Reels
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Review
The Ceymar is a solid budget friendly spinning reel from Okuma. It casts exceptionally well for its price range. It works very well for finesse applications, but can handle larger fish as well. While it’s not perfect, it is a good reel worth checking out. Read our full review below.
Okuma Ceymar Overview
The Okuma Ceymar is an excellent choice of spinning reel for anyone with a budget but would still like a reel that offers solid performance and is packed with features. It is pretty lightweight because its body is narrow blade graphite, but it has a strong foundation and high-quality reel.
While this spinning reel is small, its performance is impressive, and it works well in freshwater and saltwater.
The Okuma Ceymar has an elliptical gearing system that ensures very little friction when you cast, increasing smooth, uniform drag pressures, longer line life, accuracy, and distance. These reels also offer you durability since they have brass pinion gears.
Okuma Fishing manufactures the Ceymar fishing reels. They are a trusted and experienced fishing manufacturer. If you are looking for a spinning reel under $50 while still maintaining a strong performance, the Ceymar is a good contender to consider.
Read on to learn more about Okuma Ceymar spinning fishing reel and whether it is the right choice.
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Ceymar Specs:
- Reel Sizes: C-10, C-20, C-30, C-40, C-55, C-65
- Ball Bearings: 8 (7 bearings + 1 anti-reverse bearing)
- Gear Ratio: 4.5:1, 5.0:1
- Anti-Reverse: Yes
- Weight: Starting at 6 ounces
- Max Drag: 5 lb up to 22 lb
- Braking System: None
- Mono Line Capacity for the C-30 (lb/yd): 6/200, 8/160, 10/110
- Handle: Right or left hand retrieve
David's Thoughts:
The Ceymar is a sub $50 spinning reel from Okuma that is designed to offer high-quality performance at an affordable price. I've been running the Ceymar on one of my rods this year and have found it to be a great value in spinning reels on the market.
The C-30 model comes standard with eight bearings, including one instant anti-reverse bearing, and seven standard bearings. It's available in sizes ranging from the C-10 up to C-65. It has a very smooth drag system with a 13-pound maximum drag pressure. The Ceymar is constructed of a lightweight aluminum frame with a cast aluminum spool. It has a graphite side cover, handle and fore grip, which makes it extremely lightweight. The line capacity is listed at 200 yards of 8-pound test which seems about right for what spools onto this reel. The Ceymar has a polished black finish and comes with a right- or left-hand retrieve.
The Ceymar is the next step up in quality for Okuma for an affordable, full-featured reel. It's not quite as nice as some of the other spinning reels we've tested out, but it has high-quality gears, ball bearings, and drag system at a significantly lower price point.
Now, not everything is sunshine and roses with the Ceymar though. While we didn't have any major issues with the reel, we did experience some stickiness and increased retrieve noises after a few months of use. This is mostly kept in check by applying oil after using the reel, but it does take a bit of work to keep the reel running smoothly.
Features:
Besides being affordable, the Okuma Ceymar spinning fishing reel has multiple benefits and features. Below are some of the features.
- The spool has a line control system to enhance the line lay
- Its narrow blade body design helps reduce fatigue
- RESII: Rotor equalizing system that is computer balanced
- Solid aluminum bail wire
- Machined anodized aluminum, double tone spool
- Precision elliptical gearing system
- Has lightweight, EVA handle knobs that enhance comfort
- Stiff, forged zinc, black anodized handle design
- Graphite body that is corrosion resistant
- CNC brass pinion gear
- Anti-reverse quick-set roller bearing
- 7 BB+ 1RB for optimal smoothness
- Multi-disc, oil felt drag system
Discussed below are the primary features that make the Okuma Ceymar an excellent spinning reel.
Quick-Set Anti-Reverse
This feature allows you to engage your reel in a single direction, offering rock-solid hook sets. The drag will be engaged to fight the fish while preventing your reel from turning in the opposite direction. The anti-reverse feature also helps in preventing any slips or problems with the line when retrieving it.
It reduces the instances of the line coming off the spool or tangles. This can significantly improve the lifespan of your fishing line.
Rotor Equalizing System
It allows you to have precise balance and does away with the spool wobbling, allowing you smooth cranking and excellent alignments.
Durable Material
This reel’s housing is mainly made from graphite, offering more durability than the plastics often used in other low price point reels. Machined aluminum is used to make the spool, which allows it to hold your line without wearing down because of constant use.
Even Flow Roller System
This helps reduce the line twists by rolling over freely on the line roller without causing any friction.
Zinc Diecast Handle
This is constructed and designed to handle the stress that is related to epic fish fighting battles. This zinc diecast handle is specially designed to offer you torque and strength when you need it.
Cyclonic Flow Rotor
This feature offers more precise tolerances for ultimate durability, maximum castability, and precision gear alignment. The rotor allows for more airflow, minimizing the amount of water penetration and adding to the resistance of corrosion which is already being offered by the materials used to make the reel.
Precision Elliptical Gearing System
It helps create less friction when casting and enhances longer line life, greater accuracy, and increased distance. Additionally, it offers more uniform and smoother drag pressure.
Narrow Blade Body Design
It has a sleek, narrow blade body design, perhaps one of its most notable features. It also has a very stylish appearance because of its two anodized colors on the aluminum spool. Overall, its body is built to give less weight by getting rid of everything except the vital housing elements.
This includes a drag system and a thin zinc handle that gives it a thin profile.
Multi-Disk Drag System
The Okuma Ceymar’s reel has a multi-disk drag system, which allows you to have a more reliable and consistent drag, and helps maximize your drag strength on a small surface area. This design also allows your reel to have a sleek profile while also keeping the weight minimal.
It is worth noting that traditional drag systems only used a washer and drag wheel to apply resistance to the reel. On the contrary, the system used on this reel involves oiled felt components and uses multiple drag wheels and washers.
Corrosion Resistant Materials
The Okuma Ceymar reels are designed with a corrosion resistant material. This makes it suitable to use in all types of water and different weather conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Great distance in casting
- Well balanced feeling
- Low price
- Multi-disk drag system that performs well
- 7 ball bearing system that supports smooth operation
Cons:
- Sometimes the fishing line catches on the spool
- Performance seems to degrade after prolonged use
- When it is seated on your fishing rod, it has a level of bend or flex when you twist it by hand.
Mike's Okuma Ceymar Review:
The Ceymar offers an excellent combination of performance, value, and durability. What angler wouldn’t love a reel that casts like a dream, and will hold as much line as you can give it?
Even though the 8.2 ounce weight doesn't make this the lightest reel around, the Ceymar does feel well balanced and offers a firm, responsive feel. With its narrow, precision elliptical gearing system, the Ceymar offers smooth, consistent retrieves. The drag system is multi-disc oil felt, with a generous range of adjustable settings. I found the Ceymar is quite capable in the biting department, and the drag system is solid, with no slipping or squealing.
I have used the Ceymar with mono, fluorocarbon, and braided line, and with different techniques, and have been impressed with the reel's ability to perform with all line types. Though, it's important to note that there isn't any type of rubber spool backing, so if you are going to use braid, you'll either need to attach a few feet of mono first, or put on some type of backing to keep the braid from slipping.
I have used the Ceymar for a wide range of applications, from drop-shotting to swim-baiting. I have had it for around 6 months and used it on plenty of occasions, and it continues to perform well. It's probably not as smooth now as the day I got it out of the box, but I can't tell a difference at this point.
Overall, the Ceymar is a great value in my opinion, and an excellent choice for the angler who wants a reel that is less than $50, but still offers a good deal of versatility.
FAQs
The C30 is a great model for bass fishing. It is an excellent reel for freshwater fishing and gives you value for your money. It also provides you with a larger line capacity and can handle a range of fishing styles and fish.
Yes, you can switch the retrieve from the right side to the left. All you have to do is unscrew the handle then switch sides. The retrieve is pretty fast too.
The C65 and C55 larger models would be an excellent choice for heavier saltwater and pier fishing. Their retrieve rate is higher, and they are also designed to hold heavy lines. The C65 has extra padding that you will better appreciate when you are fighting larger fish.
While these reels are designed with materials that are resistant to corrosion, that does not mean they are corrosion-proof. Therefore, it would be best to clean your reel after use, as you would with any other model. It is vital to do so, especially after fishing in saltwater, because salt increases the chances of corrosion.
Reel Score:
We’ve given the Okuma Ceymar spinning reel ratings in four categories. They are as follows:
- Price: A
- Build: B+
- Feature Set: B+
- Design: B
The Okuma Ceymar earns an overall score of: B+
Conclusion:
Okuma offers different sizes under the Ceymar line that you can select from based on the fishing conditions and type of fish you want to catch. It is easy to use and gives you a smooth cast.
With the use of durable materials to construct the Ceymar, it should withstand a lot of stress and last a long time.
Overall, this reel is a good buy at the sub $50 price range. It is affordable, has reliable materials, and is built with quality components that are resistant to corrosion. It is one of the Okuma spinning reels worth considering if you’re shopping for a budget reel.
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