Okuma Makaira??
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Reel Questions!
Forum Description: Reel answers from a reel expert - Steve at Swordfish Marine
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=69365
Printed Date: 14 Jun 2026 at 5:14am
Topic: Okuma Makaira??
Posted By: Fishb8
Subject: Okuma Makaira??
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2011 at 5:32pm
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Anyone used or had experience with these reels? They look well made....thinking a 50W with 500 metres of braid + 500 of 37 kg. Gives 60lb max drag at strike so should cope with 37 kg? ------------- Be yourself; everyone else is already taken |
Replies:
Posted By: swordfishsteve
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2011 at 7:22pm
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Hi Roy
I would recommend using a good used Shimano Tiagra 50W or Penn 50SW reel for this work, why try something made in Korea or China when the proven gear is around for similar $$, cheers Steve
Only my opinion of course!!  ------------- REEL REPAIR GUY - Swordfishsteve, That Is Who I Am and That is What I Do : See More At :www.reelrepairguy.co.nz |
Posted By: Murph
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2011 at 8:30pm
| I've got a 50 Makaira and am impressed so far with its quality, seems to be equal to anything else on the market. It is still a virgin however so the jury is still out on how well it perfoms on a decent fish. |
Posted By: T_CARP
Date Posted: 26 Aug 2011 at 10:11pm
| from what experience i have had with them i would use/buy one no worries. they have had a good thrashing onboard Reel Passion so far with awesome results. 60plus marlin last season plus swords. 1000lb tuna on a 50w in the states. I reckon we will start to see plenty more of them out and about. Thumbs up from me! |
Posted By: Whizz
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2011 at 5:25pm
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Interesting to note Roy the reels are actually made in Taiwan and was a first joint venture between Okuma and Tiburon USA. In relation to running 37kg line - Makaira has a unique Dual force drag which is built around a pull bar drag system, A custom made thrust bearing was also put into the Makairas to virtually eliminate all pressure on the right side plate bearing. What this means for you is that you can fish high drag settings and still have complete free spool, making it fine to fish 37kg line. A quick scroll through Google should turn out plenty of infomation on these awesome reels - Including some photos of a grander bluefin Tuna caught not so long ago. (grander bluefin tuna was caught on an 80 wide Makaira) On a Makaira 50 wide; Max drag @ strike with full free spool is 60 lbs Max drag @ full with full free spool is 85 lbs
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Posted By: Apex Predator
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2011 at 10:09am
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I've got a Makaira 80 and am really impressed with it. Have to rate it as superior to my Tiagras. Only issue I've had is that the lever is quite stiff to move which resulted in a near freespool birds nest with a fish boat side. More an issue of what you're used to rather than a fault.
I've also got 2 Makaira 10's and these would have to be the most versatile reels I've ever owned. Everything from stray lining, live baiting, soft baiting and jigging to puka fishing in 250m and light tackle trolling.
One of the smoothest and enduring drags I've seen and the anodising doesn't seem to mark or scratch as easily as my other gold reels.
In short I'd recommend the Makaira and would consider changing my Tiagra 50's if given the opportunity. I reckon they have reset the bar but people have been slow to catch on, probably because Okuma is not, historically, a name associated with top quality fishing gear.
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Posted By: Murph
Date Posted: 30 Aug 2011 at 4:46pm
| http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=750.0 - http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=750.0 |
Posted By: Fishing Addiction
Date Posted: 02 Oct 2011 at 8:18pm
| sounds like a he'll of reel that review |
Posted By: otter
Date Posted: 03 Oct 2011 at 10:54am
| fished both shimano and Makaira both are great reels for the time being when you look at resell value go shimano |
Posted By: Fishb8
Date Posted: 27 Oct 2011 at 7:50am
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I've just ordered a 50W Makaira for $750 from the US. Plus, spooled with 500 yards of JB hollow braid and 600 yards of Ande pink top-shot of 37 kg I don't look to re-sell any of my reels! Some good write ups! ------------- Be yourself; everyone else is already taken |
Posted By: kaveman
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2011 at 6:59am
The Makaira reels are getting some great reports all around the globe. Pretty sure that Peter Pakula uses these now -------------  www.kavemantackle.co.nz
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Posted By: KikBac
Date Posted: 28 Oct 2011 at 9:26am
| Fishb8 - are you sure you are going to get that much hollow / 37 kg topshot on a 50W? 1100 yds sounds a lot. If yes I will look to do something similar with my 50W's... |
Posted By: Fullon Fishing
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2011 at 9:29am
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The 600lb+ Tuna caught this year was landed in the south island was landed on a Makaira.
------------- http://www.fullonfishing.co.nz - http://www.fullonfishing.co.nz |
Posted By: Fishb8
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2011 at 3:30pm
On my 6/0 Duel, I have 1200 yards of 80 lb braid + 100 80 lb mono. ------------- Be yourself; everyone else is already taken |
KikBac wrote: