I keep seeing posts on a couple of sites in the Midwest, referring to Okuma reels. They are talking about both spinning, and baitcasting. With just about every conceivable toy a "header" could want, my curiosity has been sparked. Can anybody tell me about the quality, and where I can get them. I don't mind dumping some cash, if I happen to like them. Thanks in advance. Will you know what I find out.

Hawkster, I've got 3 of thier fly reels that I think are great for what I payed for them. Have nice features, disc drag's /pop-out spools/ good finsh ect. Also used one in mexico 2 winter's ago on a 125 Lb. striped marlin, one of the big salt-water reels. The drag was butter-smooth while he went on his 200 yd. run. Kinda ruin's ya for a while steelheading after seeing that much "weed-eater" line come off your reel that fast! Only neg. thing was the knob came off the handel 1/2 way through the fight! Bait-boy fixed it for me while my buddy dumped a pacifico over my head to cool me off, got the fish & even with him later too! chromer

Ditto on the fly reels. I have one on my 7 weight and really tested it on some chum this year. Did GOOD on those big (up to 18-20 pounds) dawgs. If their levelwinds and spinning reels are as good, I'd definitely give 'em a shot.
Greg

I have two of their line-counter trolling reels, and so far they seem O.K. I usually use my good ambassadors, but when I run four rods, or have rookies with me the counters are real handy. They seem better built than the price would reflect, $59.00 each for the line counters.

Can't say I know anything about Okuma baitcasters or spinning reels, but I'll definitely offer my endorsement, for whatever that's worth, to the Sierra fly reels. A week before a weeklong flyfishing trip up into the backcountry, I took a tumble in a mossy-rocked stream, fell on the butt end of my rod and snapped the reel seat off my System2. Since the place where I bought the reel wouldn't give me a straight-across trade and I needed a replacement immediately, I adhered to the salesman's advice and bought a Sierra 3/4. Found it to be a comparable, if not favorable replacement -- even without factoring in that it came at about one-third the price. Reel is smooth and seems to be well-built. I can only assume Okuma's other products are too.

As a Pro Staff member for Okuma I tend to be a bit biased...but their epix spinning reel has 10 ball bearing which is usually stratosphere pricing...not Okuma...should be able to buy 2 of these for every 1 Shimano Stradic. Come say hi to me at their booth at the Puyallup Sportsmans Show in a couple of weeks...if I am not their come find me at Auburn Sports and Maines booth.

Have Fun,

Jim

I have not used Okuma fly reels, but the one bait casting reel I have used was junk, extremely rough drag and just had the feel of something cheap. I realize these reels do not cost much, but I guess you get what you pay for. I would stick to Penn or Shimano. Just my two cents.

I have two of the spinning reels. One on my surf/sturgeon pole and one on my ultralight. Never had a problem. Knock on wood. Bought a friends two girls one of their combo sets each. The reel seemed a bit stiff, but was smooth reeling. I would say for the price, they are worth a try.

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Just because I look big, dumb, and ugly, doesn't mean I am. It means I can stomp you for calling me it!

Dont know anything about their reels but I have heard this many times from shops and reel vendors. Just because one reel has 10 BBearing and another has less it does not make it a better or smoother reel. It all has to do with how they are used and placed.
So In my opinon from what I have been told don't buy a reel based on how many BBearings are in them. There are reels out their that have 6-10 BB and they suck ex. Quantum. My .02 cents.