2026.11.06

Shimano 26 Ocea Jigger CT: The Classic Jigging Reel Gets a Line Counter and Bluetooth

minagiman

Shimano’s classic jigging reel, the Ocea Jigger, finally gets a model with a line counter: the 26 Ocea Jigger CT. Being able to remember the depth of a bite as a number is a big advantage in jigging. It also connects by Bluetooth to a next-generation “Tankenmaru” fish-finder display that is in development. It is due in November 2026, and despite adding a counter, it is lighter than the current Ocea Jigger.

Contents

Specs
The counter
Bluetooth link to the next-generation Tankenmaru
Other improvements
Which size?
Compared with other reels
Line
My take
Read next

Specs

Model	Gear ratio	Max drag	Weight	PE capacity (Japan no.)	Price in Japan (ex. tax)
2000HG / 2001HG	6.2	12 kg	590 g	2.5-600 m / 3-500 m / 4-370 m	¥96,000
2500MG / 2501MG	5.7	13 kg	605 g	3-670 m / 4-500 m / 5-400 m	¥98,000
2500HG / 2501HG	6.2	12 kg	605 g	3-670 m / 4-500 m / 5-400 m	¥98,000

	2000HG	2500MG	2500HG
Spool (dia./width)	60/22 mm	60/29 mm	60/29 mm
Retrieve per turn	117 cm	107 cm	117 cm
Bearings (BB/roller)	7/1	7/1	7/1

Model numbers ending in 0 are right-hand; ending in 1 are left-hand. With 12–13 kg of drag at 590–605 g, the range covers nearshore yellowtail, mid-depth fishing and amberjack on long-range trips.

The counter

1. Bite depth as a number

Usually you read depth from braid that changes colour every 10 m. With a counter you know exactly where you got bit, with less need to watch line colours and less risk of miscounting.

2. Repeatable mid-water jigging

For fish that roam mid-water, such as yellowfin tuna and albacore, being able to hit the same depth again decides your catch. A counter makes that precise and repeatable.

3. Reading the current

In bottom jigging, the difference between the depth on the boat’s sounder and the depth on your counter shows how much line the current is pushing out, which helps you decide when to change jig weight.

Bluetooth link to the next-generation Tankenmaru

Tankenmaru is Shimano’s device that shows the boat’s fish-finder image at your hand. The CT can connect by Bluetooth to a next-generation version in development. Details are due soon, but linking your reel’s counter with the sounder could change how jigging is done.

Other improvements

Item	Details
Drag	Higher max drag; new star drag 4 mm larger and thicker for rigidity and stable adjustment
Handle	8 mm longer, knob 6 mm larger, positioned closer to the centre to reduce wobble and power loss
Water resistance	New seal added to the handle knob to reduce salt-related problems
Weight and size	Lighter than the current Ocea Jigger despite the counter; palming cup 2.4 mm lower
Winding	Micro Module Gear and Infinity Drive stay smooth under load; Silent Drive reduces play

Adding a counter usually makes a reel bigger and heavier. Making it lighter, with a lower palming cup, is a serious piece of engineering. The longer handle and bigger knob also help when jerking heavy jigs all day.

Which size?

Size	Best for
2000HG / 2001HG	Compact; nearshore yellowtail to mid-depth jigging
2500MG / 2501MG	5.7:1; fall-focused jigging with less slack (albacore, yellowfin, mid-depth)
2500HG / 2501HG	High-capacity high gear; fast actions, deep water, long-range amberjack

For mainly nearshore yellowtail, choose the 2000HG. If you also want mid-depth fishing or tuna, choose a 2500. Pick MG or HG depending on whether you want to tempt fish on the fall or trigger them with speed.

Compared with other reels

Reel	Counter	Notes
26 Ocea Jigger CT	Yes	Lighter than the current Ocea Jigger; Bluetooth link to next-gen Tankenmaru
Ocea Jigger (current)	No	Simple, tough jigging standard
Ocea Jigger LD	No	Lever drag
Daiwa Saltiga IC	Yes (IC counter)	Daiwa’s counter jigging reel

If you do not need a counter and value simplicity and price, the current Ocea Jigger is still excellent. Choose the CT to know your depth, or the LD if fast drag adjustment matters more. Shimano fans now have the CT; Daiwa fans have the Saltiga IC.

Line

As a guide, PE 2.5–4 for the 2000 and PE 3–5 for the 2500. Choose jigging braid with 10 m colour markings so you can double-check depth against the counter.

My take

The difference between anglers who catch and those who do not in jigging often comes down to whether they can keep fishing the exact depth where the fish are. The Ocea Jigger CT lets you do that by numbers rather than guesswork, and the link with the next-generation Tankenmaru hints at the next era of jigging. At around ¥100,000 it is high-end, but worth it for anglers serious about mid-depth and tuna jigging.