Fishing Tackle Review: Okuma Halogen HG 150 Baitcaster Reel
Fishing is my passion, so I’m out and about with my fishing tackle as often as possible. There’s nothing I enjoy more than casting a lure or bait into the water, and waiting for the strike. Then, the battle begins! Although I’m not strictly partial to a single species, I do get the most enjoyment from fighting one of the formidable freshwater predators such as chub, ide, perch, zander, and, of course, the pike, a strong, challenging and excellent fighter. When I’ve got one of these on my line, I can’t worry about whether my tackle is up to the task. For that reason, I need my gear to be as reliable as possible. But, since I’m also on a budget, it must be affordable as well. Here’s a brief review of an inexpensive reel from Okuma that I like very much: the Halogen HG 150 Baitcaster.
Key Features of the Okuma Halogen HG 150 Baitcaster Reel
This reel has exceptionally durable construction for the price. I especially appreciate the machined aluminium one-piece frame that makes the reel quite rigid and stable. The HG 150 is designed with two ball bearings and a single one-way roller bearing for smooth, reliable operation. This essential piece of fishing tackle has some features that usually are found on more expensive reels, such as the Rulidium proprietary drag system that offers a surprisingly wide range of adjustments, along with extremely precise low and high settings. The Rulidium washers in the reel deliver exceptionally smooth operation, which in turn reduces friction and heat. The result? Maximum performance.
More About the Okuma Halogen HG 150 Baitcaster Reel
Another high tech feature of the HG 150 is the titanium-coated level wind guide. Titanium, by the way, is a metallic element renowned for its optimal combination of light weight with extreme strength. Titanium also resists corrosion exceptionally well, so it’s a great choice for fishing tackle. For comfort, the reel has soft touch handle knobs. The gear ratio is 1:1, and the line capacity is 210 yards of 8lb test line, 180 yards of 10lb test, and 130 yards of 12lb test. On those rare occasions when I’m not stalking predator species, I’ve found this reel to be excellent for bass spinning as well. Expect to pay about £35.00 for the HG 150.
Final Thoughts on the Halogen HG 150 Baitcaster
I was curious about the manufacturer, so I did a bit of research. What I discovered is that Okuma is a company that understands anglers’ “passion for fishing.” Their tackle products reflect their commitment to “creating dynamic, innovative products.” The company describes its baitcast reels thus: “Our new line of low profile baitcast reels pack smooth, yet rugged features into compact no-nonsense packages that are a true joy to fish”.
If you’re looking for a feature-rich piece offishing tackle that sells for an affordable price, the Okuma Halogen HG 150 baitcaster reel is worth serious consideration.