Several months ago I posed the same question re fly rods. Your responses were very interesting and helpful. Rather than purchase one very expensive rod, I “settled” for 4 Sage rods and have been especially pleased with the two Z-Axis models ( 4 wt and 5 wt.).
Now I wnat to know your views on the “best” reel for 3/4 wt.
Depends upon what size fish I would be fishing for and the drag requiirements. For most trout fishng, I don’t think it really matters. The reels mentioned so far are all good ones. I would may add to the list something like Hatch, Tibor, maybe a Makko for really big fish–if money were no object.
There are a ton of nice $100 reels (and maybe even cheaper) out there. Unless you are into extreme fishing, you will not be fishing steelhead or salt with a 3 or 4 weight reel and you won’t need a lot of backing or drag. Orvis makes a nice one. Most anything will hold line just fine. Might look at an old Hardy for some flavor. Just buy whatever suits your fancy. Spending big money for some super drag isn’t necessary. Never seen a 3/4 Billy Pate.
Loop or Danielsson would top my list, I haven’t tried a Nautilus but they sure look great! I also haven’t tried Lamson yet, but have heard NOTHING but rave reviews for them. Some of them are affordable enough (since money IS a concern) that I plan to pick one up soon.
Like others have said, for trout fishing (about 85% of what I do), the reel is little more than a line holder and eye candy.
That said, however…many trout fishermen areknown for their intense vanity, and thus you have lots of pretty (if overqualified) options for a ridiculously expensive fly reel.
As much as my Orvis BBS II gets the job done in a simply stated, elegant fashion, I do have to say that I get an inordinate amount of pleasure out of using my Loop EvoTec.