Okuma?

[mwh33]

I mostly use a combo of upper end G. Loomis, Megabass, and Dobyns. I have a TCS Mat Daddy 7'11" and enjoy flipping and punching with it. Gets the job done and the sensitivity is pretty good for a Rod that is less than $150.

[Zeeter]

Ok, so I did something VERY bad. While shopping on the Tackle Warehouse G. Loomis page I noticed that the GLX Cranking Stick is on sale for $199. As we all know, this is a $400 rod. It's cheaper than the IMX even is!!! So I was bad. I just bought two (2!!!) G. Loomis rods (that and the flipping stick)!! Plus I got on Amazon a Curado CU 71 8.2.1 reel. Now I need to get a cranking reel or just use a 6.3:1 curado as they don't make the left handed 5.5:1 for some reason. It's only .8 inches per turn so I guess it's not that big a deal.

 

Would I have gotten a cranking rod at some point? Maybe. I certainly wouldn't have gotten a GLX and certainly not today, but at that price???!!! You don't often see a GLX at that price new.

 

Now I'm set for the year. Two worm/general purpose rods in the 843c and 853c, the IMX Flipping Rod, and the GLX Cranking rod. And now my kids can't go to college. Thank God for tax return time!!!

[kickerfish1]

The Helios rods are quite nice and very competitive at their respective price point. The other Okuma rods are solid but not my favorite.

[primetime]

I buy all Okuma gear these days, We have a shop where I live that has Okuma rods and reels heavily discounted and I own a few Celery Sticks (Green Rods really nice-$100) EVX-$40-$120-Lifetime warranty, break one & only pay shipping even if you tell them you snapped it in the car door.

 

TCS Scott Martin series, Reflextion for less expensive, all have been great to me. I love Okuma and customer service, they send free parts without exception, lose a cap on your reel, they send you 2 sets, I love the Scott Martin Stuff but some of the Guide Series EVX stuff can be found cheap and are really nice, same with the Celery stick. Seems that Okuma is always discontinuing reels and rods every 2 years, so you can find awesome deals.

 

Okuma baitcasting reels used to fall apart, but in last 5 years, I would put my Okuma Reels-Komodo, Serrano, Cerros, Helios up with any of my other reels now. Plus customer service is the best I have dealt with.

 

I do not have any affiliation with Okuma. I know it sounds like an Infomercial but I am 100% onboard with all products. You get what you pay for,  but I love buying a Rod that was $120 3 years ago for huge discounts, same with a Reel at 75% off. I don't need the newest technology every year, does 8 oz vs. 7.8 really matter?

[IndianaFinesse]

@primetime, does that store have an online website?

[primetime]

20 hours ago, IndianaFinesse said:

@primetime, does that store have an online website?

They do have a website but I don't think the owner keeps up with it anymore, it is a wholesale to the public similar to overstock.com and he gets lots of Okuma stuff in, reels and rods at really good prices, sometimes other stuff, but if you are looking for something specific let me know. I can look for it, get a price for you and they can ship it.

 

Store is called Fishing supply liquidators, located in Oldsmar Florida, see if you can find anything. There is a store in Lake Wales I think called Fishermans candy store, also goes by Bridgemaster, They buy alot of the same stuff. I know they have a website, plus they sell bulk soft baits by the pound and will do custom orders for you. 

 

Hope that helps. I usually stop by the shop several times a week just to get my fix even if I only buy a new frog or something. I will email his add that he emails me, maybe you can contact him to see if he can get it for you, I know he is looking to move the green celery sticks carbon casting rods and older green helios reels cheap, same with original Citrix combo. Also has the Cedros which was $300 reel, round casting reel, I buy them for $80 and resell them on Ebay for $200. Not a bad gig. He retails them for $100 which is crazy, guys do not buy round reels anymore but its a great reel.

[WPCfishing]

Okuma's Matt Daddy is a nice rod if you can live with a very long handle.

 

i use a Lews 7'2" Custom Lite Magnum Grass

and a 7'6" Abu Villian 2.0.

Both are fantastic rods and versatile. 

Very sensitive great hook setting power and loads of back bone. Plus, they cast great with any technique.

[Mike L]

As I posted in another thread I'm in the market for a new punch rod..This thread has been very helpful.

 

One question tho about the Matt Daddy..To those who use it, I'm told that it has a more parabolic action than your typical punch rod would have...I'm gonna handle it before I buy of course, but was wondering what you guys thought about its action. 

 

Thanks

 

Mike