Okuma Rockaway SP Surf Rod (9' M — RSP-S-902M)
Published · Researched 2026-07-01
Okuma Rockaway SP Surf Rod (9' M — RSP-S-902M)
Overview
- Maker: Okuma Fishing USA.
- Purpose: Surf rod line built "specifically for the SoCal surf perch fisherman" (Sportsman's Warehouse listing). Sizes 8'6" to 11'; the 9' Medium (RSP-S-902M) and 10' M+ (RSP-S-1002M+) are the SoCal surf sweet spots, with the 9'7" MH (RSP-S-972MH) covering heavier halibut/shark work.
- Current 2026 version: Rockaway SP series (SKU prefix RSP-S-). Distinct from the older Rockaway Surf (RA-S-) line and the new Rockaway SI reel line.
Social standing
- Facebook — "Surf Fishing In So Cal" group (863514491264141), 2026-08-26: a new angler asked the group about pairing a "9' Okuma Rockaway SURF SP" with a KastKing Sharky III 3000 and 12 lb test (11 comments). The rod is named in the buy question itself — group members recognized it.
- Instagram — @benjiekimfishing (SoCal surf creator, bio tags @okumafishingusa @luckycraftsw — sponsored relationship, disclose): repeatedly fishes the Rockaway SP 9' M and 10' m+; IG captions give full setups (e.g., "Rod - @okumafishingusa Rockaway SP 10' m+ / Reel - Okuma Inspira isx 3k / 15 lb braid w/ 20 lb @opsin_fluorocarbon leader"). A caption from Fisherman's Access (SoCal shop) calls him "Flashminnow & RockAway King" — the rod is a nickname-level staple in the local scene.
- Instagram — @okumafishingusa: "Can't say enough about the new @okumafishingusa Rockaway SP 9'7" mh/mf 12-25 lb 3/4-3.5 ounces. A little heavier than my go to 9' m but significantly more power… Perfectly balanced."
- Praise: lightweight enough to cast all day, sensitive tip for perch bites, enough backbone for halibut/leopard shark bycatch. Complaints seen: none substantive in social sources; some retailer listings show models out of stock (fishermanswarehouse, crawled 2026-08) — availability fluctuates.
Social validation — Tier 1
- FB group named in buy-intent post (proves local buyers shop it by name).
- IG influencer catch reports with full setup detail (proves in-use for corbina/perch/halibut/leopard shark).
- Retail presence: Sportsman's Warehouse, TackleDirect, Bobby Barrack, Fisherman's Warehouse, Shop Sweeneys (proves current retail availability).
- Local SoCal shops stock it (Fisherman's Access mentioned via nickname post).
Key specs
| Spec | RSP-S-902M (9') | RSP-S-1002M+ (10') | RSP-S-972MH (9'7") |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power / Action | M / Moderate Fast | M+ / Moderate Fast | MH / Medium Fast |
| Line rating | 8–17 lb | 10–20 lb | 12–25 lb |
| Lure rating | 1/4–1 oz | 1/2–3 oz | 3/4–3 1/2 oz |
| Sections | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Guides | 8 + tip | UNVERIFIED | UNVERIFIED |
| Blank | 24/30-ton carbon, UFR-II tip | same series | same series |
| Guide frames | SeaGuide XQ 316 stainless, Zirconium inserts (braid/mono) | same series | same series |
| Grip | EVA split grip, stainless hook keeper | same series | same series |
Source: phdtackle.com product page (crawled 2026-07), bobbybarrack.com model table (2026-06), fishermanswarehouse.com (2026-08).
Pricing (2026-09-20)
- Street price: ~$129.99–$132.99 (bobbybarrack.com $129.99; sportsmans.com $132.24, crawled 2026-09-14; meta catalog $132.99–$156.62 variants).
- Marketplace used: no Okuma Rockaway listing observed in FB Marketplace search (2026-09-20); in-group for-sale post observed for a "Cousins 11ft surf rod" at $300 obo (Long Beach, 2026-09-06) — different brand, not a price anchor.
What's included / what else is needed
- Rod only (2-piece). Needs: 3000–4000-size spinning reel, 15–20 lb braid with 15–20 lb fluorocarbon leader (the community-standard combo per IG setups).
Support reality
- 1-year limited warranty (per phdtackle.com/basspro.ca). Community-reported support reputation: not discussed in the social sources found — UNVERIFIED beyond the warranty term.
Community verdict
The name-checked default surf rod in the SoCal groups and IG surf scene, fished by name in posts and buy questions rather than just reviews. Light enough for perch/corbina, rated up for halibut-class work. Buy the 9' M for perch/corbina, the 10' M+ or 9'7" MH for lure-distance halibut work.