Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Gear-Reviews » Okuma Cerros Baitcast Combo
Okuma Cerros Baitcast Combo
By Rhett Gill
So, I'm pretty new to the freshwater scene. I have caught trout and Murray cod before but only on spin gear and as baitcaster gear has never really been needed for the style of saltwater fishing that I normally do. Baitcasters to me have always been a difficult reel to use and I am always hearing how if you don't thumb the spool properly you will get overruns and birds nests... so this has always put me off owning one...
That was until I got my hands on the Okuma CER-C-661MH Med Heavy 6'6" 4 to 8kg baitcast rod and CR-266V baitcast reel.
The first time that I put the reel on the rod I felt how nice it was in my hands.
The combo is so light and the rod feels great; crisp and it all balances nicely. The reel is smooth, light and the drag when needed is super smooth and the handle very comfortable. The rod looks great and feels very nice when held and you can feel the power in the blank when loaded up on a good fish.
Casting is a breeze with this combo and when set correctly a pin point cast to a snag is so easy and with a light thumbing at the end of the cast I have no fear of an overrun or birds nest. I have been running 10lb and 20lb Platypus P8 braid on my Cerros BC reels and am loving this braid.
So far I have caught a small Murray Cod and a heap of Goldern Perch on these combos and I could not be more impressed how they have performed. Washed down and sprayed with Inox after every trip, this combo will last me for years.
I never thought I'd need a baitcaster, but just the ease in clicking the spool button and the long, smooth and accurate casts that can be achieved with the baitcaster, as lots of casting is required in the fresh to 'wake' the natives up for a bite, I'm glad I have a few baitcasters now.
This whole combo shouts value for money, from the look to the feel this is a very nice combo with a light and compact, smooth as reel with super smooth drag. I have picked up a few expensive combos and they didn't feel as good as the Cerros.
When spooling up have a nice wrapping of mono on the spool before the braid, to stop the braid slipping on the spool.
Before you go out on the water, have a play in the backyard or down the oval and get it set up right, so that when you're out on the water its all go for fishing.
I recommend using a FG knot for joining leader to braid as it winds nicely through all the guides and lays well on the spool, ready for the next cast.
Cast or troll this is a worthy combo in anyone's collection.
Cheers,
Rhett
Okuma Cerros Baitcast Rods - CER-C-661MH / 6'6" / 4-8kg / 30g casting weight
Okuma Cerros Baitcast Reels - CR-266V / CR-266VLX (Left Hand) / 6.6:1 / 238g weight / 5kg drag / Capacity LDS/YDS - 10/160, 12/130, 14/95 / Capacity mm/M 0.29/145, 0.33/115, 0.37/85