling for tuna and mahi and maybe some sharking.
1 Answer
The Shimano Terez 7'0" Heavy would be a great fit for the Shimano Speedmaster 25.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on April 28, 2020
Mark
from Boston, MA asked:
April 27, 2020
I'm looking for a new reel for my 20-40# class rod that I mainly use for stripers and blues.. trolling and live lining.
Do you recommend the 12 or 16 size reel?
I have larger reels but feel that are a bit heavy for this rod.
1 Answer
I would go with the 16 size strictly to improve your trolling capabilities. This will also give you some extra power as well.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on April 28, 2020
Brent
from Freetown Ma asked:
April 24, 2020
Would this real be good for Striped bass trolling and bottom fishing for a cod haddock in New England and occasionally tuna fishing
1 Answer
The Shimano Speedmaster II is one of the most capable reels on the market and will work for all styles of fishing you have listed, and many more.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on April 24, 2020
Jason
from Tampa Bay asked:
April 19, 2020
Would you recommend the 12 or 16 size for bottom fishing snapper/grouper in the Gulf of Mexico?
2 Answers
The 12 and 16 are essentially the same reel, with the 12 featuring a slightly narrower spool. If the 12 holds enough line for you, that would be the one to go with.
Submitted by:
Brian
on April 20, 2020
These two reels are essentially the same with the 12 having a slightly narrower spool. Only reason to go with the 16 for your application would be if you prefer more line capacity.
Submitted by:
Brian
on April 20, 2020
Matthew
from Tampa, FL asked:
April 6, 2020
I just brought a teraz 7 ft 20/50 rod is the 20 good for this rod I will be fishing for grouper and red snapper.
1 Answer
We would recommend the 12II, would pair best with that model Terez rod. Has plenty of power and line capacity for snapper and grouper.
Submitted by:
Brian
on April 6, 2020
Justin
from San Diego asked:
April 4, 2020
What is a good rod for the speed master 12. Will be doing offshore fishing for yellowtail and blue fin in Southern California. Looking for a longer rod to cast irons.
1 Answer
Check out a Phenix Abyss:
https://www.tackledirect.com/phenix-psx-808-abyss-saltwater-offshore-conventional-rod.html
Submitted by:
Brian
on April 7, 2020
Alan
from Sf Bay Area, California asked:
April 2, 2020
Hello,
Thinking about getting the 16 for trolling for salmon (2.513lb sinker ball, no release), and bottom fishing for rockcod. I also want to drift for halibut. Can you recommend any rods to pair?
1 Answer
The Shimano Speedmaster II would match up great with a Shimano Terez Conventional rod. (https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-terez-conventional-fishing-rods.html)
These are high quality and durable rods that will bring the fight with them every time. I would stay on the shorter and stiffer side. I wouldn't go any longer than 7'2" and no less than a medium-heavy Power rating. A stiff rod is important for bringing large bottom fish such as Cod and Halibut off the bottom.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on April 3, 2020
Joe
from Redlands, California asked:
March 20, 2020
What would be some comparable left hand reels
1 Answer
Comparable to the Shimano SpeedMaster II Lever Drag Reel isthe Avet SX 2-Speed Lever Drag Casting Reel. This reel offers similar 2-Speedcapabilities while providing room for an almost identical line capacity.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on March 21, 2020
Wes
from Mass asked:
March 20, 2020
Any thoughts about using one as a kite reel? Thank you.
1 Answer
The Shimano SpeedMaster IIis commonly used as a kite reel. It is extremely popular in the sailfish gameand is well suited for kite fishing.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on March 21, 2020
douglas sells
from North Carolina asked:
March 20, 2020
Size of speedmaster 16 compared to penn 60ld 2 spd in width & height.
1 Answer
The Shimano SpeedMaster 16 II has a spool widthof 3-3/4”, a total width of 7-1/4”, and a height of 3”. The Penn Fathom 60LDhas a spool width of 4”, a total width of 7”, and a height of 3-1/2”.
Submitted by:
Sydney
on March 21, 2020
Nick
from South jersey asked:
March 19, 2020
Was looking to get a pair of 20s with 65lb braid, to be used for trolling or junking offshore. What rod would you pair with these reels?
1 Answer
These new Speedmaster reels would be a great option for trolling and chunking. Here are a few options for rods:
https://www.tackledirect.com/tackledirect-tdps603050sin-platinum-hook-rod.html
https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-tlc59xhsbbla-tallus-trolling-slick-butt-ring-guided-rod.html
Submitted by:
Brian
on March 20, 2020
Albefishing
from Clermont fl asked:
February 29, 2020
What are the gears made out of?
1 Answer
The Speedmaster II Lever Drag reels feature brass gears.
Submitted by:
Brian
on March 13, 2020
Tony
from Western Azeuro peninsula Panama asked:
February 28, 2020
What rod would you suggest for the SPM25II?
I plan on using it on the Pacific coast of Panama.
Chris
from Oradell, NJ asked:
February 27, 2020
Is this a good reel for Tile fishing in depths of 400-800 feet of water? If so, which model would you recommend for 80lb braid? The SPM16II or SPM20II?
1 Answer
We would recommend the 16 over the 20 and would also recommend dropping down from 80lb unless you are going with a thinner diameter braid like maxcuatro or similar. 50lb or 65lb would be best, thinner the diameter the less resistance and ultimately less scope in your line.
Submitted by:
Brian
on March 9, 2020
Pete
from Atlanta, GA asked:
February 26, 2020
is this reel made of primary plastic or aluminum?
1 Answer
The new series of Shimano Speedmaster reels with the lever drag feature an all metal frame.
Submitted by:
Brian
on March 9, 2020
Jorge Macenas
from Manila Philippines asked:
February 20, 2020
Speed master looks like a very good reel. Do you have Left hand model?
1 Answer
The SpeedMaster is a great reel but unfortunately only comes in right hand.
Submitted by:
Rebecca Redington
on February 24, 2020
Cody
from Texas asked:
January 13, 2020
If I Purchase reels from yall can yall spool them?
1 Answer
Cody,
Yes, we can absolutely spool them up for you prior to shipping. Mono would be free, just include a note in the comments section when ordering online. If you are looking for braid, just add that to the order along with a note and we will handle the mono backing and topshot as needed. You can also call in to order in case you have some specific spooling instructions you would like to go over with us.
Submitted by:
Brian
on January 14, 2020
Rj Adams
from Orlando, Florida asked:
July 15, 2019
What would be a good rod to pair with this beast for some light trolling & bottom fishing.
1 Answer
Tackle Direct Silver Hook 20-40.
TDSSUT661MHSB
TDA-0266
Submitted by:
CHARLES
on July 16, 2019
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