As of 2020 these rods have been discontinued and are no longer in stock at Okuma.
First shown at ICAST in July 2011, the Makaira series rods have a lot of positives in terms of components used, rod actions and appearance. Folks know that we are very supportive of both Calstar and Seeker rods, consider them the best made rods in the world, so convincing us to bring in an offshore produced rod is not an easy thing. However, in this instance Okuma got it right again. Like their Makaira series reels, they listened to the right people, and started from scratch to design an excellent series of rods. They learned much from Calstar, one feel of their jigsticks demonstrates that point very well. It’s also apparent that they learned much from their association with the Australian fishing community. These are flat out excellent rods, and they are offered at an exceptional value.
Makaira rods feature newly innovated carbon technology in the manufacture of the rod blanks. Light, strong and responsive are well deserved adjectives for these new “sticks.” The new rods are stunning in their appearance, with custom abalone decoration above the foregrip on the rods, and exceptional in their actions. They incorporate ALPS deep press 316 stainless guide frames with hard zirconium guide inserts for handling braided lines. Their jigsticks use x-wrap shrink tubing for the grip area for ruggedness and secure handling. Their heavier weight rods feature a custom ALPS aluminum reel seat with abalone underlay, for a truly custom look – with solid performance backing it up. Their IGFA standup rods feature custom leather wrapped foregrips! And their trolling rods use superior quality ALPS premium roller guides for large knot clearance. Their casting rods incorporate an integrated rubber butt cap/gimbal design (both spinning and conventional casting rods). On the heavier trolling and popping rods, an aluminum gimbal is included.
