Good Value Bonefish Reel?

[daveg]

A buddy and our wives have put a deposit on an April 2008 trip to Belieze, guys fish,:) wives do tours and snorkel.

He plans to fish for bonefish with a STH reel with cassettes, this is a fine reel for freshwater fish, but I don't think it will hold up to bones and permit. Any input on whether it would would be helpful.

But I really want to ask you what reels would work that won't break the bank? I was thinking of the Tioga, my Tieton is great and built like a truck.

[santiamflyguy]

I absolutely toasted one of the STH MR POP reels two falls ago on a coastal fall chinook. We're talking metal melting toasted...not a pretty sight, and an even worse sound. I actually have a couple, and really like the reels for steelhead, as the spool system is great... but you couldn't pay me enough to take one to the salt, especially for a hot running fish like bonefish.

I'd take a good look at the SA System 2 or System 2LA (if you don't mind spending a bit more). They're tried-and-true reels, and absolutely bulletproof. I run a 678LA on my primary steelhead rod, abuse the heck out of it, and have never had a problem. You can probably get a pretty good deal on a certain online auction site, especially if you're willing to look for a used reel.

I don't have any of them myself but have heard good things about the Tiogas. Lamson's Radius is also a nice little reel (use 'em on my light trout rods), although I am not sure if the drag is up to bonefish standards.

[Mojo]

Go check out my thread on this exact subject. I have 3 STH reels that will stay home. I also have a Tioga on my spey rod (so I'm familiar with the product). I like the Tioga, but I bought the Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor V instead. It is reasonable ($125.00) and has one heck of a drag. The warantee is also great. I have 300 yards of gelspun backing and a Scientific Anglers Bonefish line on it.

[AndyK]

I have several STH Salt Cassette reels. I would not hesitate to take then to the tropics and have fished them for Chinook, etc. in the salt. However, they are discontinued and the Pop reels are junk.

The Orvis Mach series reels are in the $200 -$250 range and are good salt water reels.

[Tinman]

I'm not much of a fly fisherman, but I did get to fish in Belize for bones once. It seemed pretty clear that the bonefish down there are on the small side, so you might factor that into your decision.