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Topic: Reel Suggestions? (Read 6815 times)
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ArkFisher
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Thanks jeff! I guess one of these days I need to upgrade the ole reel. The one in the picture came out of one of those $25 walmart fly fishing kits I bought about 4 or 5 years ago when I first started fly fishing. I've upgraded the rod, but the reel is still working fine and catching fish so I just couldn't push myself to upgrade it. Speaking of that, jeff, what reels world you recommend that don't cost an arm and a leg?  Thanks! Jared |
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B Smith
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If you aren't in a hurry and have time to watch for the deals, I have bought some reels online from ebay. The ones I have bought were made by Fly Logic and I have bought two of them for less than 70.00 each. So far I have been pleased with them and the drags feel smooth, not that we use them very often on the Lil Mo.
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Jeff Guerin
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There's a slew of decent reels for just the end of your 4th toe on your left foot kind of cost!  The SA Concept 2 Disc Drag reels, Okuma Sierra's, Pfluerger Supreme's, Martin Mountain Brook, Cortland Mosquito's, Bass Pro's Hobb's Creek and the Redington RedFly2 all come to mind! They are all under $60 and some of those are half that! I've used Concept 2's and Okuma Sierra's on "client" rods and both are quite functional and are still going! Anything above this level and you can't hardly go wrong! Anybody else got suggestions in the less than $75 range and then, maybe the $75 to $125 range just for fun! |
Always On The Water - Jeff Guerin
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labrati
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Ebay for sure.. or try sierratradingpost.com they have a pretty good return policy...
The difference between the SA system and concept reels is vast.. so watch out for that.. the Concepts tend to be composite, but I have one and it works just fine...
I've got a very old Orvis Battenkill Disc (the first version made in england).. it's been a great reel.. only thing the drag has ever been really used for is keeping the leader and fly tight when stored on the rod while moving from place to place...
Last time I checked sierratradingpost had a couple of reddingtons and SA reels for under $40.00.. I think they had a SA for under $20
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Larry Offner
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TFO just came out with their Prizm reels. The cast aluminum reel is only $39.95 and has an impressive disc drag. Don Jackson from Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters had some at the Little Mo Fly Fishing Festival. Here's the product description and photo: For cost-conscious anglers who still value reliability, the Prizm Large Arbor Reels come with an offset Teflon disc drag and a one-way clutch bearing. These cast aluminum reels feature quick-change spools and an easy LH/RH conversion, in sizes 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. All this at an MSRP of $39.95 for the reel, and spare spools at $19.95.  |
"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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labrati
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Hey, Larry... can I get a link to that info? doesn't show up on TFO website that I can find.. and the prices I find for TFO prism reels are more like $139...
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Larry Offner
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You're right... the reels are still not on their website. The machined aluminum reel is $139.95... the cast aluminum reel is $39.95. Here's a link to a write up I did on them on my site: http://www.warmfly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=103&Itemid=2I know that Alec Griffin at Uptown Angler in New Orleans has both reels and would be glad to answer questions or ship to you. Alec Griffin Uptown Angler 601 Julia New Orleans, LA 70130 504-529-3597 |
"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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John Davis
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I have two of the BassPro Hobbs Creek reels and they are very nice for a $39.95 reel. I know their drags work well and they are smooth. Right now on the Little Mo you don't have to fight a fish on the reel. But with further development and some of the large fish they are putting in now, that could change. A good reel with an adjustable drag would put you ahead if you ever fished a river where you did have to fight every fish on the reel. You have to watch BP closely, since they have had them on sale before. John D
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ArkFisher
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Any of ya'll have experience with Lemax reels? They look and sound nice when looking at them on a computer screen (and are very cheap), but just wondering on quality. Thanks. The one I have came off one of those $25 walmart kits that had rod, reel, line, flies, everything so I'm sure it's not any "cheaper" than the one I'm using now....and I've had it for about 4 or 5 years with no problems. So, any exp with Lemax?? Thanks |
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3wt
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Okay,
Everyone here is just poking around about reels. I think it is an underated part of the equipment needed to land and hold fish.
Don't care what size fish you are catching, a quality reel should be on your $200-$500 rod.
I love the styling, and functionality of Ross reels. I believe the engineering that goes into them is the best. Take a look at the new combos they have come out with this year. Affordability and quality in some of the lower end units. For instance, The Essence FC for $250 is a 5/6 wt 9' 4 piece rod and reel combo that beginners would benefit from learning the skill of fly fishing.
For those more advanced with just a reel in mind, try the CLA or Evolution models. The 4-6 wt reels may run you in the neighborhood of $100-$150, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Even better is the new Flow models which is a modern redention of the center pin reel. I bought one at the beginning of February to go on my vintage bamboo. Paid almost $300, but i think i can pass on to twenty generations this mastery of machining.
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ArkFisher
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3wt, I will have to completely, but respectfully, disagree with you on this one. You don't have to have all that high dollar equipment. I have a $40 rod, and will probably get a $30 or reel (which will be an upgrade from my current reel) and I’ve had my current reel for 4 years with out one single problem. I've fished the little red and the little mo and caught many, many fish. The largest was a 17"er on the LR and had to bring her up river to me and have never had a problem. I don't think you have to have $600 or more invested in the setup. But if you think you do, more power to you. I can think of many, many ways to spend the extra $530 I will save on my set-up. |
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Jeff Guerin
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Yep! All depends on what you're looking for...  I learned a long time ago, "spend what you can spend - get what you can get!" The most expensive reel I've had is the Teton that I still fish on my 2/3 I built in 1997 - I think at the time the reel retailed for about $160. They're still not much more than that. Sorry, but there's no way I'm going to spend $300 on a fly reel. You're just not getting that much more.  But if you want to have nice toys, and can do it, why not? I'm spending my money on good fly lines, good leaders and a good wine, myself! |
Always On The Water - Jeff Guerin
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ArkFisher
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Yep! All depends on what you're looking for... I learned a long time ago, "spend what you can spend - get what you can get!" The most expensive reel I've had is the Teton that I still fish on my 2/3 I built in 1997 - I think at the time the reel retailed for about $160. They're still not much more than that. Sorry, but there's no way I'm going to spend $300 on a fly reel. You're just not getting that much more. But if you want to have nice toys, and can do it, why not? I'm spending my money on good fly lines, good leaders and a good wine, myself! Yeah I meant to put that if you can get that kind of stuff, I guess there is nothing wrong with it....I just don't see the need. I've seen kids catch 6lb bass on a snoopy pole and I've seen pros catch 6lb bass on a $400 set up....what's the difference once the fish is in hand?? |
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3wt
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Amatuers are always telling pros, I can catch what you catch and spend half the money doing it.
Well then, why are those guys fishing for $500k prizes? Answer is simple, the best equipment is used to locate, attract, catch fish.
Sorry, folks. I like the best. And we all know it costs $$$ to play with the big boys.
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ArkFisher
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Well Jeff, I guess we have a new pro. Look like you will have to give up your spot. haha Oh, and BTW, these pros that you speak of could catch fish on a $15 snoopy set too. They catch fish because they know what the fish want and how to present it to them, not because a $400 is on their rod. I watched a bass show one time that had Kevin VanDam and I believe it was Skeet Reese and the show gave them each a snoopy rod and reel and they had to fish with it. It didn't hurt their numbers from when they were using their high dollar equipment earlier. Anyway, it's not the rod and reel that get you the big fish or the numbers, it's the know how and the ability to give the fish what they want where and when they want it. Ok, weren't we talking about good lower end reels?  |
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Larry Offner
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Ok, weren't we talking about good lower end reels? ArkFisher, Thanks for getting this thread back on track. Indeed the request was for a recommendation for " a reel that won't cost an arm and a leg". I like good equipment too! For fishing trout I would prefer a great rod, "decent reel", and excellent fly line. Although my reels are mid to high end... I'm sorry folks... but... unless your fishing for large fish or fishing saltwater a high end reel is just not a necessity in my humble opinion. |
"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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Larry Offner
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Answer is simple, the best equipment is used to locate, attract, catch fish.
3wt, The reel has absolutely nothing to do with locating, attracting or catching a fish unless it's a large fish that requires a disc drag... but... the rod, the fly line, leader/tippet and the fly has everything to do with the fore mentioned items... in my humble opinion. I think the most important thing is our sport is making a good presentation... and I don't think you need an expensive reel to do that either! |
"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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flyfish
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As I muse at this discussion, it reminds me of my experience, as each of us relates to ourselves when thoughts are provoked, how I got started in fly fishing. After witnessing some fly fishing on a stream in Upstate NY, I had to have a fly rod and reel set up. I immediately went to Woolworth and bought the best they had.....rod, reel, line, leader and flies $19.95. OK, my first outing wasn't so good, but shortly thereafter when Louisiana became home again, one day I got the set out of my truck and fished a small bar-ditch in Keithville. Proceeded to tear the bream up. Dusk came and gone. the last bit of light produced a very bad cast that put me in the grass just off the bank, when all heck broke loose.....a two and half pound bass just happen to hit my fly.....I have never been the same since. Truly, a life changing experience and there's not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for it. And it all started on a 20 dollar outfit! I've since progressed some in my equipment. But that has nothing to do with the amount of pleasure fly fishing has brought to my life.
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Larry Offner
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Flyfish (I know who you are!)
YOU DA MAN! Thanks for the perfect post!
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"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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labrati
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I did end up with a Lamson Radius Hybrid 9/10 for my 8wt TiCr-X.. really mostly because it will be used in saltwater for reds and freshwater for stripers..... found the reel for less than $150.00... and it's SWEEEEET... makes the disc drag on my Orvis Battenkill seem like the difference between using your feet for brakes and anti-lock disc with traction control....
I agree that 99% of trout can be reasonably played and landed on a reel with no drag... an exposed spool rim for palming should suffice... I've had probably two trout in my life (both on the little red) where I actually turned the drag a little...
But.. big critters and salt water critters are fought differently with a fly-rod than trout... the reel really does make a HUGE difference with saltwater species... when it comes to these reels... a significant number of them are priced pretty insane.. I'm talking in the 4 figures for some.. but the drag performance (initial startup inertia, etc) and salt resistance is critical...
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3wt
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I want to clarify some things from the forum.
I fish a vintage bamboo rod, am almost 65 years old, and have fished the best fisheries in the western hemishphere. I learned early in life that something designed and engineered to deliver the best results for the occasion is something that only experts can appreciate.
This is why I gave my opionion on Ross reels. May be some of you can't afford such quality, but if you get the chance, try them.
BTW, some of you fellas are just pups, so don't claim to know more than your lil brain can muster!
Jeff, if you want to ban me from posting in the future, I will understand.
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Larry Offner
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Ban you from the board? No one wants to ban you from the board. Debate is what forums are about! Geesh!
Everyone will agree with you that quality equipment is best. I have Winston, Scott, Orvis, St. Croix as well as three bamboo rods. Reels by Lamson, Orvis and yes a Ross Evolution 0 reel on my Orvis Superfine rod. But, the original question was for a good low budget reel. I'm sure no one is upset about your post and I'm sure Jeff would never ban you from the forum because you shared you opinion. We fly fishermen need to hang together!
Larry Offner
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"He told us about Christ's disciples being fisherman, and we were left to assume...that all great fishermen on the Sea of Galilee were fly fisherman and that John, the favorite, was a dry-fly fisherman." - Norman Maclean-A River Runs Through It
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wb4tjh
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I'm aware that this thread is a year old, but I wanted to put in my two cents worth. I have a couple of nice Hardy reels and extra spools, and I love fishing them. But the fact is, my old USA made Pflueger Medalist reels do just as well, are super dependable, and will take a LOT more abuse than the Hardy reels will. I love the screech of a Hardy reel when a good sized fish is on, and would miss that. But the fact IS, the Pfluegers are just as serviceable, cost much less, will take harder knocks, and are as nostalgic to fish as the Hardys. I could live with them for the rest of my life, and never have to look back with regret. I own several fine bamboos also, and a number of fine older Orvis graphites. But I could live with and fish just as well with my glass rods. So you do NOT have to spend a fortune to enjoy flyfishing. I'm 62 and have had 40+ years to accumulate some nice fly tackle, that's all. Professional bass fisherman use high end gear because they are PAID to do so by sponsors. I filmed several of Bill Dance's TV shows some years ago, and Bill told me he had 8 boats in his back yard...all given to him by sponsors. I'm happy with a 14 foot Jon boat, a canoe or kayak. So if you can afford to indulge youself with high end tackle, more power to you. But it is NOT necessary to fish expensive tackle to be a successful flyfisherman. Give Tiger Woods a cheap of clone golf clubs, and he would STILL beat 99.999% of the golfers in the world. It's the Indian, not the arrow that brings home the game. Thunderthud has spoken......
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Caught my first trout on the Little Missouri in 1968. Bill Anderson, Monett, Mo.
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Little Missouri Fly Fishing
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