Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder Spinning Reel Detailed Review ABF-55b

[@OutsidewithTom]

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[@madtownangler]

I spent forever trying to order the old version because the one i had was the old version. I didnt know it had changed #'s until i called up the local baitshop and they had a new one in stock.

[@phiromtauch6059]

I agree with the bait runner drag being quiet...I'd love it to be loud enough to hear when a fish is running with your bait

[@OutsidewithTom]

Same here. These Okumas are even quieter than my Daiwas.

[@phiromtauch6059]

@@OutsidewithTom the spinfisher ssv liveliners are quiet as well!!!

[@OutsidewithTom]

@@phiromtauch6059 Good to know, thanks!

[@mobileman2134]

Thank you for the video. I have never had a bait runner pass through and while a different model, I got what I needed.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Glad you found the video useful!

[@gunfisher4661]

I bought a couple of the sealed salt water models #45 and #80 with bait feature so far they are the nicest spinning reels i`ve ever used so smooth and completely balanced. Best part was I got both reels for under $100 on Amazon.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Nice 👍

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I just got an AFB 40 in the mail today. It is my first bait-feeder reel. I liked the simplicity of the reel and the ease of service. I also love it that it has an AR override. I am usually fishing in the surf but I wanted to learn how to use a bait-feeder. I collect vintage Surf spinning reels made before 1980 and to date I have 240 reels in the collection. My Okuma Avenger came with a second spool and was extremely inexpensive. I must have an earlier model than this as those cosmetic features and the rear drag knob gap and lip you don’t like are not present on mine. Also my handle knob is very different. Your analysis seems spot on to me. Internally the mechanism is so much simpler that a Shimano or Penn bait feeder. I think these reels are the best value for the money of any current bait-feeder model available (though I am certainly no expert!). First video of yours I’ve seen! Good job. I subscribed. --Chris

[@OutsidewithTom]

Nice. I agree, they are great reels for the money. Welcome aboard!

[@robertotamez6674]

Incredible reel I've had mine for 3yrs I bought them 4 my gf loaded with 50lb braid she has caught reds over size black drum alligator gar and black tips and bull sharks....

[@OutsidewithTom]

Nice!

[@miguelbarrero5572]

I have 3 Okumas ABF 30 Baitrunners and I agree 100 % the bait clicker is too quiet and you have to stay right next to the reel just to listen to it. So I decided to buy a Kastking Sharky 3 baitfeeder and after looking at several videos it appears to be louder.

[@OutsidewithTom]

You are spot on. I recently bought 3 of the Kastking Sharky baitfeeders and like them much better. The drag sound from the Sharky reel is MUCH louder. Thanks for watching!

[@hookedonbassncats]

I own 4. I have one that I got when it first came out and it's still going strong. Never had 1 issue. Only thing i don't like is the click isn't very loud when a fish is taking line with the baitfeeder on. Best bait runner reel for the price. I love okuma. I use the size 40 which is perfect for carp and catfish. Super smooth reel though.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Good to hear they've lasted well for you. Yeah, I was a bit disappointed in how quiet the baitrunner drag ping is, but not a deal breaker. Merry Christmas!

[@hookedonbassncats]

@@OutsidewithTom yeah I wish it was louder to. The first one I bought was a abf 30. And there 30 is kinda smaller than other 30's so I had to buy bigger sizes. Merry Christmas man.

[@seamurda100]

@@hookedonbassncats I have yet to find one that is loud. But the okuma is downright silent. May as well not have the live liner, you still have to watch it.

[@hookedonbassncats]

@@seamurda100 some guy i once talked to said he had made his louder by changing or modifying some internal part. He said it was easy but he didn't go to much into details on what he did. I just take one okuma with since I can only use two rods in my state. And i take either a round baitcaster setup, where I can use the clicker on that then just watch my line on the okuma or watch the spool. I got other spinning bait runner reels that are louder, but I don't like them as much overall.

[@charlesvanderpool2160]

I cannot find a video on spooling this reel. I know there is a clip on the spool but nowhere is there instructions on how to spool this reel with braided line...help!

[@OutsidewithTom]

There is nothing special about spooling this reel. Spool it just like every other spinning reel. There are plenty of instructional videos on KZbin for that. Good luck.

[@RalphBarton-fishing]

Nice looking reel... I own a couple different models and a couple rods. Interesting to me about the secondary drag.. I would think most people using that reel would be using the reel in a way that carp and cat guys would and using the that secondary drag as a bait clicker... Okuma must know that... The louder 2nd drag would be hugely beneficial..

[@OutsidewithTom]

Completely agree. I was very surprised to find that the Okuma drag was even quieter than my Diawa baitrunner reels.

[@defmud80]

I wish it had a screw in handle. Those hex shaft style don't fail but they always get a bunch of play after a while

[@OutsidewithTom]

Yeah, I'm sure they will wear out eventually. Hopefully not for a long time though. 🙂

[@JunTsOutdoors]

That’s awesome looking spinning reel man. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas 🎄.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Thanks, you too!

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

Wish Okuma would incorporate a screw in handle on their baitfeeders. I despise a hex key handle. All the manufacturers are missing the boat with their quiet baitfeed drags. Make it a clicker.

[@57tubeviewer]

I bought an ABF-55 when I first started fishing for Spotted Bay Bass. It was a mistake. Much too large and bulky for that application. I down sized considerably. But, I also have an ABF-40 and that pairs ok with a MH rod. I think it will work fine for Carp. BTW, I saw on an I-fish video that he is dead against braid main line for Carp; and I notice you don't use braid main line. Is there a solid reason? His explanation made little sense to me. Everything I have is spooled with braid, with a Trilene leader (no more flouro for me) of various weights, and generally about 6' long. More line on a smaller reel, and I just like braid better. Any reason that would not transfer to Carp? As you know from my outreach, I am just getting started and trying to sort out all of the info. As always, your site is my first go-to.

[@OutsidewithTom]

The most common reason I've heard why some people think braid is bad for carp fishing, is that it doesn't provide any stretch, which makes for easier hook pulls when fighting a fish. That sounds nice in theory, but I don't think it's true. In practice I've found as long as you have your drag set properly, the line doesn't matter. Braid and mono both have pros and cons, I use both as main line. You'll see a lot of people claiming you NEED to do things a certain way with carp fishing, I would ignore those people. Use what YOU like to use. Good luck out there!

[@jrbankfishing.1986]

Awesome!!! I like the big water too.

[@OutsidewithTom]

I can't wait to put them to work!

[@julianking5546]

The 65 baitfeeder drag is way louder. In fact it's the loudest I have heard.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Hmmm, interesting.

[@ureasmith3049]

Would this be a good reel for a 11ft Penn prevail surf rod? I just ordered it and want to match with a decent yet affordable reel.

[@AJ-tz6qu]

Any one know how to take the bottom cover of the abf-55b? I took the 4 screws out but the cover won't come off.

[@albertlemont5471]

I have had three older models. They haven't changed much. If they would use a screw in handle, seal the body a bit and use waterproof bearings I would pay double for these reels. I have a 65,40 and an 80.

[@OutsidewithTom]

Good to hear you like yours. I haven't been able to use mine yet. Still waiting for the ice to melt, won't be long. Thanks for watching!

[@flyguy4515]

How do you like the 80. What does the line rating say on the reel?

[@albertlemont5471]

FYI my avenger bait runner4000 crapped out yesterday. Gears are pooched

[@pixel7051]

Has the 55 size been discontinued? I can’t find it anywhere online

[@albertlemont5471]

My 40 has an aluminum T handle also. I think it's an oddball

[@OutsidewithTom]

Interesting

[@vvnn1054]

Good review - thanks!

[@OutsidewithTom]

Glad you found the video useful, thanks Martin!

[@UnorthodoxOutdoorsTV]

What do you think of those ugly stik big water rods for carp? I stepped on and snapped one of my euro type rods so I'm considering finding something that can take a bit more abuse! Our shorelines are not like those putting greens they have at the managed ponds over seas 😉

[@OutsidewithTom]

Putting greens, haha, so true. Funny you mention it, I picked up three big water rods over the winter and I'm fishing with them as I type this. MH action, 10ft length. I think they're fantastic so far, although I have yet to catch a fish with them, only second time fishing with them today.

[@UnorthodoxOutdoorsTV]

@@OutsidewithTom my first time out other than Lake Mead, NV this year as well. All to show for it so far is that broken rod 🤦

[@esolbdivad]

Im watching this after i already ordered the 65. Been dien to get my bloody hands on one and today is the day. Will be here soon. Well done mate! I wonder if that line or split in the secondary drag is a manufacture problem or all is like that? Will let ya know

[@OutsidewithTom]

Glad you found the review useful. I have 3 of them and they all have the same gap at the secondary drag knob. It's not a big deal to me, as long as the reel works as it should that's all I care about. Be interested to see if your 65 has the same thing. Thanks for watching!

[@esolbdivad]

@@OutsidewithTom so my conclusion with the 65b i dont know if maybe they are different years cus i ordered mine off amaazon and doesnt really say what year.( not to sure if they had prior years same color) but the secondary drag is actually louder than my primary drag. Definitely brings up questions for me. But either way im pleased with it. And the knob sticks out but isnt really offsided like the one you point out. Thanks again buddy figured id get back to ya.

[@OutsidewithTom]

@@esolbdivad That's interesting, I wonder if you got one of the newer models. Hope you catch lots of fish with it! 👍

[@JohnAmes]

Well done my friend big like 👍

[@OutsidewithTom]

Thanks!