Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: noobfisher on May 11, 2011, 06:28:03 AM

Title: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: noobfisher on May 11, 2011, 06:28:03 AM
Looking for my first fly fishing reel, probably a 5 wt, any suggestions ... looking at the G Loomis Venture series, sage 1600, phleuger trion?  Any suggestions or opinions on these reels?  Thanks!
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: BNF861 on May 11, 2011, 12:18:29 PM
I have a few pflueger trions in different sizes (a couple 1956's, 1990, 1912)

Nice looking reel and great bang for the buck. They can be picked up online for a very good price. I'm happy so far with them.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: typhoon on May 11, 2011, 01:33:17 PM
I also have the Trion 1990. It works fine and looks pretty good, but it is a heavy reel compared to others and it has a narrow spool with a mid arbor - meaning you need a larger reel than advertised to hold a reasonable amount of backing.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: k.c. on May 11, 2011, 03:42:59 PM
I have a dragonfly expedition large arbour,It is a good light reel with good drag and it didn't break the bank.When i first started fly fishing 4 years ago it was hard not to fall into the trap of good marketing.Your reel is there for the most part to store line (assuming you are mostly stillwater fishing) I would save money on the reel and spend it on your rod.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: noobfisher on May 11, 2011, 07:40:09 PM
I also have the Trion 1990. It works fine and looks pretty good, but it is a heavy reel compared to others and it has a narrow spool with a mid arbor - meaning you need a larger reel than advertised to hold a reasonable amount of backing.

I checked out the trion today, you are right it was a little bit heavier than I expected.  Sure is pretty though :)
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: noobfisher on May 11, 2011, 07:40:36 PM
I have a dragonfly expedition large arbour,It is a good light reel with good drag and it didn't break the bank.When i first started fly fishing 4 years ago it was hard not to fall into the trap of good marketing.Your reel is there for the most part to store line (assuming you are mostly stillwater fishing) I would save money on the reel and spend it on your rod.

Sounds like really good advice, which I think I'm going to heed, now the search for the rod begins lol!
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: k.c. on May 11, 2011, 07:48:19 PM
The fenwick HMX 5 wt is a good rod and not too pricy, It is not garbage so when you upgrade if could be a decent back up.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: naka21 on May 15, 2011, 05:29:35 PM
i would reccommend both the sage 1600 series and the trion. But a dragonfly cartridge reel will work just fine too... as for rods i would go with a temple forks or a hmx. Also check out the st. croix imperial, bought one for my dad and got to fish it a couple weeks ago, pretty sweet rod for the money!
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: grease line on May 15, 2011, 11:27:11 PM
If it is for trout, buy a cheap reel. No sense wasting money on something that only holds line.

I've caught tons of springs and big fresh summer steelhead on cheap reels too...I can confidently say they do not explode any more than expensive reels.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: naka21 on May 16, 2011, 11:06:56 AM
If it is for trout, buy a cheap reel. No sense wasting money on something that only holds line.

I've caught tons of springs and big fresh summer steelhead on cheap reels too...I can confidently say they do not explode any more than expensive reels.

X2
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: Bassonator on May 17, 2011, 06:27:55 AM
Im still using my Pfleuger Medalist, awesome reel.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: JAwrey on June 09, 2011, 09:59:23 AM
All the reel has to do is hold line...figure out what reel has the best balance on the end of your rod and you will find it much easier.

Also, as far as rods, check out Pieroway Rods.  Really nice rods and the owner, Jeff Pieroway, is a great guy.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: k.c. on June 18, 2011, 08:05:02 AM
Pieroway rods also sponsor young guns fly club. You should go check out a casting in the park session one day,pretty fun and helpful and the guys that run it are pretty decent.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: Kype on June 19, 2011, 09:40:37 AM
For a noob - take a look at the following;

http://www.okumafishingteam.com/family/61834/Cascade - at $29.99 and just 5oz these reels are light and cheap.  Used them in the UK to great effect (they are called AirFrame there for some reason!) - they are made from Graphite and are durable enough for Trout fishing.  Also at $14.99 per spool you can pop all your lines on the spare spools and run just one reel allowing you to travel light - though remember a spare reel in your terminal tackle (i.e. leave it in the car - but have it with you!).

There is no point in spending a fortune on Trout gear unless you are able/particularly want to.  Better spend your money fuelling your ride and getting out there!

Hope this helps?  ;)
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: noobfisher on June 19, 2011, 09:55:19 AM
I like the price point and how light it is .... can it handle pinks and smaller salmon if I took a run at those guys?
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: Kype on June 19, 2011, 10:02:47 AM
Easily.  I still run it's European twin the Airframe for the same.  Just remember to get backing loaded on to the reel too!  Also if you are going to use the same reel to switch between Salmon and Trout maybe take a look at the larger size too?  Pinks though will be fine on the smaller reel.

Also on the Chedder (presuming this is where you will try for Pinks) - try a Chartreuse Crazy Charlie fly

http://www.google.ca/search?tbm=isch&hl=en&source=hp&biw=1140&bih=612&q=chartreuse+crazy+charlie&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2&oq=chartreuse+crazy+charlie&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&gs_sm=s&gs_upl=0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0l0ll0

You'll find them WAY more successful than chucking pink flies like the books & articles tell you!!   ;)
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on June 23, 2011, 07:56:39 AM
I've got a Looms Adventure 5 (now Ventre 5) and I use it as a fine backup reel.  It's nice and compact, and I like the champagne chrome finish.  Classic looking reel with a powerful disc drag.  It's got a standard arbor, so the Sage and Pfleuger will have the advantage there.  A buddy of mine recently got the Pflueger and it's a nice reel.  I bought my dad the Sage reel a few years ago and it performs great.  To me it's a bit bulkly, but it's just a matter of preference.  I prefer the classic look on my trout rods.
Title: Re: which reel would you recommend?
Post by: noobfisher on July 11, 2011, 09:17:23 PM
update - ended up getting a TFO NXT1 series reel.   :)