Okuma Conventional Reels: Makaira, Tenma, Tesoro LDJ and Value Lever-Drag Buying Guide (2025–2026)
Review method: Researched editorial buying analysis based on okumafishingusa.com listings and prices, Okuma's global specification tables (metric), Okuma press releases and dealer specification tables (Tomo's Tackle, Charkbait, Chaos Fishing, Johnny Jigs) — not personal field testing. Okuma's US store does not sell online; its listed prices are used as MSRP.
← Conventional Reels Directory · Feature table · Model specifications · 2025–2026 updates · Company overview · New reels · Lever drag · Value
Okuma Conventional Reels — features in separate columns
Okuma publishes strike and full drag figures for most lever reels — a useful detail many competitors omit. Andros, Metaloid and Tesoro Star Drag are no longer in Okuma USA's conventional collection.
| Family | Role | Drag type | Speeds | Body | Drag strike / full | Bearings | Price range | Generation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makaira SEa Gold | Big-game trolling and stand-up | Lever | 2 | Machined aluminum | 37/55 to 70/100 lb (SEa) | 4+1 to 6+1 | $679.99–$1,449.99 | June 2026 |
| Tenma Lever Drag Casting | Casting big lures (GT, tuna) | Lever | 1 | Machined aluminum | 12 / 15 kg | 6+1 | $469.99 | June 2026 |
| Tesoro LDJ | Slow-pitch and vertical jigging | Lever | 1 | 6061-T6 aluminum | Up to 46 lb (disputed) | 9+2 | $469.99 | July 2025 |
| Makaira SEa (incl. LBS, LE colors) | Big game, land-based shark | Lever | 2 | Machined aluminum | Up to 70/100 lb | 4+1 to 6+1 | $599.99–$1,594.99 | 2018 onward |
| Alijos | Tuna, jigging, live bait | Lever | 1 or 2 | 6061-T6 aluminum | 15/24 to 34/48 lb | 6 | $399.99–$549.99 | 2022 |
| Cavalla 2-Speed | Value machined lever | Lever | 2 | 6061-T6 aluminum | 15/24 to 27/34 lb | 4 | $269.99–$389.99 | 2019 |
| Cortez Black | Inshore and nearshore bait | Star | 1 | Graphite | 15–18 lb | 4+1 | $199.99–$214.99 | 2018 |
| Solterra SLX b | Value trolling and bottom | Lever | 1 or 2 | Graphite | 6.8/10 to 14.5/18 kg | 5+1 to 7+1 | $172.99–$367.99 | 2022 |
Selected exact-model specifications
Prices from okumafishingusa.com; specifications from Okuma's global site and dealers as noted. Makaira SEa Gold uses Makaira SEa mechanics; Okuma has not published a separate Gold spec table.
| Exact model | Hand | Ratio | Weight | Drag strike / full | Line per crank | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MK-30IISEA-GOLD | R | 3.8 / 1.3:1 | 3.12 lb (SEa) | 37 / 55 lb | 39.4 / 13.2 in | Mono 30/850, 40/700, 50/550 | $729.99 |
| MK-80WIISEA-GOLD | R | 3.1 / 1.2:1 | 7.25 lb (SEa) | 70 / 100 lb | 45.7 / 20.5 in | Mono 80/1000, 100/850 | $1,049.99 |
| TM-10WXA / TM-10WXLA | R / L | 7.0:1 | 542 g (19.1 oz) | 12 / 15 kg | 120 cm (47 in) | Braid 65/410, 80/320, 100/270 | $469.99 |
| TLJ-2000NA / NLA | R / L | 5.5:1 (dealers) | 20.5–21 oz | Up to 46 lb (Okuma) | 39–40 in | Braid (see review) | $469.99 |
| MK-80IISEA-LBS | R | 3.1 / 1.2:1 | 112.1 oz | 70 / 100 lb | 45.7 / 20.5 in | 200 lb / 1000 yd | $1,119.99 |
| AJ-12II | Not stated | 4.7 / 2.1:1 | Not found | 27 / 34 lb | 35.4 / 15.7 in | Mono 25/420, 30/320 | $499.99 |
| CAV-5II / 5IILX | R / L | 6.4 / 3.8:1 | 17.1 oz | 15 / 24 lb | 42.1 / 24.8 in | Not pulled | $289.99 / $299.99 |
| CZ-10CSa | R | 6.2:1 | 17.6 oz | 18 lb (max) | 43 in | Mono 20/350, braid 65/325 | $209.99 |
| SLX-30IIb | R | 3.8 / 1.7:1 | 1017 g | 11.8 / 15 kg | 83 / 42 cm | Not pulled | $304.99 |
2025–2026 updates and current generations
2026: on 22 June 2026 Okuma USA listed three new conventional products: the Makaira SEa Gold two-speed (MK-16 to MK-130, $679.99–$1,449.99; the press release dated 16 June 2026 says from $672.99), the Makaira SEa Yellowfin Tuna Limited Edition ($749.99–$1,594.99) and the Tenma Lever Drag Casting Reel ($469.99).
2025: the Tesoro Lever Drag Jigging reel (TLJ-2000NA / NLA) was listed on 1 July 2025 and shown at ICAST 2025; Okuma's 2025–2026 introductions post also named the Makaira LBS 80 Wide for land-based shark fishing.
Okuma company and conventional-reel overview
Taiwanese value with big-game ambition
Okuma is a Taiwanese tackle company with a large US business. Its conventional reels are known for offering machined aluminum frames, stainless gears and two-speed systems at lower prices than Japanese and American machined reels. The Makaira is the flagship big-game reel; the Alijos and Cavalla bring two-speed lever drags to mid and value prices.
Common technologies include Carbonite and Dual Force drag systems with Cal's grease, 17-4 stainless gears, 6061-T6 aluminum frames, CRC corrosion-resistant coating and TSI-oiled spool bearings.
How to choose
Choose the Makaira SEa (or the new Gold edition) for marlin, big tuna and land-based shark; the Alijos for stand-up tuna and jigging; the Cavalla for affordable two-speed performance; the Tesoro LDJ for jigging; the Tenma for casting big lures; Cortez for budget star-drag bait fishing; and Solterra SLX for affordable trolling.
New 2025–2026 Okuma conventional reels
Makaira SEa Gold — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: New gold-anodized version of the Makaira SEa big-game reel.
Read the full Makaira SEa Gold review (141 words)
What is new
Announced in June 2026, the Makaira SEa Gold adds gold anodizing with yellowfin-tuna engraving to the Makaira SEa platform. Okuma lists 4 ABEC-5 stainless bearings plus open spool bearings with TSI-301 oil, Dual Force Drag with Cal's grease, helical-cut 17-4 stainless gears, two-speed and a double-dog silent anti-reverse.
Models and prices
MK-16IISEA-GOLD $679.99, MK-20IISEA-GOLD $699.99, MK-30IISEA-GOLD $729.99, MK-50IISEA-GOLD $799.99, MK-50WIISEA-GOLD $814.99, MK-80WIISEA-GOLD $1,049.99, MK-130IISEA-GOLD $1,449.99.
Specifications (Makaira SEa)
MK-20IISEa: 3.8/1.7:1, 2.87 lb, 37/55 lb strike/full, mono 30/660. MK-30IISEa: 3.8/1.3:1, 3.12 lb, 37/55 lb, mono 50/550. MK-50WIISEa: 3.2:1 high (low gear listed as 1.0 or 1.3 depending on source), 4.06 lb, 60/85 lb. MK-80WIISEa: 3.1/1.2:1, 7.25 lb, 6+1 bearings, 70/100 lb, mono 130/660. MK-16IISEa: 4.3/1.3:1, 1,134 g, 15.4/21.7 kg.
Verdict
Very high drag for the money; the Gold costs about $80 more than standard SEa sizes for its finish.
Official Makaira SEa Gold specifications · Back to comparison
Tenma Lever Drag Casting Reel — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: New lever-drag reel for casting big lures.
Read the full Tenma Lever Drag Casting Reel review (77 words)
Specifications
TM-10WXA (right) and TM-10WXLA (left), $469.99. 7.0:1, 120 cm per crank, 542 g, 6+1 bearings, 12 kg strike / 15 kg full, braid only: 65/410, 80/320, 100/270 (lb/yd).
Technology
FLITE spool, external magnetic cast control, XL stainless gearing, Carbonite drag with Cal's grease, dual anti-reverse and a machined frame.
Verdict
An unusual reel: a lever drag designed for casting heavy lures from rocks and boats for GT, tuna and similar species, with a fast 7:1 retrieve.
Official Tenma Lever Drag Casting Reel specifications · Back to comparison
Tesoro Lever Drag Jigging (LDJ) — detailed reviewNEW
Buying role: Mid-priced lever-drag jigging reel.
Read the full Tesoro Lever Drag Jigging (LDJ) review (87 words)
Specifications
TLJ-2000NA (right) and TLJ-2000NLA (left), $469.99. Dealers list 5.5:1, 20.5–21 oz, 9+2 bearings and about 40 in per crank. Okuma says “up to 46 lb” of drag; one dealer table says 26.4 lb. Okuma's product tag says 6.2:1. Capacity figures also differ by source.
Technology
6061-T6 one-piece frame with forged side plates, Carbonite Dual Force Drag, triple anti-reverse, XL gears with Flite Drive, spool lock and three-year warranty.
Verdict
An affordable lever jigging reel in both hands; check the final specification before buying given the conflicts.
Official Tesoro Lever Drag Jigging (LDJ) specifications · Back to comparison
Okuma Makaira, Alijos and Cavalla
Makaira SEa family (SEa, Silver, Black, Mahi, LBS, Yellowfin LE) — detailed review
Buying role: Okuma's big-game flagship in multiple finishes.
Read the full Makaira SEa family (SEa, Silver, Black, Mahi, LBS, Yellowfin LE) review (81 words)
Range
Makaira SEa (2018) and SEa Silver run from MK-10IISEa $599.99 to MK-130IISEA $1,449.99. Other colorways: SEa Black (from $649.99), SEa Mahi (2024, $679.99–$1,499.99) and the 2026 Yellowfin Tuna LE ($749.99–$1,594.99). The base Makaira costs $519.99–$1,488.99. MK-10IISEa: 4.7/2.1:1, 740 g, 12.3/15.4 kg.
LBS (land-based shark)
MK-50WIISEA-LBS $849.99 (65 oz, 60/85 lb), MK-80IISEA-LBS $1,119.99 (3.1/1.2:1, 112.1 oz, 70/100 lb, 200 lb/1000 yd), MK-80WIISEA-LBS $1,149.99 and MK-130IISEA-LBS $1,529.99.
Verdict
One of the most powerful two-speed ranges per dollar, with very high full-drag figures.
Official Makaira SEa family (SEa, Silver, Black, Mahi, LBS, Yellowfin LE) specifications · Back to comparison
Alijos — detailed review
Buying role: Mid-price two-speed for tuna and jigging.
Read the full Alijos review (62 words)
Specifications
6 bearings. AJ-5II: 6.4/3.8:1, 15/24 lb, $429.99. AJ-12II: 4.7/2.1:1, 27/34 lb, mono 30/320, $499.99. AJ-16II: 4.3/1.3:1, 34/48 lb, braid 80/750, $549.99. Narrow AJ-5NII from $399.99. Single-speed SE: AJ-12S SE $399.99, AJ-16S SE $419.99, 6.4:1, 5.7/10 lb for sailfish and kingfish. Weights not found.
Verdict
Larger drag plates than the Cavalla and a Makaira thrust bearing — a good stand-up tuna reel.
Cavalla 2-Speed — detailed review
Buying role: Value machined two-speed.
Read the full Cavalla 2-Speed review (52 words)
Specifications
4 bearings. CAV-5II / CAV-5IILX (right / left): 6.4/3.8:1, 17.1 oz, 15/24 lb, $289.99 / $299.99. CAV-12II / CAV-12IILX: 4.7/2.1:1, 24.9 oz, 27/34 lb, mono 30/320, $379.99 / $389.99. Narrow and Midnight Blue LE versions from $269.99.
Verdict
The cheapest machined two-speed lever drag from a major brand, with left-hand versions.
Official Cavalla 2-Speed specifications · Back to comparison
Okuma value conventional reels
Cortez Black — detailed review
Buying role: Budget star drag for inshore and nearshore bait fishing.
Read the full Cortez Black review (44 words)
Specifications
4+1 bearings, 6.2:1, right-hand. CZ-5CSa: 38 in, 15 lb, 14 oz, $199.99. CZ-10CSa: 43 in, 18 lb, 17.6 oz, $209.99. CZ-12CSa: 18.4 oz, $214.99. Graphite frame, machined aluminum spool, Carbonite drag.
Verdict
A practical live-bait reel; for more drag, step to the Cavalla.
Solterra SLX b — detailed review
Buying role: Graphite lever drag for trolling and bottom fishing.
Read the full Solterra SLX b review (41 words)
Specifications
SLX-15CSb $172.99 (6.0:1, 697 g, 6.8/10 kg). SLX-30b $258.99 (3.5:1, 1,017 g, 11.8/15 kg). SLX-30IIb two-speed $304.99. SLX-50WIIb $367.99 (3.2/1.3:1, 1,510 g, 14.5/18 kg). Level-wind SLX-10Lb to 50Lb $189.99–$321.99.
Verdict
An affordable trolling reel family; heavier than the machined reels.
Official sources
Prices and listing dates from okumafishingusa.com; metric specifications from okumafishing.com; dealer tables from Tomo's Tackle, Charkbait, Chaos Fishing and Johnny Jigs.
- Okuma saltwater conventional reels — official
- The Fishing Wire — Makaira SEa Gold
- Okuma — new intros for 2025–2026
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