Okuma Fishing Tackle Advances 2014 Product Line With Angler Centric Designs

May 16, 2014

TCS Rods, Designed By Scott MartinWithin the development of all-new Okuma TCS (Tournament Concept Series) bass rods, Martin’s designs deliver a concise set of tour-ready rods that not only focus on power and sensitivity, but also casting accuracy, maintaining hook hold, and supreme balance to ward off fatigue. Thirteen models, featuring 40-Ton carbon fiber blanks, medium-micro guides, and highly functional yet super comfortable handle systems, offer a national perspective on tournament angling. Completely unique in the series is Martin’s flippin’ guide setup, where the line is handled between the stripper and second guide instead of between the reel and stripper guide. MSRP on the series ranges from $129.99 to $149.99 including the Okuma Lifetime Limited Warranty.

New Helios Air Weighs In At 5.7-OuncesHelios low-profile baitcast reels are the flagship of the Okuma lineup. ABEC-5 spool bearings, Carbonite drag system and full aluminum drive system deliver pure performance with heirloom quality construction. New Helios Air takes the already ultra-light Helios and replaces the aluminum frame and side plates with magnesium, lowering overall weight more than a half an ounce to a 5.7-ounce total. No gimmicks, just fantastic materials. Helios Air is offered in both right- and left-hand retrieve at an MSRP of $269.99, including the Okuma 3-year Limited Warranty.

New Komodo and Citrix 350 Low-Profile Baitcast ReelsWith an industry-leading line capacity of 23-yards of 14-pound monofilament and 25-pounds of maximum drag output, all-new Komodo and Citrix 350 size low-profile baitcast reels advance this reel design into all new fishing categories. Big bait fishing for bass is a given, but now anglers can enjoy the comfort of this reel design within big striper, musky, salmon and inshore fisheries as well. The Komodo is a 10-bearing plus roller bearing design, Citrix includes 7-bearings plus roller bearing. Komodo features an all stainless steel drive system and Citrix utilized Dura Brass main and pinion gear. Both reels feature a 6.4:1 gear ratio, internally adjustable cast control system dual anti-reverse systems for power. Komodo and Citrix 350’s carry an MSRP of $219.99 and $169.99 respectively.

New Battle Cat Rods, Premium Catfish RodsCatfish are of the most important game fish in the United States more anglers are pursuing them as trophies every day. New Battle Cat rods include two models, one 7.5- and the other 8-feet in length, both defined by premium construction and unrelenting power. The rod blanks are incredibly powerful E-glass. The guide system is comprised of double foot welded stainless steel guides. The custom handles include EVA, cork and edge-protecting composite cork caps delivering supreme comfort and durability. Both Battle Cat rods are heavy power, rated for 15- to 6-pound line and are covered by the Okuma Lifetime Limited Warranty. MRSP is $114.99.

Shadow Stalker Rods, A Model Of Refined PowerEvery year, big fish anglers become more and more savvy with their presentations. Whether inshore saltwater or trophy bass, musky and stripers, new Shadow Stalker rods deliver tournament bass rod precision to enhance the ability of big fish anglers. Sixteen one-piece models are all constructed for casting applications. High-strength carbon composite blanks are finished with ALPS stainless steel double foot guides and handsome split grips. Fuji trigger grip reel seats feature a rubberized carbon finish for a sure grip. Shadow Stalker rods feature moderate-fast actions in lengths from 7- to 8.5-feet in length, favoring lure anglers. Covered by the Okuma Lifetime Limited Warranty, MSRP’s range from $109.99 to $129.99.

Makaira Reels Now Available From Factory With TDCIGFA and many tournament anglers are not concerned with high-end drag output. The focus of these anglers is precise drag control through the mid-range. The Makaira Tournament Drag Cam is perfection for lighter drag settings. Lowering maximum drag output, the TDC delivers smooth, precise drag output over a smaller overall range. With TDC, IGFA and light line anglers can push lines right to the edge of their breaking strengths. The Makaira TDC is available as an accessory for $25 to $30 depending on size, but now, Makaira reels are also available from the factory with the TDC installed as original equipment.

New Andros Single Speed ReelsThe Okuma Andros two-speed reels were the first designed and constructed from the ground up specifically for 50-pound braided line in big game applications. Their advanced construction continues to grow fans in awe of the power available from such a small platform. New Andros single speed reels make Andros technology more accessible to anglers, and with the addition of a roller bearing for instant anti-reverse; the reel becomes a pure jigging performer. Available in tow sizes the size 5 holds over 400-yards of 50-pound braided line while the narrow version, Andros A-5NS, holds 300-yards of 50-pound braid. Including the Okuma 3-Year Limited Warranty, Andros single speed reels are available at an MSRP of $289.99.

Nomad Express Travel Rods Bring First-Class Travel To EveryoneAirline regulations continue to tighten and fees continue to grow, yet new Okuma Nomad Express Travel rods make it easier than ever for the travelling angler to fish with premium gear. Featuring 3-piece designs and an included waterproof travel bag, Nomad Express rods offer first class saltwater travel rods at a suggested retail price of just $99.99. Seven, 7-foot models include four boat rods and three split grip inshore rods. European spigot ferrule connections deliver a one-piece feel. Nomad Express rods are covered by the Okuma One-Year Limited Warranty.

New Cedros Salmon Rods Support The Golden Gate Salmon AssociationOkuma Fishing Tackle is proud to support the Golden Gate Salmon Association, making a cash donation on the sale of every new Cedros CH-C-801L, ML, M and MH rod sold. These Cedros rod models were custom designed for Northern California downrigger and mooching salmon fisheries. With moderate actions, Cedros salmon rods allow salmon to achieve a firm hold of trolled or mooched baits before the fish feels resistance and the hook is driven solidly home. Choose from four available rod powers, all in 8-foot lengths and one-piece build. Okuma Fishing Tackle is excited to join the efforts of the Golden Gate Salmon Association to maintain salmon runs and the salmon economy. Cedros salmon rods are available at an MSRP of $144.99 and are backed by the Okuma Lifetime Limited Warranty.

New Cold Water Downrigger RodsTo date, the primary design component of downrigger rods has been durability, often at the expense of responsiveness and sensitivity in the hand. All-new Cold Water rods advance the downrigger rod with graphite construction that not only delivers through the hook set, but also makes fighting fish a far more rewarding experience. Cold Water rods begin with 26-Ton graphite rod blanks. Ten all-new models emphasize salmon, steelhead and lake trout, including technique-specific actions for downriggers, planer boards and Dipsy divers. Rod lengths span from 7- to 10.5-feet with medium, medium-heavy and heavy powers. Backed by the Okuma Limited Lifetime Warranty, Cold Water rods are offered at MSRP’s of $89.99 to $109.99.