Review: Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel (Best Spinning Reel Under $50)

okuma ceymar Spinning Reel Review (The Best Spinning Reel Under $50)

Are you looking for one of the best spinning reels under $50?  Do you need a fishing reel that works just as well in saltwater as it does in freshwater?  What about performance?  Any serious angler, whether they’re a beginner or a pro, relies heavily on one thing while they’re out on the water…their fishing reel.

If you’re looking for an affordable, lightweight and high quality spinning reel that outperforms other reels in its price range, then let me introduce to you the okuma ceymar family of spinning reels.

Brief Product Overview

The okuma ceymar Spinning Reel may be small in size and lightweight, but this spinning reel is not lightweight in performance. The powerful forged aluminum handle arms with premium EVA knobs are just the beginning of where this reel finds its strength.

The reel boasts a precision elliptical gearing system which includes precise machine cut brass pinion gears for increased durability.  The spinning action on this reel is silky smooth because of the seven bearings with quick set anti-reverse bearings. These bearings deliver the smooth performance fishermen like ourselves seek.

Other features that make this one of the best lightweight spinning reels under $50 are its lightweight handling, compact blade body design,  ported spool and balanced rotor that helps reduce overall weight.

If you’re interested in learning more information and details about this reel, keep reading for a full review and specs of the okuma ceymar spinning reel.

The okuma ceymar Spinning Reel Review

About Okuma

Smooth. Beautiful. Precise.  This is how the okuma ceymar spinning reel is described by it’s manufacturer, Okuma. Okuma is an experienced and trusted manufacturer of fishing equipment whos mission it is to “deliver a fantastic fishing experience for anglers.”  With over 30 years of experience in designing and manufacturing fishing reels, they’ve done well in making an excellent name for themselves.

About Spinning Reels

Spinning reels are by far the most versatile type of fishing reel and have one of the largest capacities for fishing line. They are relatively easy to cast, have a greater casting distance, and rarely have backlashes.

The okuma ceymar spinning reel is no exception to this fact.  Many of us started fishing with spinning reels, and have never felt the need to transition to any other kind of reel.  The okuma ceymar may be the only fishing reel you’ll ever need.

The okuma ceymar reel is available in 7 different models, from the incredibly lightweight and compact Ceymar C-10 all the way up to the durable yet lightweight Ceymar C-65.  K

Keep reading for more specs and details on each of these Ceymar models.

Who’s The okuma ceymar Reel For?

The okuma ceymar spinning reels are designed with the budget conscious angler in mind. At the time of this writing, all seven models of the okuma ceymar sell right around the $50 price range.  This makes it one of the best spinning reels you can buy under $50.

Freshwater And Saltwater

This spinning reel is ideal for freshwater fishing applications, but can also be used in saltwater.  However, if you use the Ceymar reel in salt, be sure to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after each use. More information on cleaning fishing reels after saltwater use: How To Clean a Fishing Reel After Saltwater Use.

Lightweight

All of us have been there…fishing for hours on end.  After so much time casting and retrieving, your rod and reel can start to become heavier and heavier.  Not with the okuma ceymar reel. This reel is incredibly light, which makes it the ideal spinning reel for anglers who intend to fish all day long and don’t want to experience the weight of their rod and reel.

Great For Both Beginners And Experienced Anglers

The Ceymar also makes a good spinning reel for beginner anglers as well as those with more experience.  Not only does the durability of the reel ensure that it will last for a very long time, but it’s ease of use will also appeal to beginner anglers.

Unboxing The okuma ceymar Spinning Reel

When you receive your okuma ceymar reel in the mail, you can have confidence that your reel will arrive safe and well protected.

The reel is wrapped in a protective plastic bag and is packed securely in its own box.  Also found inside the Okuma box is a set of detailed instructions as well as warranty information for the fishing reel.

Be sure to keep the instructions in an accessible location as you’ll want to refer to them at a later time when it’s time to thoroughly clean and provide maintenance on the reel.

Straight out of the box the okuma ceymar works perfectly.  After positioning and tightening the handle on either the left or right hand side (the reel is ambidextrous), one nice turn of the reel and let go,  and you can watch the reel turn freely over and over without stopping. The rotation of the reel is smooth as silk.

The reel arrives solid and in perfect condition. There’s no wobbling of the spool or of the handle and crank mechanism.

The okuma ceymar spinning reel arrives eager and ready to be used.  All it needs is to be spooled with your favorite fishing line, mono, fluoro or braided, and secured to your favorite fishing rod.

Features Overview

All of the okuma ceymar spinning reels feature cyclonic flow rotor design which increases air flow through the ported rotor. This unique design with increase airflow minimizes water intrusion and corrosion.

The okuma ceymar spinning reels also feature a precision elliptical gearing system which creates less friction during casting. Less friction means increased distance, greater accuracy, and longer lifespan of the fishing line.

As far as drag goes, the decrease in friction results in a smoother, much uniform drag pressure. Simply turn the dial that’s located on top of the reel to increase or decrease drag on the fly.  The clicking noise that the drag dial makes as you turn it lets you know its working correctly.

Main Features

(This below information is obtained from the Okuma website)

• Multi-disc, oiled felt drag system
• 7 BB + 1RB for ultimate smoothness
• Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
• Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
• Corrosion-resistant graphite body
• Rigid, forged zinc, black anodized handle design
• Light weight, EVA handle knobs for comfort
• C-65 models feature ergo grip handle style
• Precision Elliptical Gearing system
• Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool
• Heavy duty, solid aluminum bail wire
• RESII: Computer balanced Rotor Equalizing System
• Narrow Blade Body Design for reduced fatigue
• Line control system on the spool for better line-lay

Other Features That Make The okuma ceymar A Great Spinning Reel

Narrow Blade Body Design:  One of the first things I noticed about this reel was its sleek narrow blade body design, which looks even more beautiful attached to my Lamiglas steelhead rod.

Precision Elliptical Gearing System:  Creates less friction during casting for increased distance, greater accuracy, and longer line life, as well as smoother, much uniform drag pressures.

Cyclonic Flow Rotor:  Provide more precise tolerances for precision gear alignment, maximum castability and ultimate durability.

Zinc Diecast Handle:  Designed and constructed to take on the stress that’s associated with epic fish fighting battles, the specially designed zinc diecast handle will provide strength and torque when it’s needed.

Even Flow Roller System:  Reduce line twists by freely rolling over the line roller without friction.

Rotor Equalizing System:  Precision balance and eliminates all spool wobble for perfect alignments and smooth cranking.

Quick-Set Anti-Reverse:  Engage the reel in one direction for rock-solid hook sets.

Things I Don’t Like About The Ceymar Reel

Unfortunately, not many things in this world are perfect.  The same holds true for fishing reels. Here are some of the things about the okuma ceymar spinning reel that fall into the “not so perfect” category that you should know about.

Size

Firstly, many folks are surprised by the small size of the reel.  This for one doesn’t bother me personally, as I tend to gravitate towards smaller fishing reels anyway.  But take that into consideration when purchasing this reel. It will most likely be smaller than what you’re accustomed to.

Flex In The Neck

The next thing I should point out is, some users of this reel have mentioned that when the reel is seated on the fishing rod, the reel has some degree of flex or bend in it when the reel is twisted by hand.

Line Catches On Spool

Lastly, it’s reported by some anglers who use the okuma ceymar reel frequently, that the fishing line can at times catch behind the spool and wrap around the spindle. This can be quite frustrating for some anglers, so another thing to keep in mind when purchasing this reel.

Which Size okuma ceymar Is Right For You

okuma ceymar C-10

The okuma ceymar C-10 is the smallest of the 7 models in the Ceymar lineup.  The C-10 is the perfect ultralight spinning reel for your ultralight fishing setup.  The C-10 is ideal for fishing within the 2 to 6 pound test fishing line range. Which makes is a superb fishing reel for fishing trout, crappie, bluegill, sunfish and other small perch. But don’t discount the C-10 for ice fishing applications either.  It’s sturdy design will hold up in all kinds of fishing environments and conditions.

okuma ceymar C-30 and C-40

The C-30 and the C-40 are the next two sizes up of the Ceymar fishing reel family. The C-30 and C-40 are very popular among a wide range of fishermen.  As a matter of fact, the C-30 and C-40 models are the most popular of the okuma ceymar fishing reels

The reason for their popularity is because these two models can handle a very wide range of fish and fishing styles.  From bass, walleye, carp, catfish and even steelhead. According to anglers who are very familiar with these reels, the okuma ceymar C-30 is ideal for fishing situations where 6 to 8 pound test line and a little finesse is required, such as drop shotting bass or jigging walleye.

Whereas the Ceymar C-40, which is a larger fishing reel, offers a larger line capacity for situations where 10 to 12 pound test line and larger lures and bigger fish like catfish and steelhead are sought after.

okuma ceymar C-​​​​​55

If you’re looking for a solid and versatile inshore saltwater spinning reel around the $50 range, the C-55 is an excellent choice. The Ceymar C-55 is ideal for inshore saltwater species like striped bass, snook, redfish and other fish that can be caught by pier and jetty fishing.

Saltwater fishing requires larger fishing line, and the C-55 is equipped to hold that line. The okuma ceymar C-55 holds approximately 240 yards of 15 pound monofilament line while 20 to 30 pound fishing line is still well within its capability.

okuma ceymar C-65

The C-65 spinning reel is the largest of the Ceymar reels.  That’s because this reel is designed to fight big fish. And to help fight these fish, the reel comes equipped with an oversized ergo grip handle that helps provide excellent cranking power.

The okuma ceymar C-65 is the reel people choose when lots of large diameter fishing line is needed.  The large spool holds plenty of line to allow you to cast long distances like you would while fishing off of jetties and surf fishing where you need to cast past the breakers.

But saltwater isn’t the only type of water this spinning reel excels in.  In freshwater, the C-65 is an excellent reel for catching large catfish and monster carp in rivers and lakes.

Detailed Specs For Each Model

You May Also Like…

Over all, the okuma ceymar is a fantastic spinning reel, especially for the price point.  But if the things I listed earlier regarding the improvements that could be made on this reel are enough to prevent you from purchasing it, there is an excellent alternative.

That is the Pfueger President Spinning Reel. The Pflueger President reel is a comparable spinning reel in both price and quality. It may cost a few dollars more than the okuma ceymar, but what you get with the Pflueger is increased quality and durability.

Final Thoughts

The sleek design and smooth performance of the Ceymar spinning reels are a great choice for all anglers.  With it’s fluid 8-bearing drive system and precision elliptical gearing, the okuma ceymar reels can handle any situation you might throw at them.  The rigid aluminum spool provides strength for both monofilament and braided fishing lines.

The rotor system features precise balancing, which means the Ceymar reel can spin at high speed without ever developing the annoying wobble. Refined and compact, the Blade Body Design reduces bulk and minimizes overall size, so YOU can focus on the the fish that YOU are after.

Are You A Budget Minded Angler? 

The okuma ceymar family of fishing reels is the perfect fishing reel for the budget angler.  For under $50, you can own one of the best all around lightweight fishing reels that will perform.  With Okuma’s 1 year warranty, you can hit the water with confidence knowing one of the top manufacturers of fishing reels stands behind their own product.