By Marc Cooper

As anglers, like other skilled tradesmen and women, we have developed a diverse set of tools to serve a very specific purpose or function. Some of these implements can be extremely useful in one area, while lacking the necessary qualities or attributes in another. Bearing that in mind, a third group consists of multi-faceted machines that possess a very diverse array of useful qualities.

After having an absolute blast in Chattanooga, Tennessee bottom-bouncing with rod in hand for brutish blue catfish this summer with two great new friends Richard Simms and Ty Konkle, it became apparent to me that my current arsenal at the time didn’t fit the bill for that specific form of catfish angling. Large and at times overly bulky reels simply weren’t ergonomic enough to be comfortably manipulated for a long period of time and thus my search began for a solution to suffice the need. I immediately began to talk to Charles Luck, our founder and mentor, about finding the right reel for the job and he almost seamlessly advised me to look into the Okuma Komodo 350 model number KDR-364 P, Okuma’s new low-profile reel.

The Komodo 350 holds a line capacity of 230 yards of 14-pounds. For comparison current entries in the market hold just 190-yards of 14-pound. Maximizing the opportunity provided by substantial line capacity is a Carbonite and stainless drag system that outputs 25-pounds of maximum drag. The Komodo’s main gear, pinion gear and drive shaft are constructed from stainless steel for incredible strength. Komodo’s frame, spool and handle side side plate’s are all aluminum for additional strength and long term alignment of internal parts.

Like the vast majority of Okuma reels, the Komodo is built to last with solid internals made up of stainless steel gearing and shafts, aluminum side plates and frame, along with a non-disengaging level wind system, and a solid power handle for cranking in large catfish. I will touch on these points independently as you move through this review.

To say this reel is simply just a bottom bouncing reel would be a gross understatement of its overall capabilities. Over the course of two months I personally have used this reel for musky, striper, and catfishing duties. Several nice blue catfish have been landed on this reel without any complications whatsoever, and it seems to be much easier for new people to catfishing in general to use effectively. As a leader in the Catfishing Club at the University of Tennessee, I regularly introduce new anglers to the sport of catfishing, therefore, multiple hands other than my own have come into contact with the Komodo. The vast majority of the users preferred the Komodo to my larger reels. It was much easier for them to manipulate and use, while also having 25 pounds of stopping force to put the brakes on any fish that it came into contact with.

If you are diligently searching for a well-oiled machine that can “do it all” the Komodo KDR-364 P is what you’re looking for.  Its casting ability is strikingly superior to my larger Abu Garcia 7000i reels. The non-disengaging level wind helps to lessen the amount of friction caused by braided line as it passes through the level wind, and less friction will lead to further casts.  Often times, the distance that you are able to cast from shore exponentially increases your odds of catching fish. With 4-6 ounces of weight and large gobs of skipjack herring most breaklines can be reached within a single long-bomb cast.

I was extremely surprised with how loud the bait clicker was. There have been multiple occasions on night shore fishing trips where the clicker awoke me from a deep slumber. It is pleasantly smooth to turn on and off, while also not being easy to inadvertently engage mid-battle with a fish. As for line capacity, braid is necessary for this reel. My reel is pooled with 65 lb. Suffix 832 braided line and conservatively holds 165 yards of that. Line capacity has never been a problem.

Throwing large swimbaits and jigs for flatheads has recently become a topic of intense debate and discussion. I believe that this reel would also be incredibly useful for that specific purpose as well. After all, throwing 10-12 inch musky jerkbaits and soft plastics is a breeze with the Komodo.

The high gear ratio of 6.4:1 and 31 inches per turn helps you to keep constant pressure on a catfish making a mad dash towards the boat. Slack + circle hook = possible heartbreak. We have had fish totally load a rod up in its holder and burn straight at the boat. Within a few cranks we could put tension back on the fish. I will include a link to Okuma’s website with all of the aforementioned specifications on it.

Tight lines and welcome to the Quest for Monster Catfish!