Shimano Bullseye 9120 Review

OVERALL RATING
8.9
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Top Line

A premium surf fishing reel from industry leader Shimano, featuring their proven X-Ship and Hagan gearing systems

Perfect for anglers targeting large species, with its impressive 20kg drag and corrosion-resistant bearings

Featured in our guide on the best sea fishing reels as a top fixed spool, surf option

Features & Specifications With Explanation

Feature What This Means
Hi-Torque 3.5:1 Gear Ratio A lower gear ratio that provides enhanced power for fighting large fish, though at the expense of retrieve speed
20kg Max Drag The reel can apply up to 20 kilograms of pressure when fighting fish, suitable for landing large species
Weight: 540g A medium-heavy weight that provides stability while remaining manageable for extended fishing sessions
5 x S A-RB bearings + 1 Roller bearing Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings provide smooth operation while resisting saltwater corrosion
Spool Size: 76mm Dia / 35mm Stroke Large spool diameter allows for reduced line memory and better casting performance, while the stroke length ensures even line lay
Line Capacity (Mono) Can hold 240m of 40lb (0.520mm) or 200m of 48lb (0.570mm) line – plenty of capacity for demanding surf fishing
Braid Capacity Accommodates 200m of PE8 (45kg) or 170m of PE10 (55kg) braid, suitable for targeting large species
Recovery: 84cm per crank Each full turn of the handle retrieves 84cm of line – relatively slow but powerful retrieve rate
Handle Length: 90mm Long handle provides good leverage when fighting fish or retrieving heavy loads
Hagan Gearing Specially forged gearing system that provides enhanced durability and power transmission
X-Ship Shimano’s precision gear alignment system that reduces friction and maintains smoothness under heavy loads
Aero X-Wrap Advanced oscillation system that ensures even line lay for better casting performance
AR-C Spool design Angled spool lip that reduces line friction during casting, allowing for greater distances
No Twist line roller Specialised roller design that prevents line twist during retrieval, reducing tangles and improving line longevity

Manufacturers Description

Generic global manufacturers description that is not specified for the UK market

“For fishing large bluefish such as yellowtail and sunfish with mainline No. 10 or larger, we recommend the 9100 and 9120, which offer robustness, rigidity, and lightness when winding.

The “HAGANE body” is designed to firmly catch the strong pull of bluefish. Furthermore, the gear ratio has been reviewed to ensure that the lure is light to reel and does not lose power. In addition, the smooth single drag was designed with the target fish in mind, and the “X-SHIP” gear system is tough and rotates as smoothly as possible.

These reels are designed exclusively for use with rocky shore baskets, and can be selected according to your target.”

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
8.9
9.5
BUILD QUALITY
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What Does This Mean?

When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

9
CAST & RETRIEVE
?
What Does This Mean?

This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.

Distance isn't a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.

9
DRAG / CLUTCH
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What Does This Mean?

When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.

There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that is being applied.

8
VALUE FOR MONEY
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What Does This Mean?

Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.

Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.

Having value for money as a criterion allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Reviews & Experiences

The Shimano Bullseye 9120 represents a significant evolution in surf fishing technology, building upon Shimano’s respected reputation for creating robust and reliable fishing gear.

Our team was particularly keen to put this reel through its paces, especially given its positioning as a powerhouse for serious anglers targeting substantial quarry.

The build quality immediately impresses, with the reel’s 540g weight providing a reassuring sense of durability without feeling cumbersome. The combination of Hagan gearing and X-Ship system delivers exceptional smoothness under load, while the 5 S A-RB bearings demonstrate impressive corrosion resistance during our extended testing in saltwater conditions.

The AR-C spool design proves particularly effective, consistently achieving impressive casting distances with both braided and monofilament lines.

During our performance testing, the 3.5:1 gear ratio, while notably slower than some competitors, proves its worth when dealing with powerful fish.

The 20kg max drag system performs admirably, providing consistent pressure throughout the range, though some users might find the retrieve rate requires adjustment in their fishing style.

The Aero X-Wrap system ensures excellent line lay, contributing to reduced wind knots and improved casting performance, particularly crucial when fishing in challenging coastal conditions.

In summary, the Shimano Bullseye 9120 stands as a formidable choice for serious surf anglers, offering exceptional build quality and advanced features that cater to demanding fishing scenarios.

Its powerful drag system and robust construction make it particularly suited to targeting larger species, while the AR-C spool design ensures impressive casting performance.

Despite its slower retrieve rate, the reel’s smooth operation and reliability make it a worthy investment for anglers prioritising power and durability over speed. The combination of Hagan gearing and X-Ship technology delivers consistent performance that justifies its position in Shimano’s premium range.

 

What Anglers Like (Pros)

Exceptional build quality with corrosion-resistant components
Impressive casting distance thanks to AR-C spool design
Powerful drag system handles large fish with confidence
Smooth operation even under heavy loads

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

Slower retrieve rate may not suit all fishing styles
Relatively heavy compared to some competitors in its class

How It Compares

Here is how the Shimano Bullseye 9120 compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a top fishing reel.

There are four key attributes that form the basis of our reviews on fishing reels. These include the following:

Build Quality: – When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

Cast & Retrieve: – This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and smooth the retrieve is. Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

Drag System: – When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use. There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.

Value for Money: – Again, this is self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Here is how the Shimano Bullseye 9120 performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:

NameBuild QualityCast & RetrieveDrag / ClutchValue For Money
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel8.07.57.59
Okuma Surf 8k8.08.58.59
Penn Spinfisher VII9.08.58.58.5
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel8.58.58.58.5
Shimano Bullseye 91209.59.09.08
Penn Fathom II8.58.08.58.5
Shimano Tyrnos9.09.09.08
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel8.58.08.08.5

If you would like to see more fishing tackle check out our full list of featured products below.Â