By Dave Brown

Deciphering the Model Number

So you have a garage full of fishing rods and have been wondering what the printed models numbers actually mean. In this episode of Tune-Up Tuesday, Dave will walk you through exactly what the model numbers on your Okuma Rods stands for and how to decipher the code.

Breaking the Code

In general, Okuma uses a formula for creating the model numbers on their rods that might be a little confusing.  But once you get it, you are dialed in.

Lets break it down!

We'll start off with a fairly simple model number. The SST-S-802MH.   This is a Salmon and Steelhead from from the SST family of rods. 

1. Now as we begin to break it down, the first set of letters that you come across will be the family name or code.  In this case, the family is SST, so that makes it pretty simple.  The letters could be in a set of 1, 2 or 3 letters.

SST-S-802MH -   The SST in this case is the family name or model number.

2. The second items you will come across will be the letter determining if this is a Spinning or Casting rod. In this case, it is a spinning rod designated by the S.

SST-S-802MH - In this case, the "S" stands for Spinning.

3. The next thing you will come across is a set of three or four numbers.  This will represent the length of the rod as well as if it is a 1-piece or 2-piece rod.  

In our example, SST-S-802MH, the first two (8 and 0) determine that this is an 8-foot rod.  the last number (2) tells us that it is a 2-piece rod.

SST-S-802MH - The "80" in this case determine that this is an 8'0" rod.

SST-S-802MH- The "2" in this example tells us that this is a 2-piece rod.

4. Now the last bit of the puzzle are the letters a the end.  These letters determine the action of the rod.  In this instance, the SST-S-802MH is a Medium Heavy action rod. 

SST-S-802MH  The MH in this example signifies that this is a Medium Heavy action rod.

Really that is about it.  

Additional Examples

Rockaway Surf Rods

RA-S-1002M - Now looking at this example, the first two letters (RA) stand for the model number of Rockaway.  The "S" tells us that this is a spinning rod.  Now the next 4 numbers can be tricky.  In this case, 1002.  This is a 10'0" rod that is 2-pieces.  1002 the 100 stands for 10'0" and the 1002 tells us it is a 2-piece rod. Lastly, the M at the very end lets us know that this is a Medium Action Rod. 

Make sense so far?

Now lets take a look at one of the Guide Select Swimbait Rods.  GS-C-7111XHa.  In this case, the GS stands for Guide Select, which is the model number.  The C in GS-C-7111XHa tells us that this is a casting model. Now comes the hard part.  The 711 in the GS-C-7111XHa.  In this case, the 711 tells us that this is a 7'11" rod.  The 1 at the end of the GS-C-7111XHa lets us know that this is a 1-piece rod.  And the XH lets us know that this is an Extra Heavy action rod.  But now something new.  An "a" at the end.  This last little letter, either "a" or "b" tell us the generation of the rod.   If a rod does not have this, it is 1st generation.  If there is an "a" it is 2nd, "b" it is 3rd and so on.  Confusing, right?

There are also a couple of other designations that you may find at the end of your model number such as "T" or "CG".  These stand for Telescopic such as the DEP-S-761MFT or the CG which stands for Carbon Grip like in the GSC-C-1062XH-CG.  

Here is a little video that Dave put together to walk you through the various models. Hope it helps.

Happy Fishing

Dave Brown- Okuma Fishing Tackle