Shimano Talica & Abyss Testfired
Shimano Talica 12IIA & Abyss SW OH Spiral 531 PE8
The all new upgraded models of Shimano’s Abyss range and the flagship Shimano Talica reel are available now. The prior models produced some of the best rod and reel action for many aspects of fishing like heavy jigging, light game, and handling the big heavy bottom dwellers of the deep without having to use something over the top in weight and size. I can confirm that Shimano have yet again outdone themselves and improved on what seemed already like the ultimate combo. After personally owning and using the older model Talica 12 and Abyss rod combo, using it on a regular basis and pushing to extreme limits, I’m confident in speaking to the improvements the new model has to offer.
The Talica 12 has been my go to reel for many years when it comes to targeting multiple species of fish, whether it’s hard fighting kingfish or the heavy hapuka and bass from the depths, the bar has now been raised with the all-new Talica 12IIA model cementing its position as Shimano's flagship reel yet again.
Raising the bar, again!
This reel is the benchmark for small 2-speed lever drag performance, with ultra-smooth reeling and powerful drag to conquer long battles with heavy and hard fighting fish. The addition of Shimano's innovative Infinity Drive technology leverages a new drag design to increase drag force while reducing side-load pressure to produce up to 30% lighter rotation during tough battles and high-drag situations. To put that into basic terms, when the weight is on, the reel will not rock or roll to the side.
The new generation of Talica now features X-Protect technology to boast high-level water resistance in vital areas and improve durability without sacrificing a light gear feel. The included Light Line Drag Cam provides added versatility with a lower drag curve for anglers fishing monofilament or lighter fluorocarbon leaders.
These new reels feature a Hagane body made of highly-rigid aluminium to reduce the reel's overall weight while eliminating reel body flex, warp, and distortion to allow for smooth reeling with minimal power loss during challenging battles. Improving on its S-Compact Body design, the palming side plate is an additional 6% smaller than the previous generation.
Shimano's all-new Talica 12IIA are the pinnacle of performance anglers need to battle the toughest fish in the harshest conditions.
As for the rod? This adds the finishing touches to create a bulletproof jigging combo. The new Abyss SW PE8 has been through a crazy back and forth build process with Shimano NZ and several brand ambassadors with the aim of making the ultimate jig rod. The Abyss is built on ultra tough T45 graphite blanks and fitted with only the best Fuji SiC and SiN guides and Fuji reel seats.
In my opinion it’s the most dynamic, tough, and lightweight rod of its kind on the market followed closely by no other, and looks absolutely incredible. It’s engineered to look epic from the tip to butt section but also it completes MSL tests of well over specified line ratings at 45 and 60 degrees with ease.
All in all this is a serious bit of jigging equipment which is going to not only allow you to catch amazing fish but be reliable and comfortable while doing so.
