Okuma Distance Surf Arena DSA-80

An In-Depth Look at the Okuma Distance Surf Arena DSA-80 Reel

The Okuma Distance Surf Arena DSA-80 is a purpose-built, long-cast spinning reel engineered to meet the specific demands of UK surfcasting and long-range fishing. It is designed to be a durable workhorse, combining a powerful drag system with a host of features that are essential for casting heavy leads and battling the strong currents and hard-fighting fish found on UK beaches.

Core Specifications and Technology

• Robust and Lightweight Construction: The reel is built with a corrosion-resistant graphite body and rotor. This material choice provides an excellent balance of strength and low weight, making the reel comfortable to use for long periods of continuous casting. The body and rotor are designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment without succumbing to rust or corrosion.
• Advanced Drag System: The DSA-80 is equipped with a multi-disc, Japanese oiled felt drag system. This system provides a smooth and consistent drag, allowing for precise control during a fight. The drag is powerful and reliable, capable of putting the brakes on a hard-running fish like a bass or smooth-hound. The oversized drag knob is easy to adjust, even with cold or wet hands.
• Long-Cast Spool and Line Management: A key feature of this reel is its long-cast aluminum spool. The spool has a low-profile, long-stroke design that allows the line to peel off with minimal friction, significantly improving casting distance. The Slow Oscillation System ensures perfect line lay, which is a crucial factor in preventing wind knots and tangles, particularly when using braided lines. The Even Flow Line Roller is designed to reduce line twist, preserving your line’s integrity and extending its lifespan.
• Smooth and Durable Gearing: The reel features 4+1 stainless steel ball bearings and a precision machine-cut brass pinion gear. This combination ensures a silky-smooth retrieve and a durable gear system that can handle the stress of winding in heavy leads and fighting large fish. The Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing provides instant hook sets with no back play.
• Detailed Specifications:
  • Gear Ratio: 3.8:1
  • Bearings: 4BB + 1RB
  • Weight: 680g
  • Line Capacity (mm/m): 0.35/550, 0.40/400, 0.45/280
  • Max Drag Force: 16kg
  • Line Retrieval per Turn: 90cm
  • Handle: Standard T-Shape handle knob

Why It’s Perfect for UK Fishing

The Okuma Distance Surf Arena DSA-80 is an excellent choice for the dedicated UK shore angler, offering features that directly address the specific demands of fishing on British beaches and marks.

1. Extreme Casting Distance: The combination of the long-cast spool and the slow oscillation system is a game-changer for UK surfcasting. It allows you to punch a rig and bait out beyond the breaking waves and into the gutters and gullies where fish are often feeding, giving you a distinct advantage.
2. Built for UK Conditions: The corrosion-resistant graphite body and the sealed drag system are designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment, from abrasive sand to corrosive salt spray. This ensures the reel will continue to perform reliably for years to come.
3. Power and Control: With a max drag of 16kg and a powerful gear ratio of 3.8:1, this reel has the backbone to handle big fish like tope, smooth-hounds, and large cod. It also has the cranking power to retrieve heavy leads and rigs from long distances, even against a strong tide.
4. Reliability: The 4+1 stainless steel bearings and the durable brass pinion gear ensure a smooth and reliable operation, which is crucial for a reel that will see heavy use. The reel’s sturdy construction means it can stand up to the rigours of being used on a beach.

• Slim Blade corrosion-resistant graphite body
• 3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
• Quick-set infinite anti-reverse system
• Machine-cut aluminum spool
• LCS: round metal line clip
• FPD: Fast Progressive Drag
• Rigid metal handle
• TPE T-Shape handle knob
• Worm Shaft transmission system
• Even Flow line roller
• Hydro Block water-tight drag seal

Specifications