The Modern Workhorse: A Detailed Guide to the Okuma Raw II Centerpin Reel

In the patient, nuanced world of float fishing, the centerpin reel is not merely a tool; it is the heart of the entire system. It is a direct conduit to the river’s current, a finely balanced instrument that allows an angler to present a bait in the most natural way possible. Among the myriad of options available, the Okuma Raw II has carved out an formidable reputation as a durable, high-performance workhorse that punches well above its price point. For anglers from the steelhead-rich rivers of British Columbia to the Great Lakes tributaries, the Raw II has become a trusted companion.

This guide will provide a detailed exploration of the Okuma Raw II, delving deep into its construction, on-the-water performance, and the intricate techniques required to master its use.

Part 1: Anatomy of a Performer – Construction and Design

The appeal of the Raw II begins with its construction. Unlike cheaper, stamped-frame reels, it is built with the precision and materials of a reel in a much higher price bracket, which directly translates to its performance.

Frame and Spool Construction: The entire frame and spool of the Raw II are precision machined from solid 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum. This is a critical feature. Machining ensures perfect tolerances and balance, which is paramount for a reel that needs to spin effortlessly. The 6061-T6 aluminum provides an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, creating a rigid frame that will not flex or warp under the pressure of a powerful fish. This rigidity ensures the internal components stay perfectly aligned, contributing to the reel’s long-term durability. The entire reel is then finished with a Type-II anodization, which creates a hard, corrosion-resistant surface ready to handle the damp, often unforgiving environments of river fishing.

The Engine: Bearings and Shaft At the core of the Raw II are two German-made, stainless steel ball bearings. Okuma’s choice of high-quality bearings is arguably the single most important factor in the reel’s performance. These bearings are responsible for the incredibly low startup inertia and the long, sustained free-spool that anglers cherish. The reel spins on a hardened stainless steel shaft, ensuring a long life and a perfect marriage with the bearings.

Ergonomics and Features:

Ported Design: Both the spool and the backplate are heavily ported (machined with holes). This significantly reduces the overall weight, making it easier to balance on a long 11- to 13-foot centerpin rod for a full day of fishing.
Handles: The handles are made from machined aluminum, providing a solid, comfortable grip even with cold or wet hands.
On/Off Clicker: The Raw II features a prominent clicker switch on the backplate. It is crucial to understand that this is not a drag system. The clicker engages a metal pawl against a gear on the spool, creating an audible “click” and preventing the spool from turning freely. Its only purposes are to prevent line from over-spooling during transport or when rigging up, and to provide an audible alarm if a fish were to take line while the rod is in a holder. During casting and drifting, the clicker must be disengaged.

Part 2: On the Water – The Raw II’s Performance

A centerpin reel is judged almost entirely on one thing: its ability to achieve a perfect, drag-free drift. This is where the Raw II truly shines.

Startup Inertia: The Gold Standard Startup inertia is the tiny amount of force required to get the spool moving. In float fishing, a reel with low startup inertia will allow the current to take the line and float downstream naturally, even in the slowest of pools. The Raw II’s precision machining and quality bearings give it an exceptionally low startup inertia. With a properly balanced float setup, the spool will begin to turn the moment the float feels the pull of the current. This translates to fewer unnatural micro-drags on your presentation, meaning your bait (be it roe, a bead, or a jig) behaves exactly like the river’s natural food source, fooling wary steelhead and salmon.

The Free-Spool Experience Give the spool of a Raw II a solid spin with your finger, and you will be rewarded with a long, silent, and incredibly smooth rotation that can last for well over a minute. This is the on-the-water equivalent of a long, uninterrupted drift. When your float rig is moving through a long, consistent run, the Raw II pays out line effortlessly, allowing your gear to travel hundreds of feet downstream without any intervention, keeping you in the strike zone for longer.

Durability in the Field Here in the Pacific Northwest, conditions are rarely ideal. The Raw II is built to withstand the realities of bushwhacking to a remote run or fishing all day in a persistent drizzle. Its anodized aluminum body resists scratches and corrosion, and the simple, robust design means there is less to go wrong. It feels solid and dependable in hand, inspiring confidence when that chrome steelhead finally buries your float.

Part 3: Mastering the Machine – A Guide to Using the Raw II

Using a centerpin reel is a learned skill. It requires patience and practice, but the reward is a level of presentation control that is simply unmatched.

Step 1: Setting Up

Spooling Line: You will want to first spool on a generous amount of backing to fill the large arbor. This helps the main line come off the reel in larger, less memory-prone coils. For your main line, a high-visibility, 8 to 12 lb test monofilament float fishing line is ideal. The visibility helps you track your drift and mend your line from a distance.
The Leader Setup: Attach a small barrel swivel to your main line. Below this, attach your leader material (fluorocarbon is a popular choice), followed by your shot pattern and hook or jig. Your float is attached to the main line above the swivel.

Step 2: The Cast You do not cast a centerpin like a baitcaster or spinning reel. The key is to use the weight of your terminal tackle to pull line from the free-spinning spool.

The Side-Arm Swing: For beginners, this is the easiest method. Let your float and shot hang about 3-4 feet from the rod tip. With the clicker off, pull a few feet of loose line from the reel. In one smooth motion, swing the terminal tackle out across the water in a side-arm motion, and simply let go of the spool’s rim. The momentum will carry your rig out into the river.
The Wallis Cast: This is the more advanced, powerful cast.
1. Hold the rod with your dominant hand. With your other hand, pull 10-15 feet of line directly off the front of the spool, letting it hang in loose coils.
2. Grip the rim of the spool with your thumb or finger to keep it from turning.
3. Begin a smooth, forward casting motion.
4. As your rod moves forward, use your free hand to “flick” the coils of line towards the first guide of the rod.
5. Simultaneously, release your thumb from the spool’s rim.
6. The momentum of the line shooting through the guides will cause the spool to spin in a “figure-eight” motion, paying out line for a long, controlled cast.

Step 3: The Drift and Line Control This is the essence of centerpinning. Once your float hits the water, the Raw II’s smooth spool will immediately start turning with the current. Your job is to keep any slack line off the water between your rod tip and the float. You can do this by gently “feathering” the rim of the spool with your finger, allowing it to turn just slightly slower than the current, which keeps a tight line to the float. This allows for instant hooksets and prevents the current from creating a bow in your line that would pull your float unnaturally.

Step 4: The Fight – Palming the Drag The Okuma Raw II has no mechanical drag system. You are the drag. When a fish is hooked, it will pull line, and the spool will spin rapidly. To apply pressure, you simply apply the palm of your hand or your fingers to the exposed, rotating rim of the spool.

For a hard run: Apply firm, steady pressure with your palm.
For subtle pressure: Use one or two fingers to gently feather the rim.

This manual system provides an incredible, tactile connection to the fish. You can feel every head shake and surge. It allows you to instantly transition from zero pressure to heavy pressure, giving you ultimate control during the fight.

Conclusion: The People’s Champion

The Okuma Raw II centerpin reel has earned its place as one of the most recommended reels for both new and seasoned float anglers. It offers the performance characteristics of a high-end, custom reel—namely, a flawless, frictionless drift—at a price that makes the discipline accessible to more people. It is a testament to modern engineering, a rugged and reliable tool that flawlessly executes the elegant, traditional art of centerpin fishing. If you are ready to experience the most effective and intimate way to connect with river-run fish, the Okuma Raw II is not just a starting point; for many, it’s the final destination.