Okuma Epixor / Ugly Stik or Rhino Rod / 30# Power Pro line. I also have another Okuma model but I forgot the name (might be an Inspira?), I try and stay below $50-60 on the reel, Okuma lets you do that if you shop around, and the reel is smooth and durable.

I asked the US Reels rep. at the Houston Fishing Show if it was made for saltwater.
He kept changing the subject on me. Never would answer my saltwater question.

When I asked where it was made at, he hung his head and said China.
It is a nice looking reel, but it is made in China. Why is it named US Reel? Makes no sense to me.

All their reels have nice features, they have reels that are made just for braid, but if they cannot hold up in saltwater, Ray don't want it. I could get a Zebco spinning reel for 1/10th the price and get the same saltwater service out of it.

My wife has the older model Shimano Stratic. Brother in law has a newer model Stratic and I have a couple of the new composite Stratics. They are very nice. Very light, but kinda expensive. But you get what you pay for.

I know a guide out of Leeville that uses Okuma rod and reels. He loves them, but Okuma gives them to him. He sells them, used, to customers at the end of each season.

The preceding message is just my opinion. Not to be taken as the gospel about fishing reels. When you find something you like, stick with it. No matter the brand or price.

Went with two okumas and two shimanos and 4 redfish Allstar rods (on sale) Lol

So I'm going to give them a whirl

Dang son you dont play around! Let me know if you want to hook up one day. Chasing redfish in the shallows is my passion.

Could make up my darn mind!! so just sell heck with it!

Sent you a PM

Hell yeh man! You get the Blue ASR rods or the Inshore Series? Those rodsare pretty sweet, good choice! What reel models did you get?

Blue asr and the Inspira & Sedona

Damn! You dropped some cheddar huh!
Sweet arse setup-ups you should love em!

Lol I know! Just aggregated with baitcasters

Make sure you spool them up with braid or you will be just as aggravated,maybe more. :cool:

Very true statement! I switched to braid and I'll never look back

Will do!!

What braid should I use?? 12lbs

20lb PowerPro(same size as 6lb mono) is my choice of braid, others will say suffix 832 but I never tried it so I don't know bout that stuff I don't plan on switching anytime soon.

Thanks salty I've never used any so
I was wondering! Was wondering since the reel only holds 10 or 12 pound test! Thanks a bunch

Yep 20lb braid is like spooling up with 6lb test, you might also want to put a little 10-15lb mono on the spool and tie your braid to that(don't fill the reel up more than 20% with the mono you just want a little pad to prevent the braid from sliding. Get it on there good and tight)

Awesome thanks!! Mono first? Then braid??

I usually put enough mono to cover the spool and then tie your braid to the mono using a uni to uni knot

x2

Thanks!! Did you get my email outcast? I live in Prairieville also