OCEA CONQUEST CT [The forefront of strategic jigging] Hitoshi Suzuki x Hiroto Yamamoto

[24AW New Product] OCEA CONQUEST CT 300MG x DEEP TAIRABA / Yasuhiro Akazawa [Strategically attacking Tairaba]

[24AW New Product Offshore] Ocea Conquest CT / Hitoshi Suzuki, Yasuhiro Akazawa, Hiroto Yamamoto [Shimano Online Fishing Show]

The new Ocea Conquest CT has further upgraded its signature smooth and powerful winding feel. The secret lies in three technologies: micro module gear, infinity drive, and HAGANE body. The micro module gear, which was also installed in the previous model, is a precise drive system that improves smooth winding feel and power by closely meshing ultra-small precision gears. The new model combines this gear with infinity drive to dramatically reduce rotational resistance. By eliminating noise, it is possible to sense information such as water flow changes and fish bites more sensitively. In addition, the precision housing of the HAGANE body that wraps this gear suppresses distortion of the main body and firmly protects the gear meshing. Combined with the new design that brings the handle position closer to the reel body, the power put into the handle is transmitted to the gear without loss. It's not just silky, it's not just powerful. The blissful rotation feel of the Ocea Conquest CT will turn even the harsh offensive and defensive battles of the deep range into pleasure.

As many anglers have already experienced, since the introduction of counters to offshore lure games, underwater strategies such as jigging and tairaba have changed dramatically. Previously, water depth, which was often vague, can now be accurately grasped numerically, and even in situations and targets with severe ranges, the previous game of relying on intuition has progressed to a logical strategy. Information sharing with fellow boatmen and the captain has become more specific and accurate, and the reproducibility of hit patterns has increased to an unlimited extent, which is undoubtedly the benefit of the digital counter. The new line counter installed on this Ocea Conquest CT adds a winding distance alarm to the conventional functions. You can now know the winding distance from the bottom without staring at the counter, and it is now possible to repeatedly and efficiently trace the required range. Whether it's light jigging, mid-deep sea, or dotera tairaba, the line counter has now become an essential piece of equipment for offshore double-axis reels. The forefront of its evolution is here.

The newly installed winding distance alarm is a new function that detects the winding distance without looking at the water depth display on the counter. Measurement begins from the moment the clutch is turned on and winding begins. A sound is emitted up to three times at multiples of the set distance, allowing the angler to grasp the winding distance by sound without looking at the counter. For example, when set to 5m (A-5), a notification sound is emitted three times every 5m from the bottom to 15m, informing the angler of the winding distance. This function allows the captain to make intuitive judgments by hearing instructions such as "From XXm to XXm of water depth" and "Raise XXm when it hits the bottom" without looking at the counter. A new function is installed to increase concentration on the specified depth more than ever when winding from the bottom.

The new line counter of the OCEA CONQUEST CT has a display screen that is tilted 5 degrees forward from the previous model to improve the viewing angle. While improving the viewing angle during fishing movements where the tip is often lowered, we also pursued palming. It is a small improvement that you would not notice unless you were told, but the difference is clear when compared to actual fishing. Anything that bothers you, no matter how trivial, is thoroughly reviewed. This uncompromising attitude bears fruit in the ease of use of the CONQUEST.

The width of the body of the NEW OCEA CONQUEST has been made 3mm more compact on the palming side. In addition, like the 22 OCEA CONQUEST 300, the small diameter side plate has been offset to reduce the height, further improving palming. The small and lightweight body fits in the palm of the hand and can be gripped in a natural form, reducing the angler's fatigue even during long fights. The specifications allow you to fully experience the high-quality rotation feel and high winding power of the OCEA CONQUEST. Furthermore, the 200 size has been made 3.9mm more compact on the palming side, and the height from the leg has been made 2.3mm lower profile compared to the 18 OCEA CONQUEST 200. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 30g, greatly reducing the burden on the angler.

The line winding learning function memorizes the relationship between spool rotation and the amount of line wound in the digital counter, and uses this relationship to display the water depth. In addition to the learning function of the conventional model, it is equipped with learning data for PE 1.2/1.5/2/2.5/3, which are frequently used in size 300, and PE 0.8/1/1.2/1.5/2, which are frequently used in size 200.

Regardless of the amount of backing, as long as the specified line is wound up to a position of approximately 1 mm from the outer diameter of the spool, it can be used within a practically sufficient margin of error.

※Caution for use

The specified line learning is the standard learning value when the specified line (Shimano PE line) is wound, including the underline, up to a position of about 1 mm from the outermost diameter of the spool. The accuracy may decrease depending on the type of line you actually wind, the line tension, and the outer diameter after winding. If you want more reliable accuracy, please learn in E1, E2, L1, or L2 mode.

*The video is explained using Engetsu Premium.

The handle has been improved to be easier to use, with the length and shape optimized for each size. The 300/301MG, which is designed for dotera tairaba, has a 70mm handle and a lightweight CI4+ round knob, improving ease of winding at a constant speed and winding sensitivity. In addition, the shaft diameter has been made 2mm thicker to make it easier to grip when reeling. In addition, the 300/301HG and 300PG, which are designed for light jigging, have a 75mm handle and a new T-shaped knob, making it easier to apply force. The thumb grip and hand fit have been improved, making it even easier to use.

*Please refer to the LINE-UP for handle specifications for each size.

[Ocea Conquest CT 200]

The most distinctive feature of the new Ocea Conquest CT200 is the S-compact body. It's really lightweight and compact. Specifically, it's 3.9mm narrower in width. If the distance between the palming hand and the hand holding the handle is too far, it will lead to winding shake and loss of power. The narrower the width, the more firmly you can turn it in your hand, so you can put more power into the fight and reduce fatigue when jerking. The reel body is offset, so the height is 2.3mm lower. The 200 didn't feel that big in the previous model, but it's easier to hold as small as possible and you can hold it with less force. Not only men, but women and children can hold it lightly and firmly, so I think you'll feel that the operability has improved. The grip is much better and I feel that it's really evolved.

The weight is also about 30g lighter than the previous model. In terms of super light jigging, this means that it is about the weight of one jig. This is amazing, isn't it? It reduces fatigue and you can fight easily and smoothly because you don't have to exert any strange force. This S compact body is a great evolution, including that aspect. In addition, INFINITYDRIVE is finally installed in this compact body along with the micro module gear. The synergistic effect of these two technologies is tremendous. No matter what kind of fishing you are doing, you may suddenly get a hit from a large fish. In such cases, it is very important to have the power to reel it in. I think that the installation of INFINITYDRIVE and the micro module gear is a great support for anglers to fight against fish more advantageously. Moreover, as expected from the micro module gear, the reeling is smooth.

In addition, the inclination angle of the counter screen has been tilted 5 degrees forward. It's the same as the previously released 300CT, but it's only 5 degrees, but it's still 5 degrees. You can clearly see the counter even when jerking or pointing the rod down. There's no longer the hassle of having to raise the rod a little to check the counter value. 

The fall lever has also been improved. The fall lever itself is easy to operate and is set in the best position. You can tighten it up to increase the brake, engage the clutch and start reeling without it becoming heavy. The reproducibility of the fall speed has been greatly improved. I think it will expand your attacking options for light jigging, super light jigging and lake jigging.

One feature worth noting is the winding distance alarm. This is a new feature for the Ocea Conquest CT200. To be honest, I didn't think I needed it at first, but now it's one of my favorite features. It's a great feature when fishing in the middle layer, targeting fish like Biwamasu, Sakuramasu, and Tachiuo. The sound lets you know the range the jig is swimming in, so you can focus on things other than understanding the range. This feature is really great.

In addition, like the 23 Ocea Conquest, the drag adjustment range has been expanded from 1 to 3 kg. It feels like fine adjustments can be made. In my case, I often use 0.8 PE as the main line for the Ocea Conquest CT200. When using such a light line, if the drag load suddenly changes between 1 and 3 kg, it can lead to line breaks. In order to deal with such risks, fine adjustments are possible. It will tire the fish quickly during the fight, and you can let the line out and let it run when you want to, and you can increase the drag load without any difficulty when you want to apply pressure. I think it's noteworthy that drag adjustment has become so easy to do.

The new OCEA CONQUEST CT200 has evolved in many ways, making it easy to use for any type of fishing. I think this single reel can handle everything from lake jigging to super light jigging and light jigging. Especially when fishing with light line, I think the drag operability, winding comfort, and winding power will be a great help to me in my fishing from now on.

[Ocea Conquest CT 300: Jigging]

The Ocea Conquest CT has been reborn. It follows the basic performance of the 22 Ocea Conquest 300 series, so you can experience the light and smooth winding feel of the INFINITYDRIVE. The sensitivity seems to have improved significantly. It also has a new fall lever, so you can enjoy fall fishing more comfortably. Another nice change is the winding distance alarm, which allows you to know the depth of the water where the jig is swimming within the set range by sound. You can concentrate on fishing because you can know the water depth without having to check the counter value. You can see the movement of birds and feel the strength and direction of the wind.

In addition to the evolution of the mechanical parts, the first thing I noticed as an angler was that it's "smaller." You can clearly see that it's smaller just by looking at it. You can see it even more when you actually hold it. The body on the palm side has been made 3mm more compact and closer to the center. It's easier to hold and apply force than ever before. I think it's less tiring to hold.

Another feature is that it's now much easier to reel. The mechanical aspects, such as the INFINITYDRIVE, have contributed greatly, but I think the change in the handle shape has also played a major role. The new 300, 301HG, and 300PG use a new T-shaped knob on the 75mm handle. It's much easier to use. The new T-shaped knob in particular is packed with my own personal commitment to ease of use (laughs). I think it's now a knob that makes it easier to pinch, hook, and grip.

In particular, I think the thumb grip and the fit in the palm of the hand are much better than the previous model. It's easier to apply force and you don't get tired easily even when fighting a big fish for a long time.

One of the improvements I'm very happy about in terms of actual fishing is that the LCD screen on the counter is tilted 5 degrees forward compared to previous CT models. It's a simple thing, but it makes it so much easier to see. Until now it was difficult to see the LCD screen while jerking, but this one is so much easier to see. It's a very welcome improvement.

It's also worth noting that MG has been added as a new gear ratio setting. This gear ratio is aimed at red snapper lures in dotera, but it's nice to see more options for jigging as well. There may be situations where only MG is effective and the lures will respond.

[Ocea Conquest CT 300: Jigging]

The Ocea Conquest CT has been remodeled for the first time in six years, and has evolved even further. The basic structure and parts of the reel are the same as the current Ocea Conquest. Therefore, it is very reliable. It has a high sense of rigidity, so you can almost feel no power loss, and you can always concentrate on jerking and biting.

The biggest change from the previous OCEA CONQUEST CT is the addition of the INFINITYDRIVE. Combined with the micro module gear that was already installed, it achieves smoother and lighter winding. The previous model was also quite light to wind, but it has evolved so much that you will wonder how much it has changed. You can feel the overwhelming winding torque, and the winding feel is just smooth. You can lift the jig with just the torque of the reel. You can clearly see this improvement in smoothness by turning the handle. I think it is also exceptionally strong.

It also comes equipped with a new fall lever. First of all, pay attention to the shape of the lever. The top is nicely recessed, so your finger fits in easily. It's easy to adjust by lightly hooking it. It's very easy to use. And best of all, it's great that the reel weight doesn't change even when you apply the brakes hard.

The fall lever is used in many situations, but it is an essential function when jigging for hairtails, for example. When jigging for hairtails, it is not uncommon to get a bite when the lure keeps falling. Especially when the fish are very active, if you let the lure fall, it may be cut off or it may be difficult to tell when it has bitten. In such cases, it is effective to change the action of the jig by adjusting the fall speed with the fall lever. I think that just adjusting the fall speed can make a big difference in the catch of the day. When casting the jig underhand a little, applying the brakes will also reduce backlash.

There have also been changes to the LCD screen on the counter. It is now tilted slightly more towards the angler, making it easier to see than previous models, even when the lure is falling or jerking. You can check it just by shifting your gaze. Another improvement is the addition of a winding distance alarm, which notifies you of the depth at which the jig is swimming with a sound without having to look at the counter.

The previous Conquest CT series has always been attractive for its compactness, but I think this model is even smaller. The best thing about being compact is that it fits easily in the palm of your hand. It's easier to grip the rod and hold it firmly. It doesn't shake much when reeling, so you can reel it in with confidence. You can grip it with light force to lure the fish, and it's easy to operate and use small tricks.

Also noteworthy is the new handle knob. There are three gear ratio variations: HG, MG, and PG, and the HG and PG have a T-shaped handle knob. It is compact and easy to grip, so you can apply force and reel in a fish even when the tide is fast. When the fish bites after you've had a hit, you can reel it in hard and set the hook.

A reel with a counter is indispensable to me. It is absolutely necessary, especially when fishing in the middle layer. For example, when jigging for hairtail, you want to attack directly where the schools are reacting. Or you want to operate the jig finely in areas where there are a lot of reactions. In such cases, if there is a counter that makes it easy to see the water depth, it is easy to change the action when the jig reaches the place where there is a reaction. You can induce a bite or prepare for a bite. I think that the result will increase your catch. I feel that the OCEA CONQUEST CT is the definite choice for coastal jigging.

[Ocea Conquest CT 200: Tairaba]

The long-awaited 200 model has been added to the Ocea Conquest CT. The newly set MG model combines sensitivity approaching that of the HG with winding power close to that of the PG. This is a model that can be used in a wide range of water depths, from shallow to deep.

The Infinity Drive system has significantly improved the lightness and sensitivity of reeling. Reeling is the key to tairaba fishing, and it is important to feel the fish's pursuit, the tide's change, and the bite when fishing. The synergistic effect with the micro module gear provides a smooth and silky reeling experience.

The handle is a 55mm double handle, and the knob has been changed from EVA to a resin paddle type, allowing you to enjoy more delicate winding. It is also equipped with a new fall lever that does not make winding heavy even when the brake is applied, making it a useful last resort when the tide is not moving. It can be used as a reliable technique, such as approaching red sea bream at the bottom with a slow fall speed.

The winding distance alarm is very useful when fishing in the middle layer. It tells me the range where the tairaba is swimming by sound, so it is an indispensable function for me.

The reel body has also become more compact overall, improving palming. The angle of the counter has also been adjusted, making it easier to see. In the previous model, the bottom part of the digital display was difficult to see, but with this new digital counter, anglers can see it without having to look closely at the counter.

We will also introduce the difference between the 200 and 300. The 200 is easy to use in areas of the Seto Inland Sea such as Akashi, Hiroshima, and Matsuyama, where the water is a little deeper and the current is fast. In these areas, a fishing method that uses a thick tie called a big bait to attack the fast current and deep areas and drag out large red sea bream is popular. The MG model of the Ocea Conquest CT200, which has power but can be wound carefully, is ideal.

In the Akashi and Takamatsu areas of the Seto Inland Sea, the most popular gear ratio is the 200 PG. The PG model has the great advantage of being easy to reel in, densely wound, and allowing for detailed search. However, if you feel that the retrieve is slow when using a PG, or that it is difficult to get information about the water, we recommend that you try the MG model. It does not require a heavy tairaba, and is easy to use even in the Genkai Sea, where the current is not very strong, even with a dotera flow.

The 300 is mainly used in the deep dotera of the Sea of ​​Japan, Fukui and Niigata. It is not uncommon to use tairaba weighing more than 150g, up to a maximum of 250g, and to cast more than 300m of line in this field. The 300 size is an essential size, combining sensitivity and winding strength. By using the two sizes of OCEA CONQUEST CT, 200 and 300, you can enjoy the powerful tairaba game all over the country more than ever before.

[Ocea Conquest CT 300: Tairaba]

The OCEA CONQUEST CT 300MG is the reel for deep dotera tairaba. With a gear ratio of 5.5, the MG is designed for use in the Sea of ​​Japan, where the main fishing areas are the Sea of ​​Japan, such as Fukui and Niigata. The weight of the tairaba used is 150g or more, with a maximum of 250g. It is not uncommon to use a line of more than 300m, so the 300 size, which also has the strength to reel it in, is an essential size.

I have often used HG reels, but the weight of the tairaba is 250g, and reeling becomes very heavy when there is a headwind and the water depth is over 100m. Sometimes I even wonder if there is a fish on it. So the solution is to use a PG reel, which is easy to reel in, but if the line is out for more than 300m, it is difficult to retrieve.

The winding sensitivity of PG is not enough, and the winding is heavy and the sensitivity is not good. Therefore, the development of MG started, and it was installed in the OCEA CONQUEST CT. The OCEA CONQUEST CT 300MG combines winding torque close to PG and winding sensitivity close to HG.

The MG model uses a round knob, making it easy to get a lot of information by pinching it with your fingertips. The handle is shorter than other models at 70mm, allowing for stable winding. The performance of the new drag cannot be overlooked. For example, I think many people set the drag value of 600 to 800g for vertical tairaba in the Seto Inland Sea. However, if you set the drag to be effective at this setting, it will be difficult to adjust if the load is further increased. Therefore, the Ocea Conquest CT now allows fine pitch adjustment in the range of 1 to 2kg. In this range, the drag force will not suddenly change with one click. Previously, the change in one click of tairaba reels was large when it exceeded 1kg, but this allows you to set it to suit the field and your style. Recently, hooks have become more diverse, with thin-shaft hooks becoming popular. I think you can follow your favorite hooks with fine drag adjustments.

The counter is now easier to see, making it easier to see the numbers even when you lower the tip and hold the rod. The fall lever is also the latest version, so even when you apply fall tension, it doesn't make winding heavy, so you can actively lure the fish into the fall.

The body is more compact and the palming performance has been improved. The color has been renewed and the mechanical design is cool. This solid and timeless design makes it a joy to own.