I need advice from the salt Captains out there on salty reels for say 8-10 wt. one hand rods, 9wt. being the rod I have now. It would be nice if the recommendations were for popular reels priced at say $300 or under and that are easy to buy parts/get service for and I suppose that have really good warranties.
I’ve looked around the net at a few and I’m not finding enough specific info so I thought I’d just go here and ask those that use them most to find out what’s the best way to go/best bang for the buck. Target fish would be everything on the east coast that are typically fly fished for while wading or not far offshore in smaller vessels like PWC.
I’m interested in reels that stand up to salt the best and this may give smiles and I hope it does, but is there a salt water specific fly reel out there that doesn’t require washing off after each trip or am I dreaming?
Hi Moose: your not dreaming and yes such a reel does exsist. Water Works Volcity #4. water proof, salt friendly, user firendly and snappy styleing. I currently use 4 Water Works reels, three Volcity and one ULA. If you realy want some inside information on how to, not have any bother with and very little up keep on thoes reels just let me know. captpaul462@aol.com
Well it doesn’t get any better than this ! Thanks Cap’n Paul, I’ll check out the Water Works Velocity #4 and then I’ll email you in a bit. You may not believe this but in the back of my mind was a hope that you’d see my post and reply !
I use the Scientific Anglers System 2 reels. There’re not snappy looking but they are bullet proof and have a drag as good as you will ever need.
Retail, they run in the $175 range, but the last one I picked up I got for $110 on the net
As I reported recently a replacement for a part that I lost was mailed to me free of charge with in a few days.
I go with the Dud’s recomendation. All I use are the system 2’s. Dropped them off cliffs, fell on them, dropped them in the sand, usually leave them in the truck for weeks at a time. Plus, I like some extra weight in the reel, easier on the wrist.
Montana Moose - For us oldies, if you can find a Hardy Zenith, mine still keeps on tickin, also used a 1495 with #9 line, and it is still working like a dog too.
Wow, thanks everyone…lots of choices…I looked at the SA’s and kinda wanting something fancier looking though I’m sure the SA’s function just fine…thanks dudley, Micropteris…I looked at Trion and Tioga also…they looked great too, thanks mdram.
Jonezee, no kidding? The Pflueger isn’t effected by the salt much? I have a few 1495’s and only use them in fresh water…never occured to me they’d be ok in the salt, but what do I know? Thank you ! I haven’t had a shot at a Hardy Zenith lately but I’ll keep a watch for those too.
dudley ! It’s not like that at all ! And I know the fish don’t care…what the deal is, the reel will be a Bday present for a bud turning 40…so I thought it would be neat to kinda go all out…thinking spare spool too. I know you’re kidding and I’d have no prob with an SA reel…!
I use a Lamson Litespeed 3.5 on an Orvis 9 wt in FL for snook and reds. I think JC invented the reel and the drag system(sealed cone with a one way roller clutch). I like it but there are many others I like too. Per JC, I contacted Lamson because I had an old model w/o the stainless steel roller clutch. The sent me a replacement free of charge even though the old one had never given me any trouble.
Dudley that’s all right. Easier to hide in the shadows, from fish and people.
If I wanted to look cool I wouldn’t be hanging out behind bars and restaurants enjoying stale beer, fryalators, and decaying seafood trying to catch fish, I’d be inside them trying to catch something else.
You might want to take a look at the Terry Hayden reels by TFO. Just a little more than you $300 budget but packs a lot of punch for the buck. I have a #1 for the 10wt and the #2 for the 12wt and have no complaints. Large cork drag surface and the finish is as hard as any that I have seen in the $500 price range. Just thought I would throw it into the mix.
you can do worse than the Lamson Litespeed. Some of the older models are closing out at great prices. All in all I’d say one of the best looking reels on the market.
I’m not sure you can expect any reel to survive not being rinsed off. A sealed drag will help, but there’s alot more still exposed. At the very least your line and backing will cake up as will your reel seat. It only takes a minute to run some water through it.
This place is great. I have so many ways to go with all the good input from everyone, so thank you all again.
Dennis B, well I have to stay at or under budget for a Bday present, but I don’t have to for myself, so I’ll keep the Terry Hayden reel as well as everyone elses suggestions in mind when I pick up a new or good used salt reel for myself.
I’ve noted all the Bdays posted and hey…happy, happy, hope you have a good one ! :))
I looked at my Pflueger’s and I could be wrong but I think they would need a complete cleaning and lubing once salted. Thanks again fine folks ! Like someone recently mentioned in an email…‘sharp hooks mean screaming drags’ !
I know what you mean about the Pfluegers, but I have used them for years in the Salt. First the chrome starts to turn green if left unattended. The alumnum can pit, but you know what, with a nice run of warm water under the sink (with the spool off) and a nice rinse of the spool and reel, I have held onto them for over 20 years and they are stll going strong. Hey, do you plane on putting your old reels in a museum or do you plan on using them? Use them, don’t abuse them and admire them and relive the memories when your a 104.
Thanks Jonezee, no, I’ll sell them or give them away since I doubt the museum has room for anymore ! Maybe I’ll dedicate a 1595 DA I have to the salt and see what happens. Is the Orvis Madison (made by Pflueger for Orvis) of years ago any more or less salt resistant than the older Pfluegers from around the same time do you think?
