Okuma Ceymar C-40 Review

Low Cost, High Performance

-Specifications-

Model: C-40

Retrieve: Left

Gear Ratio: 5.0:1

I read about this reel in a Field and Stream article highlighting the 5 best spinning reels of 2017, and wasn’t sure how the Okuma Ceymar fit into the bunch. At a price point miles below the next cheapest reel in the group, I didn’t know what would make this one special enough to warrant a place on the list. I decided to drop the money to pick one up, and I found out in a hurry.

Usability:

This reel, like many spinning reels, is very simple. The handle is adjustable for left or right-handed anglers, and takes just seconds to adjust. The drag is a straightforward adjustable dial on top of the reel, with audible clicks for each position moved. Speaking of the drag, there is a very wide range of tensions to apply on the Ceymar, which provides the angler with a precise amount of drag for all sorts of applications. Disassembly is easy and quick, allowing for rapid cleanings after a long day on the water. At the end of the day, the Ceymar opts for simplicity in design on all fronts, and works like a charm.

Casting:

This is where the Okuma Ceymar makes a stunning impression. I opted for the C-40 model, which is advertised as being capable of holding 265 yards of 8lb. monofilament, otherwise known as a ridiculously massive amount. Now I’m not saying I can cast 265 yards of anything off of this reel, but casting a Texas rigged Senko on a 4/0 hook with a big bomber can result in that worm landing close to 35-40 yards away from the angler. Casting on this reel is consistently mind blowing, and is by and far the most appealing aspect of the Ceymar as a whole. I’d recommend running low-weight braid as a main line for maximum distance.

Retrieve:

Again, the Okuma Ceymar makes a great impression. I caught a good sized largemouth on this, a 4.37lb. female, in November on a Senko. Funny enough, I was using an Ugly Stik GX2 borrowed from a friend as a travel rod, and I had to work that fish in from about 25 yards as she hit the worm on the fall. What ensued was a battle of changing drag, reeling, letting her run, and readjusting the drag again, lasting for a solid two minutes. During this time, and during every other fish I’ve caught on it in the year that I’ve had it, the drag on the Ceymar has been nothing but smooth, with the eight ball bearings they managed to fit in here providing all the silkiness you could ask for during a fight. The 13lb. max drag will allow you to feel confident with a tank on the other end of the line, and the slow gear ratio at 5.0:1 will give you all the winching power you need.

Techniques:

I’ve used the Ceymar for just about everything in the finesse category. Primarily I use stick baits, small swimbaits, dropshots, shakey heads, and even one of my favorite volume-fishing techniques, finesse cranking. Like I mentioned before, this reel can handle the biggest fish in your local pond with ease, which is certainly a bonus, but it is a spinning reel, and lends itself best to finesse applications. After a few line experiments including 12lb. fluorocarbon and 30lb. braided line to a leader, I’ve settled on 20lb. braid as my main line for the Ceymar. I like the sensitivity and lack of stretch that braid provides, and it is just what works best for me for my techniques.

Pros:

·        Magnificent caster

·        Ridiculously high quality and performance for the price point

·        Slick design and stable construction for the price

·        Cannot emphasize the bang for buck on this reel

Cons:

·        Some plastic pieces

·        Drag dial is a bit flimsy when set to lower tensions

·        Does make a bit of noise when reeling, settled with oil

Addendum:

I have read multiple complaints that this reel does get a bit sticky and less smooth as time goes on. I’ve had it for over a year now, and it IS getting a little loud on the retrieve. I oil after every usage, and the problem seems to mostly be fixed, but it does persist. I’d also like to add that for $49.99, I’d have no problem buying another one of these.