Reviews: Key Opinions on the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 Surf Fishing Reel
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is a winner for budget-minded anglers who value a smooth drag, lightweight design, and reliable performance.
It’s a great choice for targeting smaller species in the surf, but keep in mind that it might not be the best option for battling larger fish due to some reported flex and wobble. Overall, it’s a solid contender for those seeking a good value surfcasting reel.
This review dives into the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000, a popular and affordable surfcasting reel. We’ll cover its features, performance, pros, cons, and user feedback to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your fishing needs.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 Surf Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
This surf fishing reel has a line capacity of 143 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 5.3:1.
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is a dedicated surf fishing reel with a mono line capacity of 143 m / 0.35 mm and a high-speed gear ratio of 5.3:1, making it ideal for anglers who prioritize fast retrieval and long-distance casting.
Line capacity and gear ratio are essential considerations when choosing a surf fishing reel. Line capacity dictates how much line you can spool, while the gear ratio determines the speed of line retrieval.
In terms of gear ratio, this surfcasting reel leads our comparison with a value of 5.3:1, along with the Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD and Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC models. Surfcasting reels with a high gear ratio are also well-suited for spin fishing, as they allow you to retrieve lures more quickly.
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 has the lowest line capacity of all the surfcasting reels in our comparison, and therefore is not suitable for long-distance surfcasting.
If you need a reel with greater line capacity for longer casts or heavier lines, consider these alternatives:
- Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD (550 m / 0.35 mm)
- Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSE (550 m / 0.35 mm)
- HAUT TON NGK 14000 (648 m / 0.35 mm)
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
With 5 ball bearings and a front brake, the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 delivers a drag force of 26 lbs (11.8 kg).
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 incorporates 5 ball bearings for smooth operation and a front drag system with a maximum drag force of 26 lbs (11.8 kg), providing sufficient stopping power for a variety of surf fishing applications.
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. With a drag force of only 26 lbs (11.8 kg), this model has the lowest value in our comparison.
If you’re targeting larger species or require a higher drag force for challenging fishing conditions, consider the Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD which is also available for under $150.
Weight / Material
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 weighs 482 g and is crafted from graphite.
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 features a lightweight graphite body, contributing to its overall weight of 482 g. This makes it a comfortable reel to use, even during extended fishing sessions.
Weight can be a significant factor in angler fatigue, especially when casting and retrieving frequently. That’s why especially lightweight surfcasting reels are better suited for fishing with live bait or lures.
With a weight of only 482g, the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is the second lightest reel in our comparison. Only the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is even lighter, weighing in at 440g.
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is saltwater resistant and does not have a baitrunner function.
Designed for the harsh saltwater environment, the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 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. This reel offers a baitrunner feature for specific fishing techniques and target species.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 surf fishing reel boasts an impressive 4.1 out of 5-star rating across Amazon and Tackle Direct, based on feedback from 169 customer reviews.
Let’s dive deeper and see what anglers are saying about this reel:
- This one really fits the bill. It didn’t cost a fortune and works very well. Very smooth drag and great overall performance.
- Great reel, light weight, well built and smooth.
- I currently have 3 of these reels and love them. I’d highly recommend them for smaller fish in the surf. Okuma has great customer service and warranty.
- Hooked up on a couple fish and a big stingray. When fighting the reel had a lot of flex to it and was really wobbly.
- Overall not a bad reel, but don’t expect top level performance at this price point.
- I haven’t finished with this reel yet but it seems very smooth and durable.
- Simple reel with a fast drag.
Reviews from other countries
- Good equipment
- The reel only lasted 2 months, a plastic gear broke. Price benefit very high.
Anglers generally seem pleased with the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000, especially considering its affordability. Many highlight its smooth drag and overall performance, with one angler even owning three! It’s been praised for its lightweight and sturdy build, making it a comfortable choice for long fishing sessions.
However, some users have noted that it might not be the best option for battling larger fish due to some flex and wobble experienced during intense fights. While it may not offer top-tier performance, the Rockaway Surf 6000 seems to be a reliable workhorse for targeting smaller species in the surf.
Its simple design and fast drag are also appreciated by many. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly surfcasting reel that delivers solid performance for general use, the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 could be a good option.
Pros and Cons of the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 Surf Fishing Reel
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is a lightweight and affordable surfcasting reel that’s perfect for anglers who value smooth operation and saltwater resistance.
However, its low line capacity and potential wobble when fighting larger fish might make it less suitable for those targeting trophy catches or needing to cast long distances.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 160 customers (4.1 of 5) on Amazon and Tackle Direct
- Second lightest reel in our comparison
- Saltwater resistant
- Smooth
- Good value for money
Cons
- Wobbly when fighting large fish
- Lowest line capacity in our comparison
The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is a popular surfcasting reel that has garnered positive reviews from over 160 customers on Amazon and Tackle Direct, earning an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.
Anglers appreciate its smooth operation and value for money, especially given that it’s the second lightest reel in our comparison. Its saltwater resistance makes it a durable option for the harsh surf environment.
However, it’s worth noting that some users have reported wobble when fighting larger fish, and it has the lowest line capacity in our comparison. This means it may not be the ideal choice for anglers targeting larger species or needing to cast long distances.
If you’re looking for a lightweight and affordable surfcasting reel for general use, the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 is worth considering. However, if you need a reel with higher line capacity or greater stability when fighting larger fish, you might want to explore other options.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 Surf Fishing Reel
What material is the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 made of?
The reel body is made of graphite and the spool is made of aluminum.
The reel tends to become unstable when reeling in larger fish. Therefore, we would not recommend it for fishing for catfish and carp. As affordable and more stable alternatives, we recommend the HAUT TON NGK 14000 and the Penn Rival Longcast Gold 7000.
Which rod size can I combine the
with?The Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 pairs well with a surf rod in the 9-11ft range. This length offers a good balance of casting distance and maneuverability, making it suitable for various surf fishing scenarios.
Consider the rod’s casting weight too. It should match the lures or bait you typically use. A casting weight of 60-150g is a good starting point for most situations with the Rockaway Surf 6000.
- Amazon
- Own experience