Shimano Speedmaster II 8 Right Hand Reel

The Shimano Speedmaster II 8 (Right Hand) is a high-performance, conventional lever drag reel engineered for extreme versatility. Do not let its compact footprint fool you; this reel is built to handle the immense pressure of hard-fighting saltwater species. Whether you are bottom fishing over deep-water wrecks, trolling live baits, stand-up jigging, or even casting from the boat, the Speedmaster II delivers the uncompromising rigidity and mechanical advantage that demanding sea anglers require.

Hagane Rigidity & Compact Ergonomics

Built around Shimano’s legendary HAGANE Body concept, the frame of the Speedmaster II is machined from high-rigidity aluminum. This eliminates any structural flex, twist, or distortion, keeping the internal gears in perfect alignment even when maximum drag pressure is applied against a heavy fish.

This immense strength is packed into an S Compact Body design. The asymmetrical frame makes the reel incredibly comfortable to palm, reducing wrist fatigue during long days at sea and providing superior handling when guiding line back onto the spool during a high-speed retrieve.

2-SPEED Gearing & Mechanical Versatility

The defining feature of the Speedmaster II is its highly adaptable 2-Speed Gearing system. With the simple push of a button on the handle shaft, you can instantly shift between two distinctly calibrated gear ratios:

• High Gear (6.2:1): Pulls in an impressive 107cm of line per crank, allowing you to rapidly retrieve empty rigs from the depths, work high-speed lures, or quickly gather slack line when a hooked fish charges toward the boat.

• Low Gear (4.1:1): Drops the reel into a high-torque winching gear. This is your power gear, delivering the relentless cranking power needed to pump massive bottom-dwelling fish away from structure or handle hard-fighting pelagics.

Specifications

• Orientation: Right-Hand Crank

• Frame Material: Aluminium HAGANE Body (S Compact Design)

• Drag Type: Lever Drag (Optional accessory drag cam available)

• Gear Ratio (High): 6.2:1 (Retrieves 107cm per turn)

• Gear Ratio (Low): 4.1:1

• Mono Capacity: 200 yds / 20lb

• Braid Capacity: 560 yds / 30lb

• Clicker System: Loud, high-audibility clicker

Pro Tip

When live-baiting or trolling, take full advantage of the exceptionally loud clicker system. Set your lever drag into the ‘free’ or minimum drag detent position with the clicker engaged. The clicker provides just enough tension to prevent the spool from over-running due to the tide or the bait’s movement, but will scream loud and clear the second a predator hits the bait, giving you plenty of time to strike and slide the lever forward into the ‘strike’ zone.

Ideal Applications

• Deep-Water Bottom Fishing: Perfect for working heavy leads or pirks over deep wrecks and reefs for cod, pollack, and ling, where the low gear helps winch heavy fish off the bottom.

• Live Baiting & Trolling: An exceptional option for targeting sharks, tope, or conger eels where a reliable, ultra-smooth lever drag and loud clicker are crucial for bite detection.

• Light-to-Medium Stand-Up Jigging: The compact size and ergonomic S-shape frame make it comfortable to hold and manipulate all day long without straining your hands or forearms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this reel be used for casting?

Yes. Unlike many traditional, bulky lever drag reels, the Speedmaster II 8 features a lightweight, balanced spool and a compact frame that allows experienced anglers to cast baits or jigs away from the boat with excellent control.

What is the benefit of a lever drag over a star drag?

A lever drag allows you to pre-set your maximum drag pressure using the pre-program dial and then use the lever to instantly and precisely transition from free-spool, to a custom ‘strike’ setting, up to full ‘maximum’ lockdown drag during a fight, offering much visual and tactile consistency compared to a star drag.

Does this reel handle braided line well?

Extremely well. With a massive capacity of 560 yards of 30lb braid, the rigid HAGANE body prevents the immense packing pressures of heavy braid from distorting the spool or binding the gears.