Okuma Epixor EB65 bait feeder fishing reel how to take apart and service

[@barneyewing2664]

Wow, what a forest of screws under the rotor.

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Yes indeed. Particularly on that A/R clutch! Hope all is well Barney - Dennis

[@barneyewing2664]

@@2ndChanceTackle Happy Father’s Day, Dennis

[@LoneWolf-ii8lk]

Thank you very much for giving this reel life again. What knowledge I thought I knew how to service any of my surf reels is evident, I wasn’t improving their performance. Never being shown how to service any reel, I am so grateful you take the time and carefully show what needs to be broken down and thoroughly cleaned. This reel has been in a box for 10+ years as I thought I could remember how each part went back together, that I will pay closer attention and document step by step. Thank you again!

[@2ndChanceTackle]

YW - thanks for the note - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

I only have one Bait Feeder and it’s an Okuma Avenger ABF 40. I got it just to try out a bait feeder but I’ve only used it once so the verdict is still out for me. I may get a larger one for surf fishing if the Avenger works for me. I like the simplicity of that Avenger. I always admire how you can work on a complex reel all the time making it possible for us to see what you’re doing. So far I like Okuma reels but I don’t have very much experience with them because they are more modern than what I usually use or collect. Great job on this one Dennis! I got a very nice Olympic Spark 150 today. Both that Roddy Sprinter 300 I got yesterday and this Olympic Spark 150 are very similar. Only the cases are different. - Chris

[@2ndChanceTackle]

The Epixor and Avenger are very, very similar. I don't like the bait feeders as I think it unnecessary and I don't live line fish, so the feature is not that important. A lot of surfcasters swear by them as the fish can take and run with the bait while the pole sits in the rod holder and they don't worry about it being dragged out to sea - Best wishes and happy Father's Day - Dennis

[@christopherjenkins2373]

@@2ndChanceTackle Happy Father’s Day to you also. I don’t think I’ll be swearing by bait feeders for surf fishing either. I like to stay very close and even hold my rod while surf fishing. I’m too old to change the way I do things that much. - Chris

[@christopherjenkins2373]

Since a year ago when I first saw this video I have since gotten an Okuma Avenger ABF80 bait-feeder reel and have used it surf fishing. I found the bait-feeder to operate much like the rig I call a “fish finder rig.” The rig allows the fish to take the bait without feeling any resistance until I tighten the drag and set the hook. The bait-feeder just makes that process work so easily. I was drifting out a cut fish head to try to hook a large bull red or black drum. I think the bait-feeder is going to work very well in this way. I wanted an AFB65 but I couldn’t find one like I wanted so I went ahead and got the AFB80 instead. I’ve only used it once but my son-in-laws both used it with some success and loved the reel. - Chris

[@2ndChanceTackle]

That is a good comparison on how the reels work - Thanks Chris

[@nojnoj3069]

Hi. I've just found your channel and i am blown away that i can hopefully use my three Okuma reels again. I am about to return to fishing after a 5 plus year break. I will watch your videos and hopefully i can stick with the reel you've just repaired. I'm really excited now, i purchased them new and i think ive looked after them....

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Welcome aboard! You can do this! Best wishes on the tune up and on giving this reels a 2nd Chance - Dennis

[@cjmoundalexis2567]

Hi Dennis, Definetly a handful to get this one back into shape ! Kudos on your focusing ability through the entire process !! All the Best, Cons

[@2ndChanceTackle]

Thanks Cons - nice talking with you again - Dennis

[@seymourwrasse3321]

I fish with reels that have proved themselves for 60-70 plus years, bait feeders have been around a little over 30 years, I think I'll get one in 3 or 4 decades. O guess I'm just a cranky old man, too set in my ways

[@2ndChanceTackle]

I've tried them, but I don't have a use for them as I don't live line and I prefer to hold the rod and reel in the surf and not let it sit in a rod holder and run out unattended - It is great if you want to fish multiple rods from shore and cannot be hands on with them - Dennis

[@seymourwrasse3321]

@@2ndChanceTackle agreed