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Need help with fly reel
I've been a part time fly fisher for the last 12 years or so, and have gotten by with low end reels up to this point. I'm ready to pick up something a little better now, and my wife says to stop being so cheap on myself, but I'm not sure where to start. My problem is that there isn't enough decent fly shops within a couple of hours of here to allow me to get my hands on many of them. I need some opinions on what to limit my choices down to. My criteria are: 1) $150 or less. 2) 4-6 line preferred (but 5-6 acceptable). 3) Right hand retrieve. 4) Good drag system 5) Extra spools are a huge plus for me. If I buy a better reel, I'll surely want to use it for as much of my fishing as possible, right?
What are the best reels in that category? The reel will be used for bass, trout and occasionally bluegills.I've heard lots of good things here about the orvis barstock, but what about the Pflueger trion, Ross flywater or flycast, Loomis Venture, Echo, etc.? I could even stretch for a Lamson Radius if it is worth the extra.
Thanks in advance.
[This message has been edited by ol' blue (edited 26 November 2005).]
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For the most bang for the buck,my choices would be a Ross Cimarron,Teton Tioga,or an Orvis Barstock.Any of these can be converted to right hand retrieve,have excellent drags, and can be used in saltwater also.All these companys have top notch customer service and the reels will last for a very long time with minimal care.
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For $150 or so, you ought to be able to get really close to one of the Abel TR series on sale. Excellent reel, made in USA.
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OB,
I have 2 Teton Tiogas & an Orvis Battenkill Barstock & they are great reels....all mine were purchased for $100.00 or less & are available at that price range now. The other advantage is that the spare spools for these reels can be had for under $50.00.
Mike
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I've been very happy with my Teton Tioga. Rock solid and very dependable!
Regards
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My son and I have been very happy with our Barstock reels .M y only reservation about them now is that they are now made in China.
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Of the reels you mentioned "Pflueger trion, Ross flywater or flycast, Loomis Venture, Echo" I'd say that the Trion is the clear winner of the group - though I have very limited experience with the Echo. The Trion appears to be the same reel as the Orvis Battenkill mid-arbor (with different porting obviously)at a lower price but without the backing of the Orvis Company.
As the others have mentioned the Ross Cimerron, and Tioga are also good reels for the money. To get the best reel for your money check eBay.
Good Luck
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"my wife says to stop being so cheap on myself"
Forget the reel jump in and buy the lot.
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Easy answer, in your price range and with the flexibility you want with extra spools, reversable to right hand, a nice drag & such. Orvis Battenkill!! With your $150 you should be able the get the reel and an extra spool.
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ol' blue,
I'm with Ray on this one. I have one of the Pflueger Trions, and they are great reels for the money. They are however, a bit heavy for me. I also have an Orvis Battenkill Disc. That reel has made me happy with it's perfomance for three years. No regrets. And, now Orvis has knocked $20 off the price. You can get the reel for $79, and an extra spool for $30. That should leave you with enough extra $$$ to get a fly line. Let us know what you decide.
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