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.

[jszymczyk]

You will be fine if you rinse your gear in fresh water at the end of each day fishing. Your reel's drag will be more than adequate, just learn how to palm the spool rim, WHICH IS WHY ALMOST ALL REELS HAVE A PALMING RIM, and everything will be good.

If you listen to folks who say you just can not wet a line in salt water unless you have a reel with a super-high-tech wonder-drag which can stop a freight train, then that's OK too. Drink the Kool-Aid. I did a fair amount of fishing on the Gulf Coast when I lived there and never could afford salt-specific tackle. I took good care of my gear, caught a whole bunch of nice fish, and never had any major problems. I highly recommend you read Lefty Kreh's "Fly Fishing In Salt Water" especially the parts where he explains drags and how to fight fish.

[SkipS]

Your gear will do just fine.As stated,rinse your reel in fresh water after use.Remember,at one time the most used reel in the salt was the Pflueger Medalist and it set many records.Lots of people still use them.

[bowfin47]

When I first moved to south Louisiana in 1989, I joined the local FFF club and at one my first meeting, i purchased a well-used, old Martin reel for 5 bucks. I used that reel in the surf and marsh for several years - It caught a bunch of reds and specks, was beat-up in the bottom of boats, and most of the time it was rinsed-well at the end of the day or after the trip. We can't wade in our marsh, and our equipment is subjected to harsh boat rides and other abuse. After several years of such abuse, the spool got slightly bent and the foot is rusted... Maybe I should write Martin and complain... NAH!

You've gotten great advice above... If you're still worried, then just use a "sacrificial" reel. I bet you'll be surprised how well it looks after you trip is over!

Use what you've got and move up to more durable equipment as you can afford to do so.

Bowfin47

[sdflyguy]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going ot use what I have, and not worry about it. Should be an exciting trip with some good friends. I always enjoy new experiences no matter the outcome. Thanks again.