Okuma Spinning Rods

[sarcazmo]

Hey guys in the market for a couple rods. Specifically I'm going to buy a new drop shot rod and a shakey head rod.

I've been considering adding a dx702 and 742. However I bristle a bit at the cost. I'm also looking at the *** blacks and may pull the trigger if I can find a black Friday deal.

In my browsing I noticed both the okuma helios series and TCS are built on a 40 ton blank. I find that interesting and am looking to see if anyone has used either and can compare them.

Thanks.

[rippin-lips]

I have an okuma evx 7' med. It's a great little rod for the money. I use it for both of those techniques that you mentioned.

[sarcazmo]

Yeah the okuma seem like real good deals.

Need some more research though. Any other thoughts?

[rippin-lips]

I've been using 2 of their spinning reels for years now. They're very popular in the fly fishing world. Actually been around for a while.

[primetime]

I work at a Tackle Liquidater here in Florida on Weekends, and a batch of Okuma EVX Guide Series Rods came in about 2 months ago. I decided to purchase a 7' Light Action Spinning Rod because the Price was to good to pass up and each rod comes with a nice case and lifetime warranty. I have the EVX model that is meant for 4-8lb test and I was looking for a Finesse Rod for Dropshot fishing and also throwing light 1/16-1/8 darter head jigs with grubs, 2" tubes, and small 3-4" flukes and worms....

 

I have been happy with the rod and it is actually more versatile than I expected. It has a soft tip which is good for drop shot fishing so you don't have to set the hook as hard especially if using braid or fluoro as your main line. I actually have been using it the last few weeks since the water has become colder with small 2-3" suspending jerkbaits and Shakey Rigs and it is the perfect rod for throwing 6lb or 8lb test. I have it rigged up with a Pflueger Supreme which comes with 2 spools, so I have some suffix 832 on one spool in 8lb test, and 6lb fluorocarbon on the extra spool...I have had no problem turning 4-5lb bass when fishing near brush piles etc as it has more back bone than it would appear. The 7' length is great for long casts and I like throwing small topwaters like the Tiny Torpedo or Jr. size Yo-zuri Banana boats in open water as well...Very versatile rod that can handle all your "Finesse Presentations" and glad I purchased one.

 

Another rod that I really like is the Al Linder spinning rods from Quantum...They also have an IM8 Graphite body and have a fast tip and more backbone if you want to use it for Carolina rigs & bigger worms as well but the tip is a bit stiff for using it with topwaters or Jerkbaits IMO. The Light Action Rods have good backbone and the rods sell at a great price that is hard to beat.

 

Hope that helps.

[primetime]

as far as reels go...I have not had much luck with Okuma but They make some awesome low profile and light reels...My issue is with Durability and the Helios is a beauty, but for that price, I think I would look at the Quantum Smokes, or maybe a Pflueger President which at $50.00 could be the best valued spinning reel on the market in my opinion as I have several Pflueger Spinning reels and they all have been great and can take a beating.

[rippin-lips]

I've fished my 2 trio 30 spinning reels for around 4 years if not more and they still perform great. Just look beat up.