Okuma Cortez Star Drag Reels

Here’s a reel we first previewed well over a year ago, and have been waiting patiently ever since… Much like the Cedros star and lever drags, good things come when you wait ’em out. The new Cortez is an innovative reel, made with good materials, offering very good performance at a value conscious price. Much like Daiwa’s Sealine it’s going to prove itself a workhorse reel, a great reel for someone new to saltwater fishing. It’s a very good balance of features, performance and value. The Cortez utilizes a corrosion resistant graphite frame and sideplates, with a machined aluminum anodized spool. The reel features a multi-disc Carbonite drag system, for very good stopping power. The star is made from strong forged steel, and the handle is made from anodized aluminum, and is swept inward in design to reduce wobble while cranking, and there’s a soft grip handle that feels right in your hand. You’ve got 5 bearings to help the reel spin well on a cast. The Cortez has a dual anti reverse system, with both mechanical and roller bearing used in manufacture. The gears are oversized, so you’ve got some good cranking power despite the high gear ratio (that will help you get bit) of 6.2:1 (4.7 for the 55 size). The gears are self lubricating and the Cortez series reels offer a 1 year manufacturers warranty. Not a bad combination of features, and the price isn’t half bad either at $149! Oh, did I mention, the reel has MAGNETIC CAST CONTROL, TOO!!! (note the dial on the sideplate for all but the LARGE 55 size)