“Si,” of course is “yes” in Spanish. But in terms of the newest light tackle spinning reel from the world of Okuma, “SI” means surf and inshore, and the Rockaway SI (MSRP: $99.99-109.99) promises to deliver in the affirmative on both accounts.
Available now, the Rockaway SI Spinning Reel is a purpose-built reel engineered for the demands of surf and inshore fishing. Designed under the popular Rockaway rod series umbrella – and aesthetically the perfect reel complement to the Rockaway rods – the Rockaway SI combines clean aesthetic design with saltwater-tough features, delivering the strength, power, and performance anglers need, all at a great price.
Crafted with Okuma’s advanced C-40X carbon body and side plate, the Rockaway SI is a lightweight and durable spinning reel built with oversized High-Density Gearing + (HDG+), Flite Drive, and a Gear Stabilizing System (GSS) to ensure smooth operation and rock-solid cranking power. Engineered for saltwater, the Rockaway SI features 5HPB + 1RB stainless steel bearings, multi-disc carbonite drag washers for heat-resistant drag pressure, and Okuma’s Cyclonic Flow Rotor (CFR) for improved airflow and faster drying after each use. A sealed Hydro Block body further protects internal components from water intrusion, making this one of the most durable spinning reels in Okuma’s saltwater lineup.
“The Rockaway SI was made for anglers who face ruthless salt and pounding surf,” said John Bretza, Product Development Manager at Okuma, adding “We combined carbon construction with strategic sealing and precision gearing to give coastal anglers the strength, speed, and reliability they need when fishing in challenging environments.”
Casting performance is front and center with the Rockaway SI. It boasts precision machine-cut brass pinion gear for smoothness and a machined, two-tone anodized aluminum spool paired with high-speed gear ratios for rapid line retrieval for covering distance and reacting quickly during long casts. While I personally have a couple of Okuma spinning reels in my inshore lineup, I haven’t had a chance to check out the new Rockaway SI; but my co-worker, Mike Caruso, has. “Just recently I began fishing with the new Rockaway RSI-C5000XA spinning reel designed for inshore and light surf applications and out of the box I was impressed with the high quality feel they’ve achieve at such a low price,” said Caruso, adding “It’s when you actually fish it while under load that I noticed how Okuma nailed the gearing and drag. Cranking is super smooth as is the drag.”
Okuma’s Rockaway SI is available in sizes ranging from 2500 to 5000 to suit a variety of fishing techniques, and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty. “The 5000 size is a perfect all around inshore spinning reel for fluke, bass, blues, sea bass,” Caruso advised. Say “yes” to the Rockaway SI spinning reel at your local tackle shops, and look for a full video feature from ICAST 2026 when we hope to get a full overview from Bretza and the Okuma design team during this their 40-year anniversary season.
