Fly Fishermen: I Need A Reel Recommendation

[joeychitwood]

I've fished bass, Northern Pike and muskies with traditional baitcasting and spinning equipment since I was a kid, but I have no experience with fly fishing. One of my partners at work gave me "get well" gift the other day, a nine-foot Lefty Kreh fly rod, a case, fly line and a selection of pike "flies." Now I need a fly reel.

In searching the fishing web sites, I've found somewhere around a hundred thousand different fly reels. Can any of the fly fishermen/women at TRF suggest a decent beginner's reel for under $200? I don't want to spend a lot of money only to find that I don't like fly fishing. Here is a link to the Cabelas fly reel page, but I'll buy from any reputable site.

[figbo]

I used to do plenty of fly fishing while stationed in Alaska and without a doubt doc,it's not the reel,it's the fisherman in you.Light reel with space for the line,that's the key.

[kareemthedream33]

Hey Doc. I wouldn't worry too much about the reel. Anything for around $100 is going to do the job just fine.

[George Burdell]

Just my , but despite what Orvis would have you believe, fly fishing is all about the rod. The reel is basically a place to store your line when not in use (unlike spinning rods/bait casting rods/etc.).

With respect to the rod, there's a lot involved. You want the speed of the "action" of the rod to be something you're comfortable with in the conditions you most typically fish. I like really slow action rods because they feel more like the original cane fly rods, but many people prefer a fast action. Mid action will handle most situations.

You want the weight of the line to be suited to the rod, and you want the weight to be something that will turn over the flies you're fishing with. Also, keep in mind that when you cast a weight forward line that has a head greater than 30', for each 5-6' extra of line you're casting, you're loading the rod one-size up. For example, rods are rated for 30' of line. If you cast 40' of 6 wt line (weight forward), you're actually casting the equivalent of a 9.5 wt line on your 6 wt rod. Elements like that make rod selection/price an interesting adventure.

Back to the reel, unless you want some fancy drag system for reeling in fish, it's just a line holder/retriever. Temple Fork makes some good ones. Their cartridge reel is $50 and lets you switch out lines quickly. They make inexpensive large arbor reels as well, if you're into that.

http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/products/reels.html

I personally have more than one rod hooked to a Cabela's Three Forks reel. They run $20.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishi...3Bcat105572880

They're polymer/graphite with a decent disc drag. Work like a top. If I need to switch lines, I just pop on another reel. Some may chuckle because its an inexpensive reel, but it works great and leaves me more money to invest in the rod.

Like I said, just my . Others may have different opinions.

[joeychitwood]

Thanks, George. I contacted a friend in Bozeman, Montana who fishes the trout streams and rivers there frequently, and he also recommended the Three Forks reel. I will probably give it a try until I know what I like.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Thanks, George. I contacted a friend in Bozeman, Montana who fishes the trout streams and rivers there frequently, and he also recommended the Three Forks reel. I will probably give it a try until I know what I like.

My hometown. Some of the best fly fishing in the country. I used to fly fish almost everyday growing up. I miss it. I have a lot of friends who are guides out there.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

My hometown. Some of the best fly fishing in the country. I used to fly fish almost everyday growing up. I miss it. I have a lot of friends who are guides out there.

Any reel recommendations?

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Any reel recommendations?

I have several reels but they are all pretty expensive. I have several Tibor and Hardy and have one Abel. The Tibor reels run in the 500 - 700 range (Ridiculous in my opinion). I have to admit I have never bought a reel though. I have always gotten all my gear for free from my guide buddies. I think any reel like the Three Forks is more than adequate especially when you are still trying to determine if you like the sport or not.

[Fox red lab]

I have had really good luck with the Orvis Battenkill mid arbor and large arbor. They are very inexpensive as well.

I have fought many trout in the 18-25" inch range on the Bow River and Missouri River with these reels.

I agree that the reel is certainly just a place to hold your line, but without a good reliable drag system you risk losing the fish so don't cheap out, but you don't have to drop $500. But if you wanted to I would go with an Islander.

Tight lines!

[Kapture1]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

My hometown. Some of the best fly fishing in the country. I used to fly fish almost everyday growing up. I miss it. I have a lot of friends who are guides out there.

What state?

I know how good Michigan's rivers are, been to Colorado and Alaska

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by Kapture1

What state?

I know how good Michigan's rivers are, been to Colorado and Alaska

Montana!

[Kapture1]

Abel. cant get any better.

EDIT: I presume you are looking for a high end reel, gonna cost you. I mean you are on a Rolex forum, only the best

[Kapture1]

sorry, didnt read your first post. You can find good beginner combos (rod and reel) for a few hundred. I had a combo when I started out but its been so long, I could not tell you what I had.