I Still Never Had The Chance On Using The 10ft Model Yet!
During Covid i got the chance to field test the 8'6" Med Rockaway Surf SP. My partner used the 8'6" ML Surf SP. There were some things we thought had to be changed immediately while praising the innovations that we're incorporated within our models. So i sent back my personal unit (which Okuma never sent me back my replacement) & for this updated report i borrowed my friend's 8'6" as he kept his.
I also ended up purchasing the 11ft current Surf SP model off Amazon this month. The first thing that i noticed was the design improvement we suggested that evening years ago after testing the 8'6" units were done & corrected for my 11ft model. I was glad to see that our observations & suggestions were worthy enough to follow. Seems every suggestion from either correcting an issue or just to "improve" the performance was followed by Okuma. That alone impressed my belief in this company.
I still want to try the 10ft rod when it becomes available. I also wish Okuma will return my 8'6" replacement as promised. The 11' will be for distance bombing. The 10' for hitting ledges to open pockets on clear reef structures (remember i'm in Hawaii). The 8'6" was perfect for shoreline usage around docks to casting under palm trees & around mangroves.
I heard these rods were working well not only for Sea Perch but also for Halibut & Strippers. Here in Hawaii our Papi'o (Jack Trevally) is a larger relative to Sea Perch & we do have others that are "screamers" from Bonefish to Barracudas to contend with. I'm sure it'll have its place here in the islands.