Okuma Custom Black CB-80

Okuma Custom Black CB-80: The Iconic Big-Pit Workhorse

At Gerry’s Fishing, the Okuma Custom Black CB-80 remains one of our most popular big-pit reels, and for good reason. It perfectly balances a “cult” aesthetic with high-end specimen performance. Finished in a sublime matte black with a weighted wooden handle knob that naturally rests in a vertical position, this reel looks as good as it performs. The CB-80 is the heavy-duty version of the family, engineered with a low-ratio power gear system to provide immense cranking torque for the most demanding carp and predator sessions.

The CB-80 features a Worm Shaft Transmission system, which is critical for achieving the near-perfect line lay required for extreme distance casting. Combined with the Fast Progressive Drag, this reel gives you the ability to switch from a loose spool to a “locked-up” fighting drag in just a couple of clicks, ensuring you stay in total control when a large fish is heading for snags.

Technical Specifications

The CB-80 is a high-capacity, high-torque tool designed for maximum durability:

Key Specimen Features

• Worm Shaft Transmission System: This premium oscillation system moves the spool at a precise speed to ensure the line is laid in perfect parallel coils. This reduces friction significantly on the cast, allowing for smoother, longer launches.

• High-Torque 3.8:1 Gearing: The CB-80 is built for power. This lower gear ratio acts like a winch, making it much easier to retrieve heavy leads or large fish from extreme distances without putting undue stress on the internals.

• Fast Progressive Drag: Designed for the modern specimen angler, this drag system allows for rapid adjustment. You can go from “freespool” to “fighting pressure” almost instantly, which is vital when a big carp takes a run near the net.

• Hydro Block System: This feature uses a specialized gasket to seal the drag system from water, grit, and debris. It ensures the drag remains smooth and consistent regardless of the weather conditions or splashes from the lake.

• LCS (Line Control Spool): The spool lip is specifically shaped to guide the line off the spool with minimal resistance, working in harmony with the Worm Shaft system to boost your casting accuracy.

• Weighted Wooden Handle Knob: A classic touch that serves a purpose; the weight ensures the handle always hangs in a vertical position, making it easy to grab instantly during a sudden take.

Where to Use the Okuma Custom Black CB-80

The CB-80 is a dedicated “Big Water” specialist:

• Long-Range Carp Fishing: The ultimate budget-friendly big pit. It has the line capacity and casting technology to hit the center of large gravel pits and reservoirs.

• Specimen Pike & Zander: The 15kg drag and large spool make it a fantastic choice for deadbaiting on large inland waters where you might be using heavy-duty lines.

• Heavy River Work: Because of the incredible 3.8:1 winching power, this is an excellent reel for fishing massive river leads (5oz-8oz) in heavy currents for Barbel or Carp.

• European Trips: If you are heading to the large lakes of France or Spain, the CB-80 provides the reliability and capacity (0.50mm/170m) needed for monster fish.

Gerry’s Pro Tip: Every Custom Black CB-80 comes with a graphite spare spool as standard. We recommend filling the main aluminum spool with 15lb or 18lb monofilament for your primary carp fishing and loading the spare spool with a heavier 20lb line for those “hit and hold” sessions near snags or thick weed beds