I bought a 20 sized and slapped 100lb hollow core on it and used it as a budget West Coast Tuna rod. The damn thing held. I caught about 140lb off the coast of Baja California. The drag on these reels are comparable to the Talica and about $300 dollars cheaper. My only complaint would be that egg shaped handle. With the fight that tuna was putting up, I wish I had a longer handle for more leverage and torque. Tight lines 🤙🏼
I had the same issue with the rod twist and ended up putting the power handle on it making it much easier to handle big fish. I have the SP 12 spooled with 50 lb pandera braid and a 50 yard top shot of ande mono. The 12 can handle school bluefin tuna in the 80 - 100 lb range
Thanks for the review. I bought the same reel about 2 weeks ago for a 60# bluefin setup and haven't had the chance to use it yet. I had some concerns about longevity but after watching your review, I think I made a good purchase.
You are going to love the reel. I always store my reel with the free spool engaged as well and I wish I mentioned that in the video. The only reason I would sell it would be if they made a left hand model. Take my money. Haha.
@@ericwilliamsfishing My original intent was to buy another Penn Fathom Lever Drag but Penn revised the model and I didn't like it as much as the old model. The Speedmaster was in the display case so I took a look at it. I really didn't know much about it when I bought it. I have other Shimano lever drag reels that are reliable so I figured the Speedmaster would be pretty good.
Purchased a 10 2speed yesterday to use as surf fishing. ..12ft rod, 6oz sinker, 80lb braid (got about 200yds on it)...Cast it out 50-60 yds...Got 2ft saltwater catfish X2 (strong fighters)..Tested the low+high gear,and it goes great.
@ericwilliamsfishing I really want to get an 8 or 10ii for inshore light jigging. We do a lot of black seabass around Block Island, RI in 30-90 feet. 8 seems ideal for palm sized comfort and the 10 is a little wider. Hard to choose an 8 over a 10 for such a small additional price increase. Have you tried the smaller ones yet?
Got a speed master 16 that i found had fell out of a car still worked good other day setup fell in saltwater sunk maybe 15 feet lost hope left came back 2 days later (today) washed off the reel a bit it sound kind of rough but thinking its gonna work just fine will keep this comment updated when i test it oit
I live in Japan, theres target fish call ishigaki and ishidai (knife jaw) . your fishing pretty much rocky bottom and fishing off a cliff under water. the drag is a must for a straight up power fight. the piers too. wish there were more heavy drag small reels out there.
I had that reel in 16 size for the last 2 years and it is keeping like new even though I use it almost every week end especially now in snapper season, it paired with star rod boat plasma II 7.2 30-50. two weeks ago I was so tired of the twist and the awkwardness reeling under big pressure that I felt like giving up conventional all together for bottom fishing and only use saragosas and was on the edge of getting a new spinning set up for bottom fishing but last week end I got seriously hooked first with a 4 feet shark with hook in the side fin then with a 5 feet shark and thought later about how easily I brought them up in low gear was almost effortless compared with the previous week end hooked on 4 feet shark with the saragosa 8000 and having to pump it up in a struggle. So I changed my mind again and now I want to go with both set up in speedmaster but this time I will go with the 12 that is same size but narrower and a spiral guides rod and that combination should decrease the twist a lot. Haven't decided on the rod, searching for a 6'6" that can handle 12Oz weight due to high current outside Miami. Trevallas (have a few) are good enough for me but cannot find size/power ratio I need so might have to go with the Terez 6'6" extra heavy (2019 model but already X wrap and all blabla). I am firm on 6'6" one might wonder that's because I don't want to install those rod grommet in my T-top haha to be noted to potential buyer of new reel that a spare drag handle comes in the box that is slightly different than the one fitted on the reel, this was a design adopted from the talica specifically made for more progressive drag pressure to handle sailfish so as to not put too much pressure to fast and have a wider range of low drag. thanks for honest review and nice vid shots
I have been thinking about taking my guides off of the top three rings of my rod and acid wrapping them myself. That’s really my only complaint. That 12 will be perfect for a jigging reel.
@@ericwilliamsfishing I went with 12 size and the rolling is significantly less, same drag and gear ratio just less width for little smaller capacity but still plenty plenty for bottom fishing. Now have 2 bottom set up with 12 on terez 6.6 XXH. I can fish with 24oz when wind or current strong and too lazy to deploy floating anchor. The 16 I kept and now bought a second one to troll feather lures for blackfin and mahi and that turns out really great. Kept 3 tyrnos for bigger trolling lures to complete the spread but it's heavy gear so I really enjoy trolling with the 16's. Spooled the trolling 16's with about 200yards of 50lbs braid and 150yards of 40Lbs mono and they are mounted on terez 6.6 XH. originally I tried to troll with the 12 spooled with braid that i use for bottom fishing and do everything with same setup but too many tangles, trolling requires mono at least final 100 yards.
I was recommended this one and spent $300 on it. I know I can’t get much back out of it but I also can’t sink anther $300 in a new one right now. I’d love to but I just can’t.
Getting a rod with a spiraled blank greatly reduces that rod twist when fighting a fish. There are a lot of options but I’ve stuck with the ugly stik tiger elite jigging rods. Nice strong durable rod that won’t break the bank. I always tend to put more money towards my reels then rods anyway.
I would have gone that route if I knew better at the time. If I hadn’t invested $300 in this one - I’d jump on it. I have another spiral wrapped rod and it is so much better.
I personally prefer spinning reels for bottom fishing. And conventional reel for trolling. I keep the conventional reel in the rod holder while reeling a fish. Is more stable and helps with my lower back. Shimano makes awesome reels.
I agree that the new Saragossa's are more than capable to do all types of bottom fishing but my next setup will be a left handed conventional because they just pack such a punch with that drag system. I keep both of them on the boat at all times though!
@@ericwilliamsfishing It was dropped in saltwater. We sprayed it down with freshwater & about a month later i fished it and caught about a 10 foot nurse shark. Reel worked like new hope it continues to work like this.
@@ericwilliamsfishingI’d strip it anyway! thinking about getting one of these! I just bought a daiwa sealine to replace my old tld star 20/40 and it’s great so far! it’s definitely a worthy replacement for the ol shimano, but the novelty of 2 speed and the lever is a luxury offshore
@@ericwilliamsfishing Me too. Bought it yesterday and unlike most review I’ve seen, I bought it for land based fishing with an FSU 4120 blank. Love the size/ line capacity/ weight balance. Going to take a bit of practice casting it though but hey, I’m an age pensioner staying at a tropical beach so no problem. I feel this will be a great set up for rock fishing too, especially with the power available in the drag. Oh, and I settled on the 12 size. I’ll swap out the drag cam today as I spooled it with 20lb mono. Will post a progress report in a few days. It may help anyone else who’s land based and mainly interested in casting. Thanks for your review. It helped me heaps. Oh, and I arrived at looking at the Speedmaster reels after recently purchasing a couple of the 10 foot overhead Speedmaster rods to pair with a couple of Abu 6000 reels I’ve had for years. Was impressed with them after buying them sight unseen online. Rods like that are Very hard to find in shops.
Hi. Just purchased 2 x new 8’s for trolling. How do you set this reel up for trolling? I’ve never used lever drags, tips/links for how best to use this drag? And, tips for cleaning and maintenance? How do you engage free spool (during non use storage)? Cameron
I’m not a troller so I’m the wrong person to ask about this. My setup is for grouper. I leave it in free spool whenever it’s not on the boat. I spray down with a freshwater hose after every use. It’s a great reel and will work perfect for what you bought them for.
Great info! I’ve had my eye on these as I am looking for a reel specifically for grouper and Amberjacks. My spinning outfit can get the smaller AJ’s I’m but I can’t keep the big ones out of the reef. What power rod do you have yours on? I’m thinking of extra heavy just to be sure I’ve got the backbone for the bigger AJ’s and grouper. Or do you think that would be too stiff for a 16 like yours?
Do you find you wish you had found the 12ii instead of the 16ii due to the size? Capacity is still more than enough on the smaller reel with the same line retrieve and drag ratings
Yes sir. I jumped on the 16 because of the $200 used price tag but if I could get the same reel in smaller, I would. If they made a left hand model, I'd sell both of them to get it.
@@ericwilliamsfishing give it time, the right handedness of a conventional will get that natural feel and you'll have the best of both worlds! One thing I'd potential suggest is look in to getting a custom rod made with acid wrapped guides, it will drastically reduce the "side wobble" while cranking as it does a better job of keeping the pressure straight up and down like a spinning rod.
Its a poor mans talica. The reason the reel is squerling all over the place is for two reasons. 1 is its far too wide and heavy. 2 he should have his left hand holding the left hand plate, with the rod tucked directly under the armpit.
I bought a 20 sized and slapped 100lb hollow core on it and used it as a budget West Coast Tuna rod. The damn thing held. I caught about 140lb off the coast of Baja California. The drag on these reels are comparable to the Talica and about $300 dollars cheaper. My only complaint would be that egg shaped handle. With the fight that tuna was putting up, I wish I had a longer handle for more leverage and torque. Tight lines 🤙🏼
Thanks for adding in your experience. There isn’t a more smooth reel in this budget, on the market. I’m glad you have had such good luck with it too!
I had the same issue with the rod twist and ended up putting the power handle on it making it much easier to handle big fish. I have the SP 12 spooled with 50 lb pandera braid and a 50 yard top shot of ande mono. The 12 can handle school bluefin tuna in the 80 - 100 lb range
That’s awesome to hear. It’s basically the same reel as the 16 but more ergonomic. I’m glad you figured that little trick out and thanks for sharing.
Link for power handle please?
Link for power handle please?
Thanks for the awesome descriptive review my man. Many blessings 🙏🏽
I appreciate that, Jonathan. Good luck if you decide to purchase one.
I'm new to overhead reels and found this clip excellent 😊. Thanks mate 👍
Thank you buddy. I hope you enjoy whatever you decide to buy.
Thanks for the unbiased review of the Shimano Eric, well done!
No problem buddy. I appreciate when others create them too.
Thanks for the review. I bought the same reel about 2 weeks ago for a 60# bluefin setup and haven't had the chance to use it yet. I had some concerns about longevity but after watching your review, I think I made a good purchase.
You are going to love the reel. I always store my reel with the free spool engaged as well and I wish I mentioned that in the video. The only reason I would sell it would be if they made a left hand model. Take my money. Haha.
@@ericwilliamsfishing My original intent was to buy another Penn Fathom Lever Drag but Penn revised the model and I didn't like it as much as the old model. The Speedmaster was in the display case so I took a look at it. I really didn't know much about it when I bought it. I have other Shimano lever drag reels that are reliable so I figured the Speedmaster would be pretty good.
@@socaloutdoors951 man it’s done better than I could have hoped. I hope you love it too.
@@socaloutdoors951 I love mine buddy and I think you will too.
Purchased a 10 2speed yesterday to use as surf fishing. ..12ft rod, 6oz sinker, 80lb braid (got about 200yds on it)...Cast it out 50-60 yds...Got 2ft saltwater catfish X2 (strong fighters)..Tested the low+high gear,and it goes great.
I love that. There isn't a fish in the surf other than big sharks that will test the capability of that reel. Best of Luck!
Love my 20ii. Nice light trolling and jigging rod combo. Low gear winched up big cod like a tractor.
That low gear is a big deal with bottom fishing... Glad you love yours too!
@ericwilliamsfishing I really want to get an 8 or 10ii for inshore light jigging. We do a lot of black seabass around Block Island, RI in 30-90 feet. 8 seems ideal for palm sized comfort and the 10 is a little wider. Hard to choose an 8 over a 10 for such a small additional price increase. Have you tried the smaller ones yet?
@M3hammerdown I haven’t. When I made this video, I think the lowest was the 12.
Best convential i have ever have and its affordable. 16,12 is my togo for tuna and now that we have 10ii cant wait to try them this coming trip
I think it would be even better if they would offer a left handed retrieve. I agree though. It’s a BA little reel.
Sick stuff man!! Love the overlayed footage!
Thanks man! I appreciate it!
thanks for the review! seriously considering purchasing 12..
You will love it buddy.
Good review! I’ve mainly used spinning gear as I don’t have access to a boat and usually fish from the beach.
Understood. This video was for the folks that are considering one. Spinning gear is my preferred way to go.
Got a speed master 16 that i found had fell out of a car still worked good other day setup fell in saltwater sunk maybe 15 feet lost hope left came back 2 days later (today) washed off the reel a bit it sound kind of rough but thinking its gonna work just fine will keep this comment updated when i test it oit
lol. Go ahead and send it to Shimano for new bearings and grease.
I live in Japan, theres target fish call ishigaki and ishidai (knife jaw) . your fishing pretty much rocky bottom and fishing off a cliff under water. the drag is a must for a straight up power fight. the piers too. wish there were more heavy drag small reels out there.
Yeah, this reel does really well for the price tag. Thats pretty cool to hear about how different it is out there.
I had that reel in 16 size for the last 2 years and it is keeping like new even though I use it almost every week end especially now in snapper season, it paired with star rod boat plasma II 7.2 30-50. two weeks ago I was so tired of the twist and the awkwardness reeling under big pressure that I felt like giving up conventional all together for bottom fishing and only use saragosas and was on the edge of getting a new spinning set up for bottom fishing but last week end I got seriously hooked first with a 4 feet shark with hook in the side fin then with a 5 feet shark and thought later about how easily I brought them up in low gear was almost effortless compared with the previous week end hooked on 4 feet shark with the saragosa 8000 and having to pump it up in a struggle. So I changed my mind again and now I want to go with both set up in speedmaster but this time I will go with the 12 that is same size but narrower and a spiral guides rod and that combination should decrease the twist a lot. Haven't decided on the rod, searching for a 6'6" that can handle 12Oz weight due to high current outside Miami. Trevallas (have a few) are good enough for me but cannot find size/power ratio I need so might have to go with the Terez 6'6" extra heavy (2019 model but already X wrap and all blabla). I am firm on 6'6" one might wonder that's because I don't want to install those rod grommet in my T-top haha to be noted to potential buyer of new reel that a spare drag handle comes in the box that is slightly different than the one fitted on the reel, this was a design adopted from the talica specifically made for more progressive drag pressure to handle sailfish so as to not put too much pressure to fast and have a wider range of low drag. thanks for honest review and nice vid shots
I have been thinking about taking my guides off of the top three rings of my rod and acid wrapping them myself. That’s really my only complaint. That 12 will be perfect for a jigging reel.
@@ericwilliamsfishing I went with 12 size and the rolling is significantly less, same drag and gear ratio just less width for little smaller capacity but still plenty plenty for bottom fishing. Now have 2 bottom set up with 12 on terez 6.6 XXH. I can fish with 24oz when wind or current strong and too lazy to deploy floating anchor. The 16 I kept and now bought a second one to troll feather lures for blackfin and mahi and that turns out really great. Kept 3 tyrnos for bigger trolling lures to complete the spread but it's heavy gear so I really enjoy trolling with the 16's. Spooled the trolling 16's with about 200yards of 50lbs braid and 150yards of 40Lbs mono and they are mounted on terez 6.6 XH. originally I tried to troll with the 12 spooled with braid that i use for bottom fishing and do everything with same setup but too many tangles, trolling requires mono at least final 100 yards.
Great review Eric!
Thanks for checking it out!
Have you thought about pairing it up with spiral wrap rod. So much easier of arm and lot less twisting
I was recommended this one and spent $300 on it. I know I can’t get much back out of it but I also can’t sink anther $300 in a new one right now. I’d love to but I just can’t.
Getting a rod with a spiraled blank greatly reduces that rod twist when fighting a fish. There are a lot of options but I’ve stuck with the ugly stik tiger elite jigging rods. Nice strong durable rod that won’t break the bank. I always tend to put more money towards my reels then rods anyway.
I would have gone that route if I knew better at the time. If I hadn’t invested $300 in this one - I’d jump on it. I have another spiral wrapped rod and it is so much better.
I personally prefer spinning reels for bottom fishing. And conventional reel for trolling. I keep the conventional reel in the rod holder while reeling a fish. Is more stable and helps with my lower back.
Shimano makes awesome reels.
I agree that the new Saragossa's are more than capable to do all types of bottom fishing but my next setup will be a left handed conventional because they just pack such a punch with that drag system. I keep both of them on the boat at all times though!
This is how all reel reviews should be.
I appreciate the kind words buddy.
I have been Shimano fan for years and just bought this reel is amazing let’s hook some fish 🎣
Enjoy it brotha! Thats awesome!
Thanks brother actually I’m going out this weekend to the Gulf Stream NC
Great video and thanks for making it!
Good luck if you end up getting one!
Alright I'm not watching anymore videos I'm SOLD take my money ! 😂
Thanks Erick im glad I came across your video. Tight lines!
Lol. That’s why I started with that 😂 affiliate link is in the description.
@ericwilliamsfishing Just bought it yesterday Lol Paired it with a shimano teramar west coast 7ft 40-80lbs 👍🏼
Tight lines!
Any rod and reel is going to twist if you’re in full drag grinding as hard as possible. Pump and wind my friend.
Yeah man. Just pointing out what to expect with a wide body.
Outstanding review, thank you
Of course buddy, thank you.
just bought the reel....what kind if rod should I get?
I don’t want to advise that. I got a very nice Shimano grappler but it’s too stiff.
I dropped that reel under water for 10 minutes and it still works like new!
Make sure you clean it out pretty good though. Haha
@@ericwilliamsfishing It was dropped in saltwater. We sprayed it down with freshwater & about a month later i fished it and caught about a 10 foot nurse shark. Reel worked like new hope it continues to work like this.
@@ericwilliamsfishingI’d strip it anyway! thinking about getting one of these! I just bought a daiwa sealine to replace my old tld star 20/40 and it’s great so far! it’s definitely a worthy replacement for the ol shimano, but the novelty of 2 speed and the lever is a luxury offshore
Great review! You sold me on one!
I still love mine… you won’t regret it.
@@ericwilliamsfishing Me too. Bought it yesterday and unlike most review I’ve seen, I bought it for land based fishing with an FSU 4120 blank. Love the size/ line capacity/ weight balance. Going to take a bit of practice casting it though but hey, I’m an age pensioner staying at a tropical beach so no problem. I feel this will be a great set up for rock fishing too, especially with the power available in the drag. Oh, and I settled on the 12 size. I’ll swap out the drag cam today as I spooled it with 20lb mono. Will post a progress report in a few days. It may help anyone else who’s land based and mainly interested in casting. Thanks for your review. It helped me heaps. Oh, and I arrived at looking at the Speedmaster reels after recently purchasing a couple of the 10 foot overhead Speedmaster rods to pair with a couple of Abu 6000 reels I’ve had for years. Was impressed with them after buying them sight unseen online. Rods like that are Very hard to find in shops.
@@Jazman342 you are the second person that I’ve talked with that really likes the rods too.
Great review!! With a gimbal butt rod in a fighting belt help with the the rod twisting back and forth?
That would probably help but I don’t think I’d like wearing that all day. Haha.
@@ericwilliamsfishing 🤣
Great and solid review !!! Thanks...
😁
Thank you!
I’ve been planning to buy this reel. But the only problem is they don’t have lefties. Sad!
I really wish they made a lefty of each. I’m with you.
@@ericwilliamsfishingany left reels you recommend?
The older generation Penn fathom lever drag reels come in lefty. Idk about the latest models
Great review! But those aren’t big fish! 😂 I need some new reels for up to 100lb halibut.
Might want to step up the budget then. Haha.
Any recommendations on a rod you'd pair this reel with?
I went with the extra stiff Grappler and don’t recommend it. It’s too stiff and doesn’t give much parabolic help when fighting big fish.
Hi. Just purchased 2 x new 8’s for trolling.
How do you set this reel up for trolling?
I’ve never used lever drags, tips/links for how best to use this drag?
And, tips for cleaning and maintenance?
How do you engage free spool (during non use storage)?
Cameron
I’m not a troller so I’m the wrong person to ask about this. My setup is for grouper.
I leave it in free spool whenever it’s not on the boat.
I spray down with a freshwater hose after every use.
It’s a great reel and will work perfect for what you bought them for.
@@ericwilliamsfishing many thanks for this.
Great info! I’ve had my eye on these as I am looking for a reel specifically for grouper and Amberjacks. My spinning outfit can get the smaller AJ’s I’m but I can’t keep the big ones out of the reef. What power rod do you have yours on? I’m thinking of extra heavy just to be sure I’ve got the backbone for the bigger AJ’s and grouper. Or do you think that would be too stiff for a 16 like yours?
The rod I’m running is the Shimano Grappler 5’8 Extra Extra Heavy. It is stronger than I am from my experience. Haha.
@@ericwilliamsfishing Thanks!
@@forgottencoastfishing no problem.
Awesome vid, what size reel cover do you use?
It’s a medium and I got it from Amazon.
@@ericwilliamsfishing thank you, we just ordered one after a trip to the gulf. We needed a little bit more power. 💪
@jacobs4341 best of luck buddy!
Do you find you wish you had found the 12ii instead of the 16ii due to the size? Capacity is still more than enough on the smaller reel with the same line retrieve and drag ratings
Yes sir. I jumped on the 16 because of the $200 used price tag but if I could get the same reel in smaller, I would. If they made a left hand model, I'd sell both of them to get it.
@@ericwilliamsfishing give it time, the right handedness of a conventional will get that natural feel and you'll have the best of both worlds!
One thing I'd potential suggest is look in to getting a custom rod made with acid wrapped guides, it will drastically reduce the "side wobble" while cranking as it does a better job of keeping the pressure straight up and down like a spinning rod.
@@jamesz7415 Thanks for that insight. I'd be down for that if I didn't spend $300 on this grappler. Haha
@@jamesz7415 I'd be all about that if I hadn't spent $300 on this Grappler Rod. Haha
I have two 16 and a 25
They are sweet, aren't they?
Great video
Thank you buddy!
What is the country of origin for this reel? Thanks
I don’t know that one.
It should be printed on the box it came in if you happen to still have it.
I’m thinking it’s Malaysia. As long as not China
The only reason I haven’t gone conventional is because the awkward feel of reeling totally agree
It throws me off so much but the power of these reels are unmatched in spin gear. I hope I’ll be able to transition to left handed reels soon.
What was that little rod you had it on? Looks like it could bottom fish or jig
It’s the extra extra heavy Shimano Grappler.
Whats size diference in 16 and 20 size?im having doubts about which one to use
I’m not sure man. I bought mine used so I didn’t see them side by side in a store.
@@ericwilliamsfishing do you know how wide is spool?in cm or inches
What rod are you using with that speedmaster? I picked up the speedmaster 12
Shimano Grappler XXH.
@@ericwilliamsfishing is that a slow pitch jigging rod?
@@nufolopez83 no sir. My combo is for bottom fishing with bait.
@ericwilliamsfishing got you thanks
Is this Crown made of Aluminum?
No, it’s a plastic material.
It's a shame that a reel like this doesn't have gears (mainly gears) Brass or stainless steel internals. I thought these gears were very resistant.
@AlexSandro-we8qv you will have to research that further. I may have misunderstood you.
I wanted to know if the internal gears (crown, pinion) are made of aluminum or another metal (for example, brass or stainless steel)
How would you rate this to the Shimano Torium A in equivalent size?
I think they are great reels for the money. I considered one of those too but I got this one used for such a good deal.
@@ericwilliamsfishing Thanks Eric. If you had your time again with opportunity to buy new, would you still choose the SM or Torium?
everyone loves this reel
For good reason. It’s sweet!
What size Rod do you use it with?
My setup is the extra extra heavy Shimano Grappler.
you should be reeling while holding the rod in the foregrip, not holding it like baitcaster reel
Holding it on the foregrip makes my rod twist and turn even more. I learned to use my thumb as the stabilizer.
This isn’t for surf fishing also ?
I’m not sure actually. I haven’t researched if you can get the modification where it doesn’t backlash on you or not.
Shimano is king
Yes sir. I agree!
Its a poor mans talica. The reason the reel is squerling all over the place is for two reasons. 1 is its far too wide and heavy. 2 he should have his left hand holding the left hand plate, with the rod tucked directly under the armpit.
Just pointing out issues that you can expect with such a wide reel. You are right but I like holding the rod handle too.
I'm a poor man. Can't afford a Talica (actually I can you nasty creep). Nasty feedback. Go away. BTW...keeping my language tame.
Great clip Eric 👌
@ericwilliamsfishing a spiral guided rod would solve the wobble effect there's videos about spiraled guided rods.
Good job,great video. 👍
Thank you!