Reels

Post by **JeanDorais** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 2:37 pm

Tim and I were having a conversation about reels today...and we're both at a bit of a loss. Namely, the difference in $$$ for the various reels.

I've been fly-fishing for 5 years and own a bit of equipment- nothing uber high end (no Helios rods hiding in the trunk of my car or anything...)but what I have works, including my reels. Redington Wayfarer in 4wt and 6wt and my new TFO Signature 4pc 5wt.

I have 2 Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbour reels (4wt and 6wt), a Martin "Mountain Brook" 5wt and a Sage 1201 in 4wt. I shoot everything from Orvis Wonderline 3 Trout to SA GPX and also the Orvis Clearwater line. A fair mix of line types and price.
I subscribe to the 'my reel is there to hold my line' school of thought. I don't play fish with the reel, I strip my line for that- of course that may change if I hook into something BIG!

Not looking for a debate or a flame-war...I am honestly interested in hearing what your thoughts are on reels and the price/value relationship.

Thanks,

Jean

Post by **beachburger** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:08 pm

As far as I am concerned, any reel under an 8wt is little more than a line holder. If I were to spend a lot of money on a reel it would be to "accessorize" a rod that cost waaaaaaaay too much money.

I have only been fly fishing for a year now but I have caught more than a few fish. To date, I have only brought one fish in on the reel. And that was only because the fish hit the fly as soon as it hit the water and I decided to see what reeling it in would be like.

Post by **Fishboy** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 4:56 pm

Sounds like you've got most of your bases covered, JD. I've got to agree with you that in 5-wt and lighter the reel is a line holder. Good quality line is far more important in lower weights.

If your quarry is larger fish like salmon or big pike, then of course a good drag system is needed. In that case, it's better to plunk down extra bucks for a higher end reel.

I've fished Orvis Rocky Mountain reels for almost 12 years and reel failure has never happened to me (I'm perfectly capable of losing fish without the help of a reel, thank you very much!). My 6-wt reel was more than adequate for rainbows up to 6 pounds in BC.

I recently bought an Orvis Bar Stock mid-arbor and it's well balanced on the 6-wt, but I've yet to put the drag to the test. Good value for the $$$, IMHO.

I also own a Redington R/S for my 9-wt and it's super. This one has a really good drag that has taken on a few Lake Ontario tributary fish and fiesty largemouth bass without fail. Redington seems to make fairly good stuff that competes favorably with higher end equipment.

Great equipment is really nice, but the angler him/herself makes the difference in the numbers of fish landed.

Post by **Todd B.** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:26 pm

I paid for a quality reel for my 8wt (nothing outrageous mind you) so that I would have a smooth reliable drag when going after steelhead, etc. Anything that has the potential of taking 30+ yards of line on a run requires a good drag system IMHO. For everything my reel is just a line holder.

Post by **Hookup** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 6:30 pm

The factor that came to my mind was "water-proof" vs not water-proof.

I tend to have my reel in the water at least once per hour, sometimes more depending on my tailing casts (f*&k'n casting f@#king h3ll)... so I figured a waterproof system, for the drag system, gears, etc... might exist and therefore might be worth the scratch...

Post by **Salar** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 11:08 pm

I recently bought a Lamson Velocity V2 for my 5wt. For the most part it's a line holder but since I tend to fish my 5wt for most everything I like to have the extra insurance of a good drag system. I've hooked a few tippet testers this year so I wanted a reel with a smooth drag system and low start up inertia. It the reel overkill, maybe. Does it look good on my rod, for sure

Post by **uberfish** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 2:50 pm

I've got an Okuma SLV (I think) and it's been torqued by two chinook in the St. Mary's R and worked beautifully. I fish a Cabela's 6 wt and this was a bit hairy but I'd do it again. Not an expensive reel but good. only issue with grit when I put it on the sand and siezed up, had to give it a good rinsing, it was brand new and I was having a fit.

Post by **Evan** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 7:55 pm

I have a couple reels myself, i just recently bought an orvis battenkill barstock for my 6 wt, and also own a teton tioga reel for my 9 wt. I do notice a difference, My tioga is by far a nicer reel than the orvis, though it did cost slightly more. Both are fine reels, the one thing i do suggest would be to make sure you can by spare spools for whatever you go with. Also check to see if they are good for saltwater or not, ( if you fish saltwater) My tioga is good for saltwater- it a great reel for the price, i paid around 200 for it.

Post by **JeanDorais** » Thu Jul 31, 2008 8:50 pm

I managed to get out casting after supper tonight with the TFO Signature 5wt and the Martin "Mountain Brook" reel.

Getting the hang of the different 'feel' of this rod, and the reel worked well. For 27$ at LB, I'm not complaining at all- of course, I've not caught any fish and haven't had need of the drag (yet)...we'll see if Saturday morning's fun gives it a work out.

Tight lines,

Jean