Today I’m reviewing the Okuma Komodo Baitcaster. I picked this up for my glide/swimbait setup. This larger 200 size reel is perfect …
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Tackle Reviews
Okuma Komodo Baitcaster Review (NEW Swimbait Reel)
50lb braid with 50lb fc leader
Hey bro can u like throw smaller baits with reel like 1/2 oz
I got the 300 series Komodo and returned it immediately after unboxing it.
Every model of the Komodo has a permanently engaged levelwind which ROBS you of casting distance unless you throw a massive lure. Modern baitcasters like those made by Shimano and Daiwa have disengaging levelwinds so you can cast light lures a long distance. YouTube reel reviewers never seem to mention then for some reason.
I love Okuma stuff, but hard pass on the Komodo until they release models with disengaging levelwinds.
Great analysis on the reel, THANK YOU. I'm just getting into baitcasters again after 20yrs of using/trying to use one. Shortly after their big hipe I bought a couple in 93 and all they did was bird nest. So I put them away and hadn't touched one till 6mo ago. Wow how they had changed. So am learning everything all over again but in a good way. LOL I subscribed to a couple of different channels like yours and look forward to gaining some knowledge from you. Thanks: Curt
So what does the little knob behind brake do? I have 273 too and wondered it's application
I haven't seen ya fish this reel much if at all. Mine is a tank still. Pretty stiff clutch but that's the idea. Not heavy as a lexa 300 but stiff. Feels great in hand. Wish it had more brakes but I just run braid to leader so it's fine. Can get squirrelly with flouro but that could just be mine.
Some guys have been working komodos here in Australia for monster Murray Cod on mega deep divers and huge spinnerbaits,,these things go upward of 50 kilos and hit like freight trains.No bigger test for a baitcaster and these reels are the business.
Just stumbled onto this video. I've been into throwing big swimbaits for over 25 years. Back before there were glide baits, we'd take Rago wake baits and break the lip off of em and tune em to glide. Mono or copoly is my recommendation. Your typically fishing a glide bait high in the water column and there is forgiveness with mono and can help when fighting a big fish and if you backlash the line won't shock as bad as braid or fluro. With big swimbaits on braid if you get a sudden backlash the line could pop at the knot. I've lost several baits because of that. Same with fluorocarbon. If your counting a glide down deep then I would recommend fluro but otherwise I highly recommend maxima ultra green copoly
Just got the 200 a week ago. I think it'll be more versatile off the shallows than the larger units. Spooled 20lb Eminent Braid on mine. Might get another 200 for 20lb Fluorocarbon next.
That size is the smallest & newest release of the Komodos. There's also a KDS 350 & KDS 450 size. The medium sized KDS 350 has 25lb max & the large KDS 450 has a 30lb max. I believe the 200 model has a 20lb max. Very nice review. I too like heavier bait casters. I use the power handles on my larger units. I'm planning on getting your model next.
What rods does everyone have their komodo painted with?
I'm buying 471p komodo with camo pink braid 40lb w topshot leader of 20lb for kayak wreck
I’m in WI have lots of musky in my waters so there for I also have to put on a leader many times. So if I’m on a water with those toothy critters I put on a fluorocarbon leader for Musky. Sufix 832 is my Braid of choice. Cheers and nice video as always!
Can you tell me your break settings on your new kVD reel?
That’s not large bait, you can do 20 flouro, I do 80lb test braid for my mother chaser
I honestly scoffed out loud at the idea of buying a Komodo swimbait reel over a Tranx or Revo Beast or Lexa when I saw your thumbnail for this video…but after watching this video I learned the Komodo reel is actually NOT ugly like in the stock photos I've seen. It looks great. Also, the features are impressive.
Like you, I bought a Revo Beast 41 because of how small and lightweight it is for a swimbait reel…it looks like this Komodo is on par with size and weight…and has aluminum for BOTH sideplates instead of just the handle like the Revo Beast.
I'm seriously comsidering buying one now 🤔 thanks Deebs. Btw, I see 6.4:1 Gear Ratio Komodo SS on Amazon
P.S. I still highly recommend the Revo 41 Beast. You should get your hands on one! Maybe I'll send you mine to test drive it!
I use only mono on big swimbaits. It's strong and has stretch to keep the trebles pinned. Braid will tangle in the hooks and can also break on really big fish especially if you keep your drag tight. Copolymer is also good. Go with a good brand in 25lb. Or even 30lb with thinner diameter copolymer. This time of year especially you can catch true giants on those big glide baits. I like the line through trout really good too. Not as durable but if I get a teener on it I'm happy.
What's your best baitcaster reel
I can tell you my komodo 350's have been put through hell on 20lb-50lb cats for 8 years and are still going good.
I use braid to mono leader ,The mono leader allow some stretch but you can still work the Bait aggressively with the braid and still feel light bites, i use Power pro Max Cuatro 50 pound it’s super thin so your leader not won’t be too big, for smaller glide bait I use 20 pound mono anything larger than an S waver 168 I go up to 25
Can you please tell me is the handle loose on this Komodo SS reels,I bought new one today ,feels kinda loose when reeling,like it has 0.5mm of free space when you grab the drag star and try to pull in,out.Sorry for my bad English hope you understand my question.Kinda worried…
Love the video and the break down of it ! 🔥🔥
Might have to take a trip over this year and show you what I know about glide bait fishing in the Midwest. It's about all I do now 🤙
Always braid to fluorocarbon leader
I use braid with a fluorocarbon leader on swim baits. Good video!
Love your videos Debo. I always find value and learn something new. Thanks!!
Ok one more Debo,, the last piece of advice I can give you is if you are throwing lighter or smaller Swimbaits like let’s say7inches and 3oz or less a lot of these baits will not fish well and have a terrible action because the line is too heavy ,like 25lb,,
20lb is the heaviest I would go , 17-20lb is what I would recommend for the lighter glides 3oz or under ,
Lastly Debo I would not recommend straight braided line especially for large treble hooked baits , you can and will bend out hooks and rip the hooks out of fishes mouths also if and when you backlash in the middle of a cast with a 3-4oz or larger bait (trust me it will happen) braid is very very unforgiving and will snap and break causing that large expensive Swimbait to go sailing off into the unknown abyss!
Using mono or Copolymer is a lot more forgiving when it comes to backlashing in the middle of a cast with a heavy bait , and trust me it will happen to you , I can’t tell you how many baits I have lost when this had happened,,
Also Debo , when it comes to bigger Swimbaits San Diego jam knot 🪢 for 4oz or less and double San Diego jam knot for 4.5oz or heavier , trust me can beat that knot for Swimbaits especially when you are chucking something that can cost over $100 ,,
Debo good choice on picking up the dual hardcore ninja twitch they also have a wake bait version as well you should look into and that baitsanity explorer glide is phenomenal, it’s the closest thing you can get to a deps 250 for a 3rd of the price , best advice I can give you with the bigger Swimbaits , check out izorline 20lb Copolymer very very good soft manageable Copolymer line for any baits less then 4oz,, and 25lb line for 4.5oz or above , less margin of error than using Fluro and it bridges the gap between the two and keep in mind with a bigger treble hooked baits you need that little bit extra stretch in your line Copolymer is better then Berkeley big game which is another good choice that a lot of guys use but a lot more stretch ,then the izorline
You have probably just jinxed yourself…”not back-lashed” that reel. It might be like back-lash you got right after finishing your “how not to back-lash a baitcaster” video LOL!
DEBO, you’re looking tired bro. Remember, cause you want to not cause you have to. Kinda gotta couple of fellas with ski mask and AK’s holding up cue cards behind the camera vibe going on. JK, you’re awesome bro, an inspiration to joe’s everywhere.
They should have added a side plate retention , I can see someone casting or setting the hook and there goes the side plate , depending on how they hold the reel
Those are very solid reels. I have the older Komodo reels as well. Hold up very well and have the power as well. Very underrated reels!
i just got the 200 so this video is an early christmas present