Okuma Vs Penn Reels

[Chum Slick]

Does anyone have any experience with the Okuma Omega or Titus series OffShore reels? I am in the process of buying new reels for my Sept run in the Atlantic for Tuna. I have owned several Penn International series reels and can't complain. I have read a lot of good things about the Okuma reels and they aren't as pricey as the Penns ($350 vs $600) and when your talking four of them that comes to quite a bit. Need some feedback from fishermen who have actually used Okumas.<br /><br />Keep the bait in the Slick.......

 

[philtheskipper]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I use Okuma 30DX line counter reels for freshwater trolling. I love them! Have had no problems and saved $$$! I know you need a reel that is suited for those big tuna but I think that Okuma makes a good reel for the money no matter what you're fishing for. Good luck!

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

Thanks for reply phil. I am considering either the Omega Titus Gold in a 50 series. I have heard a couple people say that the drag system wasn't as strong as the Penns. How is the drag on your 30DX?

 

[saltwateranglin]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

Chum Slick,<br /><br />I have six Okuma that I use for tuna. None of them have let me down yet....granted they don't get used everyday of the week. I do get to use them 6 or 7 times a year though and they are now in their third year. I think they actually are getting better every year they make them. The product line is really growing and improving.

 

[Chum Slick]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

Thanks Mike,<br /> Good to hear positive news about the Okuma reels. I have several 20,30,40, and 50 series Epix spinning reels and many of my fishing buds have started using Okuma reels. These are great reels for the money. I was in the market for saltwater reels for Tuna and possibly shark, or whatever I could get to grab the bait. (After all the news lately about the shark attacks, I may have to reconsider what type bait I use.) I have a good friend that owned a charter service that decided to get out of the business and is willing to set me up with several Penn International reels mounted on Tuna sticks, (for free) so I may have to delay spending any money on Okumas. Thanks for the info......<br /><br />Keep the bait in the Slick.........

 

[Firewood]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I was looking at okuma reels a few weeks ago and there are a few guys that sell them at a good price on e-bay. (I'm not one of them.LOL)

 

[tngo55]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I own and use several different Okuma reels. I like them a lot. Just make sure that the reel's seat fit your tackle holder slot. For some reason, Okuma makes larger reel seat than others. The one that I used for tuna fishing, I have to make two modifications: 1. I remove the line slider (I am not that what it call, but it a little device where your fishing line go through before it get to the first guide) to make sure that the line would not get tangle when you fight the bigger fish, and 2. I filed the reel's seat so that I can fit it to my tackle. -Tuan-

 

[davidroddy]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I have both penn international 50's and okuma 50's. The penns are certainly smoother operating but other than that I can't find a reason to spend the extra$300-$400 dollars for the big gold ones. I use the plain old okuma T50 with 50 or 60lb line. We have caught huge fish with not a single problem.

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I offshore fish with a guy who has the 30s and 50s Okumas, and same here, no problems. No they are not Penns, but they are half the price.<br /><br />If I were setting myself up to do it, I would go Okuma.<br /><br />If I was a commercial charter fisherman, I probably would go Penn or Shimano.

 

[Ross J]

Re: Okuma Vs Penn Reels

I run a couple of Okuma TLD 90's and use these when trolling for big game or when fishing over 200m deep for groper. I have no complaints of either of my reels and find they are very easy to keep. I've had then over 4 1/2 years now. By the way they match up perfectly with the Composite 37kg stand up gear. <br />Did you know that Okuma is a direct copy of the Pen equipment, it's just made in Korea!!!<br />I know many folk that are changing to this brand here in New Zealand.<br />Ross