The first step in demystifying two-speed reels is to understand their basic concept and application. The retrieve ratio on a single-speed reel might be 4:1, 5:1 or even 6:1; meaning the spool revolves four, five or six times for each turn of the handle. A reel like this brings in a lot of line with each turn, which is great when cranking a jig or trying to catch up with a fast-charging fish. Speed turns into a negative, however, when a big tuna or other tough game fish turns stubborn and decides to “dog it” deep.
Think of the gears on a bicycle. Even the strongest rider can’t ride up a steep, prolonged grade in 18th gear. But when you drop down into first gear, all of a sudden, that same rider has the power to climb a near-vertical wall. At the same time, a bicycle that only had a low gear would be pretty useless when trying to cover a lot of ground and build up speed on the flats.
The same idea applies to fishing, especially for saltwater anglers who like to do battle with big, stubborn tuna, shark, marlin, yellowtail or other tough game fish. A reel needs to have a relatively fast retrieve ratio for the majority of the time you’re not hooked up, or for when you’re hooked into a hot fish that’s likely to turn around and charge the boat. Reel speed is your ally in these situations, but it quickly turns into a negative when the dynamics of the fight change.When things get tough, what you need is the winch-like power of a low retrieve ratio.
When a big fish turns the side of its body toward you and starts swimming in circles, the battle often degrades into a tug-of-war, where neither side seems to be gaining ground. The biggest problem is that about the time the fish is ready to give up, the angler is so spent that he or she has no strength left to finish the job.
Tuna anglers, especially, know that getting that last 100 feet of line can be the hardest part of the fight. The big advantage of two-speed reels comes during this straight-up-and-down portion of the fight, by letting you apply the extra power to keep the fish moving your way.
Two-Speed Choices
Several manufacturers offer two-speed lever drag reels in a variety of sizes ranging from light tackle up to giant 130-pound class reels. These reels are made with sturdy all-machined-aluminum frames and side plates, or with graphite frames and side plates (to reduce the overall weight of the reel).
With many models and sizes to choose from, the speed and power benefits of two-speed reels can be applied to a wide variety of saltwater fishing. In other words the advantage of two gears can help you master giant game fish or make short work of medium-size game fish.
Penn Fishing Tackle offers a roster of gold international two-speed reels ranging from the 16S to the 130ST. Penn also offers a family of graphite-bodied Formula two-speed lever drag reels in the 20-, 30- and 50-pound classes (namely the 10KG, 15K and 24KG models). Even though the relatively small 16S is rated as a 16-pound-class reel, many anglers use much stronger, thin-diameter braided line with a monofilament top-shot (a length of traditional monofilament line that is tied to the hook or lure) to tackle big game fish.
Shimano also offers a wide range of two-speed reels manufactured with both aluminum and graphite bodies. Its flagship Tiagra family, a staple among big-game anglers, includes models from 12 to 130 pounds. Shimano also has graphite-bodied TLD two-speed lever drag reels in 20-pound, 30-pound and 50-pound class sizes.
Daiwa offers two new families of two-speed reels for saltwater fishing - the SLT models in 50 and 50-wide sizes with all aluminum construction, and the smaller SLD series in 20- and 30-pound class sizes.
Okuma, another popular two-speed manufacturer, offers three families of two-speed reels, beginning with its top-of-the-line Titus Gold series in 15, 20, 30, 50 and 50-wide sizes covering a wide range of fishing styles. It also offers the less expensive Titus Silver models in 50 and 50-wide sizes, and a family of graphite-framed Titus models in 20- and 30-pound class sizes.
There are two companies manufacturing two-speed fishing reels specifically “geared” for West Coast angling. Tiberon Engineering of Santa Ana recently introduced a new slant on two-speeds by introducing five lever drag reels that shift automatically. This is a unique distinction, because it has always been the responsibility of the angler to determine when the time was right to shift gears. With these new reels - known as SST for Smart Shift Technology - an adjustable clutch mechanism lets the reel choose the “right” gear ration, based on how much pressure the fish is exerting. Tiberon offers SST reels in 8-, 12-, 16-, 20- and 30-pound class sizes.
Another Southern California company, Avet Industries of Chatsworth, recently added a two-speed model to its line of machined aluminum lever-drag reels. The new EXW 4/02 is a 4/0-size reel that should prove popular with local and Baja offshore anglers. The company also plans to unveil what it claims to be the “smallest two-speeds in the world” - the MXL and MXJ, which will weigh about 17 ounces and hold 370 yards of 20-pound monofilament.
Retail prices for two-speed reels can range from $200 to more than $1,000, depending upon size, features and construction. With so many makes, models and designs to choose from, however, serious anglers should be able to find one to match their particular fishing needs and budget. One great place to purchase a wide variety of two-speed reel models is BoatersWorld.com, where you can make your selection with the click of a mouse, pay no sales tax, and receive free shipping.
About the Author: Ron Ballanti is a veteran outdoor writer, boater and angler. He also owns and operates Strike Zone Communications, a marine public relations and marketing agency based in Northridge, California (Phone: 818-349-4608. Fax: 818-709-5524. E-mail: strikezne@earthlink.net).
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