Hello All, Great site, love the amount of knowledge here.
I read older posts regarding the Okiaya rods, no one had actually used one yet and given a report back on actually fishing experience.
I have the 80-130lb Boss Hoss, everything on it looks great so far, rollers all work, straight, I did some heavy lifting with it and like how it felt. I couldn't resist the price, and they look nice. For me it is a budget purchase, expensive to gear up into shark fishing. So I view it as a starter rod to get me going. Dont hate on me for going cheap, I know some guys are brand specific and loyal, and I understand you get what you pay for.
But wondering how they have held up for the guys that already have them, before I buy another one.
Anyone battle tested these roller rods?
I have one that I've never used. As with any roller rod, it takes maintenance to keep it working properly. especially on the sand. I mean cleaning and lubing after every trip. The one I have arrived with a crooked gimbal and one roller completely frozen.
Chris Gatorfan has one and fished it a few times. Caught some sharks, but the last time I saw that rod, One of the rollers froze and it broke his line. Not Hatin', just stating the facts. Hopefully you will have a better outcome with yours.
They have been out for several years but it is hard to find actual fishing results. Found a few reviews on other forums were good. I have heard a common thread because they are cheap no one thinks they are worth it, but most critics dont actually own one.
Another guy did say he lost a roller, and cannot get replacements. I figure its 50/50.
I guess I will see how mine holds up before buying another.
In the $100 range, I would buy a Davis over an Okiaya any day. JMO
I will look into those, any other good low cost I should consider?
Nothing that would last. This rod is a davis two piece on a 12/0. They had some nice rollers, but there was a lawsuit from aftco, so, they stopped making them for a while. I really like this one.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/DSCN1708-Copy_zps1f7d3a55.jpg)
They are good rods for the price but some of them have issues as shark hunter said. Be careful of the rollers though as they are nothing fancy and do tend to seize up from time to time. Keep them lubes well and out of the sand. They do make for a killer trolling rod. I have caught over 100 sharks on mine up to 450 pounds with no issues as we as 9 kings and a Wahoo so far.
I have rod coming from eatmytackle.com, as far as I can tell they're rebranded Okiayas. It'll be here tomorrow and I'll report back with photos and details.
I have one of those Ron. its not a bad rod. I would rate it above an Okiaya. The only problem with them is the reel seat. It will spin after a while. It is fixable. I would just fish it and see what happens. They are another China import. the rollers aren't too shabby.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_2311_zps39d04e2e.jpg)
Quote from: Shark Hunter on June 22, 2015, 11:55:45 PM
Nothing that would last. This rod is a davis two piece on a 12/0. They had some nice rollers, but there was a lawsuit from aftco, so, they stopped making them for a while. I really like this one.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/DSCN1708-Copy_zps1f7d3a55.jpg)
Nice pic 8)
Marc..
Daron is that Navarre?
Pensacola
I was thinking that first with the bridge but then I was looking at the rest of the scene and got thrown off haha. I love how there's never any waves there on my coast we sometimes get hammered in the fall winter haha. I'll be making several weekend trips this winter and spring to that side from panama over to Pensacola chasing mako
Anything I have ever seen from eatmytackle.com is junk.
Personally I believe in making my own rods from blanks that are proven quality, I have asked the advice of other rod builders on what they may recommend like John Vadney who is an expert rod builder and willing to help you with a good choice, as well as Newell Nut who is also a accomplished rod builder.
In the long run if you are serious about your fishing equipment then building you own or having one of these guys do it for you is the way to go. IMO
Personally I would rather have a locally custom wrapped rod, or reputable stock rod with quality components. After looking at their reels, hearing of poor QC snd cheaper components, and checking these rods out in person...I would steer clear of them. The fully rollered big game trolling rods are cheap, and might work ok for awhile, but I am skepticle how they will hold up with prolonged use. I would rather spend more and get better quality that will last. Admittedly, I have not put these tods through their paces myself.
I do have confidence in the Penn International series, and old Fenwicks with AFTCO components. Locally wrapped Kimura customs are quality as well. I wish I had more time to try my hand at wrapping some unlimited class, fully rollered trolling rods. I would probably start with a cheaper set of stubbies with PacBay components, before buying better quality standup blanks with AFTCO butts and guides. I just can't seem to find the time these days though.
Quote from: Marcq on July 08, 2015, 07:21:59 AM
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/DSCN1708-Copy_zps1f7d3a55.jpg)
I see why you have SS everything and Carbon drags now! I'd be afraid of getting onto one of those posts lol
Quote from: Shark Hunter on June 22, 2015, 05:13:40 PM
I have one that I've never used. As with any roller rod, it takes maintenance to keep it working properly. especially on the sand. I mean cleaning and lubing after every trip. The one I have arrived with a crooked gimbal and one roller completely frozen.
Chris Gatorfan has one and fished it a few times. Caught some sharks, but the last time I saw that rod, One of the rollers froze and it broke his line. Not Hatin', just stating the facts. Hopefully you will have a better outcome with yours.
Please call us at your earliest convenience and we will repair or replace the rod. All for Sophia at 443-880-2222
Okiaya-Live Life in Blue Water
Caught on Okiaya 30-50 Blueline!
www.okiaya.com
Okiaya-Live Life in Blue Water
Caught on Okiaya 30-50 Blueline!
www.okiaya.com
Okiaya-Live Life in Blue Water
Caught on Okiaya 80-130 Venom pro with a 50w Okiaya Pro National Reel!
www.okiaya.com
Quote from: OKIAYA on March 19, 2017, 05:45:15 PM
Quote from: Shark Hunter on June 22, 2015, 05:13:40 PM
I have one that I've never used. As with any roller rod, it takes maintenance to keep it working properly. especially on the sand. I mean cleaning and lubing after every trip. The one I have arrived with a crooked gimbal and one roller completely frozen.
Chris Gatorfan has one and fished it a few times. Caught some sharks, but the last time I saw that rod, One of the rollers froze and it broke his line. Not Hatin', just stating the facts. Hopefully you will have a better outcome with yours.
Please call us at your earliest convenience and we will repair or replace the rod. All for Sophia at 443-880-2222
Sophia,
This post is almost two years old. I fixed the rod myself.
It was a gift from my wife and I want to keep it.
She bought it off Amazon.
Thank You for your concern.
I don't know how repuitable Okiaya is but I ordered their Viper Pro roller rod with straight butt & leather forgrip. They sent a rod with a bent butt & rubber forgrip. I have been trying all week to contact them but no answer to my emails or phone messages. It's starting to look like my only option is the Resolution Center on ebay. The phone number that they left on this post goes to an answering machine & messages do not get returned. Rudy
Update. Finaly got a callback from Okiaya a few minutes ago. They are sending the correct rod out in the morning. I guess it works when you rattle their cage. ;D Rudy
Okiaya....good to see you are standing behind your products....too bad other tackle companies are leaving their fisherman holding the bag....Thank you....Bill