A very good reel, at a reasonable price. Satisfactory capacity (MK-50II), very good handle, can be used with braid or mono lines, I truly recommend it.

I bought this reel as my second setup for tuna fishing. My first setup uses an Avet EX 30/2. So I am able to do a direct comparison. Both reels are very solid and well built. Even though the Avet is a size 30 and the Makaira is a size 20, they are roughly the same size. The Makaira actually holds more line but comes in about an ounce lighter. The major difference IMO is that the Makaira is a more refined and smoother reel than the Avet. You really can't go wrong with either one, but I do believe the Makaira is worth the extra $100.00 due to the smoothness and slightly better fit and finish.

I have been a user of Okuma reels for years. This reel is a great improvement over my Titus Gold 50Wlls. I understand that Tiberon was the partner in the design of the Makaria line. The overall fit and finish is excellent. The feel and heft of the new 50WII is also first class. Line capacity and drag is comparable or better than other major entries in the 50w class. The reel weighs less than its competition and carries a five year warranty. Timely shopping can bring this feature-packed reel into the price range of many off-shore anglers. Tackle Direct had the reel in stock and shipped it promptly. I will update this review when I can put this reel to use of the NC coast.

I’ve fished yellowfin tuna for several years with this reel as my go to for free spooling black fin tuna bait with a 3”x3” chunk on a weightless on a 9/0 circle hook. This year I reeled in a 91 pound and 86 pound yellowfin within minutes on it. I watched others take 30 plus minutes to reel in the same size fish with a bigger reel and get their butt kicked when the fish gets close to the boat. This reel with a 6 foot okuma Makaira heavy rod can’t be beat in my opinion for this type of fishing. I even used it for trolling 2 years ago and caught a 135 pound beast. It took 45 minutes to land but when clicked into low gear near the boat, I it brought the beast into the gaff.

I only go charter boat in San Diego, got the Mak15ii and it is overkill for yellows, I am hoping to catch something bigger soon.. Otherwise I just winch them yellows to the boat easily, the smooth drag and dual speed make it very capable avoiding sharks and seals. Looking to get the Mak16/Mak20 when I do more than 1.5 days

I have been wanting one of these reels for years never had got around to getting one though. So I finally pulled the trigger and ordered one when I got the reel it was just what I expected got it 2 days earlier than what I was suppose to tackle direct does a great job with shipping I have to add. I spooled this reel with 100lb mono for a topshot and 1000 yards of 100lb power pro braid for backing....and the drag oh my goodness the drag so smooth and very very strong 85lbs of drag on a 50w is insane in my opinion cannot wait to get some sharks on the beach with this beauty of a reel.

I own Accurate DX2, BX2, Shimano Talica II and Okuma Makaira and I would rate the Makaira as the best. An absolute tank with such a smooth and consistent drag and enormous cranking power. This reel does not disappoint. Once you've used this, you wouldn't want to touch Accurate and Shimano again.

This reel lived up to the raving reviews given by anglers on the west coast as a tuna slayer. Fit and finish is great. Line capacity is perfect for tuna under 200# (500yds 65# spider wire plus 25yds of 80# fluorocarbon). Had drag set at 22# full but never had to push it past strike to land several 75# class Louisiana yellow fin.

Okuma Makairas hold up to the test, some of the best reels on the market.

Great reel, 2 speed and the power to crank on big game like giant bluefin. Best 130 on the market

I purchased 2 Barrett shark rods . I asked Peter Barrett for his reel recommendation . Peter stated he owned 2 Makaira 80wii on his personal rods so I bought one . This reel is extremely powerful and can land large fish . Very large fish . It gets the sharks in before they are to far gone to recover and released .

this reel only downside is the hefty weight because its been overbuilt

That's what I call this 10II, it is perfect for those tough fighting fish without the size and weight of the larger 30's...

In my opinion, the Okuma 30/50 is the best reel in this size class. The drag is ridiculous, and is super smooth. Having fished extensively with Avet, Penn and Tiagras, these reels take the cake. They are worth the few extra dollars.

this has lasted me a while and it's a great reel !