Okuma SLV

[MN BassFisher]

Are you guys a fan of the Okuma SLV line of reels? I was going to buy a Lamson Konic for my 9'5wt but I figured I'd probably get a 3 or 4wt this summer as well and for the price was eyeing up the SLV 2/3. Just looking for opinions.

[ted4887]

Great reels for the price. No need to drop big $$ on a low wt reel, since you'll likely rarely ever use the drag system. And if you do, they aren't too bad at all. I have two SLV's in the 5/6 wt. For $30-40, you really can't beat them.

[itchmesir]

I own 2 SLVs and love'em... Will own a couple more before the season hits full swing... Great LA reel at a low cost... Okuma makes some solid reels at rock bottom prices...

Also to be perfectly honest... 3/4wt is a line holding reel... not a work horse... you'll probably never fight a fish on the reel unless you really hook into a monster

[OnAFly]

Some of the best reels for the price for sure.

[Slabasaurus]

Yep. I have 2 5/6wt and a 9wt.

Definitely a great reel for the price.

[MN BassFisher]

Perfect guys, I appreciate the input. That's exactly what I was thinking, using a low weight rod would mainly be for small stream fishing here and I was thinking I doubt the drag will get used much so to drop triple digits on a reel seemed unnecessary. Now I just have to find the deals like Ted was referring to! I seem to find them for around $50.

[itchmesir]

If you're looking on the lower end... maybe even check the Okuma Sierra.. Have read good things about that reel as well.... cheapest SLV I can find right now is a 4/5 for $50 shipped on the auction site... that's honestly right around the price I pay for them... which is still about $15 cheaper than average

[Slabasaurus]

I bought all of my slv's through amazon... pay 45 for em usually.

if you are a prime member they have free shipping too.

[MN BassFisher]

For the more experienced than myself: If you were going to get an Okuma SLV for a 5wt rod, which size would you get 4/5 or the 5/6?

[itchmesir]

i'd probably go 5/6... 4/5 will leave little room for backing with a 5wt line... not that you'd need it... but if you wanna chase small carp on a 5wt... the more backing the better

Also 5/6 will allow for over lining... if you ever think it's for you... some people like it.. others don't.. what i'm trying to say is the 5/6 just gives you more options for the 5wt rod

[Slabasaurus]

but if you wanna chase small carp on a 5wt... the more backing the better

This guy knows what's up. Saw my backing a handful of times last year on carp with my 6 wt rod and okuma SLV 5/6.

one other thing... I use one of my 5/6 slv's for ice fishing - the 12" line retrieve is awesome for fishing over the 25-30foot basins up at the cabin.

[ted4887]

I concur with these two guys... for what it's worth.

[MN BassFisher]

Thanks Ya'll! I have two Okuma's coming to me. One 2/3 for my 3wt (which I haven't bought yet) and then one 5/6 for my Redington CPX 9'0 5wt (which I should have tomorrow)

[ted4887]

Good deal. Those CPX rods aren't too shabby either. I have the older version (CPS) and wouldn't trade it for the world. The thing is an absolute cannon for a 5 wt.

By the way... What brought you out to Colorado Springs? Are you missing the lakes yet, or are the man-made reservoirs out there keeping you busy still? Have any plans to head up to high country lakes this summer?

[MN BassFisher]

Yeah I got a heck of a deal on it so I'm excited to test it out. I was working for a software company in downtown St. Paul and there was an opening and position out here that they wanted me for so they payed to relocate me. After coming out and checking out the office I couldn't refuse - I think I will wind up back in Minnesota but for now I'm having fun out here. I definitely will miss the lakes and the Bass back home but the reservoirs have been a fun new challenge. The trout and lakers have been a fun change of pace too! I've been up to some of the higher mountain lakes to ice fish this winter and I can't wait til they open up around here so I can put my kayak in. I figured I would be cheating myself if I didn't give these gold medal rivers out here a chance too!

[MN BassFisher]

Just an update. I received my Okuma SLVs. I strung up the 5/6 with 20lb backing and then some Rio WF5F line. And I will be stringing up the 2/3 today with 20lb backing and Rio DT3F today after work and using it this weekend on my St. Croix Legend in hopes of some Splake and Brookies. Once the ice melts I will be putting it on my TFO Signature Series 3wt. Super excited and I will most likely be buying some extra spools.

[OnAFly]

I can see you're progressing well with the obsession. Don't worry, soon enough, nothing else will matter but the fly

Get some pics up if you catch anything!

[MN BassFisher]

I certainly will! I have the gear but now I need to learn and fine tune the tactics, hopefully I can put some fish on the board this month! I'll definitely share the pictures if I do.