Fixed Spool reels for beach casting

[itwasthisbig]

Hi,

I've been offered 2 Okuma Opti-drag ODB-180 reels for £30 but I'm not sure if they would be any good for beach casting.

I have trawled the net trying to find out what they are and all I have found is info on ODB-140 or 150 which look to be carp reels. My old man doesn't think they would be any good as you normally use much larger weights on the beach than carp fishing and seems to think they might wear out quite quickly. Any thoughts?

They look the same size as other beach reels I have but also have a live bait switch on top (what ever that is?) and micro drag adjuster on the back of the reel. Can anyone help me out with my decision to buy or not? I am really not sure although they are a bargin price and pretty much brand new. :confused:

Alan

[eccles]

Doesn't sound too bad to me and I don't see what difference the use of 4 or 5 oz sinkers will make. After all, when one casts a 5 oz sinker, there is no strain on the reel as the line is released and uncoils from the spool. Bearing in mind that carp can easily go to 20 lbs or more and not many beach catches are that big, I can't see a problem. Most important bits are how much 15/20 lb line they can hold - needs to be at least 200 yds and are they made of materials which will stand up to a bit of salt water.

[ogri]

Carp reels are often used for sea angling, usually succesfully

[itwasthisbig]

Thanks for the replies, you confirmed my thoughts about them... and what does my old man know??? He's a course fisherman!