Shimano Conventional Reels: Lever-Drag, Star-Drag and Jigging Buying Guide (2025–2026)
Review method: Researched editorial buying analysis based on Shimano's US store (fishshop.shimano.com), Shimano press releases, dated magazine coverage and retailer specification sheets — not personal field testing. Shimano's US store omits maximum drag and line per crank for many conventional reels; where we use the 2020 Shimano catalog or a retailer, we say so.
← Conventional Reels Directory · Feature table · Model specifications · 2025–2026 updates · Company overview · New reels · Flagship · Value lines
Shimano Conventional Reels — features in separate columns
Shimano groups its conventional reels into lever drag (Tiagra, Talica, Ocea Jigger LD/CT, Speedmaster II, TLD II, Tyrnos II) and star drag (Trinidad, Torium, Tekota). Most share HAGANE metal bodies and Cross Carbon Drag.
| Family | Role | Drag type | Speeds | Body | Max drag | Bearings | Price range | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ocea Jigger CT | Jigging with digital line counter | Lever | 1 | HAGANE metal | 26–29 lb (store) | 7+1 | $829.99–$849.99 | July 2026 |
| Talica II A | Tuna, billfish, stand-up | Lever | 2 | HAGANE metal | Up to 66 lb (40/50) | 6–7 | $659.99–$1,259.99 | 40/50 sizes 2025 |
| Torium Jigging Special | Budget slow-pitch and vertical jigging | Lever (disputed) | 1 | HAGANE metal | 15–33 lb (retailer) | 3+1 | $299.99–$309.99 | 2025 |
| Ocea Jigger LD | Slow-pitch and speed jigging | Lever | 1 | HAGANE metal | 44 lb | 8+1 | $649.99 | 2024 |
| Tiagra A | Big-game trolling | Lever | 1–2 | Metal | Not on store | 4–6 | $699.99–$1,519.99 | Long-running |
| Talica / Talica 20 BFC | Casting, pitch-baiting, billfish | Lever | 1–2 | HAGANE metal | 20–40 lb (2020 catalog) | 6 | $524.99–$814.99 | Not found |
| Trinidad A | Premium star drag, live bait | Star | 1 | HAGANE metal | 17–25 lb (retailer) | 8+1 | $544.99–$584.99 | Not found |
| Speedmaster II | Value offshore lever | Lever | 1–2 | HAGANE metal | Not found | 4 | $264.99–$404.99 | Not found |
| Torium A | Live bait and bottom | Star | 1 | HAGANE metal | Not found | 3+1 / 4+1 | $279.99–$419.99 | Not found |
| TLD II A, Tyrnos II, Tekota A | Trolling and level wind | Lever / star LW | 1–2 | Graphite / metal | Not found | 3+1 to 4+1 | $254.99–$589.99 | Not found |
Selected exact-model specifications
Shimano US store prices, ratios, weights and bearings; drag and line per crank from the source noted. Capacities are in Shimano's lb-yards format.
| Exact model | Hand | Ratio | Weight | Max drag | Line per crank | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JGCT2000HG / 2001HG | R / L | 6.2:1 | 20.8 oz | 26 lb | 46 in | PowerPro 30-540, 40-420, 50-360 | $829.99 |
| JGCT2500MG / 2501MG | R / L | 5.7:1 | 21.3 oz | 29 lb | Not found | PowerPro 40-560, 50-470, 65-340 | $849.99 |
| TAC40IIA | R | 4.1:1 high | 54.7 oz | 66 lb | 46 in | PowerPro 80-1000, 100-830 | $1,179.99 |
| TOR2000HGA | R | 6.2:1 | 19.6 oz | 24 lb (Mudhole) | 46 in | PowerPro 40-330, 50-280 | $309.99 |
| OCEAJGLD2500HG | R (2501 = L) | 6.2:1 | 24.3 oz | 44 lb | 47 in | PowerPro 40-560, 50-470, 65-340 | $649.99 |
| TI50WA | R | 3.1:1 | 86.2 oz | Not on store | 37 in (2020) | Mono 50-850 | $839.99 |
| TAC20BFC | R | 6.7:1 | 28.1 oz | Not found | 60 in | Mono 20-640, 30-440 | $814.99 |
| TN16A | R | 6.2:1 | 19.4 oz | 25 lb (Tackle Depot) | 46 in | Mono 15-420, 20-300, 25-240 | $564.99 |
| SPM12II | R | 5.7:1 | 25.7 oz | Not found | Not found | Mono 20-350, 25-280, 30-230 | $314.99 |
| TEKOTA 500HG LC A | R (501 = L) | 6.3:1 | 16.4 oz | Not found | Not found | Not pulled | $264.99 |
2025–2026 updates and current generations
2026: Shimano announced the Ocea Jigger CT on 7 July 2026 and showed it at ICAST 2026 — a lever-drag jigging reel with a vertical, backlit LCD line counter, $829.99–$849.99. The press release says “up to 31 lb” of drag; Shimano's store lists 26 lb (HG) and 29 lb (MG).
2025: the two-speed Talica 40II A and 50II A were announced for ICAST 2025 (Saltwater Sportsman, 15 July 2025) with 66 lb maximum drag. The Torium Jigging Special was sold as new for 2025. Talica A prices have risen since launch: $599.99–$1,199.99 quoted in July 2025, $659.99–$1,259.99 in Shimano's store now.
2024: the Ocea Jigger LD lever-drag jigging reel ($649.99) remains the core of Shimano's premium jigging range alongside the older star-drag Ocea Jigger 1500/2000/4000.
Shimano company and conventional-reel overview
Japanese engineering for offshore
Shimano, based in Sakai, Japan, builds conventional reels from the big-game Tiagra to value star-drag and level-wind reels. Shared technologies include the rigid HAGANE metal body, Cross Carbon Drag, HEG and MicroModule gearing, Infinity Drive (which lowers cranking resistance under load), S A-RB corrosion-resistant bearings and X-Protect water resistance.
Shimano is particularly strong in jigging: the Ocea Jigger line, the Torium Jigging Special and the Talica cover slow-pitch, speed jigging and heavy tuna jigging, and the new Ocea Jigger CT adds a built-in digital depth counter.
How to choose
For jigging, choose Ocea Jigger LD or CT (premium) or Torium Jigging Special (budget). For tuna and billfish, the Talica II A two-speed is the modern stand-up and chunking choice and Tiagra the trolling flagship. Trinidad A is Shimano's premium star drag; Torium A is the value star drag. Speedmaster II, TLD II A and Tyrnos II cover affordable lever-drag trolling, and Tekota A is the level-wind trolling reel.
New 2024–2026 Shimano conventional reels
Ocea Jigger CT — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Premium lever-drag jigging reel with a digital line counter.
Read the full Ocea Jigger CT review (181 words)
What is new
The Ocea Jigger CT (announced 7 July 2026, shown at ICAST 2026) adds a vertical LCD line counter with LED backlight to the Ocea Jigger lever-drag platform, so anglers can see exactly where the jig is in the water column. It keeps InfinityDrive, SilentDrive, MicroModule gearing, Cross Carbon Drag, a HAGANE body and S A-RB bearings.
Specifications
7+1 bearings. JGCT2000HG / 2001HG: 6.2:1, 20.8 oz, 26 lb drag, 46 in per crank, PowerPro 30-540 / 40-420 / 50-360, $829.99. JGCT2500HG / 2501HG: 6.2:1, 21.3 oz, 26 lb, 46 in, PowerPro 40-560 / 50-470 / 65-340, $849.99. JGCT2500MG / 2501MG: 5.7:1, 21.3 oz, 29 lb, $849.99. Right- and left-hand versions are available in every size.
Who should buy it
Jigging anglers targeting fish holding at a specific depth — amberjack, tuna, grouper, or fish marked on sonar mid-water. The 2000 suits lighter jigging; the 2500 MG gives more power and drag for heavier jigs.
Verdict
The most technologically advanced Shimano jigging reel. If you do not need the counter, the Ocea Jigger LD offers more drag for $180–$200 less.
Talica II A (2-speed) — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Modern two-speed lever drag for tuna, billfish and stand-up.
Read the full Talica II A (2-speed) review (175 words)
What is new
The Talica II A updated the two-speed Talica with Infinity Drive (Shimano claims up to 40% lighter rotation under drag), Cross Carbon Drag, X-Protect and a HAGANE body; Hooked Up reported that the 20II low gear dropped from 2.3:1 to 1.9:1. The larger 40II A and 50II A arrived for ICAST 2025, extending Talica into heavy stand-up and big-tuna territory.
Specifications
TAC12IIA: 5.7:1, 24.9 oz, 7 bearings, $659.99. TAC25IIA: 5.2:1, 37.7 oz, 6 bearings, $779.99. TAC40IIA: 4.1:1, 54.7 oz, 66 lb, 46 in per crank, $1,179.99. TAC50IIA: 4.1:1, 55.7 oz, 66 lb, PowerPro 80-1200 / 100-990, $1,259.99. All right-hand.
Drag caution
Shimano's store shows 66 lb for every size. That figure is confirmed only for the 40II and 50II; the 2020 catalog lists TAC12II at 40 lb and TAC20II at 44 lb, so we treat 66 lb on the smaller sizes as a page error.
Verdict
A compact, high-drag two-speed that competes with Accurate Valiant 2 and Avet Raptor; the 40II/50II are a strong alternative to bulkier trolling reels for stand-up tuna.
Official Talica II A (2-speed) specifications · Back to comparison
Torium Jigging Special — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Budget jigging reel.
Read the full Torium Jigging Special review (116 words)
What it is
Sold as new for 2025, the Torium Jigging Special adapts the Torium to vertical and slow-pitch jigging with a HAGANE body, Cross Carbon Drag, S A-RB bearings, S-Compact body, spool lock and auto-clutch. Shimano files it under lever drag; one retailer calls it star drag — check the reel before buying if the drag type matters to you.
Specifications
3+1 bearings, right-hand. TOR1500HGA: 6.3:1, 15.3 oz, 15 lb, 38 in, $299.99. TOR2000HGA: 6.2:1, 19.6 oz, 24 lb, 46 in, $309.99. TOR2000PGA: 4.6:1, 19.4 oz, 33 lb, 34 in, $309.99. Drag and line-per-crank figures are from retailer Mudhole.
Verdict
The cheapest way into Shimano jigging; the PG version is the choice for slow-pitch power.
Official Torium Jigging Special specifications · Back to comparison
Ocea Jigger LD — detailed review
Buying role: Premium lever-drag jigging reel.
Read the full Ocea Jigger LD review (63 words)
Specifications
8+1 bearings, 44 lb maximum drag, PowerPro 40-560 / 50-470 / 65-340, $649.99. OCEAJGLD2500HG / 2501HG: 6.2:1, 24.3 oz, 47 in per crank. OCEAJGLD2500MG / 2501MG: 5.7:1, 24.3 oz. Infinity Drive, X-Protect, HAGANE body, S-Compact and Cross Carbon Drag.
Verdict
A powerful, smooth jigging reel with more drag than the CT. The 2024 date comes from Shimano's product code and retailer labels.
Shimano flagship and premium conventional reels
Tiagra A — detailed review
Buying role: Shimano's big-game trolling flagship.
Read the full Tiagra A review (70 words)
Specifications
All right-hand. TI30A: 3.9:1, 52.4 oz, 4 bearings, mono 30-700, $719.99. TI50WA: 3.1:1, 86.2 oz, mono 50-850, $839.99. TI80WA: 2.5:1, 115.2 oz, mono 80-950, $1,049.99. TI130A: 2.1:1, 174.1 oz, 6 bearings, mono 130-1000, $1,519.99. The current store omits drag; the 2020 catalog listed 35 lb (TI30A) and 88 lb (TI130A), probably at strike.
Verdict
A long-established IGFA-class trolling reel for marlin and tuna; heavy, but proven in charter use.
Talica and Talica 20 BFC — detailed review
Buying role: Compact single-speed lever drag and the billfish casting reel.
Read the full Talica and Talica 20 BFC review (82 words)
Specifications
6 bearings, right-hand. TAC8: 6.2:1, 15.9 oz, $524.99. TAC10II (two-speed): 6.2:1, 18.6 oz, $619.99. TAC16: 5.7:1, 23.6 oz, $564.99. The 2020 catalog gives 20 lb and 38 in for 8/10 and 40 lb and 41 in for 12/16. TAC20BFC (Billfish Concept): 6.7:1, 28.1 oz, 60 in per crank, mono 20-640 / 30-440, $814.99, designed for pitch-baiting with very low drag at strike.
Verdict
Compact reels for casting baits and pitch-baiting sailfish; the BFC's 60 in retrieve is exceptional for billfish tournaments.
Official Talica and Talica 20 BFC specifications · Back to comparison
Trinidad A — detailed review
Buying role: Premium star-drag reel for live bait and jigging.
Read the full Trinidad A review (62 words)
Specifications
8+1 bearings, right-hand. TN12A: 6.3:1, 13.9 oz, 17 lb, 38 in, $544.99. TN16A: 6.2:1, 19.4 oz, 25 lb, 46 in, $564.99. TN30A: 6.2:1, 20.5 oz, 25 lb, 46 in, $584.99. Drag and retrieve from Canadian retailer Tackle Depot. HAGANE, HEG, Cross Carbon Drag, Super Free Spool and X-Ship.
Verdict
A refined star drag favored for West Coast long-range and live-bait fishing.
Shimano value and trolling conventional reels
Speedmaster II — detailed review
Buying role: Affordable lever drag for tuna and offshore.
Read the full Speedmaster II review (57 words)
Specifications
4 bearings, right-hand. SPM8II: 6.2:1, 18.5 oz, $264.99. SPM12II: 5.7:1, 25.7 oz, $314.99. SPM25II: 5.2:1, 36.2 oz, $404.99; larger sizes are two-speed. Cross Carbon Drag, CoreProtect, HAGANE and Super Free Spool; the 20II and 25II get an extra mono drag cam. Shimano does not list maximum drag.
Verdict
The value route to a Shimano lever drag.
Torium A — detailed review
Buying role: Value star drag for live bait and bottom fishing.
Read the full Torium A review (66 words)
Specifications
TORIUM 16HG A / AL (right / left): 6.2:1, 18.9 oz, 3+1 bearings, mono 16-450, $289.99. TORIUM 30HG A: 6.2:1, 19.8 oz, $309.99. TORIUM 50HG A: 5.1:1, 29.8 oz, 4+1 bearings, mono 50-470, $419.99. Drag not listed. Shimano's store repeats the 16-size capacity for the 20PG and 30PG, probably a copy error.
Verdict
A tough, simple star drag; the left-hand 16 is useful for jigging.
TLD II A, Tyrnos II and Tekota A — detailed review
Buying role: Trolling lever drags and level-wind trolling reels.
Read the full TLD II A, Tyrnos II and Tekota A review (128 words)
TLD II A and Tyrnos II
TLD II A is a graphite two-speed trolling reel: TLD 20II A 4.0:1, 36.2 oz, $389.99; TLD 30II A 4.0:1, 37.5 oz, mono 30-600, $399.99; TLD 50II A 3.5:1, 57.3 oz, $499.99. Tyrnos II is the metal-bodied two-speed: 20II 5.0:1, 39.2 oz, $479.99; 30II 40.9 oz, $489.99; 50IILRS 4.0:1, 57.4 oz, $589.99.
Tekota A
Level-wind star drag with optional line counter: TEKOTA 500HG LC A 6.3:1, 16.4 oz, $264.99 (501 = left); 600HG A $274.99; 800PGLC A 3.9:1, 30.7 oz, 4+1 bearings, $344.99. A smaller Tekota A 300–400 costs $254.99. The Charter Special lever drag ($184.99) is Shimano's budget trolling option.
Verdict
Tekota A is the pick for downrigger and lead-core trolling; TLD II A and Tyrnos II are affordable big-trolling reels.
Official TLD II A, Tyrnos II and Tekota A specifications · Back to comparison
Official sources
Prices and most specifications from fishshop.shimano.com (checked 6 October 2026). Drag figures marked from the 2020 Shimano catalog, Mudhole or Tackle Depot.
- Shimano US conventional reels — official store
- Shimano news — Talica 40II / 50II
- Saltwater Sportsman — Talica 40II (July 2025)
- On The Water — ICAST 2026 saltwater reels
- Hooked Up — Talica II A review
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