Thread: Okuma Reels

How are Okuma Reels, I ended up with a Avenger abf-80b spinner, NIB. I can't decide whether to return it or try and use it.
I would only be fishing pier and/or surf, seems to be a bit much for the surf since it would take a heck of a cast to get into effective waters.

Too big for the pier too, IMO.
I bought a 6500 SV(??) this spring and so far love it. Holds a pile of 15#, has handled jacks no problem.

The 80 class is unecessrily large. Lots of weight that can be avoided. I used the avenger 65 for five yeara. The spool started loosening and the handle was showing some side movement, so I shelved it. The bait feeding feature was handy. Great drag. It wasn't stout enough for putting heat on kings to get them away from sharks. For another 50 bucks you could get a Penn battle 6000. I absolutely love mine.

Originally Posted by CarlF

Too big for the pier too, IMO.
I bought a 6500 SV(??) this spring and so far love it. Holds a pile of 15#, has handled jacks no problem.

Carl, by 6500 SV do you mean Penn Spinfisher V? If I can afford it, is the Spinfisher worth the difference over Battle II?

I have one Okuma Avenger. It's been good to me for freshwater and saltwater fishing.

I have the okuma avenger 40b and have absolutely love it. I have it paired with a 7-foot ugly stick and use it to fish all around the pier. Put 25 pound braid on it to add some more capacity. It could handle a 4.5 foot shark so I feel confident that the little reel can handle most game fish on the pier.

Originally Posted by witler

How are Okuma Reels, I ended up with a Avenger abf-80b spinner, NIB. I can't decide whether to return it or try and use it.
I would only be fishing pier and/or surf, seems to be a bit much for the surf since it would take a heck of a cast to get into effective waters.

I was gifted an Avenger 80 and 55. Sounds like I should return the 80 and maybe keep the 55.

I have a 55 that I have used for years in saltwater and it has been reliable so far . In fact has a really smooth drag . I believe it was Justin using one with a ( $ 300 fenwick ? )rod on the pier three or four years ago . He just happened notice we were using the same cheap reel on good rods .

Originally Posted by witler

Carl, by 6500 SV do you mean Penn Spinfisher V? If I can afford it, is the Spinfisher worth the difference over Battle II?

No it's an Okuma spinning reel, one that was on sale at Field and Stream for $36 this spring. I put it on a Bass Pro Brawler rod ($40). Great combo for less than $100.

I use a 55 avenger with live liner. I like it alot, been reliable for 3 years. It's not the same quality as some of my nicer reels, but it's very versatile.