Any opinions out there about Okuma baitcasting reels??

Have been using Abu's and really enjoy my Browning Midas 6L, but they have been discontinued and I can't seem to get my hands on another one.

Can I ask a question first, how much is the reel?

Reason I ask is that if it is close in price to a Curado go with the Curado

I've got a couple of Okuma spinning reels--they're reasonably priced and IMO compare favorably to many higher prices Shimanos.

I've never used a Okuma baitcaster, but if their quality is similar to their spinning reels--they're probably worth looking into.

Where are you planning on using the reel?

If it's in the rivers/fresh water, check out the low-profile Pflueger Trion w/6+1 BB's. It's only $99.95 and IMO it's as good as a $200 Shimano Chronarch.

I bought two Okuma Nytrix baitcasters for trolling and they are terrible. The drags on both of them were extremely rough out of the box. Very jerky. I took one back to Outdoor Emporium and they excanged it for a new one. It was bad also. They ended up trading it for and new Abu. I have an Okuma spinning reel that works fine.

keveek: I bought another Okuma Inspira 30 spinning reel at lunch today. I've got nothing but good things to say about Okuma, to date, although I have not used their levelwinds.

I did look that the Nitryx, which is the one I assume you are interested in. It seems to be very well made. I might choose it over Shimano's standard Calcutta model (since I've had bad luck with them) if you are looking at that style of levelwind (Although the last post does not sound good). Otherwise, Shimano's Curado has been time proven to be an awesome reel. Hope this helps.

I also picked up some #4 Owner cutting points for duel hook drift leaders. WOW...........these babys are scary sharp. The brat population is in for it---I hope the hatcheries are able to meet their needs after I get done playin' rip-shread-tear.

I haven't personally used Okuma reels but I used to sell them, most of the feedback I got on them was positive.

I've got a 2500 and a 4 Inspira spinners. Use them for float fishing. Lot of saltwater use on the 4. Have 30 lb braid on both of them. Great reels for the $$$$. Never tried their baitcasters. I've got too many Abu's and Shimano to buy another brand.

If you're looking for a Curado quality reel without the Curado price, check out the Pflueger Trion. It's got all the features of the Curado BSF ($150) and it's only $100.

Jacob:

Just an add-on to your comments. The Trions, while great reels (both spinning and baitcasting), the Trion baitcaster has been having some issues.

MOST of them are fine, but I am now on my second one (replacing the first), and it had to be thoroughly cleaned inside before decent operation was possible. Pflueger seems to grease these reels very heavily from the factory, and in cold temps it tends to inhibit smooth operation. (Just my hypothesis). Once well cleaned of that gunk inside and re-lubed it has been excellent.

For what they cost, it isn't a bad reel...but my next one will be a Curado. A person shouldn't have to buy a reel (off the shelf at the store), take it home and spend 2 hrs. cleaning and re-assembling all the gears and miniscule internal parts to make it work right.

IMO, spend the extra $50.00 and get the Curado BSF.

Mike

I second DL feedback on the Okuma trolling reels.

I made the mistake of buying four of them about 5 years ago (can't recall the model, but it may have been "Classic").

Drags were terrible on all four. After that cost guests too many fish, they went back in the boxes and I bought Shimano's (like I should have to begin with.

These were trolling reels, so it may not apply to their baitcasters. I have had good luck with their spinning reels.

Guess I'm in the minority, but I had poor success with a $70 Okuma spinning reel, which cost me a nice fish when the drag seized up. Traded it back in for yet another Shimano, of which I have... well, let's just say I have more than two of 'em! :-)

I do have an Okuma Connisseur 10' medium light spinning rod I use for Silvers. Got it for only $30 at Outdoor Emporium and consider it a good rod and a great deal.