Shimano or Okuma Baitrunner?

[Kayakfishr]

I was thinking of picking up a baitrunner reel for Striper season. I have priced a few, and the Okuma reels are around $100 cheaper than the Shimano. Since you usually get what you pay for, I was looking for some feedback from anyone who has either of these reels, preferrably someone who has actually caught a fish on one

[rjcappy]

Shimano's a good reel. There's a reason why they're more money!

[mgonski]

I have had two Shimano 6500 for about 10 years now and I also own two 4500 and love these reels! Wash them down after each use then soak them with WD-40, never had an issue! I also got my first baitcaster this year which is is the Shimano 401E Calculta series, see how this holds up. Good luck!

[Fin Deep]

I have used some Okuma's for the past 4 years for charters. They have not had any flaws yet and they have been put through the ringer. Yes, Shimano does make a more quality reel, as does Quantum Cabo's, but I have treated each reel the same, bucket of fresh water after each trip. From Quantum, Van Staal to Okuma, I have not had any problems. Plenty of bass live lining bunker on those Epixor's in the 20-30 lb range and still working just fine. I like to carry reels in different price ranges so my clients don't always feel the need to carry higher priced reels to start fishing. With that said, I do use various reels by different companies. Hope that helps.

[Mark P]

I have had very little experience with the Okuma Reels But I will say I fished an old style Shimano Baitrunner 4500 for a season a few years ago and The thing was a tank. It put up with everything I threw at it, it even went swimming more than a few times. Not necessarily on purpose either. To this day it works. I have zero trepidation recommending a shimano.