Since July I have had opportunities to use prototypes of two variations of Okuma “Guide Select” swimbait rods. Mark (SWMB8R) the designer of these rods recently received two rods from the Okuma factory. These rods are the finished product. Both rods are 7 ½ footers one is 15#-40# 2-8 oz, the other is 15#-30# 1-5 oz. I fished these rods 5 days last week and was impressed. I feel even though the rods are 7 ½’, short by some people standards, they offer some advantages. They cast just as far as an 8 footer and fit easy in my rod locker. The rods fish comfortably and are very well balanced. Due to the balance of the 7 ½’ rods the fatigue factor is much less than an 8’stick. The rods have a Fuji reel seat and 9 Fuji “new concept” guides with Alconite inserts.
Cosmetically these rods are beautiful. The area below the reel seat uses two pieces of cork with the blank showing between the cork. The graphite used from the butt to the stripper guide is course mesh weave, which is not only eye appealing, it adds extra strength (check out attachments).
The Okuma Guide Select series rods will be available in approximately 5 weeks. The swimbait sticks will retail for $89.00, I know of no other rod of this quality that sells for this price. The bad news is Mark is flying back home tonight and wants the rods back, I guess I can wait 5 weeks for my own.
