Okuma Helios
by Fred Taber
*Okuma Helios H89
*Precision machined aluminum frame
*Precision machined aluminum spool
*Extreme lightweight construction
*Waterproof, sealed, multi disc drag
*One way clutch system
*SS main shaft
*2BB+1RB
*Line capacity WF8 + 250 yds/20LB backing
*WF9 + 135YDS/30LB backing
*Designed and engineered in Germany
*MSRP $150.00
This is the complete package.
The frame with the spool removed.
I did a recent poll that gave me some indication of what folks like in a reel. Here are the top 5 things;
#1 Smooth Action
#2 Solid Drag
#3 Ease of drag adjustment while fighting a fish
#4 Weight
#5 Backing capacityAfter having the Helios the past few weeks to use, play with and mull over, I finally have come up with a rating.
On a rating scale of 1 to 5 this how the Helios rates;
Smoothness-----------------5
Solid drag--------------------4.8
Ease of drag adjustment in play----4.5
Lightweight ------------------5
Backing capacity-------------5
Drag responsiveness--------5I would also give the overall Design a 5In addition to the drag being sealed and water proof it can also be turned down to totally stop the spool, which is good to have when you need it. The adjustment of the drag is noticable with minimal movement of the knob, which is a feature I like on any reel.
A couple of weeks ago I got in a day of fishing on the Manistee River which is just north of Baldwin, Michigan and the famed Pere Marquette river. I had a couple of big salmon on and although it performed flawlessly, the jury is still out on how good of a steelhead and salmon reel this will be. I’ll be out soon doing some more of both so we’ll see.
As far as a reel for bass, pike, trout and panfish? You couldn't go wrong with the Helios. I have landed a good 4 dozen largemouth bass and a couple of northern pike in the past few weeks. While one bass was over 6lbs I had several in the 4 lb range and the Helios was a wonderful, trouble free reel, that held its own in battle. I was able to tune the drag to each situation. With minimal effort, I was able to give out to a mad pike in open water and take away from a 6 lb bass that wanted to get into a weed bed.
I recieved nothing but positive comments form everyone that has seen and handled the Helios reel while I was out and about. I tried to put it in as many hands as I could and have offered a few folks the opportunity to borrow it. As soon as I get done fishing I'll pass it along.
The number one response once they touch it has been,
"WOW! This thing is super light!" The H89 reel is big and it's lightweight indeed. So when you first see it you get the illusion of mass=weight.
I have recieved a number of comments about the feel and smoothness too.
When I meet folks and they see the reel the response has been
"That's a nice looking reel" That's when I usually let them play with it.
I think I might have actually sold a couple of these while I was out and about.
During the last few weeks I have been on a number of fishing trips with the Helios. I have been trying to really put this reel through a wide range of fishing experiences. One thing that helps me do this is the fact that I live within 15mins of a big river(that holds carp, pike, smallies and largemouths), a trout stream, a dozen lakes that hold either carp, pike, smallies, largemouths, gills, crappie, perch and musky or any combination there of. I also have access to a private lake and a private pond. All that combined with the fact that I work a weekend shift and I'm able to fish Monday thru Thursday, with little to no time restriction, means I get to do a lot of fishing.
In summation, the Helios is a very nice, lightweight, smooth reel that is well worth the investment. The drag is sealed, water proof, extremely responsive and can certainly handle a wide range of species.
It has been a pleasure using this reel in my latest fishing adventures and it will continue to be a welcomed companion on all of my future adventures too.
This week’s typing tip is in response to a question by Hatches reader, Nick S. from Boise, ID. Nick wanted to know if we had any suggestions for a small, lightweight fly tying vise to use streamside, or on backcountry fly-in/ hike-in fly fishing trips.
GLOBE PEQUOT ( THE LYONS PRESS, FALCON), November 1997
Binding Type: Hardcover
Retail Price: $16.95 at the Hatches Store
ISBN: 1-55821-067-9
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