Okuma Rockaway Surf Rod RA-S-1002MH | Is it rated for sturgeon?

I decided to take out my Okuma Rockaway Surf Rod and try using it for sturgeon fishing. The model I have is the RA-S-1002MH, 10'0", 12-25lbs, 1-4oz. I knew it was long enough and probably capable of casting enough weight, but I wasn't really sure if it would handle the load of a sturgeon fight. I was able to catch 2 fish, one about 30 inches, and the other about 40 inches. The second fish definitely tested the strength of the rod a lot more than the first, and after two days of fishing, I came to my conclusion. I hope you enjoy this video. Like, share, and subscribe if you want. Take care.

[@YourNextCast]

That was an awesome battle right there man. Well worth the watch.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thank you!

[@rkw221]

couple years ago picked one up myself. Purpose was surf for stripers & halibut here in CA. Was able to take it out to get sense of it. Was sensitive enough and casted 4oz like a dream. Had my Tsunami Saltx 6000 with 30lb Power Pro SSV2. It was pretty nice for my purpose. Agree it's definitely a bit bendy for sturgeon. I have a different brand 12' rod for bigger critters & creatures.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

What brand is the 12’ that you use for sturgeon instead? UglyStik?

[@BoneyardBassin]

Good video! I’d say a 5 footer would be fun as heck on that! Great review, and can’t wait to get out with you for some dinos.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Yeah, we definitely need to get out there this winter and tug on a few

[@nelmar1522]

June 11, 2024-- I purchased this exact rod in 2021. Because I have had a long term illness, I didn't use it until last week. Using a red/white bobber and 1/8oz weight, the pole broke 1 1/2ft from the tip. Fluke? I;m sticking with Penn.

[@MountainStateAngler]

On that second fish, you bass mastered the living shit out of it! :D

[@BackFishing]

Good video. Thanks for sharing. 🤙🏼

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thanks Hale’

[@MountainStateAngler]

Watching this now… I finally picked up a bait caster rod and reel. After getting friends to help me and doing research I ended up with a 7’11 Heavy Okuma Guides choice rod paired with a Abu Garcia Revo Beast. I was throwing it for Pike and Lake Trout.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Okuma is a great brand for the price. They make solid gear, I think you will like that rod.

[@ScubaChris]

You should try a Rockaway HD at 12' rated at 6-16oz. 70/30 split.

[@ramzcoldlampin5460]

Damn that fish is strong! 3 minutes in and I thought the rod might snap it was so curled over. Nice catch!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thanks. Yeah, I don’t think it would handle an oversize.

[@rkw221]

a very timely video for me. I had to move from the coast near Santa Barbara California to Sacramento. I had just bought a bunch of new surf fishing gear too. I have this rod in same spec. Pairing up with a SaltX 6000 for surf artificial for flounder/halibut, stripers and whatever else might be there...never even wet yet. I didn't realize fully we now have the Sacramento River and this combo can still be useful for striper/king salmon and even sturgeon. Nice to have confirmation the rod will be very fishable on the river here. Thanks!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Glad you found it helpful. Good luck out there.

[@bendaniels9077]

How are you liking this rod with the salt x? i'm looking at the same setup for tarpon in florida

[@airmanpalmer]

Catches sturgeon great! I used 40lb braid on okuma ceymar c60

[@MANNYBASSFISHING]

Nice video and review Nic..🤙 Need to get me on some sturgeon one of this days 👍

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

This is the time of year to catch a sturgeon bro. We can make that happen for you.

[@ZONAKAILOFFICIAL]

Perfeck fishing brother 👍

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thank you

[@NEVETSTEVEN510]

You should’ve bought the ROCKAWAY HD VERSION THE SP IS FOR Finesse fishing. The HD lineup is for heavyweight fishing

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Good to know, thanks. I think a heavier version would handle for sure.

[@aaronwhitefoot]

Sturgeon are bomb brotha! Love that orange coat. I have one just like it.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thanks man. We still need to go crabbing too

[@FishandForage]

I was eyeing those rods for crab snaring, too! I bet you could throw on heavier line and do alright for a 5-6 footer... just be a careful fight for sure!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

I’ve used it for throwing a crabhawk several times. It works just fine for that. Also the really long butt on the rod makes it a little cumbersome with fighting a sturgeon, I forgot to mention that in the video.

[@robbiesflytyingchannel]

Awesome!

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Thanks Robbie

[@kylesmith-tv7ei]

Just picked up the same spec. Rockaway that's in your video at Fisherman's today. I'm hoping to use it jetty fishing and casting weighted spinners and whatnot for chinook and coho... Looks like it would be good enough for that, after watching this vid.. Thoughts? It's not the exact rod I was after buuut I can't wait for the supply-chain to catch-up to my fishing schedule any longer. Solid video! Cheers

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

This rod would be good for all of that. You will be able to cast a weighted spinner a long ways. The only thing I could think of as a negative, would be that it is a lot of rod so you may experience some fatigue with repetitive casting all day. But overall it is pretty light weight and definitely has the backbone and sensitivity to be universal. I also use it for casting a crabhawk. For the price, it is a really good rod.

[@MountainStateAngler]

“He said it’s only 3.5 feet” haha that’s huge man in my opinion. How come you didn’t lift him up for a shot? Or is there rules to not do that? I agree with you that rod was a bit too bendy for such a fish. Good review and honest.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

I tried to lift him up by the mouth and he slipped off. I should have grabbed his tail before I unhooked him because we have to use barbless hooks and they are a bit squirmy. I didn’t plan it very well 🤦‍♂️

[@user-lg1qo8wi2m]

Hello🌸🌸💖 It's a very cool and amazing video. I was touched when I saw this. I hope you become a warm neighbor.😊 I hope you'll always be full of love and happiness.💖🐾🌸🍒🌸💖

[@MooMooOutdoors]

I think you should try it again and give us entertainment LOL

[@josephs5514]

Do you know how long this rod is when split? I’m making a travel tube for my rods and I don’t have this rod yet but I’m planning to have it in the future and don’t want to cut my tube longer than necessary.

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

It is 5’2” when broken down

[@jaaron2834]

You should be alright with that rod but for me, ... I would feel like I was bringing a knife to a gunfight…… just saying... There have been many times I was under gunned and lost the monsters because I wanted to be sporting…🤣🤣lol

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

I agree. This rod will “work” but it’s not going to do very well against anything larger than 4’-5’

[@jaaron2834]

@@NorthwestOpenSeason And there are those days when you bring out the big guns.… you catch Zero fish... Lol 🙃🤣🤣

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

Facts

[@ThedarkAwaits]

Can I use a 600lb line?

[@NorthwestOpenSeason]

I doubt it. I used 30lb

[@ThedarkAwaits]

@@NorthwestOpenSeason ok thanks