Okuma Cavalla 2020

[@andrewmorke]

It's always a pleasure to talk to you when I'm in the store. I couldn't be happier with my Makaira and Avet reels.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Thanks you sir.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

Always have enjoyed the Andros 5 and 12 narrow so it looks like Okuma really has a great series of differently priced reels. Someone below mentions it but it makes me wonder why the Fathom has so much market share in the under $350 range even in smaller sizes. Anodized aluminum over painted in particular is enough of a reason in itself to go with Okuma. I own and love my Penn Torque 40N but when people call it the big brother of the Fathom it doesn't add up to me. They are different beasts well beyond the price tag I think. I've had the Torque a number of years now and killed a few thousand pounds of Tuna on it and it's a great 80lb class reel to me. Outside of that one Torque, I have gone full Okuma. Andros 5N and 12N cover 30 and 50/60 pound class. Then I bump to the Makaira for 100+ pound test line. I actually even have a Makaira 10 that is such a cool little piece and great to fish! Doesn't make sense to me why the Fathom is so popular. It absolutely kills fish but so do other and better reels in that range. Compare this Cavalla series to a Fathom and it's kind of night and day! Who knows. I'm a gear head and a fisherman so this stuff bugs me!! Thanks Mark always enjoy the videos.

[@johnpawlak7484]

Thank you for the History lesson.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

This Machined Alum Silver Body frame of Cavalla is already a winner visavis Silver painted Fathom gen 2. If Okuma will listen to its customer as they did on Alijos. Then incorporating a THRUST BEARING on Cavalla will give the new gen 2 Fathom a run for their money…now is the best opening for Cavalla to penetrate Fathom’s hold of value reel market segment.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Machined verses cast and stamped, anodized verses painted... Okuma has already offered more than Penn, but they have less models and range of offering within the series. I don't think they are trying to match Penn's gross sales, they're trying to run a tighter ship profitably and to me seem to be playing things in a more Japanese style (given prior careers with JVC and Sansui Elec.). Grow big tree from small seed, takes time but has stronger roots...

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

​@@CharkBaitUSAI agree with you but it makes me wonder why the Fathom is such a popular series even in the smaller sizes. It's a solid reel but in today's market you can get a lot of reel under $350-$400. I absolutely love my Torque 40N but it's such a different animal from the Fathom. I also fish the Andros 5N and 12N and love them for 30-50lb class fishing. The Andros 5N is probably my most used reel. I do bump to the Makaira for my bigger game fishing. I actually even enjoyed the Solterra a buddy of mine owns for a couple days.

[@thomashamilton6244]

Have an Okuma Cedros baitcaster CJ-273LX. HOW do you shut off the clicker when you cast? Tom

[@sfv6]

Sir i didn’t know that your shop is in HB....i definitely will stop by!

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Please do, but given the Wuhan Virus stuff, our retail shop must be closed thru this month and possibly into April. We'll open her back up as soon as we get the green light from the State. Until then, the internet side of our business is rolling along and we're up and running.

[@Cramercy]

For years I’ve passed this store and thought it was a joke about finding Nemo.

[@Drundel]

You mentioned about treating your spools before putting on braid. Could you expand on that and how to protect the spool? Thx

[@MarkSmith.CharkBait]

That’s covered to a certain extent in another video. CharkBait pretty much wrote the book on this over 20 years back. I could say what we do is propriety and that’s why folks bring their reels to us… we don’t have obligation to share, but we don’t, we share what we know/what we do. Not rocket science, and others can do things their own way, many ways to do things. We simply apply a bit of parafin to spool arbor, then make use of non-absorbent surgical tape to spool and then a SD jam knot w/braid to spool, load braid under appropriate pressure. For mono spooling, we don’t go this route, don’t need to. For braid we do things differently as mentioned.

[@Drundel]

@@MarkSmith.CharkBait Thanks. Never heard of CharkBait before, I just found this video when searching for the Cavilla, honestly no clue even what state y'all are in, but thanks for the details. Here in the gulf we put down teflon tape before putting on braid.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

@@Drundel We have many clients from your neck of the woods, and don't let our location make you think we're unfamiliar with your waters. Do some checking, you 'll find that we're straight up, offer good service and value on what we offer. www.charkbait.com

[@200iqvele7]

Nice video! Do you think that okuma cavalla 5ns can catch a fish that is 10-15 kilos??? I mean is okuma cavalla 5ns a very good reel?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

No problem at all with that size fish. Most load 40# braid, fish the reel at 20-40# leaders with 30 most common. No issues with fish twice the size you mention. Quite capable in the hands of an angler who has drag set properly (up to 30% of line test) and keeps pressure on fish, of taking tuna up to 100 lbs.

[@200iqvele7]

@@CharkBaitUSA have u ever use this reel(cavalla 5ns) or no?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

@@200iqvele7 I don't own one, but I've fished it. It's a lot like my little Andros 5N in terms of size but better material used (mine is first generation so not made from CNC'd aluminum). Even on that little reel I've taken 50 lb yellowfin and not been that proud about it to think anything special in terms of fish size on the reel. The Cavalla series is more robust than it's predecessor the Metaloid. I've seen Metaloids (5 size) deal with tuna to 100 lbs. The Cavalla is the better reel in that comparison. They are solid reels, their Alijos is indeed better, but there's no shame with a Cavalla..

[@200iqvele7]

@@CharkBaitUSA so do you think that I can catch a fish 20 kilos easily or no? Rod:dragon xtreme 140c!

[@CharkBaitUSA]

@@200iqvele7 I can’t speak to the rod, if it has any backbone to help beat up a fish or it’s your basic noodle slow pitch jigging rod which does nothing to help leverage a fish. From the standpoint of the reel, no issues.

[@thomaskong5]

For a 40lb fly line set up, is it worth getting the alijos 12N over the cavalla 12N? What about for a 25-30lb flyline set up? Cavalla 5 or alijos 5?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Alijos vs. Cavalla, both represent excellent reels within their relative price points. I"m not a technical guy, but you can certainly give our shop a call and speak to Sergey who will be glad to go into detail regarding differences in design. The Alijos is quite a step up from the Cavalla, but that does not take anything away from the Cavalla - they're excellent reels anywhere near their price point. Going Alijos, you pick up a thrust bearing, nicer range of operation of drag system without loss of freespool as you move up the drag setting (within the design parameters of the reel), smooth as butter. Again, contact Sergey for more tech info. Regarding size for 40#, the 12N certainly covers that range VERY well and may even be overkill. That piece can handle 40/50/60# just fine, line capacity being a consideration depending upon application. The 5 size also can cover 40#, with rigging and capacity being considerations. I own the earlier version (Andros) 5 and 5N. Love those reels, but the Alijos takes them to a new level in terms of strength and capability. I guess I'd say it's going to be a subjective call depending upon how deep your pockets. You will get what you pay for, and then some, with either series. They are GREAT long term ownership pieces and both have significant improvements over prior versions of these reels. (Metaloid to Cavalla, Andros/Alijos first gen vs current Alijos)

[@marcomunoz7453]

I’m using the Mak 15Tfor 60lb, Alijos 12N for 40lb, the Cavalla 5 for 30lb and the Tesoro 5 for 25lb. Love every single one them.

[@thomaskong5]

@@marcomunoz7453 what lb braid did you put on your Tesoro?

[@glennrangiuia7892]

We have 10 year warranty on shimano reels here in New Zealand.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

1 year in USA and with the bike company chances are that they won't have parts available for the reel well before your warranty would have expired. That's often the case, they discontinue a reel after a couple years in the line, come out with a II model and parts dries up. Built in obsolescence, talk to Triton owners... But, then again, I'm not a shi fan.

[@AquaMarine1000]

Okuma 10 year in Australia.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Shitmano is No Good in the 🇺🇸

[@donkdonkfishingwithhenryan4574]

I'm wondering what you think about the difference between these reels and the new penn fathom two speeds.

[@MarkSmith.CharkBait]

In terms of construction material, the Cavalla series is made from better stuff - machined aluminum, no stamped parts or cover pieces... The Fathoms have improved in some areas, low gear ratio for the larger sized reels for example and there's far more range of offerings. For the Cavalla series, really there are only four sizes, really 2 with two different widths for each. If you are considering the Fathoms, you might want to watch the video I did upon their introduction, "The Good, the Bad, the Ugly..." It's on our KZbin Channel CharkBait USA.

[@kane012499]

hi im new to overhead reels. Would there be a difference between the wide and narrow 5 series in during retrieving the line? do i need to guide the line when it's below 50 meters?

[@Blueskies-h3e]

What pound test do you put on the Cavalla ll? I’m interested in getting one 👍👍

[@CharkBaitUSA]

That depends upon the model and your application. Contact us at our shop rather than YT for specific info, 714-840-4500 / 714-846-6452.

[@fishduckdog]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Thank you for visiting.

[@andrewmorke]

So how do the Cavalla 12's cast? Are they any good for surface irons on a 40-50# outfit?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Very capable casters, the 12N being a nicer size for 40/50# for most of us since its skinnier which makes it easier to.line on retrieve.

[@tomasjrvillanueva9008]

Hi Mark. Are the handle knub bearing drive?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

I do not believe so, but really I'm not a gear-head guy and not the best source for technical info. Better to contact our shop and speak to one of the guys or my son Sergey who is more technically inclined. I"m just an old fisherman....

[@jeffsmith825]

Mark, why do you think so many of these reels use a cookie cutter reel foot? I have run into corrosion under the reel foot (before I found a product called Tef Gel) but it seems a lack of detail to me. I could be wrong. I love that Avet uses the anodized 6061 T6 Aluminum in the reel foot never understood why others don't. Not to mention the color aspect.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

I'm sure it's a cost thing, and since Avet is ahead of the game in terms of their number of cnc machines they can more easily and efficiently machine their reel's foot. Others don't have the capacity, or given associated costs, inclination. Penn, for example, uses a stamped metal foot on the majority of reels with the exception of their larger Internationals and Torque models. I've seen a stamped reel foot, when a reel clamp not used, bend and come flying out of the seat! Not a good thing. So, I'm with you, prefer the machined foot, but functionally a stamped foot can be just fine so long as a reel clamp is used - in my opinion. As to the corrosion issue, maintenance - use of Salt-X or Salt Away, rinse, dry... SOS.

[@thomaslazarski3596]

Ryobi used to produce fishing gear

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Yep, still have one of their old bass baitcasters from the early 80's.

[@chrisvmartinez]

Hey Mark! Hey can you please convince Okuma to remake the old Cedros star drag casting reels again pretty pretty please 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Don't see that coming, even though a few other firms are now taking another look at producing star drag reels (Accurate's done so, Avet will do so in 2020). The Tesoro series really replaced the Cedros stars. If you fish one, I doubt you'll have the same wish to see the Cedros back. Those Tesoros are some of the best casting reels I've played with, and we've had several clients say they are the best casting reels they've owned, by far. Light, shaved off some of the bulk of the Cedros, and they spin!

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Tesoros beats Cedros! Its Night & Day difference....once you tried Tesoros there is no looking back to the bulky Cedros Star Drag.

[@Haknumansoksan]

Just an FYI guys... I made a reply here yesterday, but KZbin erased my comments to cover up the information. The global elites are so desperate now and will erased any comments I post that bring awareness to humanity between the East and Western cultures etc.

[@Haknumansoksan]

Christopher Martinez - KZbin erased my comments to you again about the Okuma Cedros still available for sales here in Asia.

[@HM-ji7le]

What makes this reel stand out from similar reels?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

I guess I could if there were some similar reels which offer the same construction and performance near their price point. But, I can't. If you give me a specific "similar" reel, then we can look to differences. Machined aluminum, 3 year warranty, high drag capability, price - I'm not seeing much in the way of similar reels now. And, sadly all things come to an end, we've sold thru one model as of this date, only 10 or so remaining of another...getting thin.

[@nik-lc3ob]

Does it have an AR bearing, or just the 2 AR dogs like the Metaloid?

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

hi mark...what lb test is the 12N good for? 40-50lb line?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Wow, I sure missed that one... YES! 40-50.

[@sfv6]

Shimano speed master 2 or this?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Easy for me to say the Cavalla, hands down. Full disclosure, I am not a fan of shimano, don't appreciate the price fixing aspect of their marketing policy - should be illegal in a free economic system. Even taking away my bias, consider one thing... Okuma offers a 3 year warranty on these reels, while shimano offers a 1 year warranty. That tells the tale in terms of expected long term reliability.

[@sfv6]

CharkBaitUSA Thank you!

[@ilikedirtx22]

CharkBaitUSA I dislike Shimano also. What do you mean by price fixing?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

@@ilikedirtx22 You can search the definition, but lets just say there's a reason you only see the bike makers products sold at full pop retail with no value added.... Laws of supply and demand are off the table with that firm given marketing approach which is at odds with a free market system.

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

I have SpeedMaster but the Machined Aluminum Body of Cavalla beats it hands down…I have not even mentioned the Stainless vs Brass gear yet…

[@tedhaas8440]

Thank you.... yahm...

[@omarsoto3797]

Where is your tackle shop located Boss

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Huntington Beach CA for the retail shop, but our internet site is worldwide. www.charkbait.com

[@jeffsmith825]

Interesting they're measuring line capacity with 50lb line on the 5 and 5n. Seems like they're asking for trouble by inviting people to fish the reels heavier than perhaps they were designed to be fished. There will, as always, be people who throw straight 65 of 80lb spectra on these reels and complain when they blow a bearing out or worse.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Typically on a reel with braid backing and mono topshot we like the braid to be one level higher in test than the leader material. Given thin diameter of braid, reduced knot strength when not doing an inline knotless leader rig, the conservative course is to run the braid a bit heavier. The drag of the reel should be set at up to, but not over, 30% of the lightest line on the reel. Consequently the reel would NOT have an issue given it's drag capability - you're not crunching a spool bearing when used as described.

[@kowshikhalder9381]

How much

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Please visit our website for information: www.charkbait.com

[@frankwyndham6026]

Is the 12 fast enough and can drag be set light enough for 20 lb. Kite setup?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Could go that route, drag has plenty of range compared with the predecessor Metaloid which had a narrow range of operation in the lighter tests. Might be a good option, but speed of retrieve, line retrieve per crank, you might want to consider the numbers. Could be that a faster gear on the top end might prove helpful. We may just have something for you via CharkBait towards the end of the month...we made another key buy, waiting for the reels to arrive in May. Won't say more now, but we have something in that size which may be of interest... You can reach me via CharkBait's website for more info...

[@matali503]

Nice video sir.For jigging and bottom fishing how does this reel compare to tesoro?

[@CharkBaitUSA]

Good question, different animals given star vs leverdrag. The star drag Tesoro will engage more quickly, a little less handle slop, so for most I think the Tesoro would be the better pure jigger, others may have different take. The big difference might be what comes after getting bit. The power of the low gear on a 2 speed reel offers the angler an excellent tool for turning a more substantial fish. The Tesoro is also quite a bit lighter, so to me that might be an added plus for a jigging application. Subjective opinions offered, and certainly others with more experience can offer alternate points. Both are very good reels, different animals.

[@matali503]

@@CharkBaitUSA thanks for your reply sir.i wonder if okuma makaira 8ii gold can be use for jigging? I really want to try cavalla but with normal bearing (same with tesoro) and spur cut,is it can hold againts saltwater well like makaira gold.

[@CharkBaitUSA]

@@matali503 My feel, no the Makaira's are not jigging reels, they're trolling and bait pieces based upon gear ratios, the amount of line you'll pick up per crank. That's my opinion, others may differ... But, I don't use my 10's as jiggers, too slow to fish the depths. As bait pieces, nothing short of excellent...which is why I have 2 10's and a 16 and would like a couple more myself... But, for jigging, give me something in 6:1 or closer to that number with above 40" per crank. The 8 and 10's won't do that. The Cavalla and Tesoro both provide something closer to 45". That's one of the reasons some folks have gone spinning for this application, to achieve something closer to 60" /crank of the handle. Always that gear ratio driven cranking power vs speed consideration.

[@troytoth8294]

@@matali503 i have a makaira 8 special edition I use it for slow pitch jigging in shallow that 300ft or less its works well at that range I caught monster fish just wish it had a longer handle arm.but the t bar is comfortable.