Reel Advice

Saltwater Fly-Fishing
1

I’m a complete rookie when it comes to fly fishing.

I found an Orvis 9wt for a reasonable price and now am looking for a reel to put on it.

Does anyone have a recommendation? Brand and model you like? Stuff to stay away from?

Thanks.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

2

I wouldn’t worry too much on reel choice unless you plan to fish for Albies or Bones, etc. Any quality reel that size with a sealed drag will do fine on our inshore species.
Find the one you like that fits your budget.

3

Thanks.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

4

I did a bunch of researching for a reel to put on a TFO TiCrX 9wt that I built. When I build a rod I intend to keep it forever so I wanted a quality reel as well. You can go overboard really fast with fly reels. I settled on a Ross CLA (Cimmeron Large Arbor). They are extremely well regarded for durability and the drag performance is very good. I almost pulled the trigger on a Cabelas WLX which is made by Lamson. I went with the CLA only because it has a longer track record. These are in the $250-300 range. Lamson, Ross, Sage, etc have lower cost options in the low $100 range, but you will give up on features like billet and anodized construction and drag capability.

Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160 w/ 90 ETEC “JB3”
Native Manta Ray 14

5

Thanks hairball. I’ll check them out.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

6
quote:
Originally posted by TheIslander

I wouldn’t worry too much on reel choice unless you plan to fish for Albies or Bones, etc. Any quality reel that size with a sealed drag will do fine on our inshore species.
Find the one you like that fits your budget.

^ +1

I was in a similar situation recently, and bought a used Lamson from a CF member for a good deal. It’s a nice reel with a very smooth drag.

2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

7

I went ahead and ordered this one:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Home/Spring-Great-Outdoor-Days-Fly-Fishing|/pc/105625080/c/109855980/Cabelas-RLS-Fly-Reel/1524060.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse.cmd%3FN%3D1105572%26WTz_l%3DSBC%3BBRcms196&WTz_l=SBC%3BBRcms196%3Bcat109855980

I’ll test drive it and let y’all know what I think. I can always send it back if it’s a POS. It looks pretty nice for a beginner beater.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole

8

HoofArded, hope you enjoy it …
Good luck with your new obsession

experience noun \ik-#712;spir–#601;n(t)s

  1. the fact or state of having been affected by or gained knowledge through direct observation or participation

  2. that thing you get just moments after you needed it.

9

Thanks.

Semper Fi
18’ Sterling
115 Yamaha
Big Ugly Homemade Blue Push Pole