Bay Area Custom Rods

Okuma's Bay Area Custom Rod series is built specifically for the Northern California saltwater fishery, made for halibut, striped bass, sturgeon, and salmon across the San Francisco Bay, Delta, and adjacent Pacific coast. These are baitcasting rods for boat and bank use, not light-tackle spinning rods. The 7'11" uniform length across all four models reflects a deliberate choice for versatility in the Bay Area context, where both trolling and active presentations are used. The series is targeted at experienced local anglers who want regionally appropriate gear instead of generic saltwater rods.

Blanks are a 24-ton carbon and E-glass composite reinforced with Okuma's UXR (Ultimate X Reinforced) multi-directional fiber layup, a construction approach that prioritizes lifting power and torsional resistance over raw sensitivity. The tip section uses UFR (Ultimate Flex Reinforced) technology, adding flex without compromising response. Guides are SeaGuide XQ series 316 stainless frames with zirconium inserts compatible with both braid and mono. Reel seat is heavy-duty aluminum with a double lock nut. All models are 1-piece. Handle features tapered shrink tube grips instead of cork, appropriate for the wet saltwater environment.

MSRP $179–$190. All four models share the 7'11" 1-piece casting form. Power steps through ML (8–20 lb), M (10–25 lb), MH (12–30 lb), and H (15–40 lb). Action is Fast on the three lighter models; the H-power model (BAC-C-7111H) uses a MF/F (Moderate-Fast/Fast) taper. No lure weights are listed by manufacturer, line weight is the only published specification.