Two-Speed Control for Trolling, Jigging & Bottom Fishing
From working baits over bottom structure to trolling offshore, changing conditions can demand both fast line pickup and added cranking power. The Shimano SpeedMaster II Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel gives saltwater anglers two gear ratios, lever-drag control and model sizes suited to applications ranging from nearshore and bottom fishing to jigging and offshore trolling.
Built Around Versatile Saltwater Fishing Applications
- ✅ Two-speed gearing lets you use high gear for fast line pickup and shift into low gear when added torque is useful during a fight
- ✅ Shimano identifies the compact 8II and 10II models for bottom fishing and nearshore applications
- ✅ The broader SpeedMaster II platform covers saltwater applications including bottom fishing, jigging and trolling
- ✅ Rigid HAGANE Body helps limit body flex and maintain alignment of internal components under heavy loads
- ✅ Cross Carbon Drag provides smooth drag performance with an adjustable lever-drag system for controlling pressure during the fight
- ✅ Super Free Spool reduces friction on the spool shaft, supporting efficient free-spool and casting performance
- ✅ Shielded S A-RB bearings help reduce the chance of salt or sand interfering with bearing rotation
| Model |
Gear Ratio High / Low |
Max Drag |
Weight |
PowerPro Capacity (lb-yd) |
Retrieve High / Low |
| SPM8II |
6.2:1 / 4.1:1 |
18 lb |
18.5 oz |
30-560, 40-440, 50-370 |
38 / 25 in |
| SPM10II |
6.2:1 / 4.1:1 |
18 lb |
19 oz |
40-520, 50-440, 65-320 |
38 / 25 in |
| SPM12II |
5.7:1 / 3.1:1 |
40 lb |
25.7 oz |
50-580, 65-400, 80-355 |
42 / 23 in |
| SPM16II |
5.7:1 / 3.1:1 |
40 lb |
26.5 oz |
50-750, 65-550, 80-450 |
42 / 23 in |
| SPM20II |
5.2:1 / 2.3:1 |
44 lb |
34.6 oz |
65-725, 80-575, 100-490 |
47 / 21 in |
| SPM25II |
5.2:1 / 2.3:1 |
44 lb |
36.2 oz |
65-900, 80-730, 100-620 |
47 / 21 in |
Real-World Performance
Use high gear when you need to pick up line quickly while jigging, checking a bait or staying tight to a moving fish, then shift into low gear when the fight calls for more cranking torque. The range of sizes lets you match the SpeedMaster II to the job, from compact nearshore and bottom-fishing setups to higher-capacity offshore trolling and deep-water applications.
Match the Reel to the Water and the Way You Fish
Choose the SpeedMaster II size that provides the line capacity, drag and gearing your saltwater setup needs, then put its two-speed system to work when the application changes from line pickup to pulling power.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano SpeedMaster II
What fishing applications is the Shimano SpeedMaster II suited for?
The SpeedMaster II is a saltwater conventional reel suited to applications including bottom fishing, jigging and trolling. Shimano specifically identifies the smaller 8II and 10II sizes for bottom fishing and nearshore use.
Why use a two-speed reel for bottom fishing or offshore fishing?
Two-speed gearing gives you a faster ratio for retrieving line and a lower ratio for increased cranking torque. That lets you change the reel's mechanical advantage as the fishing situation or fight changes.
Which SpeedMaster II size should I choose?
Match the model to the line capacity, drag and gearing required by your intended application. The 8II and 10II are the most compact models with 18 pounds of maximum drag, while the 12II through 25II provide progressively greater capacity and up to 40 or 44 pounds of maximum drag.
Can I fish monofilament on the SpeedMaster II?
Yes. All models publish monofilament line capacities, and Shimano specifies that the 20II and 25II include a spare drag cam for optimized performance when fishing monofilament line.
How do high and low gear change across the SpeedMaster II lineup?
The 8II and 10II use 6.2:1/4.1:1 gearing, the 12II and 16II use 5.7:1/3.1:1, and the 20II and 25II use 5.2:1/2.3:1. This gives each size class a different balance of line pickup and low-gear mechanical advantage.
