Muskie First
Published February 12, 2009

MARK ROGERS / OKUMA CHAT

Slamr:  MuskieFIRST Welcomes Mark Rogers of Okuma Fishing to the Chat Room, thanks for joining us!

	Okuma Muskie Reels

OKUMA CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Joe_Olstadt: is your commitment to customer service something that is pervasive across all of Okuma or are you just that dedicated to a bunch of Muskie guys?
Mark_Rogers: we are a peoples company joe
Mark_Rogers: I have a vested interest in Muskie fishing so it is easy for me to offer my services to you guys point being... if you have an issue with an okuma product, we are going to do everything in our power to find a solution for you
dougj: That's very true, I've had great experience with Okuma!

Mark_Rogers:  Let me make an announcement...
Mark_Rogers:  Some of you experience the IDX and Red Isis reels not completely disengaging on the cast. We now have parts to fix this problem.  if you have a reel that engaged mid cast... call 800-466-5862 x 135 and Ron will give you instructions on what to do. we will upgrade your reels for you and also fix any other potential problems or worn parts at that time
Steve_Worrall: outstanding, thanks sir.
dougj: Sounds great!
Pete: engineering is a funny thing...
Mark_Rogers: I fished the parts today and they are great... no issues whatsoever and I was throwing big baits
ksauers: how does it happen that some do and some don''t?
Mark_Rogers: inconsistencies with the clutch arm. One of the molds had problems... there were many parts produced from two molds.... one was good one had issues
heckster: All good news, recently purchased 2 evx rods and 2 IDX  reels. Can I expect problems with the reels?
Mark_Rogers: heckster... cant tell you. if you do with the reels (not completely disengaging)... it's an easy fix and we will do it for you at no charge
Mark_Rogers: thanks for the purchase
Slamr: Mark, for returns, what is the general turnaround time to get basic repairs on reels shipped back out to customers?
Mark_Rogers: Our policy for turnaround once we receive it is 48 hours. some get out the next day (and some are longer) but I think about 80%+ get out within 48 hours

OKUMA and the MUSKIE FISHING MARKET
lambeau: as Okuma has become established in the muskie fishing world, what are your thoughts on how the muskie market compares to the bass market (other than being smaller)?
Mark_Rogers: Muskie fishing is the fastest growing segment in the midwest. It is small beans compared to bass fishing however it's a staple catagory as if your product holds up to the rigors of
Mark_Rogers: muskie fishing... it will lead to more sales in other catagories.
Mark_Rogers: we are taking muskie fishing very seriously and continue to try to make better items for you guys
lambeau: as a company that sponsors professional fishermen in other segments of the fishing market, do you have any advice for anglers in the muskie world pursuing promotional partnerships?
 Mark Rogers: it's a bad time to try to get funding in the industry... all are cutting back. I would suggest contacting the marketing manager / pro staff manager for any company you want to represent
Mark_Rogers: offer a bio on what you can do for that company. we don't really care that you won a club tournament. you need to be a salesman and tell them why it would be beneficial to work with ach other
Mark_Rogers: give a background and fishing history also. what you have done in the past

RED ISIS and INDURON REELS:
Slamr:  what is the difference between a Red Isis and an Induron?
Mark_Rogers: RI has machined sideplates versus the IDX has stamped die cast side plates. The grade of bearings is "slightly better" than the IDX but there is fewer in the RI.
Mark_Rogers: In overall functionality... very similar.
Mark_Rogers: The handle is much more expensive to manufacture (carbon paddles are the cats meow in my opinion)
Tuffdaddy: Those are saaaweeet handles
Pete: its a shame the Red Isis doesn't come in a lefty  :(
Mark_Rogers: reason for only righties... we cant take enough in the US to justify it. We actually add onto Japans order to get our in the states... currently working on another round reel but can't talk about that one quite yet
Slamr: More versus fewer bearings, what is the end result, and can most people actually "feel" the difference in one reel versus another in terms of the number of bearings?
Mark_Rogers: with the machined sideplate... it can keep the gears aligned to tighter tolerances. I can feel a slight difference
charles: Which Okuma reel makes it the easiest to reel in the large double bladed bucktails that create a lot of torque / pull?  how would it compare to the old Garcia 7000, as far as making them easy to reel?
Mark_Rogers: most are using the IDX with a power handle that I send out for free
Tuffdaddy: Piece of cake to pull 10s with the power handles.
Mark_Rogers: 5/1 gear ratio... not quite as easy as the 7000 but in my opinion... easier than "most"
BFH: Does the Isis come in 2 sizes? If so,   Which aould be best for big rubber?
Mark_Rogers: 400 for sure
ksauers: idx to me is smoother than a Luna although Luna is $100 more expensive .  Can you compare the 2?
Mark_Rogers: luna is a good reel.
Mark_Rogers: I like their pinion gear system. we are testing a different pinion system ourselves
ksauers: would the Red Isis be a closer comparision to the Luna?
Mark_Rogers: their reel is machined alum. like ours. they use very high grade bearings which cause the reels to go up in price drastically. Our bearings typically don't have issues but their grade is slightly hig.
Mark_Rogers: good product
Boji: when will the IDX's be avalible in stores again?
Mark_Rogers: the techs are swapping over the parts as we speak... I beleive that we have started shipping already
Tuffdaddy: With the pinion gears, are you looking to use a different material, or still brass?
Mark_Rogers: brass is the "best" material to use to retain smoothness... we have some test reels with stainless gears but the results haven't been the best. We are actually looking at other materials too
Mark_Rogers: with a different hardening process
Will_Schultz: Any plans for a 6:1 ratio jerkbait reel in the idx?
Mark_Rogers: not at this time. we looked at a high speed IDX type reel and found that it would be a tough sell nationally
Mark_Rogers: with the size of our factories... the minimum requirements are pretty large
Steve_Worrall: how many reels does Okuma build in a year?
Mark_Rogers: we put out close to 4,000,000 reels per year so the factory can't be bogged down producing 200 - 300 reels at a time
Pete: WOW!!!!  That's alot of reels!
Boji: I better get some more then, I only have 2 lol
ksauers: how many idx's are made and how many sold for muskies?
Mark_Rogers: I would imagine that we sell about 1500-2000 IDX reels in the states... I would imagine that 500 - 700 were sold in the last year for Muskies
Tuffdaddy: Would throwing the carbon handles on the IDX's be an option?  Those carbon handles ROCK!!!!
Mark_Rogers: yes... you can put the carbon handles on the idx reels.
Mark_Rogers: you need to use the Red isis star (red color) but they fit. All of my reels now have that handle on them (and the red star looks pretty trick too
Tuffdaddy: I have one like that and it is faaaaantastic.
Mark_Rogers: if anyone wants those handles... M1st guys get 40% of list price... I think $25 for the entire system
Boji: is that $25 just through Okumas web site?
Mark_Rogers: through me... send me a PM and I will get er done for you
Will_Schultz: Does Okuma have anything to compete with the Curado for a muskie capable higher line cap low profile reel?
 Mark_Rogers: will... the product manager is on a plane to the factory right now. I spoke with him yesterday about that and it will be a discussion topic

LINECOUNTER REELS:
Slamr: Can you tell us a little about the linecounters that you offer that muskie fisherman have been running for trolling or for sucker fishing?
Mark_Rogers: Magda's are our staple line counter primarily for price point... for a $40 reel, they hold up very well. I think doug J ran Magda's for 4 or 5 years before upgrading to the Convectors.
dougj: Convectors are great line counters.
Boji: I ru the Magdas to, great reels for the money
Tuffdaddy: The Magdas can take some serious abuse for their price point.
Mark_Rogers: the convectors are a much beefier reel with larger drags, gears, handle, 2 anti reverse sytems, etc... for the money, you can't really beat both the Magdas and the Convectors.
dougj: I agree, Convectors work great. Haven't had any problems in four years and lots of miles.
Jomusky: can you talk about your line counter reels that would be good for Musky Trolling
Mark_Rogers: I always suggest the convectors... with the potential for a 50 pound fish, Another $40 is justifiable to me
Jomusky: what is the price tag and features 
Mark_Rogers: the CV has larger gears, larger drag, better ergonomic handle for cold weather, back up anti reverse system should one freeze up in cold weather. All you need os the CV-20D (or DLX if you are wrong handed...err... left handed)
Mark_Rogers: CV-20D and DLX I think retail for $74.99

HIGH-SPEED REELS:
Tuffdaddy: Do you have any saltwater reels that are similar to the saltist and others?
Mark_Rogers: should have one at this years icast. product should be here in October (boooooo, I know)
Tuffdaddy: Just in time for burning in some 13s
Mark_Rogers: no levelwind though... huge gear, 6.3/1 gear ratio
Mark_Rogers: machined alum

SPINNING REELS:
Slamr: for those without the ability to throw muskie lures with a bait caster, any Okuma spinning reel options that might fit the bill?
Mark_Rogers: I have sold a few spinners to Muskie guys.
Mark_Rogers: Epixor $65-69
Mark_Rogers: EF-55a  also a few V-55A
Mark_Rogers: huge drags in the V... something like 75 pounds of drag
muskihtnr: mark turned me on to the epixors last year for bass and walleye and i love em!

NEW OKUMA RODS:
dougj: Mark: Tell us what Okuma has up it's sleave for new stuff!
Mark_Rogers: Hey Doug... Fished the rods today.
dougj: So?
Mark_Rogers: I am currently working on 3 new rods that will hopefully be ready in July.
Tuffdaddy: I can't wait!
Pete: just in time for my birthday ;)
Mark_Rogers: We are doing 3 telescopics
Mark_Rogers: One is bang on and is exactly what I asked for.
Mark_Rogers: One is wrong
Mark_Rogers: the other I need to test more.
Slamr: You brought it up....can you tell us about the one that is "exactly what you asked for"?
Mark_Rogers: (1) EVX-C-861xxh-t
Mark_Rogers: (1) EVX-C-931h-t
william_bennett: mark, does okuma make a rod that wil trow the pounders
Mark_Rogers: AND (1) EVX-C-931xh-t (POUNDER RIPPIN ROD)
Mark_Rogers: WOOPS
Pete: LOL  cat's out of the bag!
Pete: ooooooooooooooooooo xxh :)
BFH: that's what I want to hear!
BFH: Excellent
lambeau: i like the sound of "XXH"...how will they compare to the current EVX offerings?
BFH: Will they be in the same price range?
Mark_Rogers: Haven't got the pricing from the factory. I am assuming around $149 for the 9'3" and the same price for the 8'6" s the current telescopics
dougj: What's planned for the 9'-3" rods for actions?
Mark_Rogers: I have had a LOT of requests for the 86 XXH... the 9'3" is my brainchild
Tuffdaddy: How's the backbone on that one?
Mark_Rogers: The 93H is an "all purpose" type of rod... simlar "light" tip like the 86XH... the 93XH is super fast action for big rubber
 Pete: can you explain the design decisions made by going to 9'3''' vs. other lengths... specifically where does the value of added length taper off and become cumbersome
Mark_Rogers: 9'3 was the longest that I could go and still keep the rods manageable (shippable)
dougj: What length do they fold up to?
Mark_Rogers: Under 8 feet... I am trying to get them down to 7'6" but need to make some adjustments
Slamr: when broken down, excuse me - de-telescoped, how long is an 8'6" or a 9'3"?
Mark_Rogers: The 8'6 will be under 7 feet
Mark_Rogers: the 9'3's im trying to get to 7'6"
Pete: lol, I've gone full circle now, I started with a 7'6''' Croix and now I'm going to have a rod that folds to 7'6'''
Mark_Rogers: I did some figure 8's today (dad was looking at me wierd)... all I can say is BIG
esoxcpr: I have an 8'6"XH and de-telescoped it does fit into a 7' rod locker.  great stick
Mark_Rogers: I thought there would be more excitement over the rods... We have been selling a ton of the current telescopics
Pete: and you will, they're a great stick
Will_Schultz: When is the 8'6" XXH going to be available?
Mark_Rogers: hopefully in july

TROLLING RODS:
 BFH: Is Okuma considering muskie specific trolling rods any time soon?
Slamr: Trollling rods for muskies, or salmons?
Mark_Rogers: we have a new series of "salmon" trolling rods this year called the Classic Pro GLT... very similar to the TDR rods.
Mark_Rogers: very durable and load up nicly pulling jakes and such... 8 footers through 10'6"
Mark_Rogers: retail is around $30 ish
dougj: I'll have to take a look at them.
dougj: Are they glass?
Mark_Rogers: doug... yes
dougj: I'll try a few this fall.

TRAVEL RODS:
JC: Does Okuma offer 3 -piece travel rods?  Its time to head south again soon and i need rods that fit in my suitcase.
Mark_Rogers: JC... for what type of fishing?
JC: roosterfish!!!!
Mark_Rogers: JC... I will be fishing Roosters in april :)
Mark_Rogers: yes... we have a 3 peice rod with 2 different tip actions example... ML / M
Mark_Rogers: they should be up shortly on our site but I can send you a catalog... they are called the Nomad travel rods... pretty sweet
JC: sweet - price?
Mark_Rogers: JC... grabbed my buddies 80 pounder by the tail two years ago... SLUG

LINE PREFERENCES:
Steve_Worrall: Y ou use all sorts of gear, what superline do you recommend personally as a good match to an Okuma rod/reel for Muskies?
Mark_Rogers: I must say that I get comped many things line included
Mark_Rogers: I have used all sorts of line whether fishing blue marlin, tuna or muskies... I use Tuf-Line XP  not because it is so much "Stronger" but it casts better in my opinion and is easier for me to fish in ALL situations. It helps too that I get all I want too

MUSKIE vs BASS:
Slamr: ok, i'll ask it:  20lb bass or 60lb muskie, which do you choose to chase?
Mark_Rogers: bass in the winter... skis in the summer fall... best of both worlds
Steve_Worrall: good answer!
Tuffdaddy: How does throwing swim baits for bass compare to throwing rubber for ski's in your opinion?
 Mark_Rogers: very similar fishing. I think that is why I have been successful with Muskies and big rubber... the main difference is "most" bass swimbait fishing is slow and stead
Mark_Rogers: not a lot of ripping and jerking...
Mark_Rogers: although I hooked one about 10 today while ripping a bauit fast in shallow water


PROMOTIONS:
Joe_Olstadt: are there any promotions coming on purchases of rods or reels?
Mark_Rogers: joe... typically the promotions are done by the retailer. Nothing from Okuma at this time
Mark_Rogers: I have an idea I want to run by Tony Grant that I have been thinking of. If I can put it together... It will be announced on M1st

MISC.:
Mark_Rogers: anyone see the Okuma banner on M1st?
Mark_Rogers: nice fish huh?
Tuffdaddy: Peacock bass eh. ;)
lambeau: nice fish...but the guy holding it...
Slamr: nice fish, ugly looking guy
Mark_Rogers: next on the list diddy
Mark_Rogers: ooof

Pointer: What are those shirts you give away made of?
BFH: I really like those shirts, are they available on your website?
Mark_Rogers: BFH... all shirts should be available on the website

Mark_Rogers: we have a new series of rods called the reflexions... some walleye jiggin rods in there
Mark_Rogers: $49.99 with lifetime warranty... selling really well for us

lambeau: any muskie trips planned for this year, Mark?
lambeau: i mean "product field testing excursions"...
Mark_Rogers: sour subject... economy is bad for my wife... her business is off 60%... we will see
Mark_Rogers: If I don't, I will be a sour dood
dougj: Can't you get her a second job?
Mark_Rogers: she has one... taking care of me :)
Tuffdaddy: LOL Doug
dougj: I suppose that's nearly a full time one

WRAP-UP:
lambeau: i would guess that people are looking for cost-effectiveness in the current economy, but still want quality. Okuma is well placed to benefit by offering both to everyone here.
Pete: can't go wrong with Okuma
Mark_Rogers: Thanks Lambeau... you are correct. we build the working-man's products
dougj: I agree, good stuff for a good price
heckster: Thanks Mark! I am impressed
Slamr: Wow, an hour is gone by already, thanks again to Mark Rogers of Okuma Fishing for a great chat!
Mark_Rogers: thanks for participating guys... if you ever need anything answered... I always check my pm's and reply accordingly




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