My Okuma Clarion 553L arrived today, at the same time the rod showed up from a different supplier (Tidewater Bigwater series, 6.5' heavy action).
I wanted a reel that I could take out on the headboats and perhaps for pier fishing for sharks and kings---- a reel that had a ton of line capacity, a decent gear ratio, and a levelwind. I decided on the Okuma based on price ($110) and on their decent reputation (though admittedly not as pristine nor legendary as Penn).
Right out of the box I must say I am impressed. The reel seems very tightly built, reels very smooth and has a nice, loud bait clicker. The levelwind pawl seems to track just fine with no abnormal slop.
I loaded it with about 350 yards of 80# red Power-Pro (with about 30 yards of 50# mono underneath to keep it from freewheeling on the spool). It loaded up very smooth.
Now, I have two problems. I never recommend a product until I have abused it, so I can't just yet say I recommend it, though I'm tempted.
Second, I never know if I'm satisfied with a product until two or three years after I bought it and it works like it's supposed to. So, with that said, I HIGHLY recommend the Abu-Garcia 5500C3 reel for bass and catfishing. I have one that I've had for 8 years of VERY heavy use (heaven only knows how many catfish that reel has seen) without a speck of trouble
and I hope this Okuma does the same for me.
Oh, sorry, no pics yet. I have to finish a sermon tonight
so I need to stop preaching about tackle and start preaching the Bible for now
.
Matt