Okuma Reel Stuck!

benri · July 28, 2009, 14:23:44 CET

Last saturday my cousin's Okuma reel (lever drag) just sort of stuck whereby you couldn't pull any line out even though the drag was all loose. Reeling in was ok but there was no way of taking line out. Thankfully we had an extra rod and could carry on. He took it over to Ta' Bormla as it is still quite new (only used 3 times) and they wil be looking into it.
I am just bringing the subject up to see whether there is maybe something that I could have done to loosen it up. Has this ever happened to anyone else? What do you think could have happened?

skip · July 28, 2009, 14:38:41 CET

Yes has happened to Fin's Okuma once before...we took it apart but forget what the problem was. I'm sure Bormla will help you out as they have full warranty backing from the distributor Buona Pesca

benri · July 28, 2009, 14:46:29 CET

Yes I'm sure Ta' Bormla will sort it out. in fact I'm asking out of curiosity imagining what would you do (except swear) if there was something on the other end of the line!

polidmar · July 28, 2009, 15:08:51 CET

As an aside; do you mind me asking if anybody bought one of these cheap reals (from ebay) coming from Asia and if there's any general comment about them? For the specs they quote the prices are ridiculously cheap! Being a firm believer that quality comes at a price but also aware that expensive does not mean good quality i'm not sure if I should opt for one of those reels. At 40Eur a shot its worth a try .. the only thing not worth it is if this reel gets stuck during a crucial moment and ruins all the fun for me!

skip · July 28, 2009, 15:30:12 CET

Whats the brand Polidmar? Or a link to the reel in question.......

The general design of a lever drag reel are all very similar and 'shared' by most manufacturers in the core design. The material used for the construction of the gears is very important, followed by the type of bearing and number used and then finally the material of the drag washer.

Decent reels have carbon fibre drag washers usually lightly greased and cheaper reels including Lineaeffe have PLASTIC crappy drag washers which won't hold up on a decent fish, and you'll get drag fade.

Personally I'd much rather buy something like an Okuma Classic 45L (lever drag with levelwind) for the same price and know I have the full backing and 2 years warranty locally.

polidmar · July 28, 2009, 16:02:43 CET

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CZH50-FISHING-Baitcast-Reel-Saltwater-Freshwater-Reels_W0QQitemZ120452111634QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Reels_JN?hash=item1c0b815d12&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1121%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/D6JN4-4BB-Baitcasting-Saltwater-Trolling-Fishing-Reel_W0QQitemZ180376307581QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Reels_JN?hash=item29ff44077d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C72%3A1121%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

Thanks Skip for the technical details i wouldn't have noted. Am attaching link to what to me seem as two very good priced items of decent quality. But again i'm ignorant in the small details that make a huge difference.

skip · July 28, 2009, 17:51:03 CET

Those are all star drag, baitcasters.

Don't let the external bling, polished alu lure you in! Would still prefer an Okuma Classic which is lever drag for similar money.

OKUMA-1976 · July 28, 2009, 20:40:59 CET

benri

your okuma BTL907 is ready and is ready ;; changed spool & shaft you're right somehow it was jammed (never had this problem before we're sorry about that).

we advice that before you leave for your fishing adventure check that all is at least functioning not to go out at sea and end up in your situation.

we advice all to rinse the reels with fresh running water (not pressurized) and service your reels in the winter months not a couple of days before you're going fishing.

safety first at sea guys & enjoy every moment
okuma service department.

shanook · July 28, 2009, 21:18:54 CET

Now hows that for service. nd they say that u get lousy service in Malta. Well done Okuma-1976

skip · July 28, 2009, 23:45:58 CET

Well done indeed, remember when rinsing your reels, lever drag to full moon (full drag) thereby preventing any water from finding its way in. Alot of us tend to use a hose but the idea is to use low pressure water not a jet. With the drag fully closed help to prevent problems......then give it a good shake, wipe etc.

Destination Sea · July 28, 2009, 23:53:01 CET

and leave the drag unwinded when not in use.

benri · July 29, 2009, 08:24:28 CET

Thanks a lot Okuma-1976... I'll send my cousin to collect it from Mosta. Excellent service I must say.... No wonder all my 4 reels are Okuma!

shanook · July 29, 2009, 09:04:35 CET

and to add to what skip advised (which is as always right) as soon as u are done loosen the drag all the way (that is no drag at all) if u want to, put it on the clicker so the spool wont be too loose. I brake the spool by a piece of soft jabloo.

Giannino · August 03, 2009, 19:31:53 CET

Just wanted to thank both Okuma-1976 and Ta Bormla in Mosta for the gr8 service in repairing my reel. Both went out of their way to get the job done. Will recommend 100%

Reel has proven its working fine when i caught a 10Kg alunga!!!!!!!!!

OKUMA-1976 · August 03, 2009, 19:52:05 CET

you're more than welcome; it's my pleasure that you're happy with the repair job.