I’ve come into a 9 1/2 foot, 8 weight, 4 piece rod. I don’t fish much with anything over a 6 weight, but I think I want to outfit this rod with a reel that can handle a WF8F & a WF8S line. I like the savings available with Albright’s Topwater reel so I’m thinking about getting two. Does anyone here have any experience, pro/con, with Albright’s Topwater reels? For the price, I’m thinking they can’t help but be worth the $$$. I’d be using the rod/reel for bass and tiger muskies and pike.
Thanks ahead,
Joe, I have two of those from the recent sale, in the 5/6 size, and while they seem OK, the drag system doesn’t make me feel all warm and fuzzy. If you want to put a low cost but decent reel on an 8wt, I would recommend you go with a Bass Pro Hobbs Creek in the largest (III) size. I have one I had on a 9’6" 8wt and it worked very well on salmon and steelhead. They only cost $40 retail.
Dennis
I agree with Dennis. I’ve fished both reels and found the drag to be inconsistent. I ended up buying a Hobbs Creek and it’s a great reel for the money.
For that matter, Joe, I can loan ya a reel if you want to try out the Hobbs Creek. It is a little worn on the outside and has a WF9F on it instead of an 8…
That’s a kind offer Dennis. I think I’ll just take your word for it and spring for one. I’ve read where you touted the reliability of those reels before. I may get and extra spool also.
Thanks,
Hi Joe, a couple of things
- the hobbs creek reel sounds like a great deal, I also think a Okuma sierra is a great deal for about $31 (forget where, sorry!).
- if you have a lodge, I assume you are “in the business”? IF so you should try to take advantage of that, and take advantage of the savings (up to %60 off, and a factory direct retailer like albright WON’T give you any discount)
Please do not IM me on how to get these discounts. I will give this out: if you get a job at a local fly shop you can get these discounts.
Fickle me! I used to have an Okuma SLV in a 7/8 weight. I liked it a lot, so I got another. Tight tolerances and very smooth operation and drag.
I don’t have their Topwater but do have their Bugati reel and the drag leaves a lot to be desired on that reel. I also have Okuma and Hobbs reels and both perform quite well.
Dave