Yellowstone Anglers' Fly Reel Shootout Results

Gear & Reviews
1

Geoge Andeson’s Yellowstone Angler has released their new fly reel evaluations:

http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/index.php/gear-review/2016-5-weight-reel-shootout-best-5-weight-reels-best-fly-reel-comparison-galavan-torque-nautilus-x-reel-galvan-rush-light-bauer-rx2-einarsson-plus-lamson-lightspeed-3-tand-cheeky-boost-aspen-reels-islander-reels-sage-click-ross-colorado-lt

2

Here are my 5wt reel considerations:
–machined?
–has a palming rim?
–is relatively cheap?

As such I haven’t swapped out my Orvis Mid-Arbor from 10-12 years ago and see no need to, until it breaks.

The idea of a $360 reel being the best reel for a 5wt for trout is insane. For bonefish or tarpon, sure, but it is so drastically overkill on trout it’s not even funny.

3

Thanks for the info, but I will be sticking with my Orvis BBS reels. If I could afford any of those first 10 place reels, I would pass. After all I am not trying to stop a fully loaded drift boat…just a trout and maybe a bluegill or two.

Brad

4

I don’t mind the price, but there is no way that I’m ever going to show up on the stream sporting a gaudy orange reel. :stuck_out_tongue:

5

And that too…I believe those are a product of the younger generation(s). I am not really sure that I like a sliver reel, even though I own several.

Brad

6

That particular reel comes in about 6-7 different colors, including black…

7

Thanks for the information Byron. It’s good to see what’s on the market and tested against certain criteria. It was also interesting to see that some of the most expense reels were rated in the middle of the pack. What we can afford is not always practical for the type fishing many of us do.

8

jc,
you’re correct. I still use my Hardy Princess reel which is quite old. I love the “zziiiing” when a nice, large trout runs!
Some beautifully machined reels out there today, though. So many more great reels being made today than when I first started fly fishing.