My Okuma Rockaway SP FIRST TEST! [SoCal Surf Fishing Striper]

Lucky Craft FM110 Super Glow Blue Pink Sardine - amzn.to/4bkCyWb
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Rod - Okuma Rockaway SP 1002 M+ - amzn.to/3QtxCXf
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[@mikemaysey2491]

Dude, that striper was huge! I've put a few WSB on the beach there as well as some nice flatties! Probably gonna head up there this Saturday at dawn with a big jerk bait. You are, as always, an inspiration.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Appreciate you so much Mike, super grateful to have met you in person at our meetup and humbled by your support. Go get em man!!! And looking forward to sharing the sand with you again some time!!

[@mikemaysey2491]

@@BenjieKimFishing That would be awesome!

[@Photowrm]

Wow, you were stressing me out! I felt like I was there. Well done, and I like the sound of the drag on that reel.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much Bob. You're telling me lol!! It was a couple hours in between bites and and I REALLY wanted to land this one. So lucky and grateful I had a chance to see it before letting her swim off! Tight lines!

[@addicted2fishing119]

Hell yeah Benjie, love that stripers are showing SoCal some love… I know you love your LC’s but my luck with striper has been on the Yo-Zuri hydro minnow 1.25 ounces so casting is amazing, also I landed a 115 pound bluefin with the same lure 😂💪🏼

[@steveelder5306]

is that a deep diver or shallow runner?

[@addicted2fishing119]

@@steveelder5306 150 LC ( long casting) shallow 2-3’ Basically a top water offshore

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Brotha, that's absolutely crazy and awesome to slay with the same lure from surf and offshore!!! Tight lines!!

[@Nobodybaby78]

Those hydro minnows are lovely ain’t they?

[@addicted2fishing119]

@@Nobodybaby78 love those baits

[@samuelbalderas9397]

Best Of The Best Does It Again!! Congrats Benjie !! As always keep up the great work and keep slaying 🤙🏽

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Samuel!!! Thank you again always bro, I hope and trust you are well man. I saw you in a live awhile back but forgot to give you a shoutout. Tight lines!!

[@SMC4117]

Great video! I’m picking up the 10’ MH for stripers and for surf fishing in Mexico 🏄🏼‍♂️🎣🤙🏻

[@MrSeminole77]

Great way to get the skunk off that new rod! Nice vid- great battle!!

[@biggsean302]

Nice to see you trying out the Rockaway rods! I really enjoy mine!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I think yours was the first one I held Sean! Definitely loving that lineup....really needs to be a SoCal staple imho. Tight lines!

[@SRFishing805]

That was an awesome fight! Great job as always

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much, really appreciate it. Tight lines!

[@chanceninh]

UNCLE BENJIE YOU'RE MY HERO!!!!! LET"S GOOOOOOOO.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Much love always Chance!! Bro, have you been out there slaying???

[@chanceninh]

@@BenjieKimFishing not at all, I just started fishing a couple weeks ago since the company i worked for is going bankrupt, but it's been a bit slow for me. my buddy caught a 31 incher the other day though!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you for the update. Glad to know you’ve been getting out there a bit. Fishings hard man, sometimes it works out…other times we grind thru. Those who persevere win!! Appreciate you!!!

[@ham5765]

Dude...what an epic fight! So happy for you, hwaiting!!

[@_Alzee_]

Nice one Benji…. also nice seeing your sub count get over that hump and to see growing! 👍

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thanks so much Alex, I hope you're well brother! Tight lines!!!

[@davidcook8323]

Wow, that was epic. I'll be able to die after catching a so-cal striper.

[@Imjoshuabailey]

What a fight! Way to go Benjie!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

gpod4lyfe

[@shantiamagasu9614]

Haha, fudge!

[@manamike13]

I got the SP 862ML and I really like it.! The lightness is awesome compared the my Trifecta Lite. I haven’t tried to throw an LC on it yet. The sensitivity and control is very nice. It throws a little more accurate for me. BTW nice fishing session and way to take your time on that Striper Sir.!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Mike!!! Dude I saw that on our discord, stoked you gave it a chance. I genuinely love that 862, super sensitive and light but it's get that extra oomph where I feel confident tugging on fish without concern. Appreciate you man, can't wait to see you again (and also to drop of your reel!). Tight lines!!

[@Drago286v]

Beautiful video Bro.............they are testy getting better and better!! Thanks for your hard work!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much Leonard, appreciate your support and positivity so much! Tight lines!

[@CAyellowtail]

Awesome catch man! Great job

[@jeffmorris26]

Heck yeah Benjie. Nice Striper at the end. Keep slaying out there brotha🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Jeff! One day and one cast at a time. Sometimes we catch and sometimes we don't. I just love the process and journey. The triumphs make it worth it but I'm all in for all of it!! Tight lines!

[@SQ_og]

Love this channel

[@losthorizonfishing107]

Great video… I’ve definitely got to start doing some surf fishing!🎣😃

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Dan!!! I hope and trust you are well! I remember our day in HB bay like yesterday!!

[@frankzambrano8722]

Hi Benjie very epic video love seeing you get hyped brother! Hi from Frank as always loving your content 🤛🏽😉👍😉🤙🏽👏🏼

[@RollinRollinReelin]

Ho again Benjie! Great video! Guess what brother? I actually got this set up for my birthday on the 16th! Great rod and reel! Can't wait to fish it. I'll let you know how I do.

[@calloftheoutdoors8941]

NIce fish bro! That looks fun surf fishing, but definitely be careful out there man.

[@StevenDelCastillo]

Excellent video production!

[@dewdog]

Rockaway SP (Stuck Pig) and ya stuck em again BKF. Great work getting him in!

[@WhatWouldHappenShorts]

Huge striper bro! Nice catch dude!

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Greatly appreciated, thank you!!

[@dougheckathorn3925]

Great catch Benjie!

[@HangNFish]

I have the same rod also, but in 11 ft. I use this to target the striper boils in the middle of the Sacramento river with the YoZuri Monster Shot a 2 1/4 oz lure that is used to send out far.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Very nice, yea that's a terrific option for what you're doing. How does the rod handle the 2 1/4 oz? I've yet to try and load mine up.

[@HangNFish]

@@BenjieKimFishing its not bad for 2 1/4 lure. I did try the 3 1/2 verison oz it loses accuracy more with the 3oz

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@HangNFish ok good to know! Thanks for the info 🤙

[@Lee-bo1wp]

What beach are you fishing at?

[@kevinerbs2778]

I've got the same rod as you. I'm using it for walleye in Lake Erie. My personal best is 7.75lbs walleye in the fall, & in the summer I got a 10lbs channel catfish on a spoon.

[@scanna70]

Beautiful fish Benjie 👏 Going to cut and balance a couple of those rods next week……

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you Seba, I hope you are well!! I know you'll make the owners very happy with your craftsmanship! Tight lines!

[@scanna70]

⁠@@BenjieKimFishing All good here my friend. Hope the same for you 🤗 Tight line!

[@Fermenting760]

I used to love eating Sand Bass when I was a kid. They were my favorite.

[@CurrentJAM]

Nice! Didn’t know stripped bass came down to SoCal.

[@david-iam]

They sure do. We call it the so.cal unicorn. Can be hard to find the further south you go. But they are around.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

5 to 10 years ago, if anyone posted one from the surf it would absolutely be considered a SoCal unicorn. Mind you there were plenty of OG's roaming SoCal saltwater and catching them but it has always been extremely hush-hush. In the past couple years, I'd personally downgrade them to simply "rare but def possible." IDK if it's just social media or whatnot, but they seem to be much more prevalent today than 5 years ago. Personally, I don't consider this fish a unicorn....but I do cherish it as a rare(ish) catch that I can be proud of. Personally, stripers are the hardest fighting gamefish that I've had the privilege of catching from the surf. They are invasive and breed fast (which opens up a can of worms), but aside from all the important conversations - I wouldn't mind seeing them become even more prevalent in SoCal waters! Tight lines!!

[@237311]

Nice catches. Is that the flash minnow 150SR you used to catch the stiped bass?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you. It was on the 130.

[@frankwaters8177]

I never realized stripers came this far south. I caught many in the SF Bay Area, but never saw one since I moved to San Diego Couinty.

[@ClearWater7.62]

Any nice spots to surf fish in SD? I'll be there with my fam next weekend.

[@markg1216]

Sweet! Well done!

[@beansan11]

Dude that looks like a nice set up. Amazing fish! Is the rod a 2pc?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey Werner, thanks always man! Yes, it's a 2-piece 50/50 split

[@ronmodafferi8202]

BK That rod must feel like a broom stick to your usual upper light rod/line rigging? It casts a Lucky Craft well??? Questionable? Interesting that you changed heavier lure. If that rod was great what do you think of a Hawaiian Custom more limber/flexible rod?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hi Ron! At 5.8 ounces, it's actually very light. I'm not sure of the exact weight of my previous rod, but I'm guessing this one is maybe 1 ounce heavier? So for me personally, the weight is negligible. I'm stunned by the sensitivity - I can confidently say that it's at the very least equal in sensitivity, but my feeling is that it's MORE sensitive. But I don't have scientific data to back that claim/feeling. Absolutely casts further...actually not that important to me but nice to have in my back pocket. I'm actually not a fan of parabolic rods. Even with the "heavier lure," it was only 3/4 ounce and imo I don't need half the rod to load the lures I cast. To be clear, this is personal preference but I do like having my rods load closer to the tip. I was concerned that this rod would be more parabolic than my preference, but it's actually quite nice and I have no complaints in that regard. Tight lines!

[@ronmodafferi8202]

@@BenjieKimFishing I always appreciate your perspectives! I have a regular Rockaway that I got for mostly for perch; some stripers. It's seems pretty stiff for perch. Like the Alon 1. Maybe I need to try the "SP"; perch specific one. I see H2C is cutting the butt shorter.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I have the regular Rockaway too and I suspect that it is well suited for further north. Personally, it doesn't fit my style with the bigger guides and our perch are way smaller down here so I prefer my rods to be a bit more finesse. The Rockaway SP looks similar to the regular Rockaway but has a way slimmer profile but a larger lure rating. As for cutting the butt, yes, def a valid option for those that don't like it. I probably won't be cutting mine and I'm also super excited to test another rod in the Okuma lineup that I think will be perfect for how I like to fish. More to come on that though.... Tight lines!

[@gunshotz2]

Hey I live in SoCal as well and I can’t figure out where to go fishing I’ve tried Newport Beach Long Beach a couple other places where do you normally like to fish

[@ChiefToad]

If I end up getting that in 10/11ft I would definitely cut off some inches on that reargrip and then rebalance it. For me it's just a bit too long, as is. I have one of those in 8'6" and the reargrip is acceptable. Probably the main reason I migrated to jdm shore jigging rods for much of my surf fishing needs. Same characteristics, but shorter reargrips, so I don't have to perform backyard surgery.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Def respect this comment, thank you! The longer butt is def divisive imho, I believe some will like it, others won't. I LOVE the weight, sensitivity, and backbone. I've actually got my eyes on another rod in the Okuma lineup that I'm SUPER excited about...just a matter of getting it in my hands and testing it. Tight lines!

[@G3Steve]

@@BenjieKimFishingwhich rod is that?

[@dnullify100]

Which JDM rods are you working with? I just tried out a major craft tidrift 9'6 ML I couldn't cast worth a damn. I kept either launching the lure into the sky or somewhere wild and I could not get the distance I was shooting for

[@ChiefToad]

​Can't really speak to the characteristics of tidrifts(Seabass models!?). I can tell you that the majorcraft rods are finely tuned to particular types of fishing. Their shore jigging models have softer tips and tend to have sweet spots on the lower end of their ratings, for things like jerkbaits. The surf models and Hokaido Salmon ones have stiffer tips and more backbone, so can cast a bit farther with similar ratings. I really like the 10' 2pc Crostage Hokaido one. I also use Daiwa Shore Jiggers, and various Salmon/steelhead rods. Basically you usually want to aim for around the middle to the lower middle of the stated lure rating to maximum casting accuracy and distance. Pairing with proper reel size and line diameter is also very important.

[@williamryan9195]

Striper makes the best fish and chips.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I've certainly heard they are delicious! Maybe one day I'll have the chance to try. Tight lines!

[@unsafecurrency]

crazy i got the same setup rockaway sp and the same reel in 4k. i was thinking about cutting bottom and making the rod shorter.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Dude that's so rad, that's a solid setup you right there. The Inspira is a legit solid reel...especially at the price point. One underrated thing about that reel is it doesn't have an anti reverse, which eliminates a major entryway for saltwater. I've only fished it a handful of times but I'm very hopeful that it can withstand the rigors of the surf. Cutting the rod butt shorter is certainly an option. I'm gonna stick with mine as is. But I'm also in the process of exploring another rod in the Okuma lineup that I'm extremely excited to test 😉 tight lines!

[@NEVETSTEVEN510]

@@BenjieKimFishing Which one are you going to test out? The HD Rockaway?

[@805fisherman7]

nice striper,how do you compare the rockaway sp vs. phenix trifecta? also have you tried the okuma hawaiian custom?

[@silvermist9644]

FYI, the 10' Rockaway SP is not under 6 oz. It actually weighs 6.02 oz even though Okuma states on their website that it weighs 5.78 oz. I just got mine today and just weigh it

[@blkaudiofan]

Is striper that rare in socal? You coming for the mtf surf contest?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

They used to be extremely rare...at least for the average fisherman. Nowadays, still rare but very possible. IMO. Unfortunately won't be making the MTF tourney but I truly respect Jun....hopefully one day I can make it and also have a chance to shake his hand. Tight lines!

[@JtDev91]

Hey Benjie good day of fishing, hows that reel holding up? I need another reel for my new rod. Should I stick with my Penn Battle 3 because I like it so much or get an Inspira? Dont want to waste money and regret. The only reason why im debating is the weight of that reel seems way lighter.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Hey there, Penn makes some solid reels, the Battle series being one of them. They are tanks, can take a beating, and easy to service. But like you mention, the weight is a deal breaker for me. Personally, the lighter the better for me as my rods are on the lighter side as well. Regardless of weight, matching light with light or heavy with heavy is most important. I don't know the weight of the Battle, but I'm guess it's well over 10 ounces. The Inspira is in the 8 ounce range and my favorite Okuma reel, the ITX CB comes in under 8 ounces. Everyone's different though and what I like doesn't have to be what you like. I'd encourage you to visit your local shop and hold different options in your hand...or even bring in your rod to see how different reels pair together. If your shop doesn't carry the Inspira, let them know you'd love to see them carry it! Would love to see these reels be an available option here locally, in my opinion they are very viable! Tight lines

[@JtDev91]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thanks brotha appreciate the reply back! I will go purchase an Inspira ISX and give it a shot! And yes I am also trying to be as light as possible, it will help alot when im out in the surf casting so many times. Whats also cool is that this reel is a 3000 model and can hold 300yrds/15lb braid!

[@georgediaz4447]

Im having a hard time choosing between the rockaway sp 10' or the hawaiin custin 10'6 what would you recommend from your experience

[@Carlsanchez5303]

Where was this! So sick!

[@mikeroll9868]

Beautiful fish.

[@evanwada]

Hey Benjie, I was wondering what knot do you tie for braid to Fluro/Mono?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I use the RP and I'm dabbling with the Albright. But the RP is what I've been using for over 5 years.

[@FishinPhil123]

Nice ride.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much, tight lines!

[@feedthemfishinc]

Epic🔥🔥🔥

[@evanaltman9547]

Which beach in SoCal are u fishing at? I haven’t had much luck w the luckycraft, and I’m wondering if I’m at the wrong beaches?

[@Rudyeltexmex]

Hi, not sure if you mentioned what was the test line you were using?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

17 lb opsin fluorocarbon 🤙

[@curtismatsune3147]

Wow, SoCal striper!! On a brand new rig. Shows you it's not the arrow, it's the Indian.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha appreciate it Curtis. Just a lucky catch...sometimes it works out. I was out there and casting though and that is definitely required. tight lines!

[@alexanderlee6509]

I just watched your previous video where you were recommending M/MH, 8-15lbs, 1/4-3/4 oz, fast. So isn’t this too strong?

[@mseller12]

I was wondering, do you need an Ocean Enhancement for Southern California beach fishing or just a fishing license? And is there a limit on how many poles you can use? Thank you very much.

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yes, you do need the ocean enhancement on top of your standard fishing license in order to fish Socal beaches. There is no limit on how many rods/reels you can use for SoCal surf fishing. There is a 2nd rod validation that you can pay for but that only applies for inland waters. But please verify this information for yourself. This is where I'm pulling the information from - wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing

[@MasterBaiterFishing69]

Great! Thank you very much. I will double check.

[@JR-bw3tr]

insane brother ,

[@LetsGoFishingSoCal]

Yo guys, I have an 8’6” Hawaiian custom which I love. But I’d like to get a longer rockaway. Should I stick with a 10’ or go for an 11’? Thanks in advance

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I’m perfectly happy with my 10’ but it’s really dealers choice here. If you want that bit of extra casting distance go with the 11’. Might be beneficial up north. Down in SoCal my opinion is that the 10’ is plenty. But either will work in either context.

[@LetsGoFishingSoCal]

Thanks man, I just recently started surf fishing and trying to learn. Your videos help out a lot. So far I’ve been walking around Alamitos and Huntington Beach. I’ve only gone out a few times so I’m trying to figure things out.

[@Ralph-h3f]

Nice!🤙😎

[@CalicoChris]

🤙

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Thank you so much and tight lines!!

[@eazypeazy7743]

What’s better this rod or the trifecta ?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

They each have their strengths. For overall feel and sleekness, I like the Trifecta better. But the Trifecta has a limited line/lure range so you have to fish it pretty specific. It's got enough back bone for bigger fish but you also have to be mindful. The Rockaway is still a sleek rod but doesn't quite match up to the Trifecta in overall feel. But it's got backbone for days so I'm way more confident pulling on better grade fish. Equally sensitive, if not more...and it has better casting distance. Hope that helps and thanks for the question. Tight lines!

[@eazypeazy7743]

@@BenjieKimFishing awesome thanks for the response. I was curious when I seen you didn’t fish with Phenix rods anymore. So that’s why I’d thought I’d ask

[@johnrice7583]

Do you think a saragosa sw 6000 reel is too big for this 10foot rod?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

Yes. Not sure how big or heavy that Saragosa is but the 10' Rockaway weighs 5.7 ounces. I'd recommend a reel that weighs in the 8 ounce range.

[@smokin2000]

how far can you throw that lure with this rod..?

[@Aeons1111]

What beach is this bro I feel like I’m near you man

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I don't specify places on public social media but this was in south Orange County. Tight lines!!!

[@jomend450988]

Do you tend to have issues where surfers are? My thought process is that if they are on currents or close to holes where you fish, they tend to scare fish away. Am i the only one who thinks this way or surfer being close by dont matter?

[@NEVETSTEVEN510]

How far out are you able to cast out with a new set up?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

I'm not sure exactly but definitely further than my previous setup. Average cast with the LC110 would be around 30 yards and I get that pretty easily and then some for the most part.

[@NEVETSTEVEN510]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you for Sharing the knowledge

[@NEVETSTEVEN510]

@@BenjieKimFishing I just ordered the rock away from your link. I live up north in the bay area San Francisco , I can’t wait to use this

[@BenjieKimFishing]

@@NEVETSTEVEN510 Oh wow, that's awesome, please let me know how you like it. I think it's properly suited for up there given the line and lure rating. But still light and finesse for those long days of casting. Tight lines!

[@FishingWithStingrayDrew]

So HAWT 🤩😍👏 WTG 👊

[@WhatWouldHappenShorts]

What site did you get the LC 130?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

They actually sent it to me direct but you can order on eBay (search for the seller Ilovehardbaits...it's the official LC seller) and you might be able to find em on amazon too. Tight lines!

[@WhatWouldHappenShorts]

@@BenjieKimFishing Thank you BK

[@GerHang-m7z]

What is the 130sp u using?

[@BenjieKimFishing]

It's the Flash Pointer 130S...I can't remember the specific color. It's 3/4 oz and a 7 ft diver. They're actually gonna be shipping the 130MR very soon which I'm very excited about. I have a few prototypes, pretty much looks identical to the FM110, just in the 130, and it's a slow suspending.

[@_Alzee_]

The belly on that thing! 😮

[@BenjieKimFishing]

haha yea it was def a girthy one. Tight lines!

[@driftwoodfishing760]

Where in so called

[@driftwoodfishing760]

SoCal

[@StripedBassAnglers]

Tighten ur drag

[@rudycarreon3199]

wow! what a pig. Good job, fish was so healthy.