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The Reel Deal - Okuma ITX Spin
By Jacob Iedema
The Okuma ITX surely lives up to the hype, with stunning looks and even better performance, the ITX is a workhorse when put to the test. I’ve been lucky enough to test this reel to its full extent on some of the most aggressive estuary dwelling species and its never skipped a beat. From mangrove jack to kingfish, mackerel, flathead, bream, and snapper, the ITX makes for an unfair advantage when fighting fish. With up to 10kg of max drag, and available in standard and high-speed gear ratios the range of ITX reels covers everything from bream to barramundi. I’ve landed 70cm+ flathead, 25kg kingfish, mackerel and more on this awesome range of reels.
The ITX 2500 in the standard gear ratio has become one of my favourites for targeting anything from javelin fish (grunter) to flathead in the estuaries. When hopping soft plastics along the bottom the standard gear ratio allows the plastic to have a natural presence in the water, without moving too quickly. This means that lazy fish are more likely to inspect your lure with interest, without being spooked. The ITX-2500 is an all-rounder and is always part of my kit when fishing.
The machined screw in handle design provides increased strength in the reel, while reducing play in the handle. This feature has been a standout for me, along with the ergonomic handle with Traction Grip Technology (golf grip style handle), it really is a joy to fish with.
The slick carbon rotor and frame feature metallic silver highlights to present a bold and beautiful reel. The ITX family starts at a 1000 size, with a gear ratio of 5.0:1 and this model is a perfect reel for avid bream and trout anglers. However, this little reel is up for abuse and is a perfect match for any light estuary or freshwater work.
Stepping it up a notch, the 2500 size has a gear ratio of 5.0:1 and is a perfect match for a 2-4kg or 3-6kg rod. A great allrounder reel, capable of stopping even jacks, with its 8kg of max drag. Big snapper, barramundi, estuarine trevally, big flathead, and mangrove jack have all been caught on this capable little reel. The ITX-4000 with a gear ratio of 5.0:1 really packs a punch, with the power of 10kg of drag it’s ready for tuna, mackerel, barramundi, Australian salmon, and many larger predatory species are sure to fall victim to this impressive mid-size spin reel.
The high-speed line up consists of a 2500, 3000 and 4000 size, all with a gear ratio of 6.0:1. Although this doesn’t sound like much, the ability to pick up that extra line can be crucial when targeting fast moving pelagic species. From estuary dwelling trevally to tuna and mackerel, the high-speed ratio is the way to go when fishing fast.
The ITX Carbon utilises Okuma’s flagship technologies to make a super light and super strong reel. The lightweight and rigid C-40X carbon body, side plates, and rotor reduce the weight of the reel dramatically, while increasing strength and being virtually corrosion proof.
The reel features a multi-disc carbon fibre drag system, that produces silky smooth drag. This drag is protected by a Hydro-Block gasket, to ensure no salty water and debris infiltrates the drag system. The 7HPB and 1RB high performance bearings, along with the screw in handle reduce the play in the handle, keeping everything supported and running smooth, and making for effortless winding when out on the water.
Another standout feature of Okuma reels is the CFR - Cyclonic Flow Rotor, which is designed to move air and dry the exterior of the reel when winding. This reduces corrosion as air is forced around the body and spool to protect your reel from saltwater and salt build-up.
With many more features on the list, the Okuma ITX has proven its worth in my arsenal. The ITX Carbon spinning reel range starts from $189, making it affordable and unmatched for the quality and performance it delivers. From me, the reel gets a five-star rating. Everything about it feels quality built and solid, from the aluminium bail arm to the rotor, handle, body, and spool. A truly worthy reel for any angler to have in their kit.
A reel is nothing without a well-suited rod to match it with. The TT Rods range is a standout in terms of affordable quality, with the Black Mamba being the top of the range and my favourite series of rods to date. If the budget doesn’t stretch to the Black Mamba, the Okuma Cerros range of rods have also proven themselves time and again, with the 2-4kg being my favourite, matched with an ITX-2500.
So, whether you’re looking on upgrading your gear or looking for an extra reel in your kit, the ITX will serve you well.
Cheers, Jacob Iedema