Need 8/9wt Reel Suggestions

FAOL Community Fly Anglers Online
1

I’m looking for suggestions on an 8/9wt large arbor reel that has a WATERPROOF DRAG system for use Salmon/Steelhead fishing. I’m sick of accidentally dipping my reel into the water and loosing the drag function for 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on which of my current reels I am using. I would like to keep the price of the reel plus a spare spool under $300 - $340 tops.

Current reels under consideration are the Okuma Helios, Sage 2000, Lamson Guru.

Any insight into real world performance of the above reels, or suggestions on others that you have had good luck with would be greatly appreciated!

2

I never noticed that the drag quits on any reel I own when I get it wet. Are these cork disc reels you have problems with?

My steelhead reel selection is in a much lower price range than yours, so I won’t suggest what worked for me for years.

3

DG,

The reels I am having problems with when wet are a Lamson LP 3.5, an Orvis Mach IV and a new Albright GPX. Of the three the Albright takes the longest to recover from a dunking.

4

I have a Tibor that I really like but I also have a Scientific Angler System 2 8/9 that is a real work horse. You can get the reel with an extra spoolfor $210 with a $30 off coupon at Cabela’s. Heck you could buy two reels and an extra spool for $340 if you bought the reels with separate purchases. Just a thought…

Jim Smith

5

Not familiar with Lamson LP but my Litespeed has a sealed drag. My Sage 1800 has a sealed drag as does my Ross evolution. Mighty big reel for steelhead. I use that size on salt where a sealed drag is helpful.

Bob

6

Take a look at Nautilus Reels, Galvan, and Ross, Abel, and Bauer.

If you really want to get a cadilac reel – go with Tibor

Tibor exceeds your price range. You might be close with the others.

I believe in paying for quality and I think you get what you pay for in most of these reels.

7

Check the Reddington Crosswater (composite reel). If my memory serves me well I believe it is waterproof because it’s made for saltwater fishing…of course I could be wrong.
I got an 8/9 setup and I’m really happy with it.

The Okuma Helios is one heck of a reel, their “top of the line” reel. I own more than one Okuma (some for more than 5 years) and I’m really happy with them.
Good luck

8

another vote for Ross–Rhythm (discontinued, but my all-time fave) or Evolution. the drag must be waterproof because i’m always dropping my reel in the mud and popping it off and rinsing it out and putting it back on and fishing away happily. might be a little over your budget, but they work really well. that huge auction site had a few today.

9

Been using Lamson Velocity 3.5 and 4 in freshwater for two-handed steelhead fishin and saltwater albies. Sealed drag and will stop a train. The older LP reels definitely have durability issues compared with the current Lammy models.

10

Go light! The new Orvis LA are waterproof, I believe.
Randy

11

I second the Nautilus. The CCF is just a tad over your price range, but the CCF 8 has cork and carbon sealed drag. Love mine.