Ontario, CA:Okuma EVx rods have always represented a tremendous value to anglers. The materials, components and rod actions represent a level of quality far in excess of EVx series’ retail price. For 2017, Okuma fishing tackle has introduced new EVx “b” series bass rods, with specific refinements to rod actions from professional anglers Jacob Wheeler, Matt Arey and Todd Kline. New EVx “b” series remain an exceptional value, they have now also become exceptional rods, regardless of price.
At the core of EVx “b” series bass rods are ultra-sensitive and responsive 30-Ton carbon fiber blanks. Models include four spinning, eight casting and two dedicated crankbait actions. Spinning models are outfitted with Sea Guide Deep-Press frames with “LS” Zirconium inserts. The Sea Guide frames feature a 2-stage slope, specifically designed to reduce tangles from light lines and braid. Additionally, the inserts sit deep in the frame, minimizing their exposure to damage. Casting and crankbait models are finished with ALPS stainless steel guide frames with aluminum-oxide inserts. Spinning and casting rods feature shaped EVA and composite cork split grip designs, while crankbait rods feature full rear grips. All models feature custom, screw down EVA fore grips that eliminate any hand or finger contact with the reel seat threads.
All EVx “b” rods actions are new, refined and exceptional. Working with touring anglers Wheeler and Arey, and two-time co-angler of the year Todd Kline, clear preferences emerged that would guide the development of each model.
“In fishing situations, the difference between a good rod and the perfect rod usually a step in power,” began Jacob Wheeler, “Rather than jumping to a completely different length or action, it’s a huge advantage to have a step in power available at every rod length.”
Working with these tournament anglers, EVx “b” series rods were developed in pairs. At every rod length, there are two options in power.
New EVx “b” Casting Rods
6’8”, Moderate-Fast Action, EVx-C-681Mb (medium), EVx-C-681MHb(medium-heavy)
The shortest in the line, these models deliver a ton of control over the presentation. The medium power EVx-C-681Mb, rated for 8- to 17-pound line and 1/8- to ¾-ounce baits, is designed for topwater and jerkbait applications. Step up in power to the medium-heavy EVx-C-681MHb, rated for 10- to 20-pound line and ¼- to 1-ounce casting weight and the focus becomes spinnerbaits and worms. Other than the crankbait rods, these models are the only ones to deviate from a fast action. “These are techniques where the fish need just a split second more to get a solid hold of the bait,” says Wheeler.
7’2”, Fast Action, EVx-C-721MHb (medium-heavy), EVx-C-721Hb (heavy)
These are the everyday actions that do nearly everything asked of them. Their length is a great balance between pinpoint control and casting distance. The medium-heavy powered EVx-C-721MHb, rated for 10- to 20-pound line and ¼- to 3/4–ounce baits, is the rod of choice for football jigs, open water frogs and lighter pitching & flipping. Step up to the heavy power EVx-C-721Hb, rated for 12- to 25-pound line and ¼- to 3/4– ounce baits, and the extra power is perfect for skipping dock and fishing swim jigs and chatterbaits.
7’5”, Fast Action, EVx-C-751MHb (medium-heavy), EVx-C-751Hb (heavy)
The 7’5” length favors open water where increased casting distance pays dividends. The medium-heavy EVx-C-751MHb, rated for 10- to 20-pound line and ¼- to 1-ounce baits, is the choice for swim jigs, chatterbaits and worms. The heavy power EVx-C-751Hb, rated for 12- to 25-pound line and 3/8- to 1-1/2-ounce baits is designed for frogging heavy cover, fishing larger jigs and smaller swimbaits.
7’10”, Fast Action, EVx-C-7101Hb (heavy), EVx-C-7101XHb (extra-heavy)
Loaded with power, these are the rods for heavy-duty techniques. The heavy power EVx-C-7101Hb, rated for 12-25-pound line and ½- to 2-ounce baits, pulls duty for light punching, casting A-Rigs and throwing the largest, deepest-diving crankbaits. Go to extra-heavy power in the EVx-C-7101XHb, and line and lure ratings increase to 15- to 30-pound and ½- to 2-1/2-ounce. This is the “meat stick” for punching heavy cover and flipping heavy baits in the 1- to 2.5-ounce range.
New EVx “b” Crankbait Rods
7-foot, Mod/Mod-Fast Actions, EVx-CB-701Mb (medium), EVx-CB-701MHb (medium-heavy)
Two 7-foot crankbait rods feature the slowest actions in the lineup at moderate/moderate-fast. Expect smooth, long casts with the rods generating a lot of line speed. The rods deliver great feel as the lure action resonates all the way through the blank. For hooksets, just continue cranking through the strike and sweep the rod in a long arc rather that snap-set. You’ll find treble hooks deeply buried in jaws and keep fish buttoned up all the way to the boat. Choose between the actions by lure size and dive depth. For shallow-to-medium dive depths and lipless cranks, begin with the medium action EVx-CB-701Mb, rated for 8- to 17-pound line and 1/8- to 5/8-ounce lures. For deep-diving baits, the medium-heavy Evx-CB-701MHb is the choice, rated for 10- to 20-pound line and ¼- to 1-ounce baits.
New EVx “b” Spinning Rods
Spinning rods have been very good to professional surfer and two-time FLW Western Region Co-Angler of the Year Todd Kline. “Fishing as a co-angler, I don’t have the ability to load the boat with rods,” says Kline, “Spinning rods offer a lot of flexibility and are really exceptional at multi-tasking.”
6’10”, Fast Action, EVx-S-6101Mb (medium), EVx-S-6101MHb (medium-heavy)
The EVx-S-6101Mb, rated for 8- to 17-pound line and 1/8- to ¾-ounce baits, delivers a lot of versatility. Okuma pros focused on heavy drop shot rigs, grubs and small crankbaits as key techniques for the rod. Increasing in power the EVx-S-6101MHb, rated for 10- to 20-pound line and ¼- to 1-ounce baits gets the nod for stick worms and shakeyheads.
7’1”, Fast Action, EVx-S-711Mb (medium), EVx-S-711MHb (medium-heavy)
The EVx-S-711Mb is the finesse rod in the lineup. Rated for 6- to 12-pound line and 1/16- to ½-ounce casting weights, light drop shot rigs and small grubs are perfect. Stepping up to the EVx-S-7111MHb, rated for 8- to 14-pound line and lure weights of 1/8- to ¾-ounce, the action here is very similar to the 6’10” EVx-S-6101MHb, with a bit lighter and longer tip. Recommended techniques the same, with shakeyheads and tubes being focal points.
MSRP of EVx “b” series rods begin at $99.99 for the spinning and crankbait rods. The casting rods carry MSRPs of $109.99, $119.99 and $124.99 depending on length. All EVx “b” series rods are covered by the Okuma Limited Lifetime Warranty. See them at okumafishing.com.