Connoisseur A

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.