Reviews: Key Opinions on the Okuma Flite 12000A Surf Fishing Reel
The Okuma Flite 12000A is a budget-friendly surfcasting reel that boasts a modern design, high drag force, and smooth operation thanks to its 10 ball bearings. However, it has received mixed reviews from anglers, with some praising its value while others express concerns about its quality and durability.
A notable quirk is the need to manually close the bail after each cast. While some anglers appreciate this feature, others find it inconvenient.
Overall, the Okuma Flite 12000A might be a suitable option for casual surfcasters on a tight budget, but those seeking top-notch quality and reliability might want to consider alternatives like the Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD or the Penn Rival Longcast Gold 7000, which offer better value and performance in the same price range.
The Okuma Flite 12000A has made quite a name for itself among surfcasting enthusiasts. In this review, we’ll cast a keen eye over its features, reel in the pros and cons, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next fishing adventure.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Okuma Flite 12000A Surf Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
This surf fishing reel has a line capacity of 309 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 4.3:1.
The Okuma Flite 12000A is a dedicated surf fishing reel with a mono line capacity of 309 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 4.3:1. This combination provides ample line for most surfcasting situations and a standard retrieval speed suitable for various techniques.
Line capacity and gear ratio are essential factors to consider when choosing a surf fishing reel. Line capacity determines how much line the spool can hold, while the gear ratio influences the speed of line retrieval.
The Okuma Flite 12000A offers a respectable line capacity, exceeding that of the Penn Surfblaster III Longcast 7000 (192 m / 0.35 mm). However, it falls short of the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD (550 m / 0.35 mm) and the HAUT TON NGK 14000 (648 m / 0.35 mm).
The Okuma Flite 12000A’s gear ratio of 4.3:1 is typical for surfcasting reels, which generally falls within the range of 4.3:1 to 4.9:1.
Surf anglers who mainly fish with lures benefit from higher gear ratios. Two good alternatives with a particularly high gear ratio of 5.3:1 are the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC and the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 models.
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
With 10 ball bearings and a front brake, the Okuma Flite 12000A delivers a drag force of 40 lbs (18.1 kg).
The Okuma Flite 12000A incorporates 10 ball bearings for smooth operation and a front drag system with a maximum drag force of 40 lbs (18.1 kg). This provides substantial stopping power for challenging surf fishing scenarios.
The number of ball bearings contributes to the smoothness and durability of a reel, while the drag force is crucial for controlling and tiring out powerful fish.
The Okuma Flite 12000A has the third-highest drag force of all the surfcasting reels we compared. However, it’s slightly lower than the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD (44.1 lbs / 20 kg) and the HAUT TON NGK 14000 (53 lbs / 24 kg).
Weight / Material
The Okuma Flite 12000A weighs 519 g and is crafted from graphite.
The Okuma Flite 12000A features a graphite body, contributing to its overall weight of 519 g. Graphite offers a balance of strength and lightweight properties.
Weight can be a significant factor in angler fatigue, especially during long casting sessions. Lighter reels offer advantages for those who want to use the reel for other fishing styles or desire longer casting distances.
The Okuma Flite 12000A is lighter than many other surfcasting reel models and ranks 4th in our weight comparison. If you prefer even lighter options, consider the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC (440 g) or the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 (482 g).
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Okuma Flite 12000A is saltwater resistant and does not have a baitrunner function.
Designed for the harsh saltwater environment, the Okuma Flite 12000A is built with corrosion-resistant components to ensure longevity. It does not include a baitrunner feature.
Saltwater resistance is essential for reels used in saltwater environments to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity. A baitrunner function allows for controlled release of line when a fish takes the bait, a feature often favored by carp anglers and those targeting certain species.
If you require a surf fishing reel equipped with a baitrunner function, the Shimano Baitrunner XTB Big Longcast is an excellent choice.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
The Okuma Flite 12000A surf fishing reel has a respectable 3.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and Tackle Direct. This rating comes from 13 anglers who’ve shared their experiences with the reel.
Let’s take a look at what they have to say:
- I’ve ordered my second one so that I can run twin setups.
- You have to manually close tha bail to be able to reel it in. It won’t reset after the cast.
- Awesome reel for the price. Gonna buy another one soon.
- This reel deals extremely cheap. I wouldn’t trust it to land a big one.
- Felt very cheap and weak. Sent it back and ordered a Penn Battle III.
The Okuma Flite 12000A has garnered a mixed bag of opinions from anglers. Some are clearly impressed with its value and performance, with one angler even ordering a second reel for a twin setup. Others, however, find it lacking in quality and durability.
Several anglers have pointed out the need to manually close the bail after casting, as it doesn’t reset automatically. While this might be a minor inconvenience for some, it’s a feature that others find unacceptable in a modern spinning reel.
Despite this quirk, many anglers consider the Okuma Flite 12000A to be an “awesome reel for the price,” praising its affordability and decent performance for general surfcasting duties.
However, some reviewers express concerns about its ability to handle larger fish, describing it as feeling “cheap and weak.” One angler even went so far as to return the Flite and opt for a Penn Battle III instead.
Overall, the Okuma Flite 12000A seems to be a budget-friendly option that’s suitable for casual surfcasters who aren’t targeting trophy fish. Its affordability is a major draw, but anglers should be aware of its limitations and the need for manual bail closure.
The Okuma Flite 12000A has a modern, almost futuristic design with a dark blue body and silver accents. The elongated spool and swept-back bail arm give it a dynamic, high-tech look that suggests both power and precision.
The Okuma Flite 12000A stands out due to its high drag force and its high number of 10 ball bearings. However, it was only rated 3.5 out of 5 stars by customers, and some quality defects were expressed.
While the high drag force and smooth operation thanks to the 10 ball bearings are attractive features, the mixed customer reviews and reports of quality issues raise some concerns. It’s essential to weigh these factors carefully when considering the Okuma Flite 12000A.
If you’re looking for alternatives with consistently high ratings and proven reliability in the same price range, you might consider the Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD or the Penn Rival Longcast Gold 7000.
Pros and Cons of the Okuma Flite 12000A Surf Fishing Reel
The Okuma Flite 12000A is a lightweight and capable surfcasting reel that offers a good balance of features and affordability. Its 10 ball bearings ensure smooth operation, and it boasts a high drag force for tackling strong fish.
However, some anglers have reported quality concerns, and there are more reliable alternatives available in the same price range, such as the Daiwa Crosscast Surf or the Penn Rival Longcast Gold.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 10 customers (3.5 of 5) on Amazon and Tackle Direct
- 10 ball bearings
- Fourth lightest reel in our comparison
- Third-highest drag force in our comparison
- Saltwater resistant
Cons
- Customers have reported quality issues
- Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD or the Penn Rival Longcast Gold 7000 as more reliable alternatives in the same price range
The Okuma Flite 12000A is a surfcasting reel that has generated some interest among anglers, particularly those seeking a balance of features and affordability. It has received a 3.5 out of 5-star rating on Amazon and Tackle Direct, based on feedback from over 10 customers.
One of its notable features is the inclusion of 10 ball bearings, which contribute to smoother operation and increased longevity. In terms of weight, the Okuma Flite 12000A ranks as the fourth lightest reel in our comparison.
This makes it a relatively lightweight option, which can be advantageous for reducing fatigue during long casting sessions. Additionally, it boasts the third-highest drag force among the reels we reviewed, providing ample stopping power for battling strong fish in the surf.
Built with saltwater resistance in mind, the Okuma Flite 12000A is designed to withstand the corrosive effects of the marine environment. However, it’s important to acknowledge that some customers have reported quality issues with this reel.
This raises concerns about its long-term reliability and performance. For anglers who prioritize proven durability and consistent performance, alternatives like the Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD or the Penn Rival Longcast Gold 7000 might be more suitable options in the same price range.
Overall, the Okuma Flite 12000A presents a mixed bag of features and potential drawbacks. Its lightweight design, high drag force, and saltwater resistance are appealing qualities.
However, the reported quality issues and the availability of more reliable alternatives in the same price bracket are important factors to consider before making a purchase decision.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Okuma Flite 12000A Surf Fishing Reel
How can I fix the problem that the bail arm doesn’t close when I turn the handle?
Many anglers are surprised to find that the bail arm on this reel needs to be closed manually. But don’t worry, that’s by design! Most larger reels are built this way. It might seem like an extra step, but manually closing the bail arm actually helps the reel last longer
No, the Okuma Flite 12000A comes with only one spool, and there’s no spare spool included.
What material is the Okuma Flite 12000A reel body made of?
The body, side plate, and rotor are constructed from corrosion-resistant C-40X graphite. This material provides a strong and lightweight foundation for the reel, while also offering excellent protection against the harsh saltwater environment.
- Amazon
- Own experience