Torn

[fiji5]

I have just purchased a new 7wt rod and I am torn between 2 reels. After reading all the good things said about Tibor reels I have decided to take the plunge and get one. My question being what is better suited to a 7wt rod, the Everglades or the Billy Pate Bonefish?

[Bender]

If you are an "old schooler" go with Billy pate (now i think it is only in A/R version),but if you like direct drive reels like me and you want a fast retrieve go with Everglades ,it is a large arbor reel and you can use also 30lbs new gel spun backing to accomodate more and more yds of backing if you need.
I hope this helps.

[Mat M]

The Billy Pate bonefish is a sexy reel. Love the soound of the backing leaving one of those. It is reasonably heavy though.

Mat

[jake61198]

I agree with Mat that the Billy Pate reels are heavy, but if you choose to go that way, the Salmon model will be a better choice on a 7wt rod. As for the Tibors, I think an Everglades is a bit on the big side for a 7 wt. If you could find a Freestone, it would probably be a better fit . You would be able to get at least 200 yards of gel spun backing and a 7 wt line on it.

[Shadowcast]

I'd say go with a Freestone or a Backcountry Wide CL.

[fiji5]

I have been looking for the Freestone, they seem quite hard to find. Are they not in production anymore? Also looking at the pictures of the Freestone, is it the little brother of the Everglades, Riptide etc....?

[Sagittarius]

Of the reels you mentioned, I prefer the Pate Bonefish.


Sag.

[jake61198]

I do believe that they have stopped making the Freestone, and yes, it is the little brother of the Everglades, Riptide, etc. I did see a new one on e-bay a short while ago, and I don't think it will be too hard to find one.

[Capt. Ted Lund]

A limited number of the Freestones are available (I think), I'd say for a 7 wt., go with the Tibor Backcountry Wide. It's a great real. I use mine for everything from redfish and bonefish to blackfin tuna and king mackerel on light tippets. Also, maybe take a look at the Nautilus Featherweights. Cool stuff.