Okuma Komodo Baitcaster Review (NEW Swimbait Reel)

[@uneathharrison]

Got that same reel that I’ve been throwing baitsanity, big mag drafts, big rats and all kind of big swim baits. Got paired up with a Irod swim bait rod and I’ve been really happy with it so far.

[@sherekhan7173]

What fishing line do you have it spooled with?

[@uneathharrison]

@@sherekhan7173 I throw on 65lb power pro braid. Might bump it up if I fish a lake with lots of rock structure I’m fishing close to that can cut my braid. Don’t add leader with big rats. Will with glides in clear water. Slow rolling big soft swimbaits I’ll add a leader line on too especially in winter when I’m creeping them on bottom as slow as I can go.

[@robertstephens4294]

I have a few swimbaits. I am in Florida and everywhere I go is grass. So I always use a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader. That is the way I would go with your new reel.

[@tannerhoffman2503]

Debo's got a few knobs that he really likes

[@nightfishercustombaits2119]

He loves a big, easy to grab knob.

[@Squatch34]

Ha..... gay!!!!!

[@DEBOSFishing]

Oh lord...🤦‍♂️🤣

[@kellenlionel1371]

dunno if you guys gives a damn but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times you can stream all of the new movies on InstaFlixxer. Have been watching with my gf recently xD

[@aviarturo5563]

@Kellen Lionel Definitely, been using instaflixxer for since december myself :)

[@johnnywaldrop5371]

Great Job again Deebo. Thanks as always for the tips and tricks. Luv the bump music!

[@lukegerow2497]

I’ve been rocking 80 lb braid with a 30 lb fluoro leader. Been working perfect for my 2-3 oz swimbaits. I just got the Okuma Citrix with a power handle and it’s perfect.

[@Toatsmagoats7]

What model of the citrix ??

[@DaveysWorldFishing]

To be clear- KDS- 200 size reels = 20lbs drag, KDS-350 reels = 25lbs drag, KDS-450 size reels = 30lbs drag.

[@marctheriault]

And it looks like the the 350 and 450 drop down 6.3/6.4:1 gear ratios.

[@DaveysWorldFishing]

@@marctheriault That 450 comes in either a 6.3 or 7.1/1 ratio. Pretty nice if you are fishing salt and want that high speed option.

[@paulyludovici]

Get this man to 100k !!!! Never miss a vid brother keep up the great work !!!!

[@davidsagastume3700]

Shimano tranX and daiwa lexa are my go to’s. Love phenix rods.

[@timrobinson3124]

Braid --> Blood knot --> Fluoro leader. Just what I've always used and am comfortable with.

[@kylekeaveney2393]

Pumped to see the knob video! I want to swap my knobs out so badly and am looking forward to see what you have

[@solaydbak]

Debo has been buying a lot of Okuma gear. I bought their Scott Martin series rods last year when Tacklewarehouse had them on sale. I liked the rods, but recently stepped up again to higher quality rods.

[@michaelstake7440]

Looks like a good reel. I bought a okuma spinning reel for my new Sixgill spinning rod. Feels good in hand and balanced out nice

[@84FrankDaTank]

Hopefully that side plate does not fall off easy. Other than that it's a sharp looking reel.

[@shawnbeck2303]

I would go with a Quantum Smoke reel. Beefy, Great quality for the money reel. Spool size is the best! It will cast a mile. For those big swim baits. Loves braided line too. Never hear you talk about Quantum. KVD made his whole Career on Quantum. Lew's is after thought now for me. Shawn.

[@markdavis394]

Awesome review. Great looking reel too. I would like to see a follow up video when you get to use it with them big swimbaits.

[@the_swimbaitguy8570]

Might have to take a trip over this year and show you what I know about glide bait fishing in the Midwest. It's about all I do now 🤙

[@hoyt15flhtk82]

Great analysis on the reel, THANK YOU. I'm just getting into baitcasters again after 20yrs of using/trying to use one. Shortly after their big hipe I bought a couple in 93 and all they did was bird nest. So I put them away and hadn't touched one till 6mo ago. Wow how they had changed. So am learning everything all over again but in a good way. LOL I subscribed to a couple of different channels like yours and look forward to gaining some knowledge from you. Thanks: Curt

[@joshuarussell4803]

All aluminum man; it feels good to have those side plates locked-in. Tactile bits mean so much for comfort and just open confidence in the cast.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

I can tell you my komodo 350's have been put through hell on 20lb-50lb cats for 8 years and are still going good.

[@TheLeftyGolfer84]

I’ve seen a lot of people use P-Line CXX 25lb for big swimbaits. I think Rudd uses it.

[@HookLife]

I have done both braid and non braid on my baits. I have both my combos set up with a copolymer right now. Braid is awesome but you can lose baits if you backlash badly. I have a Komodo 364 and love it. It’s a beast of a reel. Just go full send one day and don’t bring any other rods. I have found that it’s all about a state of mind. Preparing yourself for MAYBE 1 bite is tough. The pre spawn is the right time to do it. Tight lines Debo

[@InkaOutdoorsTV]

That reel looks awesome!!!! Definitely looking forward for those upcoming videos. I use braid to a fluro leader.

[@bnasty2306]

Love the video and the break down of it ! 🔥🔥

[@FishinwithGRAMPS]

watching a Debo review prior to starting the telework day, woot!

[@thebacklasher8426]

That’s a slick reel. Love the smaller size

[@joshuarussell4803]

Braid to leader tho! Can't beat that versatility/sensitivity that can be tailored to the sitch

[@03clarkkent03]

Debo this is my first time commenting because I’m not that comfortable doing it. I have enjoyed your videos and I just subscribed this year and you’ve been a very big help . Lot of fishing channels ask us to subscribe without actually providing content that is actually useful. Just my two cents on that. I’ve also decided to try the swimbait thing this year too. My setup is a Dobbins Fury FR 795SB 7’9” MH with either a Daiwa Tatula 200 or a Shimano 6:3:1 reel. I’m going to be throwing S-wavers , Sneaky Pete, and Storm Arashi. Good luck to you my man and thanks for your channel. One more thing... straight fluorocarbon for me for a while. My knot game is getting better but I don’t want to lose lures because of bad braid to leader knots. I’ll be using the San Diego Jam Knot for the lure.

[@Grimey_Fishing]

I'm looking forward to seeing you catch your first glide-bait fish. I anticipate that you will lose your mind with joy.

[@joeybasstard8133]

Those are very solid reels. I have the older Komodo reels as well. Hold up very well and have the power as well. Very underrated reels!

[@shadesalldayfishing4477]

Love your videos Debo. I always find value and learn something new. Thanks!!

[@brianlee9074]

That is a great reel Debo!! You have the paddle handle there, but it's also available in a power handle (single grip). We use the 300 and 400 size reels in SoCal to catch yft and bft, up to about 40-50 pounds. And that Phenix M1 rod? Straight up 🔥. Awesome review man. A reel I'd like you to review is the Abu Garcia Revo Premier. Retail is $299.99 but BPS/Cabela's recently had them 50% off so I picked one up. Appreciate your content bro! 🎣👍

[@DaveysWorldFishing]

All three of the Komodo sizes are awesome! Glad you like the Komodo's too!

[@DaveysWorldFishing]

The Komodo's are awesome . The Stainless Steel Main Gear, Pinion Gear and Spool Shaft are perfect for us saltwater bass guys here in Socal. The 20lbs of drag aren't bad either!

[@TackleJunky81]

👊💪

[@josuereyes6082]

From Marina Del Rey all the way to San Diego the Komodo does not disappoint from spotted bay bass to halibut

[@LuvNmissUmom]

The kumodo was made for calico fishing in mind. I have never had to clean and rinse my reel. Ive had mine for over a year now and its just like it came out the box when i go after calicos. I was told the bearings are in an enclosed stainless steel housing. So its awesome for the ocean. Your right about 1 thing. The gear ratio is not the best for large mouth swim baits. Only reason i use a tranx for fresh. Hope that helps someone wondering about using it in the salt

[@ScubaChris]

That size is the smallest & newest release of the Komodos. There's also a KDS 350 & KDS 450 size. The medium sized KDS 350 has 25lb max & the large KDS 450 has a 30lb max. I believe the 200 model has a 20lb max. Very nice review. I too like heavier bait casters. I use the power handles on my larger units. I'm planning on getting your model next.

[@TackleJunky81]

Solid reel and video brother! 👊💪

[@davewashburn8930]

Not a bad reel. Im gonna be more focused on the paddle tail/ soft baits & spin baits this season. Really had good luck last year & wanna hone in on them.

[@johngill9071]

Great review. Keep up the good work

[@Kodakboy195]

My exact swimbait set up: Shimano tranx 300 (5.8:1) Dobyns fury 806 Seguar invisx 20lb I use this for glidebaits smaller jig hook soft plastics swimbaits and A rigs, location is north Texas which means species ranging from largemouth, striper and hybrids (as far as my target anyways)

[@Altered76]

I have a older Okuma Komodo KDR-273V I've fished for years. The reel is built like a tank has the same nice side plate that feels secure yet snaps off easily with a steady firm pressure. Hard to explain how solid that feels to someone who hasn't taken that cover off or installed it. Mine has never come close to "falling off". And once you set the brakes I never go back inside, so for me dropping it isn't a issue. My only complaint is every other reel I own, and I own quite a few, will cast further. Its odd as the reel is extremely smooth but its not a reel for distance or light weight lures. Id suggest go braid and use a blood knot to a leader to keep the braid out of the hooks and away from the bait. 👍

[@kyleh9272]

Stoked for some videos with this set up and to see what you put on there for line. I’d love to see you try both (braid/leader or straight fluoro) honestly. Maybe a day of big pike hunting? Can’t wait. Thanks sir!

[@JJEaton]

I use braid with a fluorocarbon leader on swim baits. Good video!

[@garrettswanson6502]

on my reels with a side plate that isnt connected to the reel ill use some braid to hold it on with. on my casitas i tie the line around the brake assembly on the side plate then on the frame part i back the screw holding the chin piece on just enough to wrap the braid around once then tighten it back up, havent had any problems with it and havent lost the side plate. it has saved me a couple of times

[@C.Adams82]

Just stumbled onto this video. I've been into throwing big swimbaits for over 25 years. Back before there were glide baits, we'd take Rago wake baits and break the lip off of em and tune em to glide. Mono or copoly is my recommendation. Your typically fishing a glide bait high in the water column and there is forgiveness with mono and can help when fighting a big fish and if you backlash the line won't shock as bad as braid or fluro. With big swimbaits on braid if you get a sudden backlash the line could pop at the knot. I've lost several baits because of that. Same with fluorocarbon. If your counting a glide down deep then I would recommend fluro but otherwise I highly recommend maxima ultra green copoly

[@mattharvey968]

never used a swimbait before but sure gonna learn on DEBO FISHING TV!

[@johnthefisherman]

your gonna love it , i use it for pike with heavy glider jerkbaits and big rubber baits

[@frostizz2072]

How is it going so far thinking of getting one

[@johnthefisherman]

@@frostizz2072 still being used almost 4 times a week

[@KalaniThames]

i just got the 200 so this video is an early christmas present

[@timeintheoutdoors]

I’m in WI have lots of musky in my waters so there for I also have to put on a leader many times. So if I’m on a water with those toothy critters I put on a fluorocarbon leader for Musky. Sufix 832 is my Braid of choice. Cheers and nice video as always!

[@justinn864]

Let's see some icefishing vids !!!

[@chepachii]

Some guys have been working komodos here in Australia for monster Murray Cod on mega deep divers and huge spinnerbaits,,these things go upward of 50 kilos and hit like freight trains.No bigger test for a baitcaster and these reels are the business.

[@ScubaChris]

Just got the 200 a week ago. I think it'll be more versatile off the shallows than the larger units. Spooled 20lb Eminent Braid on mine. Might get another 200 for 20lb Fluorocarbon next.

[@tedlincolnsfishinglife]

big swimbait i run 65lb braid to 20-25lb mono (never use a flouro leader!)

[@jpap967]

I honestly scoffed out loud at the idea of buying a Komodo swimbait reel over a Tranx or Revo Beast or Lexa when I saw your thumbnail for this video...but after watching this video I learned the Komodo reel is actually NOT ugly like in the stock photos I've seen. It looks great. Also, the features are impressive. Like you, I bought a Revo Beast 41 because of how small and lightweight it is for a swimbait reel...it looks like this Komodo is on par with size and weight...and has aluminum for BOTH sideplates instead of just the handle like the Revo Beast. I'm seriously comsidering buying one now 🤔 thanks Deebs. Btw, I see 6.4:1 Gear Ratio Komodo SS on Amazon P.S. I still highly recommend the Revo 41 Beast. You should get your hands on one! Maybe I'll send you mine to test drive it!

[@dizzlesfeeshin8966]

Ohhhhhhhh kuma! Lmao! Can wait to hand model that thing. Ps Debo IRL I have sent you like 5 text at 9 min into the vid. Lady point, dude you worried about that side plate just coming off? Something to watch for considering it is going to be set to dizzle power level on the hook sets

[@stevenelmer4791]

Debo likes showing everyone his ohhhhh Kuma face!

[@Poongobbler4130]

I looked into line recs on swimbait fishing and asked the guys at the shop I got my reel at and went with 30lb braid to 25lb flouro leader. I have that on the diawa coastal 200 reel on the dobbins champ xp swimbait rod. I've only been able to use it once so far since winter fishing has been so tough but the line setup seems to work just fine.

[@shawnbeck2303]

I use 30 pound braid.Cost effective and casts great. I realize with heavier lures. Like those big swim baits. There is a abrasion factor everytime your throw out and retrieve. I believe in reties with those heavier baits or you just lost a high dollar bait. Shawn.

[@chomp7575]

Nice looking reel, looking forward to see how it performs. I have the 13 fishing concept A3 8:1. I have it for lake monsters of any kind. It’s a dink destroyer for now lol.

[@TAStormChasing]

Great review. Have a good one.

[@stevesmith7164]

Good review

[@randy4805]

Here in Iowa, most of our lakes don’t have water clarity that would lead me to fluorocarbon . Also, the small diameter of the spool may lead to coiling of the flour

[@randy4805]

Typo sorry! The “fluorocarbon”

[@pain_weaver]

If you fill the spool 100% your going to have backlash nightmares. Try filling your spool 50% or 60% floro is springy so it wants to uncoil naturally. The less you have on the better.

[@legionssb]

@@pain_weaver exactly! Especially with the higher poundage, very thick diameter lines, that stuff can be like wire if you fill the spool all the way

[@DetroitFishigan]

Looks like a good reel 👀 but I don't like the side plate.

[@134rwa]

Even though I don't at this time throw those Glidebaits, I am liking that reel. I don't mind a heavier reel at all, it's like preferring the Big Leg girls to the Skinny Models, haha, and that handle is definitely a plus. For those big lures, I would go with braid, I would hate to send one of those big expensive rascals flying, then realize it would be nice if my line was still attached to it, Lol, but I have snapped lures of on the cast even with 50lb test braid. Ultimately, I figure anyone that makes such a cool dragon, could make a pretty good reel also, haha.

[@solaydbak]

I like using CXX for big Swimbaits. 25lb to 30lb line.

[@michaelkaschke5482]

Check out the SLX casting rod 🔥

[@solaydbak]

he has one I think

[@karlchandler7246]

Okuma are very good reels i had a white spinning one and used it for years and caught many many big fish with it and this past year the bail broke but very good reels id deffiently buy more of them

[@kalecastaneda]

65lbs power pro to 20lbs mono. 2.5 ounce swim bait is my heaviest. I don’t know much about swimbaiting but been trying. This is my first year at it.

[@kylewebb265]

I use braid to leader for my big swim baits and with musky and pike. I personally believe that it gives you the power you need for those big fish, you get extra sensitivity (which I like because I have a cheap swimbait rod), you can use all three line types depending on if your throwing a big top water you can use mono or braid and if your throwing a glide bait or soft bait you can use fluorocarbon or mono, and you can see the line which can help with those really soft bites you get with things like a Huddleston.

[@benwilkey2060]

I’d probably go with heavier fluorocarbon. I know the rod gives some, but I just don’t know how well large baits and leaders go together. Also braid by itself pulls treble hooks pretty often. Is it a composite rod?

[@jake9705]

I got the 300 series Komodo and returned it immediately after unboxing it. Every model of the Komodo has a permanently engaged levelwind which ROBS you of casting distance unless you throw a massive lure. Modern baitcasters like those made by Shimano and Daiwa have disengaging levelwinds so you can cast light lures a long distance. KZbin reel reviewers never seem to mention then for some reason. I love Okuma stuff, but hard pass on the Komodo until they release models with disengaging levelwinds.

[@iraqlobster9474]

Never had a problem with heavy floro

[@TMVBassin]

i use braid on every reel. change leaders as needed . ONLY exception is my dedicated crank rod, i use strait mono

[@alexanderc988]

Maybe you should bring the next time you go swim bait fishing bring a small hard swim bait medium and large so it might build more confidence

[@kasonrmac]

That looks like a good reel man. I don’t have any first hand knowledge with the big swim baits. They are out of my league haha

[@EliteNugz]

Nah you really don't have to spend any extra for a swimbait setup as any other. Abu Garcia makes a vengeance series rod for $50 in a 7'6" heavy. It's what I use. It's a broomstick. I can boat flip seven pounders. And savage gear makes good baits that work but aren't nearly as expensive as most other big baits. As far as the reel anything will really work. Even a black max has 18lbs of drag which is plenty for swimbait fishing. From now until the end of April would be the perfect time to try it out. You'd catch mega bass with their eyes bulgded out bigger than quarters. Eggs dripping out of it's huge belly. You'd be hooked like I was. Peace bro. Tight lines blessed with bigs. 🐟

[@EliteNugz]

I use only mono on big swimbaits. It's strong and has stretch to keep the trebles pinned. Braid will tangle in the hooks and can also break on really big fish especially if you keep your drag tight. Copolymer is also good. Go with a good brand in 25lb. Or even 30lb with thinner diameter copolymer. This time of year especially you can catch true giants on those big glide baits. I like the line through trout really good too. Not as durable but if I get a teener on it I'm happy.

[@davesims1330]

I almost bought that swimbait rod, I wish I had. I Ended up getting the Okuma guide select instead. I would be interested in hearing what you think of the Ardent Apex Tournament reel, $99 price point with an aluminum frame.

[@EliteNugz]

If you're looking for a swimbait rod to throw 2 to 4 oz baits I'd recommend the Abu Garcia vengeance. It's a $50 rod but it'll surprise you. The 7'6" heavy is a broomstick. It's called a moderate fast but it's as fast as any fast on the market. To big for even a frog rod. Its good for muskie and big baits. Also has good guides with titanium inserts. I like it as good as any hunded dollar rod I've used.

[@mikeimbriani5070]

I wouldn't hate it if you reviewed the Piscifun Spark Pro reel. Been looking at it lately.... Seems like it could be a good, affordable "finesse" casting reel...

[@fatguybassin8046]

Dang it Debo now you got me wanting to get in the swimbait game 😂😂 Best of luck this year with them 🔥🔥🎣🎣

[@vdub_outdoors]

Debo, I’m always curious on your reel retrieve choice! You buy right handed and left handed, what’s your reasoning for when you pick up each one? Is it that you found you like left handed for certain types of lures or are you just slowly going full lefty?

[@jasonemeric9902]

Would love to see a tranx 300 review

[@mattgarcia8734]

Braid to leader either 30lb mono or 25 fluorocarbon

[@frankoliveira189]

3 oz bait i like 300 size reel and rod long handle !! After you spool the reel just tell me the weigh off the reel !!

[@stevenelmer4791]

My only concern would be that side plate just getting bumped and falling off.

[@DEBOSFishing]

You have to twist hard. I honestly don't think it will be a problem but I'll keep everyone updated!

[@jpap967]

You can tether the sideplate to a screw underneath it with some braid. I used to do it on my Tranx reels

[@theolliproductions]

IM NOT EVEN ABLE TO GET MINE OFF. Dont worry, having it fall off by itself will not be an issue.

[@liamthefishingguy]

I use braid to mono leader ,The mono leader allow some stretch but you can still work the Bait aggressively with the braid and still feel light bites, i use Power pro Max Cuatro 50 pound it’s super thin so your leader not won’t be too big, for smaller glide bait I use 20 pound mono anything larger than an S waver 168 I go up to 25

[@keithlawrence7682]

Good luck with the giant swim baits.

[@telemarkmann6870]

Debo, Not a brand that was even on my radar. It is now with a full aluminum frame and side plates. I went to TW and they have several models with similar features. I was looking at a Shimano Curado K MGL it weighs 6.9 oz, the Helios weighs 6.3 oz, the Komodo 7.8 oz in the right hand model, not sure why the left hand weighs more according to the TW website. The pictures on TW make the Komodo look smaller than the Helios. I do like small reels. Either way it is a great looking reel. I could always use a new jig reel - thanks for the review.

[@tyhos3]

I’m going to try the P-Line CXX for swimbaits this season

[@northeastpac-man7652]

I would go with izorline Copolymer instead of Cxx in the larger diameters cxx is a lot stiffer and harder to manage, izorline is a lot more manageable and very soft ,,

[@EliteNugz]

I love copolymer for big fish. When I first started catching really big hybrid stripers I tried everything. They would snap any line without stretch. Even 80lb braid. Snap it like it's nothing. Best line for landing big fish is mono or copolymer. The copolymer is smaller , less visable and not quite as much stretch as mono so it works. And if you're going to be throwing big swimbaits you're eventually going to hook into something you'll need extra strong line to land. Its a matter of time. I wouldn't use braid or flouro. Unless I knew for sure there were no really giant fish where I'm fishing. Then anything works.

[@EliteNugz]

@@northeastpac-man7652 where do you find izorline? Is that the brand name?

[@northeastpac-man7652]

@@EliteNugz yes izorline is the name brand and tackle warehouse has it ,,

[@EliteNugz]

@@northeastpac-man7652 oh cool. Thanks bro I'll check it out. Sounds like good line.

[@alford79]

Try 65/80lb braid to a 20/30lb mono leader. I throw anything from 1.5-7oz baits. For me it's the best of both worlds.

[@northeastpac-man7652]

Debo good choice on picking up the dual hardcore ninja twitch they also have a wake bait version as well you should look into and that baitsanity explorer glide is phenomenal, it’s the closest thing you can get to a deps 250 for a 3rd of the price , best advice I can give you with the bigger Swimbaits , check out izorline 20lb Copolymer very very good soft manageable Copolymer line for any baits less then 4oz,, and 25lb line for 4.5oz or above , less margin of error than using Fluro and it bridges the gap between the two and keep in mind with a bigger treble hooked baits you need that little bit extra stretch in your line Copolymer is better then Berkeley big game which is another good choice that a lot of guys use but a lot more stretch ,then the izorline

[@matthewotis3594]

I haven't seen ya fish this reel much if at all. Mine is a tank still. Pretty stiff clutch but that's the idea. Not heavy as a lexa 300 but stiff. Feels great in hand. Wish it had more brakes but I just run braid to leader so it's fine. Can get squirrelly with flouro but that could just be mine.

[@michaelwatson437]

Could you do a review of the new lews maxh 2 baitcaster reel. Our if you know anything about it Could you let me know. Thanks

[@chatterbait-dave5620]

The new Shimano 2020 Metanium side plate comes off sort of like that but the plate is much smaller on the Metanium. You twist and pull out on the Metanium.

[@treverwagner]

I am a braid to floro kind of guy. So, for swimbaits/glide baits 50 lb braid to 12-15 lb floro leader that's how I rig my line.

[@robertsolares994]

The top end okuma’s have that type of side plates

[@samferrier2062]

When I go striper fishing with big swimbaits I you 65 lb braid

[@jcsoda3870]

I got the Okuma Helios TCS, and it seems a lot like the Komodo just smaller grips, more gear ratios, and smaller spool, more for bass fishing but it is the same in every other department for the same price, Okuma seems to be bringing good products to the table.

[@johnhancock517]

I may have to get me one of those reels for strippers.🎣 Thanks for the review man! 👍

[@bottomlinebassin2001]

It would make a great frog reel 🐸

[@Mech.E]

3:20 I think Abu Garcia does this too on some of their baitcasters

[@michaelstake7440]

Could you do a review on the quantum accurist reel

[@werftv4580]

DUDE.. I was on a tuna fishing run when the Komodo was being developed... I STRAIGHT BEAT DOWN a 25# yellowfin tuna in less than 6 minutes... just saying

[@ramseytarazi2498]

100k coming soon Debo

[@robertsolares994]

You may get more casting distance by cleaning some grease out because they pack it in there.