I am looking for the lightest weight 8wt reel I can find. The Okuma MD7/8 weighs 4.1 oz. The next lightest I can find is the Orvis BBS V, at 4.25 oz. I am familiar with the Orvis, but not the Okuma. If you have any experience with this model, or if you know of anything lighter, please let me know.
In case you are wondering, I’m trying to save my arm with the lightest combo possible. Thanks. :?:
I don’t have the Okuma Magnitude, but I do have the Okuma Sierra (5/6 wt.) and its a good lightweight reel (at least so far :)). I got an extra spool with it since it is a quick change reel.
i have the magnitude in the 5/6 that i use on a shortie 4 wt. for bluegill. the drag has never been tested and i am not sure how it would hold up to larger fish. i like the reel for bluegill fishing, but if i were you, i’d go with the bbs as i feel the drag is much better.
I will presume you do have an 8wt rod, a line and maybe a reel now. Before you buy the new reel, make the chance to ‘lawn-cast’ the rod with the line only. String it up, run the line and leader out and if the line is on any reel now, strip the line off and put the reel in your pocket, not on the rod. Learn what your rod actually feels like with the worlds lightest reel; none! Get used to the feeling. Learn it. Then, clamp any reel on it, no line, just the reel, for weight. Learning these elements will put you far ahead of those experts who will be advising you.
I have the magnitude on my 4 wt. rod and have been using it for 2 full seasons. It holds up well under this kind of load though I am not sure how it would work with larger fish. Never had an issue with 5 lb. bass or 2lb trout. Don’t think I’d choose it for the salt.
jed
So far I haven’t had any problems with the Magnitudes I have on my 8wt, my 3wt, or my 2wt. All three have performed very well for me, and I’ve had them for about five years now. The drag on the 8wt won’t stop a freight train or a school bus, but it works fine on bass, carp, and other such sizable warmwater beasties. Don’t know about big salmon,muskies, pike, etc., might want to go with something heavier for them.
Jed is correct about the salt but for a different reason I belive. I think the magnesium is supposed to react negatively to saltwater. I think I read this on Okuma’s site.
Mike
If backing is an issue, the Magnitude only holds half the amount of 20# they say it does. Figure 50-55 yards tops. Magnesium, unless protected, virtually melts in salt water.