2026.10.25

Abu Garcia Oceanfield Sawara Casting (2026): An Affordable Boat Rod for Spanish Mackerel

minagiman

Autumn is peak season for boat blade jigging and casting for Spanish mackerel (sawara). Abu Garcia’s entry-level offshore series Oceanfield now has a new Sawara Casting model — two rods at a list price of 19,000 yen. Here is what changed and which to choose.

There is one rod for blade jigs and one for plugs, both released October 2026. Oceanfield is a budget series with dedicated rods for many species, and several models are being renewed now.

Contents

Specs
What changed from the previous model
Common features
Which one?
Reel and line
Lures to pair
Compared with other entry rods
Minagiman’s take
Read next

Specs

	OSWS-712MH+	OSWS-742M+
Use	Blade jigs and metal jigs (power model)	Plugs, long casts (versatile model)
Length	7’1” (215.9 cm)	7’4” (223.5 cm)
Pieces	2	2
Closed	111.2 cm	115 cm
Weight	135 g	131 g
Tip	2.0 mm	1.8 mm
Max lure	100 g	60 g
PE	#2	#2
Material	95% carbon, 5% glass	95% carbon, 5% glass
List price (excl. tax)	19,000 yen	19,000 yen

What changed from the previous model

SiC top guide — the old model used O-rings throughout; the most heavily loaded guide is now SiC, better for PE line.
Fuji KR Guide Concept replaces the previous New Concept guides, reducing tangles.
Guide specs rebuilt from scratch for fewer problems and more comfortable fishing.
New design — rugged and simple.

Sawara casting means firing heavy blade jigs all day and burning them back, which is hard on PE line and guides. For an entry rod, the SiC top and KR guides are a big step forward.

Common features

Fuji SiC top guide for smooth PE release and fewer casting problems.
Fuji KR Guide Concept with small guides that tidy the line path, reducing wind tangles on deck.
Fuji VSS reel seat for grip and stability.
X Carbon Tape wrapped at 45° and 135° to add torque and prevent twisting when casting heavy lures and fighting big fish.

Which one?

You…	Choose
Mainly blade jig	OSWS-712MH+
Use heavy jigs in deep water or fast current	OSWS-712MH+
Throw minnows and sinking pencils at boils	OSWS-742M+
Want one rod for blades and plugs	OSWS-742M+

The 712MH+ is a stiffer power model that handles heavy blade jigs up to 100 g; its 7’1” length is easy to cast and handle on a boat. The 742M+ is a versatile plug rod that also handles blades and jigs, with 7’4” for distance. For a first rod, the 742M+ is the most versatile.

Reel and line

Part	Recommendation
Reel	4000–5000 high-gear spinning
Line	About PE 2
Leader	30–40 lb fluorocarbon — longer, because of sawara teeth

Lures to pair

Lure	Rod	Use
Blade jigs 30–60 g	712MH+ / 742M+	Standard fast retrieve
Blade jigs 80–100 g	712MH+	Deep water, fast current
Minnows / sinking pencils	742M+	Boils and surface-feeding sawara

Good matches include the Hayabusa Jack Eye Sawara Spin 2 (hook always rides up) and the Daiwa Blind Bolt 140S minnow.

Compared with other entry rods

Rod	Price	Highlights
Abu Garcia Oceanfield Sawara Casting (2026)	19,000 yen list	Two sawara-specific models, SiC top, KR guides
Shimano 25 Grappler BB Type Blade	~mid-10,000s yen street	Entry blade jigging
Daiwa Outrage XV (casting)	~mid-10,000s yen street	Entry offshore casting

Minagiman’s take

With entry rods, the biggest frustration is usually not lack of power but guide wraps and PE tangles. This update fixes exactly that without raising the price. Cheap but trouble-free is what matters most in a first rod. Sawara charter boats book up fast in autumn, so get your blade jigs and leaders ready early.