Okuma FRS80 Fixed Spool Reel

A reel only just finding its way on to the UK tackle shop shelves.

The spool carries 375-yards of 15lb mono, the ideal size for all long range fishing from clean beaches for everything from flatfish and whiting to cod and bass. The line capacity is also generous enough to allow the angler to line back, or cast out, then walk backwards releasing line as you go. This is a useful technique for fishing a bait far out on very shallow beaches that cover quickly with the flooding tide.

This is a high spec reel sporting a stainless steel line roller, rotor equalizing system, a waterproof sealed drag system, a selective silent anti reverse, and with stainless steel gears giving a 4.5:1 retrieve ratio. It has a stainless steel main shaft, stainless drive gear and runs on four stainless steel ball bearings for smoothness. The spool is aluminium, as is the handle grip, and the body made from smart blue graphite that alongside the chrome and gold of the metal makes the reel look really smart.

The line lay on this reel is excellent giving a consistently good line profile greatly contributing to maximising the casters own potential. The drag is smooth and powerful, and the drag adjuster on the front of the spool is easy to grip if you need adjustment while fighting a decent fish. The bale arm roller is strong and not prone to snapping shut just as you punch the lead away. The handle also folds in to the body for ease of transportation. I also liked the large alloy grip barrel type handle, though it is a bit cold to hold in the depths of winter.

Further information from:okumafishing.com

And in the UK contact, Svendsen Sports Tel: 01443 844334