Your Favorite Fly Reel

[PRomano]

Mr Romano,
You know that this is a false statement. I suppose fly-fishermen did not land fish before 1893.

I believe that statement to be true. Sure fly fisherman have landed fish prior to 1893 but today we're landing more. Advancements in technology have improved everything we do in life. Modern rod materials enable us to cast much further with ease reaching fish that were previously unreachable. Modern drag systems enable us to land much larger fish easier than it ever was.

I know there are those among us that prefer the more traditional tackle like bamboo and single action click reels and I respect that. I use both myself. But I'm also aware of the fact that I'm handicapping myself under certain circumstances in doing so. As for me, I'll continue to play fish off the reel.

Peace! :fish:

 

[Future Fanatic]

Someday I'll own one of these Fibica BF800Bs.


It features "Up to 12 ball bearings ensure unmatched smoothness" and is super light. It's also got an "On/off switch clicker"...indispensable...


If you can afford it:
BF800B Freshwater Plastic Fly Fishing Reel

 

[tomfly]

I agree modern drag systems have advanced the sport. I decline to agree that it is factual that you land more fish because of it. Where is your proof? I personally have landed some decent size fish while using my hand as a drag. I would be lying to say I land them all but so would everyone else. And again let me clarify (trout fishing) not salmon steel head or salt water or a fish runs to the backing and you are forced to fight it from the reel, but palming the reel works just as effective. My main reason for losing fish is light tippets not because I choose not to fight the fish from my reel.

Peace back at you

 

[30Cal]

This old Battenkill; but I think it's mostly because I've had it since I was say 12 years old. It would be nice if it had a drag instead of that clicker-volume-knob, but hey.

I'm getting more partial to a Hardy Princess that I finally got around to repairing after almost 20 years of looking at it.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Reels don't always have to make sense, they just have to make us confident like our flies, rods, waders, and other gear. So sometimes the reel that makes perfect sense is the $35 Pflueger and sometimes it's the $750 reel with the fancy paint job.

I have owned some of each over the years, but the one that stands out most for me is my Abel Big Game matched to an older Sage fast action 5 weight. No trout that ever swam required a reel that can stop a run away tractor trailer headed downhill, but my Abel can do that without breaking a sweat. It does not sing pretty music like some of the Hardys I've admired from afar, but blue whales swim in fear and I could imagine no other reel on my big trout rods, ever.

Will an Okuma fit the bill? You betcha. But I'm going to lug this old Able around until I'm old and gray (or is that older and grayer?)

 

[Trout Nazi]

Up to now I could see where you were coming from, but you lost me with the ego thing. So now, since I appreciate fine machining, technology,and good looks, I have a small dick? Or I need to display my wealth and status to my fellow fisherman (like anyone actually cares, and like I ever see anyone)? That extra $150 you spend on a higher-end reel is like getting the keys to the executive bathroom I guess. So are guys with big, expensive pickups trying to over-compensate for something?

 

[tomfly]

Up to now I could see where you were coming from, but you lost me with the ego thing. So now, since I appreciate fine machining, technology,and good looks, I have a small dick? Or I need to display my wealth and status to my fellow fisherman (like anyone actually cares, and like I ever see anyone)? That extra $150 you spend on a higher-end reel is like getting the keys to the executive bathroom I guess. So are guys with big, expensive pickups trying to over-compensate for something?

I fish a private club on the Musky every now and then. The club has a few members that money is not an object. A couple of the guys just started fly fishing over the past few seasons. Everything they have is top shelf stuff. I asked one of the guys if you are just starting out. Why all the High end equipment. He said I want the best. He had a Hardy St George reel attached to a Thomas and Thomas Helix. Just real nice equipment. The funny ting about it he slapped the just about every cast. That is an ego thing.

 

[iflifish]

I don't know if I can pick just one favorite. On the light side it would have to be my Abel TR-1, click & pawl that I use on my 4 weight for small stream fishing. On the other end of the spectrum, for saltwater, king salmon, etc. I would have to go with my Tibor Riptide; built like a tank, and could almost stop one. I would have to say both of these are “keepers”; the craftsmanship is apparent in each.

In the middle I still haven’t quite found what I’m looking for. Maybe Nautilus or Hatch would fit the bill. In the 5-8wt range I have Ross Evolutions and (older) Lamson LP reels. On my 5 weight I first had an Abel TR-2. But after one trip to the Missouri several years ago I quickly ditched it in favor of the Ross with its disc drag. Even before heading out there I had already tried to modify the click and pawl drag of the Abel to handle the larger fish of the Delaware, which helped somewhat but also made the click even louder. As much as the TR-1 is perfect for smaller fish on smaller streams, the TR-2 just felt wrong on the Delaware, and even more so after a day of beating up on the many fish below Holter Dam on the Mo. I was sick of the loud noise of the modified drag, (and so were the other boats in the area, I’m sure) and also tired of palming the reel to bring the fish to hand. The next day I took a trip to LOTG on the Mo and fought a 26” rainbow with the TR-2, which was almost like something out of The Old Man and the Sea. No, the click and pawl reel didn’t cause me to lose any fish, but it sure made the fishing feel more like work and less like fun in this case.

Still, with the Ross and Lamson reels, I don’t feel like these are “keepers”. They’re reasonably well built, but they don’t have the “character” or “feel” of either the Abel or the Tibor. I’ve learned it is important to buy the best (not necessarily the most expensive) you can the first time, or you will end up buying it twice, or maybe even three times. What’s cheaper in the long run? It’s not about bling, but the “feel” of a well-built reel, be it click & pawl, or state of the art disc, or whatever else drag, is what it is about. Ok, my Tibor might have been a little about bling when I bought it in gold, but if I were to buy it again it would be in black. As far as the classics, for me not now, maybe another time.

 

[draku007]

Does anyone own the Ross F1 Fly Reel?

 

[MACFLY]

Hmm not sure that equates to an ego thing. Some folks are happy to use bare bones equipment and others like the latest and greatest equipment. I personally use both and I can appreciate high end gear just like I appreciate value priced gear. Case in point the rise drift reel I bought this year is awesome. A great click and pawl reel that goes on my CGR rod from Cabelas. Both were 99 bucks. Going slightly up market the. FWX reel from Nautilus is excellent. Incredibly reel with a very smooth drag that holds a bunch of line. Aesthetically speaking it a beautiful reel with lots of options for customization. The remarkable thing is the reel is about 250.00 dollars and made in the U.S.A. at the high end of te market I mentioned hatch reel and I am wy impressed with this reel and it feels like a solid reel. So each his own. Perhaps a few folks think it is ego but hey if you can afford it why should we care. I do believe many folks just like to experiment ( that would be me). It's all good

I fish a private club on the Musky every now and then. The club has a few members that money is not an object. A couple of the guys just started fly fishing over the past few seasons. Everything they have is top shelf stuff. I asked one of the guys if you are just starting out. Why all the High end equipment. He said I want the best. He had a Hardy St George reel attached to a Thomas and Thomas Helix. Just real nice equipment. The funny ting about it he slapped the just about every cast. That is an ego thing.

 

[Trout Nazi]

Yes, that could be an ego thing. On the other hand, hey, if you've got that kind of money, why not, right? If I was just filthy, dirty with cash, I would own ridiculous equipment.

The good thing about knowing guys like that is when they give up on the sport, you can swoop in and pick up their stuff for a steal.

 

[MACFLY]

Does anyone own the Ross F1 Fly Reel?

Not yet but check with me next week

 

[Lonewolve]

I have recently realized that i enjoy using click and pawl reels ,My main workhorse is believe it or not a Precision 3/4 a defunct New Jersey reel company made this reel and its fun its used mostly on my Walton Powell Hexagraph 7'6" 4/5 , I also have a Climax reel i use for my GLoomis GL3 6'6" 3wt , i also still use the Cortland Crown 2,and Cortland Rimfly reels.
For standard arbor drag reels I have one Ross San Miguel #2,and a Ross San Miguel #3 with a extra spool,these are my work horse reels,#2 has a 5 wt line,the #3 and extra spool have 6wt lines.
For Large Arbor I have one Ross Canyon #2 and a extra spool,and a Ross Canyon #3 with extra spool the #3 is for a Trout Spey loaded with a Rio Windcutter 4/5 and the extra spool will be probably loaded with another Rio Gold #5, the #2 is undecided yet ill probably use that on my 10' 4 & 5 wts.
For Saltwater i have three Billy Pate Bonefish Anti Reverse reels each with a different line floater 9 wt,intermediate 9 wt,and a teeny 350 sometimes i switch to a Airflo Depthcharge 400,two of these reels also do double duty as my Salmon /Steelhead reels.I used to do the half a five weight double taper cut in half thing,then tried that damn running line thing, now i use a Rio Steelhead/Atlantic Salmon to swing.
Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

 

[AKSkim]

For my single handed fly rods for trout, salmon, and steelhead I have Abel reels.

Spey Rod I have a German made Vosseler.

My Ronbo bamboo rod a Hardy Cascapedia.

 

[MACFLY]

I love the San Miguel. I remember buying it at the TCO flyshop many moons ago. Ended up buying another one I have fished with it all over the U.S. You can beat on this reel and it performs flawlessly.
Wish they would come out with a re release

I have recently realized that i enjoy using click and pawl reels ,My main workhorse is believe it or not a Precision 3/4 a defunct New Jersey reel company made this reel and its fun its used mostly on my Walton Powell Hexagraph 7'6" 4/5 , I also have a Climax reel i use for my GLoomis GL3 6'6" 3wt , i also still use the Cortland Crown 2,and Cortland Rimfly reels.
For standard arbor drag reels I have one Ross San Miguel #2,and a Ross San Miguel #3 with a extra spool,these are my work horse reels,#2 has a 5 wt line,the #3 and extra spool have 6wt lines.
For Large Arbor I have one Ross Canyon #2 and a extra spool,and a Ross Canyon #3 with extra spool the #3 is for a Trout Spey loaded with a Rio Windcutter 4/5 and the extra spool will be probably loaded with another Rio Gold #5, the #2 is undecided yet ill probably use that on my 10' 4 & 5 wts.
For Saltwater i have three Billy Pate Bonefish Anti Reverse reels each with a different line floater 9 wt,intermediate 9 wt,and a teeny 350 sometimes i switch to a Airflo Depthcharge 400,two of these reels also do double duty as my Salmon /Steelhead reels.I used to do the half a five weight double taper cut in half thing,then tried that damn running line thing, now i use a Rio Steelhead/Atlantic Salmon to swing.
Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

 

[Lonewolve]

if i ever get the Paul Young Perfectionist 7'6" 4/5 i want either a Saracione , a Peerless,or if i can find one a DAve McNeese. hopefully this winter ill get the rod from Art Weiler.
Tight Wraps & Tight Lines
Rick Wallace

 

[David G]

draku007
i have the ross f1 #4 for my steel head rig it is a great reel if you have the money

 

[iflifish]

FlyReelMania

 

[LyNcH]

When it comes to reels, I am an Orvis guy. It's probably because my first reel was the Battenkill 5/6 that my wife bought be with a pair of Orvis waders for my birthday. I think she has regretted making the decision to show support ever since. The reel is solid, waders? well they lasted about 6 months.

I still have the 5/6, and because it's my first, it is my favorite, even though it has sat on my shelf all season. At some point I'll feel nostalgic, build myself another rod, and pull out the 5/6 again.

I am really loving the Orvis Mirage reels. Right now I have a II, III, IV, and 2 V's. Do I really need that much drag in the II for my 5wt rod? No, but I got a killer deal on the reel and I'm a gear addict. The drag on these Mirage reels is amazing. I have never paid close to retail for any of these reels and if I had to, probably would still be using my good old 5/6, BBS's, mid-arbors and other original Battenkill Large Arbor reels of yesteryear. I'm scared to actually go through my drawers and bins to see how many reels I actually have.

By the way, Orvis do make nice reels, but their waders SUCK!!!!!

 

[Simms]

When it comes to reels, I am an Orvis guy. It's probably because my first reel was the Battenkill 5/6 that my wife bought be with a pair of Orvis waders for my birthday. I think she has regretted making the decision to show support ever since. The reel is solid, waders? well they lasted about 6 months.

I still have the 5/6, and because it's my first, it is my favorite, even though it has sat on my shelf all season. At some point I'll feel nostalgic, build myself another rod, and pull out the 5/6 again.

I am really loving the Orvis Mirage reels. Right now I have a II, III, IV, and 2 V's. Do I really need that much drag in the II for my 5wt rod? No, but I got a killer deal on the reel and I'm a gear addict. The drag on these Mirage reels is amazing. I have never paid close to retail for any of these reels and if I had to, probably would still be using my good old 5/6, BBS's, mid-arbors and other original Battenkill Large Arbor reels of yesteryear. I'm scared to actually go through my drawers and bins to see how many reels I actually have.

By the way, Orvis do make nice reels, but their waders SUCK!!!!!

How about FUCKING SUCK? You can not pay me to wear those hunks of shit...Im not saying it because im a SIMMS WHORE, im saying it because they truly SUCK...even more than MAC FOOLE

 

[MACFLY]

How about FUCKING SUCK? You can not pay me to wear those hunks of shit...Im not saying it because im a SIMMS WHORE, im saying it because they truly SUCK...even more than MAC FOOLE

You have wounded me with your comment and therefore will no longer receive a Christmas I mean holiday (I don't want to upset the owner of this site) card from me.

 

[LyNcH]

You have wounded me with your comment and therefore will no longer receive a Christmas I mean holiday (I don't want to upset the owner of this site) card from me.

After all the silliness that goes on here, you're worried about saying Christmas. Call it what it is, Christmas. anyways.................

I'll add tot he Orvis wader story. I have told my story of going through 5 pairs and 2 years and then Orvis finally giving me an Orvis gift card with all my original money back. While pleased they backed their 100% satisfaction guarantee, it doesn't make up for the wader failures while fishing. if this ever happens to you, take that gift card and go to Whitakers, they are an authorized Orvis and Simms dealer. They let me apply the money towards a pair of Simms waders and I have never looked back.....now for the next chapter of Orvis crappers, I mean waders.

Last week a group of us hit the SR on Monday and Tuesday. My one buddy has made marital vows to Orvis and will not cheat on them. The devil may have finally tempted him. He was wearing his umpteenth pair of replacement waders, the newer bootfoot silver labels, and they sprung a leak, after only 12 months of using them. I couldn't laugh at him, he has just broke his spey rod a few hours before. However, it just goes to show quality is not a priority for them when it comes to waders.

 

[MACFLY]

Ok forget Holiday card how about Festivus card

After all the silliness that goes on here, you're worried about saying Christmas. Call it what it is, Christmas. anyways.................

I'll add tot he Orvis wader story. I have told my story of going through 5 pairs and 2 years and then Orvis finally giving me an Orvis gift card with all my original money back. While pleased they backed their 100% satisfaction guarantee, it doesn't make up for the wader failures while fishing. if this ever happens to you, take that gift card and go to Whitakers, they are an authorized Orvis and Simms dealer. They let me apply the money towards a pair of Simms waders and I have never looked back.....now for the next chapter of Orvis crappers, I mean waders.

Last week a group of us hit the SR on Monday and Tuesday. My one buddy has made marital vows to Orvis and will not cheat on them. The devil may have finally tempted him. He was wearing his umpteenth pair of replacement waders, the newer bootfoot silver labels, and they sprung a leak, after only 12 months of using them. I couldn't laugh at him, he has just broke his spey rod a few hours before. However, it just goes to show quality is not a priority for them when it comes to waders.

 

[AKSkim]

LL Bean.

Nuff said.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

LL Bean.

Nuff said.

I've heard a lot of good things about Bean's waders and their service. I remain loyal to Simms myself, but I owned 2 pairs of Orvis waders (Silver labels) and will NEVER again give Orvis my business. Never. Their loss because I both hunt and fish. I may have just as well wrapped my legs and torso with burlap they were so porous.

 

[MACFLY]

Does anyone own the Ross F1 Fly Reel?

Hmm a Ross F1 arrived in my mailbox this morning. A #2 in guide finish. Beautiful reel all around. I could see this as a steelhead reel in a bigger size. An amazing drag range setting.

 

[Simms]

Hmm a Ross F1 arrived in my mailbox this morning. A #2 in guide finish. Beautiful reel all around. I could see this as a steelhead reel in a bigger size. An amazing drag range setting.

You seem to have the same condition as me, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder gotta loveeee it!

 

[MACFLY]

You seem to have the same condition as me, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder gotta loveeee it!

As my original post stated I am a gear junkie but I like all sorts of stuff. To be honest I think the F 1 is great but I think too expensive ( I didnt pay what it costs). I think the FWX is as good for less.

 

[Joe D]

What if more trout fishermen caught on to Tenkara... that could reelly change things.

 

[PRomano]

Hmm a Ross F1 arrived in my mailbox this morning. A #2 in guide finish. Beautiful reel all around. I could see this as a steelhead reel in a bigger size. An amazing drag range setting.

let me tell you something about Ross reels. Don't be fooled by the economically priced CLA. The CLA is a very high quality reel. A few years ago I purchased 1 for Steelhead fishing because at that time I didn't have much cash on hand. Since then its the only reel I'll purchase for all my trout rods. Sure it weighs a tad more than the higher price models but the CLA can also handle being dropped on a rock much better.
Now I'm not a gear junkie by any means but I do love spending money. This is one situation where I can't justify spending more on the higher priced models because frankly I don't think they're that much better. The higher priced models just weight slightly less and have fancy names like F1.