Okuma 50's opinions??

[ElMar2530]

Don't shoot me but there are a few guys in my area with Okuma's for sale. I was thinking of getting a few to fill out the trolling spread.

What do you guys think about them??

Titus graphite and gold models. Single and two speed.

I already have two International 50tw's, two Int. 30tw's and two 6/0 senators.

Should I consider them??

[clt_capt]

I had a few of the graphite ones - 20s I believe. They were a serious PITA. The drags were very inconsistent - 1/4 inch on the lever could be 2 lbs add'l drag or 20 lbs. I dropped them for AVETs...

I haven't used the gold ones, so I really can't comment. Alantani did a writeup that was fairly favorable - once the drag is rebuilt... http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...bly-16454.html

[ElMar2530]

Interesting to hear about the lever drags, thank you.

Anyone else?

[flatbottom]

Dorymate2530 PM Alanati. He would know if the drags can be fixed. What is the price?

[ElMar2530]

I can probably get 5 reels for 400 or less. or 2 or 3 for half that.

[seapower]

Dorymate, I bought 4 last year that were never used by the previous owner. He bought them and put them in the attic, still in the boxes. He didn't have very good luck with his boat so he sold it. I have not given them much serious use, mostly bailing dolphin. I don't know how they "sized" that reel as a 50. It is much smaller than any 50 I've seen. They are not in the same class in any way as an International , from what I can see. Kind of between a 4/0 and a 6/0. The one's I have are very smooth, my plans are for light bottom fishing and king's. I got some very good rod's with the deal, that's why I bought them. Frank,SeaPower

[Nauti Natured]

Dont waste your money. It really is not fun to have the fish of the season on and the handle falls off of the reel. I know its tempting and TRUST ME I have been tempted too, and regretted it. If you are looking for savings, go with the TLD. They are awesome reels and you can basically get the same drag as a Tiagra for half the price.

[ElMar2530]

Do the handles really come off?? Seriously, I have heard that about Okumas but is there actual accounts of this happening during a fight.

I'm still on the fence but it seems that guys that have them say they work for what they are. I'll know more when I get my hands on one. Thanks guys.

[Anyhoo]

Titus gold can be made to be ok for trolling. Not in the same class as Internationals, tiagras, avets, etc.. If you buy them, send them to Alan and he will work his magic.

On a side note, Okuma worked with Tiburon and is coming out with an all new high end line-up. Initial word is that the quality is way up. They recently introduced the Cavalla series that Charkbait has had some very positive things to say about them.

LT

[tunatamer4]

I have one that has caught a few small yellers(30-50lbs.) and an assload of mahi up to around 50lbs. Never had an issue with the gold for these smaller fish but haven't hooked the mother yet on it.

Don't waste the money on the graphite, I went through three before Capt. Loyd figured out that the spools were expanding due to pressure put on it from fighting fish, causing the reel to lock up tight.