Okuma Reels, pros/cons?

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Been looking at some reels for offshore trolling and bottom fishing... I got my eye on a few Okuma lever drag models like the T-10 and T-15... <br /><br />Looking at the Convector models too, but really like the lever drag especially for trolling...<br /><br />Wondered if anyone here has any experience with these Okuma models, or any okuma reels in general? :confused:
 

Skinnywater

Commander
Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
2,065
Re: Okuma Reels, pros/cons?

Snapper, When I bought my boat going on two years ago, I replaced all my old fishing gear.<br />I wanted the biggest bang for the buck.<br />All my spinning reels were replced with Okumas. At the advice of a fishing guide.<br />From the ultralight AV20 for 6lb test, AV30 for 8-12lb test, AV40 for 12-14 lb test and my newest AV50 with 17-20lb test. These reels are smooth, have a counterweight system and the drags are outstanding. They've all worked flawlessly and I've been impressed.<br /><br />My best friend who lives and fishes for Pompano, King Mackerel and Grouper out of Palmetto, Fla. uses the same reels you are asking about. He loves them.<br />I haven't been able to shake my personal love for my Ambassadeur 6500's yet. (my Salmon/Sturgeon reels) Although I have aftermarket (high performance) drags and Hog handles for them.<br /><br />We both agree they aren't the very best reels made, as in expensive top of the line, but they are an excellent value.<br /><br />Hope this helps.
 

Ross J

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 30, 2001
Messages
1,119
Re: Okuma Reels, pros/cons?

Likewise here, for x7 years I've only owned one big rod and reel and the reel is the Okuma lever drag game fishing type. I've been so happy with iyt and sing it's praises so much that a number of my friends have purchased the same. They're all happy and some even have lefties.<br />I'm informed that they are Korean copies of Penn, just a heap cheaper.<br />Happy to have Okuma on my boat<br />Ross
 

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: Okuma Reels, pros/cons?

Thanks Guys... :) It looks like okuma might just be the ticket... It was either used penn senators or the graphite leverdrag models, or new Okumas...<br /><br />I like new!....<br /><br /> Love my ambassaduer 6500.. Thats my snapper reel, and it's great for pitching baits to schooly dolphin when they come around... :D But, it just is'nt quite stout enuff for trolling, I'm afraid... :( <br /><br />Thanks again...
 
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