Four types of fly reels for real fish

[joefishin]

In my world of fishing, here is how I see it. Don't laugh yet please...

Type one.. Too small, or too cheap to bother with when it comes to salmon fishing in Alaska, and perhaps saltwater types in New England.

Type two.. Working man's grade of gear. Okuma Helios, Phleuger Trion, Sci Anglers Sys two, and probably a couple more.. Not the best, but not the most expensive either.. I think these might work, but WOULD LIKE KNOWLEDGABLE OPINIONS ON THESE.

Type Three; Some of the Orvis, Teton/Tioga, Ross Reels (some?), reels in this caliber are in the $150-$250 range. Nothing that is going to break the bank, but isn't a type 4,

Type 4 Tibor, Sage, etc. These are out of my league. Sure, I could buy one, but I wouldn't want to if I could buy something less expensive that will do the same job. Probably would never buy one regardless,,, unless I hit the lottery or they prove I am Anna Nicoles baby's father.. But even if I did, I more than likely wouldn't know the difference.


So, is there any that exist in the type two range that are worthy of a trip to the Great Land, or to Point Judith??

Should I just concentrate on the type threes?? And if this is the case, which ones in this price range??:dunno:

HOW ABOUT AN ORVIS Battenkill Large Arbor V, new, but discontinued, I want it for a 9wt rod? Is this reel worth $140, or should I go for the Tioga?

Thanks,,

[poononthefly]

I dont like the tioga, got one, parts come loose, drag isnt so hot, the orvis battenkill mid arbor is a GREAT reel, almost idenctical drag as the pflueger, which is also a great reel for the price, how caught some bones on the pflueger, and it performed flawlessly, but the orvis seems a lot light, which helps sometimes.

[razorz]

You get what you pay for 90% of the time.

Abel/Tibor are high quality reels. The anodizing jobs, the drags, the precision machining and quality control are top notch. If a reel is bad, they scrap it out. If a lower quality brand reel is imperfect they usually pass it through to avoid profit loss.

It depends on your budget really. Sage makes good reels as does Nautilus for the mid-range price category. Even the BPS Gold Cup stuff isn't all that bad. Aleutecnos is nice looking as well.

I personally stick with Tibor and Abel as I like to be assured my gear WILL work when the big fish comes along. If you can't afford it, go with the best you CAN afford and thats the best reel for you.

Hope that helped at least a little bit.

:bash:

[Shadowcast]

I have nothing but Orvis reels. Mach's, Battenkill's, etc. I was told a long time ago "to view the reel as a piece of equipment that holds your line." I have since learned a little bit more goes into it that that. For my money, the Mach's and Battenkill's do the job just fine. When it comes to fighting fish who put on long runs (bones, permit, and tarpon), drag comes into play. That is when you go fo the big dogs....in my opinion. Hope that helps.

[razorz]

I have nothing but Orvis reels. Mach's, Battenkill's, etc. I was told a long time ago "to view the reel as a piece of equipment that holds your line." I have since learned a little bit more goes into it that that. For my money, the Mach's and Battenkill's do the job just fine. When it comes to fighting fish who put on long runs (bones, permit, and tarpon), drag comes into play. That is when you go fo the big dogs....in my opinion. Hope that helps.



This is also true.. some fish dont even get into the backing of a flyline in which case the reel is pretty much just storage and the rod is the big deal.

[joefishin]

Right now I am concentrating on Alaskan Salmon, all species. Kings of course are going to be the ones that will cause me to break a nail, darn!! But, I should be able to handle the rest..

I probably lucked out the last time I went for Albies in RI.. I didn't catch one. That probably save me from getting hurt has I am not that familiar with REAL fish that can strip a reel to the last knot.:dunno: I am no expert in catching bigger fish on fly rods. Matter of fact, never caught anything bigger than a two foot pickeral/pike on a fly rod. Hint.. PCs weren't even around with MS DOS when that happened!!

This is the first time I heard that a Tioga wasn't a good reel for the bucks. The Lamsons have had plenty of hits on the negative lists. But, I will keep it in mind. So far, the Battenkill Mid Arbor has had rock solid ratings and is fairly cheap. I do have one already. Never used it, yet. Got it as part of a package with a TFO pro 9wt.

As far as the cheaper reels, minimal feedback. Most like the Trion for the money, and even the Okuma Helios has gotten a few plugs. The SA stuff only had one follower.. And the the other Battenkill LA V reel I purchased is probably going to be returned to the dealer this weekend. Poor drag and lack of backing capacity. Anybody like this reel??? If so why??

I would love to have the fish stay within the fly line's length, but my luck I will get a fish that can spool me out, at least until I catch a few and learn some tricks...(more than likely will be a king, anything else and I am taking that bad boy out with a club!) NOW.. any Preferences for fly line backing?? Should I stick with a saltwater "treated" backing from Cortland?? ANy product numbers to be certain I get the right stuff??

Thanks guys. I do appreciate all the info.

[razorz]

With a no limit budget I would go Abel or Tibor. I love both brands.

With an under $500 budget I would go Nautilus, in fact I am selling a No 10 CCF for $300 with 9wt line currently.

Less than that check out Sage's stuff and perhaps Ross.

:thumb:

[Shadowcast]

Joe......if you are worried about getting spooled, then you need to examine what kind of rod you have as well. You are going to want to use a rod that is going to turn the fishes' head. With regards to a reel, check out Orvis' new Battenkill Large Arbor. They are not that expensive ($150-$200) and the large arbor will allow to spool on more GELSPUN BACKING. You definitely want to go with gelspun. It lays flat on the spool which allows you to spool much more on the reel. Check out as many different reels as possible like Razorz said, but for my $$, that Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor is my pick, IMHO.

[joefishin]

How about this one?? I know it has capacity limitations, and I have been warned that the drag isn't as good as the Battenkill mid arbor. Would you agree?? I picked one up for $140 on clearance. It would probably be fair to the dealer for me to either keep it, or return it ASAP.

As far as the GelSpun goes, it may be a bit too much for me to deal with. I might be tempted to get my fat fingers in the way of it zipping off the spool..But on the same token if the above real would benefit from a small diameter backing,, I might try it.. My thoughts were to return this reel and get a Tioga in the 10/11 wt range just in case I get into an area with kings..Why? Price. I can get a Tioga for about the same as the BK LA V old, and it has a warranty.

I called Angler's connection in Connecticut the other day. I guess they are the prime mfg for other's backing line.. And, I called Cortland for some tech info on their saltwater line, Micron. I would probably lean torward this product. Any input on these?

Thanks.

[razorz]

Unfortunately I cannot give any advice in that range, I've never looked at those reels.

Best of luck to you! Most reels made these days are pretty good.. I doubt for $140 you got a piece of junk.

:thumb: :gr_cheers:

[Shadowcast]

I've had one in the past (Battenkill) and I had no complaints.

[low land fly werks]

Look into Ross, Cimiron Large Arbor Series, you might be able to find a BG Canyon on ebay, also I just picked up an Albright from Sierra Trading Post:thumb:

[longshot]

Try an Islander.Great quality and a little less on the price.Plus you could pay in Canadian dollars to save a little extra.;)

[Sagittarius]

Wellstone seems like a great reel for the money.
Their bearing system looks awesome.
www.wellstone-reel.com

Sag.

[Capt. Ted Lund]

One of the great things about fly-fishing in salt water today, as opposed to when I started nearly 30 years ago, is the abundance of quality fishing tackle. In the four categories you listed, there are truly very few bad fly reels.
The Orvis selection is definitely worth looking at. For a recent story on bonefish reels, I was amazed at the number of intermediate priced reels they had to offer.
Another would be the Tibor Backcountry Wide. This reel is a great light saltwater reel and will handle anything you can cast an 8-wt. at. I've even caught some king mackerel in the 30-pound class on mine.
Good luck and let us know what you decided to go with.

[Wink]

Tibor and Abel are THE best on the market,,,pricey but the best there is....and in a pinch ya can hamer nails with um and go catch poons and bones with the same reels without skippin a beat ! ! ! They are that good, Good catchin, Wink

[Sagittarius]

Recently bought a Wellstone and the quality is stunning.
If you guys ever get to turn the crank on a Wellstone, you will throw your present reel into the ocean. ;)


Sag.