Saltwater Reel Question

[sdflyguy]

I have a chance to fish for reds in the Gulf in a few weeks. I have never fished saltwater, so I don't have any saltwater specific equipment. I don't want to buy any new equipment if possible. Will the salt ruin my existing 8wt. reel (Ross Flycast) after only 1 trip? Any suggestions on cleaning?

If the salt will wreck my stuff any suggestions on reels in the $100-$200 range?

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

[GILs_GONE_WILD]

The salt will not harm it if you rinse well and lube after "each" use. Don't wait til the end of the week long trip to do this. Even saltwater specific reels should get this same treatment each and everytime they are used. I have had zero problems with my stuff.

[sdflyguy]

Thanks, I really have no idea when it comes to saltwater fishing.

[Thunderthumbs]

sdflyguy,

Sent you a pm.

TT.

[tailingloop]

The Flycast reel will not be ruined, however you may want something with a beefier drag. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions. If you lost the instructions that came with the reel you can find them here

http://www.rossreels.com/images/tech...007-Model).pdf


If you are hiring a guide, he should have appropriate gear for you to use.

Some good reels for less than $200 and suitable for light to medium duty saltwater usage include the Sea Level Tempest, Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor, Pflueger Trion, Redington Rise, Scientific Anglers System 2, Lamson Konic, Sage 1800 series, G Loomis Eastfork, Okuma Helios, and Cortland Stirling reels. Also the recently discontinued Redington Titanium CDL reel can be found for less than $150 at at least one source right now.

[dunfly]

Your Flycast should be fine for limited saltwater use. Just rinse it lightly after each use and when you get home give it a good cleaning. I would even strip off all the line and backing and soak it in freshwater.

If you want to get another reel for salt, Orvis is discontuning the Battenkill Mid Arbor and you can pick up a IV for $109 or a V for $114 on their web site. This is a great deal for a solid reel that is saltwater tolerant.