Anyone have any experience with the LOOP Evotec LW 4seven reel for light saltwater use ???
I have a chance to get one and was wondering about the saltwater corrosion resistance and just how good the drag was on the reels.
Dick,
Haven’t used one, but FWIW, it should be fine in SW as far as drag and finish. There are several favorable reviews and comments on the web on the Evotec LWs (including hipwader and speypages) commending their anodized finish suitable for saltwater and especially raving about a very smooth, infinitely adjustable sealed drag. Here?s one of them from FF in SW
http://www.flyfishinsalt.com/gear-guide/rods-and-reels/loop-tackle-32218.html
But I?d be concerned with backing on the 4/7. Specs I?ve seen say 85 yds of 20 but don?t say with what weight line. If it?s with a 7, and that?s what you?re using (or lighter) you should be fine for many species like redfish, weakfish and schoolie striped bass. And you could get 2x as much or more on the 4/7 if you go to gel, maybe with just a cushion of dacron at the arbor. !70 yds would cover most bonefish, but if you plan on chasing them, especially with a light rod, more would be better in case a bruiser— or permit— decides to eat. And if the specs are calc. with a 4 wt, you may run out of string right quick even with gel on any of those other fish if you get a hot one. Depending on what you?re chasing and what you match it to, the 6/9 might be a better choice (240 of #20)
I believe the larger LWs are very popular in Europe with the spey crowd (sea run browns and atlantic salmon), and Australia SW folks and are starting to catch on with steelheaders here. Maybe Hans, Donald or the down under guys will way in, but it?s snowing, sleeting and freezing across most of North America so we can assume the steelhead guys are out fishing.
Good luck,
peregrines
peregrines…
Thanks for the reply.
I would be using the reel with a 6 weight line.
I have read that 168 yds of 20 Lb backing can be put on the reel in this configuration.
That should be enough for any Bonefish that I will ever run into.
I have taken Permit up to 16 pounds and never had one take even close to 100 yards of backing out.
I was thinking though of doing the gel-spun but in the opposite way that you mentioned.
Fly line then 100 yds of 20 # dacron and then fill up the rest of the spool to the arbor with 30 # gel-spun.
Thanks again,
DickM.
Dick
I think perhaps you should double check to be sure. Perhaps the 168 yds with 6 wt refers to all gel?
Danielsson took over Loop awhile back. If you google “Danielsson Evotec LW” you?ll get a lot of UK and Aussie ebay hits like this one, reel specs are listed at the bottom
Good luck,
peregrines
peregrines…
I am fairly certain that the 70 yards of # 20 Lb backing refers to if you use a 7 weight line on the reel. One way or the other, I have 250 yards of SA 30 Lb gel-spun coming in so I should be in good shape.
Thanks,
DickM.
Dick,
It seems like a great piece of engineering, good luck with it. Would you mind sharing your impressions of it once you?ve had your hands on it awhile?
Best regards,
peregrines
peregrines …
I’d be happy to.
DickM.