Connoisseur A
Budget-to-mid steelhead and salmon float/drift spinning rods, 8'6"–11', graphite composite.
Okuma Connoisseur-A is a salmon and steelhead spinning series designed for Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest drift fishing, float fishing, and side-drifting. Target species are steelhead and salmon; intended anglers range from beginners to experienced float fishers who want a budget-to-mid-range rod. The series is outside the surf rod lane; the long lengths are optimized for river swing presentations and float control. Blanks are graphite composite with aluminum oxide guide inserts in stainless steel frames.
The cork handle splits into a 5" fore grip and 7" rear grip. Actions are mostly fast or moderate-fast, suited to the light lure and line ranges (2–12 lb, 1/16–1/4 oz) typical of steelhead float and drift rigs. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty. Notably shorter than premium steelhead-specific series. User reports note soft tip action, which performs well for float presentations but can feel underpowered for heavier drift rigs.
Nine models. Eight spinning, one casting. Spinning lengths span 8'6" to 11'0"; the casting outlier (CQ-C-862MHa) is 8'6" MH at 3/8–1 oz, likely for bank or structure casting. The spinning range is mostly L–ML power in fast or moderate-fast action; two heavier models (MH at 1/2–4 oz) step up for larger salmon or heavy-current situations.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 9 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 9 8 spinning · 1 casting
- Length
- 8'6"–11' 2.60–3.40 m
- Power
- L–MH 4 classes
- Action
- F–M
- Line
- 2–25 lb
- Lure
- 1/16–4 oz 1.8–113 g
- List price
- $74.16–$86.24
Rods in this series
9 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CQ-S-862Ma | 8'6" | M | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-C-862MHa | 8'6" | MH | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-862MHa | 8'6" | MH | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-902La | 9' | L | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-902MLa | 9' | ML | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-962MLa | 9'6" | ML | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-1002La | 10' | L | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-1002MLa | 10' | ML | Buy from Okuma | |
| CQ-S-1102La | 11' | L | Buy from Okuma |
Model notes
3 of 9 modelsOnly casting model in the series. The MH baitcasting configuration at 8'6" is uncommon in steelhead lineups; fits anglers float-fishing with level-wind reels or back-bouncing plugs from a sled.
Heaviest spinning model in the series at MH power and 15–25 lb line, rated to 4 oz. This is the salmon-specific entry. Handles heavy plugs, spoons, or back-bouncing rigs. Stands apart from the rest of the series which is steelhead/float focused.
Longest model in the lineup at 11', Light power, fast action. The extra length improves line mending in long-run rivers and allows high-stick control of floats in current. The 1/16–1/4 oz range suits small jigs or float rigs exclusively.