The Next Evolution Of An Offshore Icon: Okuma Makaira

You only have one opportunity to catch a species for the first time. Most are memorable experiences, for better or worse, but regardless of the story behind the catch, certain details remain etched in an angler’s mind.

My first Atlantic bluefin tuna catch came in the fall of 2013, and it is a day I will not soon forget. Even now, many of the details play back in my mind as if they happened just yesterday.

Certain moments, in particular, remain vivid.

I remember the expansive Atlantic Ocean as the sun began to peek over the horizon and Capt. John Clothier of Fish Chatham Charters nosed the boat east. I vividly recall enormous humpback whales peppering the horizon, their fins waving above the surface, tails slapping the water, and even a few near-full breaches. And, of course, I remember the gear we used to best several recreational-class tuna before beginning the run back to port: stout stand-up rods, Okuma Makaira reels, and massive squid splasher bars in shades of gold, purple, green, and pink—a far cry from the surf-fishing gear I was accustomed to wielding.

But what stuck with me most were those reels, the Okuma Makaira 80WII. They seemed so foreign to me at the time, almost as if they belonged to an entirely different world of fishing. Yet despite their size and power, they felt remarkably natural in my hands as I battled tuna after tuna that early September morning. From that day forward, the Makaira became synonymous with tuna fishing for me.

And I am not alone. The Okuma Makaira series has been at the center of countless memorable—and even record-setting—catches since its debut at ICAST in 2010. Over the years, it has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and dependable reel families for anglers who relish the opportunity to tangle with the largest and most powerful fish in the sea.

Now in 2026, as Okuma celebrates 40 years of innovation in the fishing industry, the evolution of one of its most trusted offshore platforms continues with the introduction of the Makaira Gold SEa 2-Speed Lever Drag Reels. Built on the latest generation of the Makaira SEa platform, the new reels combine proven big-game performance with an iconic offshore finish.

At the core is a rigid 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame with forged side plates, oversized stainless-steel gearing, a forged aluminum spool, and precision-machined internals. Okuma’s Dual Force Drag system, featuring Carbonite drag washers and Cal’s drag grease, provides smooth, consistent drag output and heat management during extended battles.

The reels also feature interchangeable Power and Tournament Trolling Cams, allowing anglers to customize drag progression based on line choice, target species, and fishing style. Helical-cut gears improve engagement and smoothness, while the Silent Anti-Reverse system minimizes handle back-play under load.

A powerful two-speed gearing system provides both high-speed line pickup and low-speed torque, giving anglers greater control when battling large offshore fish.

While the performance represents the latest evolution of the SEa platform, the gold anodized finish pays tribute to the traditional look of big-game reels. A Yellowfin Tuna engraving further connects the reels to their offshore roots.

“The Makaira platform has been built over time through real offshore experience,” said John Bretza, VP of Product Development at Okuma. “With the SEa generation, we continued to improve performance where it matters most. The addition of the gold finish brings a look that anglers recognize and respect, now paired with the latest evolution of the platform.”

The Makaira Gold SEa reels deliver current Makaira performance in a finish that celebrates the heritage of offshore fishing.

Makaira SEa Gold Series Key Features

• Open spool bearings with TSI-301 oil. Increases free spool 2-1/2 times.
• All non-spool bearings feature a full grease pack for maximum longevity.
• SE reels will feature yellowfin tuna etched into the side plate.
• 6061-T6 Machined aluminum frame with forged side plates.
• Helical cut 17-4 garde stainless steel gearing.
• Cold forged, Type-II anodized, machined aluminum spool.
• CRC: Corrosion-Resistant Coating process.
• Power cam and TTC cam included for custom drag settings.
• Carbonite Dual Force Drag system featuring Cal’s universal drag grease.
• Custom designed thrust bearing: Alleviates side load on heavy drag settings.
• 4-pcs ABEC-5 precision stainless steel ball bearings.
• Double dog, proprietary silent anti-reverse system.
• Patented T-Bar handle with Easy Roll graphite insert on all models.
• Heavy-duty stainless-steel ratcheting clicker system.
• Heavy duty, 17-4 grade stainless steel drive and spool shafts.
• Lug and plug system on all open top reel models.
• Makaira lever drag reels are backed by a 5-year warranty.

MSRP: $672.99 – $1,449.99