Shimano Talica 20 BFC Overhead Reel

Tournament-tuned for lightning-fast pitch-baiting on sailfish and marlin — ultimate control, ultra-smooth drag and blistering 60" retrieve.

Built specifically for the high-speed, high-pressure world of billfish tournaments, the Shimano Talica 20 BFC Overhead Reel gives bluewater anglers a purpose-designed weapon when bait-and-switch opportunities happen fast. Part of Shimano’s Billfish Concept range, it’s engineered to move line quicker, protect lighter leaders and give you instant control on hot fish.

At its core is an ultra-high-speed retrieve capable of up to 60 inches of line per crank, letting you pick up slack instantly when a fish turns, or chase down a switched billfish before it throws the hook. A key advantage of the Talica 20 BFC is its minimum 3 lb drag at strike — this protects against accidental break-offs when a fish surges hard right on the bite, while still giving you the backbone to stay connected. The rigid HAGANE Body and S-Compact frame keep everything aligned under load, improving cranking efficiency and reducing fatigue during long days on the bridge.

With Shimano’s renowned Cross Carbon Drag, S A-RB bearings and a 2-speed lever drag system, you get precision across the whole fight — from the bite, to manoeuvring beside the boat, to the final leader shot. If you’re chasing billfish performance at the highest level, this is the reel that does exactly what the crew needs, when they need it.

Product Technology

• Ultra-High-Speed Retrieve (Up to 60" per crank) – Instantly recover slack to stay tight on fast-moving billfish and switched marlin.
• 3 lb Minimum Drag at Strike – Protects lighter pitch-bait leaders and prevents pull-outs right on the eat.
• HAGANE Body (Rigid Metal Frame) – Eliminates flex for efficient power transfer and long-term alignment.
• 2-Speed Lever Drag System – Shift for power or speed to match the stage of the fight.
• Cross Carbon Drag – Smooth, durable drag delivery for consistent pressure on high-speed pelagics.
• S-Compact Body Design – More comfortable to palm and fish all day on the riggers.
• S A-RB Bearings – Shielded, corrosion-resistant bearings for reliable saltwater performance.

Product Information

Model: Shimano Talica 20 BFC
Reel Type: Overhead / Lever drag (Billfish Concept)
Retrieve: Up to 60 in (approx. 152 cm) per crank
Drag at Strike: Min. 3 lb (optimised to prevent break-offs)
Body Construction: HAGANE rigid metal body
Design: S-Compact, ergonomic bluewater profile
Drag System: Cross Carbon Drag
Gearing: 2-speed system
Primary Use: Pitch-baiting, bait-and-switch, tournament billfish
Target Species: Sailfish, marlin, small-medium black/stripe, fast pelagics
Environment: Bluewater / offshore game
Bearings: S A-RB shielded
Angler Level: Tournament and performance-focused game anglers

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Talica 20 BFC have a low strike drag?
It’s intentional. The 3 lb minimum drag at strike protects lighter pitch-bait leaders when a sailfish or marlin crushes the bait at speed, reducing accidental bust-offs.

Is this reel only for billfish?
It’s optimised for billfish, but it can also be used for fast pelagics when you want rapid line recovery and precise lever drag control.

Does it have two speeds?
Yes. The 2-speed lever drag lets you drop into a power gear for fighting fish close to the boat or stay in high-speed for line pickup.

What rod should I pair it with?
Match it to a quality overhead game/pitch-bait rod in the 15–24 kg class for billfish work, depending on your bait size and leader setup.

Product Specifications: