I’ve only ever had cheap reels for chasing tailing reds. I do plan on using it for my upcoming trip to Alaska for salmon in July. It has me considering something with an upgrade over the okuma I’ve been using lately for the 9wt. What are you using and what are the advantages\disadvantages? The 9wt usually handles flats fish well and I’ve caught up to 34" fish on it without any problems. I’m concerned about the salmon and conditions I’ll see there soon and don’t want to go in underpowered. I love the fight of course but respect the fish. I don’t want to overstress a fish that will get released. Sure we’ll keep a few for fresh dinners, but I imagine we will be releasing a majority of the fish we see.
I don’t care about status symbols\brands. I want something with a smooth drag and reliable, nothing more really.
I think that your reel will be more than adequate. Invest in your fly line and good backing and you should be good to go.
Good luck on your trip, I wish I could go, but I have to take my wife to Europe for a Viking River cruise. I’d much rather be doing your trip.
I’ve never been to Alaska but I assume you will be fishing in current which is a lot different from fishing the flats. I have a nautilus n/v and a tibor gulfstream and I love them both. I like the tibor a little better just because it makes a clicker noise, nautilus is silent . I’ve caught some big fish, 28lb redfish and 150lb tarpon, on both reels and they both work exceptionally well. My next reel purchase will be an everglades to replace my lamson speedster. I’d look at the riptide too, it may give you some more options. They are pricey but unless it gets stolen or drop it in the drink, you’ll have it forever.
You will be devastated if your reel fails when you get there. I would look to upgrade if at all possible and then you’ll have a backup, even nice **** breaks. If a big reel purchase is not in the budget, I would get another cheaper reel just so you have 2 with you.
There are alot of good reels out there and it largely comes to a preference thing. When you fraction in the price you pay for these trips, it just pays to go prepared.
“Those who have the ability to make a difference have the responsibility to do so.” Thomas Jefferson
Ive been Salmon fishing three times in British Columbia. We go to a fly out lodge each time and spend several days fishing. Admittedly I haven’t fly fished, we troll with 9’ rods and Islander MR2 reels with 20lb mono and 350yds of 50lb dacron backing. Ive never trolled with flyrods before, but thats how they do it out there and it works well. We have caught kings over 50lbs on those rod/reel setups.
So you know, the vast majority of the salmon you catch are going to die anyway. They are making their spawning run up the rivers and after spawn they will die. Ive had some great conversations with the Haida natives there about catch and release. Those guys keep everything they catch!
It rains alllll the time there, so invest in quality rain gear. There is a reason most folks there wear XtraTuf boots in their daily lives.
Alaska is one of the most incredible places Ive ever visited. It is truly wild and has an incredible culture. Have fun and soak it all in!
I have a 3.5 and its a decent reel. You can switch spools easily. Sometimes a little too easy. Had spool come off during a fight and assume I hadn’t set it in place correctly, it literally pops off, no screw or drag screw. It only happened once. I was told to be careful with salt water as its more of a freshwater system but mine has worked pretty good, had it for about 3-4 years.
“Those who have the ability to make a difference have the responsibility to do so.” Thomas Jefferson
My two “good” reels are both Ted Juracsik. My Riptide is on my 10wt & my Gulfstream is on my 12wt.
This is all I use as its all I’ve needed…for years (I don’t fly fish a ton). Most use has been outside the inlet on spanish, blues, false albacore, and mahi.
I would definitely bring a second reel like the other fellow said. 2 years ago I tripped to the Bahamas and my reel was in my suitcase and the frame was bent in my luggage. I was bummed out when I got to the island and my reel was stuck. Luckily I had brought my 10wt as well and could fish that a little bit. Nothing is worse than having your gear break while on a fishing trip. Your reel doesn’t have to be a top notch $500 reel. You can get it done on cheaper reels, the line and rod are most important IMO.
“Gun control, it’s like trying to prevent drunk driving by making it more difficult for sober people to buy cars” -anonymous
quote:
Anyone have any experience with the Lamson speedster
I’m sure no fly fishing expert, but I’ve had a Lamson 9wt for several years and really like it. It has a good drag, good clicker, easy to replace spools…works for me anyway. Seems like it was about $200.
Give Jeremy Mehlhaff or John Irwin a call…
You don’t want my advice on fly reels I promise you that
That being said Jeremy pointed me to a Lamson and its been a great reel for me
I’ve only ever had cheap reels for chasing tailing reds. I do plan on using it for my upcoming trip to Alaska for salmon in July. It has me considering something with an upgrade over the okuma I’ve been using lately for the 9wt. What are you using and what are the advantages\disadvantages? The 9wt usually handles flats fish well and I’ve caught up to 34" fish on it without any problems. I’m concerned about the salmon and conditions I’ll see there soon and don’t want to go in underpowered. I love the fight of course but respect the fish. I don’t want to overstress a fish that will get released. Sure we’ll keep a few for fresh dinners, but I imagine we will be releasing a majority of the fish we see.
I don’t care about status symbols\brands. I want something with a smooth drag and reliable, nothing more really.
May all your favorite bands stay together…
Blaugh, blaugh, blaugh as usual. I'll give you my Lampson Litespeed LS4 (used once) if you want to borrow it. Just return it and post pictures. Cool?
quote:Originally posted by iFly
Blaugh, blaugh, blaugh as usual. I'll give you my Lampson Litespeed LS4 (used once) if you want to borrow it. Just return it and post pictures. Cool?
Alright, I’m ready now. On the advice of several people I landed on this one, Nautilus FWX 7/8. Played with it yesterday for a while and the drag is silky smooth. What is it about machined aluminum that is so appealing?
You won’t go wrong with that reel, I love my fwx. Although it has a sealed drag, make sure you rinse it very well after each use because the clutch bearing is not water proof and the salt will corrode it quickly. I’ve had to replace my clutch bearing once or twice because of waiting a few hours to rinse out the reel.
“Gun control, it’s like trying to prevent drunk driving by making it more difficult for sober people to buy cars” -anonymous
Good to know, thank you. Do you do anything differently now to the reel as far as preventative maintenance knowing what you know and having been through some issues?
NAUTILUS FWX MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:
After using the reel, always separate the spool from the housing and let it dry before storage.
Always remove sand and grit after use.
If submerged in salt water, separate the spool from the housing and thoroughly rinse the housing and spool. Apply rust preventing oil or light grease to the one-way clutch at the top of the center hub.
Sporadically oil/lube the one-way clutch at the top of the center hub.
. I’ve caught some big fish, 28lb redfish and 150lb tarpon, on both reels and they both work exceptionally well. My next reel purchase will be an everglades to replace my lamson speedster. I’d look at the riptide too, it may give you some more options. They are pricey but unless it gets stolen or drop it in the drink, you’ll have it forever.
