I typically use Shimano or quantum gear for my inshore stuff, but saw a killer deal on a 90 series reel ($37.03!) that might be nice if I ever venture into some serious surf fishing. It looks like it can hold almost 600 yards of line! It has pretty good reviews online, but I am asking for first hand knowledge. Will this last a season or two and then have to be jumked or will it last for years to come.
Okuma ABF-90 Avenger Baitfeeder Spinning Reel
http://goo.gl/KBz3Cl
Just noticed that they are out of stock now:angry:
Hey fish, I had a okuma coronado (I think) that I used for surf fishing and offshore. It was a great reel and also had the bait runner feature. It finally broke last summer. Gears inside bound up and I couldn’t turn the handle so I pitched it and got some new baitrunners. That was the only okuma I have owned but I put it through its paces. It caught grouper, snapper, kings, big sharks, ajs and cobia with no problems. I’d say go for it. They seem like they’re decent quality.
I have an Okuma Clarion CLR-553ls that I bought for bottom-bouncing on headboats, and for the occasional day of shark fishing. It’s a pretty good reel and can cast surprisingly well for such a large reel.
I will say that I’ve talked to other people with Okumas, and they seem to function quite well but in time they seem to age quickly, compared to a Penn. I keep mine pretty clean (I really need to oil it).
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one since my larger reels get only used a few times per year. Should last me a long time since I keep them out of the elements and I keep them rinsed well.
“Sire, it belongs in truth to the Church of God, in whose name I speak, to endure blows and not to inflict them. But it will also please your Majesty to remember that she is an anvil that has worn out many hammers.”…Theodore Beza
Sounds like I should give it a try as it will probably see limited use as it is probably be a surf only rig. Now I gotta wait for it to go back on sale. I have watched for a few days and the price changes almost daily.
I bought one from Wal Mart for surf fishing only. I have used it twice, and seems like a decent reel. I didn’t want to spend a lot on a reel that was going to get used on the surf. The drag works smooth, and it held a good bit of 50# braid. Brought a 4.5’ bonnet head in the other day like it was a whiting.
Big stingray was a different story. It really tested the drag, but I was able to lock it down enough to drag the wet carpet up on the beach. Lots of sand and salt in it, but washed it off and it seems just as smooth as new.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
I have the Okuma ABF-65. I wanted an inexpensive surf reel because i fish 2x year from the surf. This is the first year I used it for surf fishing. Worked well. Pulled in two rays and a three foot shark. Drag worked well; could cast quite a ways; holds a ton of line. My only complaint is that the bait feeder function is not loud enough. If you walk too far from rod holder or get distracted by kids, a fish can peel off quite a bit of line before you notice the bait feeder clicking away. For the money, it seems pretty good. How long the reel holds up is the question.
Based on recommendations on this board, I put about 100 ft of 20# mono backer on it, then 350 yards of 30# power pro braid. Tied lines together with uni-to-uni knot.
I have a couple of Avengers and a Trio. As a Penn guy I hate to say this, but, they are holding up better then my Penn Battles. I haven’t tried the 90 but these are a good value and are low maintenance.
If two wrongs don’t make a right, try three.