I’m heading to the Kenai later this year and will be fishing a 9’ 7# for big bows and hopefully a few silvers. I’m stuck on trying to decide on a reel and line set up for the trip. I don’t want to go to far in terms of price. $150 for the set up. I’ve got my eye on a Rocky Mountain Large Arbor from Orvis, but am still unsure on what type of (floating) line to carry. Thoughts about the reel choice? Suggestions on lines?
mm,
I have a 7 weight setup for fishing steelhead in the great lakes. Orvis Battenkill LA and a Lamiglas G series rod. The reel works excellent on big fish. The disc drag seems to give me just enough resistance to slow the fish and the rods slow action absorbs any big surges and runs from the fish. I havent broken any off as of yet so I’m pretty happy with the setup.
I use a DT floating #7 line with it. Seems to work well.
You might be able to find this LA on ebay or some other site for the money your looking to spend.
Good luck
Ben
[This message has been edited by Miltiades (edited 16 February 2005).]
I’ve been extremely happy with the performance of my G Loomis Adventures 3 and 5. They make a 7 as well. Good disk drag at $100.00.
Peter
I have three reel families, Sage 3200, Loomis Venture 5 and a Loomis Venture 3. Get the Loomis. They are really high quality and at a very decent price. They also look great. Sometimes you can even get cheaper ones on e-bay.
Regards,
Miguel
Cabelas is running the Redington GD 7/8 at $79.00. It is a great low priced reel and at that price is a real bargain. I use a 7/8 on my 6wt bonefish rod in saltwater and have had no problems. Sage still backs the warrantee. The also have the Sage LE rods on sale. You could pick up a 4 piece 8wt at $135.00. That, with the GD would make a nice setup.
As far as fishing the Kenai for rainbows, most of the fishing is subsurface. I would go with a sink tip line and a relatively short leader. While you are up there, try to get into a grayling stream. They are fun to catch on dry flies and are not heavily fished like the rainbows.
I appreciate the adivce and will follow up on these suggestions. However, aside from asking a salesman, what’s the best way to tell how a reel will perform in the field, without actually field testing it?
For the record, I’d stay away from the Rocky Mountain. I had one and it felt very heavy and threw the balance of the rod off. Coming from a proud “Orvis Geek” it’s hard to berate their product but in this case, I have to. I’d agree with the consensus here and recommend the Loomis 7. The Redington GD is also a nice reel for the money, as is the Tica Fishmaster if you can find one. Fully machined for $79 srp.
Here’s a link for that one [url=http://www.troutlet.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=395:15f7c]http://www.troutlet.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=395[/url:15f7c]
Although I haven’t actually used one before, Albright is making reels that look pretty well done. Maybe want to check these out [url=http://www.kkflyfisher.com/reels/albright_gp_reel.html:15f7c]http://www.kkflyfisher.com/reels/albright_gp_reel.html[/url:15f7c]
mm… You also asked a question about lines. I have a GPX on a 6 weight that I love. I also have an XXD on a 9 weight I have for some salt water and muskie fishing I plan to do this summer. I really enjoy the Mastery series and I’ll be putting one on a 3 weight I plan on buying and I’m also looking at a 7 weight… both TFO’s.
Mike
There is no greater fan of flyfishing than the worm.
Patrick McManus
I’ve got the Rocky Mountain and, not having cast a lot of others, would have to tell you to skip it. It’s heavy and I can’t stand the drag. I’m trying to figure out what to use instead myself.
I’ll second the Redington 7/8 GD . Heck of a reel. Light. Smooth drag. Easdy to clean. I use these in the surf (the 9/10’s).
Rich
take a look at the Okuma Integrity reels I’ve been using one for 5 years now with no problems the finish is so-so but the reel has held up well with a decent drag.
Take a look at the Dan Bailey reels. I have the LA-1 and the LA-3. They’re fantastic and smooth, with a really nice drag for under $100. Also, unlike what I’m hearing about the Okumas, these are saltwater safe.
Starfish
I’m going for the Redington 7/8 GD. Thanks to everyone for the advice.