Okiaya rods

Started by Three se7ens, March 19, 2014, 05:17:40 AM

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Three se7ens

I've seen a few posts here about okiaya rods, and they look pretty good.  I'd like to hear from some people who have or have used them before I bite the bullet and get a heavy rod for my 9/0.  I just want a rod that can handle 40-45 lbs of drag occasionally, but typically be fished around 30-35 lbs, and I don't want to break the bank because I'll only be using it a handful of times a year. 

Shark Hunter

#1
Adam,
Let me put it to you this way. I have one. It was a gift from the wife. Would I buy one myself? No.
The one I got was a factory second, and the Gimbal was crooked. Two of the rollers wouldn't turn at all.
They might have gotten better, but it only takes one time for me.
If you want a cheap roller rod that can take some punishment, Try one of these.
I know its not a Seeker or a Rainshadow. It has a year warranty, no questions asked. For the money and the Sheer Beauty, This price, can't be beat.


I bought a pair of these off ebay last weekend for $120.
I am in no way affiliated with them. I just think they offer a descent rod at a great price without having to spend a couple hundred dollars. I use these on my 9/0's with straight 80 lb mono. The rating is a little overkill, but that's how I like it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=261422957275
Life is Good!

Three se7ens

I can't help but notice the similarity between those and the okiaya rods. 

The lack of a slick butt is an issue for me.  I'm leaning more towards the okiaya just for that reason. 

Shark Hunter

Life is Good!

Three se7ens

I did. And I really do appreciate your input. I ended up ordering a 130-160 lb okiaya rod, and I'll be sure to post a review after I get to fish it. Hopefully it won't be too long before I can test it on a particular 14' hammerhead that hangs out at the wreck I usually fish...

Shark Hunter

I hope you have at least a 12/0 on the end of that Bad Boy! ;)
Life is Good!

Three se7ens

Quote from: Shark Hunter on March 30, 2014, 05:42:03 AM
I hope you have at least a 12/0 on the end of that Bad Boy! ;)

How about a 9/0 with one of Doms aluminum frames, and full SS guts...  I'm thinking 600 yds of 130 lb hollow braid and topping it with120-130 lb  mono.

Chris Gatorfan

Triple, If you are going to run a nine to try that hammer then I hope you are in a boat with the motor running. The Hammer is questionably the longest running shark out there...They are notorious for making huge initial runs, letting you gain 100-200 yards and then running out another 200-300 yards. they will do this several times before you gain full control. Other times they will fight you to the last crank of your handle.
Wilson's Reel Upgrades.

Three se7ens

Quote from: Chris Gatorfan on March 31, 2014, 04:15:16 AM
Triple, If you are going to run a nine to try that hammer then I hope you are in a boat with the motor running. The Hammer is questionably the longest running shark out there...They are notorious for making huge initial runs, letting you gain 100-200 yards and then running out another 200-300 yards. they will do this several times before you gain full control. Other times they will fight you to the last crank of your handle.


I'll be in a boat, the spot I'm talking about is 30 miles offshore.  I think I'll be fine, I caught a 9' tiger shark on a plastic frame okuma spinning reel 2 years ago.  Over the course of 4 hours it drug a 22' boat 2 miles from where we dropped the anchor.   I caught half a dozen 7-8' tigers last year in the same spot.  It's nuts, the sharks come right up to the boat.  I've literally hooked big sharks with the end of my 8' shark rig at the rod tip.  Just drop the bait in front of them when they come up to the boat.

Shark Hunter

I wish you Luck Adam! I expect pictures! ;D I really don't want to tangle with a Hammer unless I have the 14/0 on my side! These are Beasts of Legends! I can handle one, but not on a 9. 8)
The 14 or 16/0 spooled full of 130 lb, Bring IT! :-*
Life is Good!

Three se7ens

I got the rod today, and so far I'd say it's worth the money.  The gimbal is only a little bit off, and the thread wrap on the guides isn't perfect, but still pretty good.  I'll review it more in depth when I get to fish it.  Until then, I feel like it was a good buy.  I didnt want to spend a lot on something I'll probably only use 6 times a year. 

Shark Hunter

So, they are still selling crooked gimbals? Wow!
If you are using a fighting belt, even a little off is too much for me.
I picked me up a pair of Seeker Classics. Full Aftco Rollers. I'm all Set! ;)

Life is Good!

Three se7ens

Quote from: Shark Hunter on April 04, 2014, 01:46:42 AM
So, they are still selling crooked gimbals? Wow!
If you are using a fighting belt, even a little off is too much for me.
I picked me up a pair of Seeker Classics. Full Aftco Rollers. I'm all Set! ;)



Beautiful...

I still need to pick up an aftco maxforce harness, and I'm going to make a plate out of 3/16 aluminum.  Still trying to get the new boat together, my buddy doesn't want me hooking a 14'+ shark from his 21 foot boat...

Shark Hunter

Life is Good!

Three se7ens