***Looking for recommendations on a Fly Reel**

[Steeleman]

Hello my fellow fly-fishers! I'm two years new to the sport of steel head fishing and I've caught plenty of fish gear fishing, but in the summer months & shallow waters, it makes sense to hook some chrome on a fly rod!

My delima: I bought an ECHO #8 9'0 fly rod and looking for a reel. I want to spend around $100, so I know I won't get top quaility, but I do like something dependable!

What should I be looking for?

What size of Reel?

Pro's and Con's with fly reels?

Any imput would be great guy & gals.....this is why I signed up for Ifish!

Thanks,

Steeleman

[MikeT]

The Pflueger Trion is right at your price point and is a real bargain in my opinion. I bought one on the recommendation of a steelhead guide that uses them in his business. Very solid, dependable reel. If you're planning on using a WF line the model 1978 should be fine. You might have to step up one size if you've got a DT.
Best price I've seen on them was at Sportsman's Warehouse.

Mike

[Pelhament]

If you find an extra $30 laying around the Orvis Mid Arbor Battenkill is one of the best reels I have ever used, I have one for each of my rods. I have landed probably 75 steelhead and 10 or so Springers on my 8wt reel not to mention a few on the one I bought for my 5 wt. Indestructible smooth and light.

[Herm]

I just bought a Reddington SVIII for my eight weight. comes with a one year warranty and is a brick house. It was only $100. Its a little bulky, but its a real solid reel for the money

[Steeleman]

Thanks Guys!

Any thoughts on the ECHO fly reels? I've done some reserach and they run for $70, but the reveiws are a hit or miss! It would be nice to keep the whole rig an ECHO rig, but the reels don't seem to be as nice as their rods from what I'm reading.

Steeleman

[TrapperJohn]

I have no experience with the other reels suggested, but I am familiar with the Reddington line. I agree with Herm’s conclusions on that particular brand. If you toss your spare change into a jar and save up for a higher end reel, the Reddington will give you the opportunity to hone your steelhead fishing skills and will one day make a fine backup reel.

I might also suggest keeping a close eye on Cabela’s for close-out sales on previous year’s models. You might be very surprised at what you can find and afford. A couple of years ago I scored an 8wt Tibor reel, generally a $300 plus item, for less than half of that.

Finally, while others may disagree with me, I suggest keeping an eye open for St. Croix deals. I have had the distinct pleasure of tying into a Spring Chinook on the upper Rogue with one of these reels and it stood up to the challenge nicely.

[leadeyedbugger]

I have a Echo 9' 8wt fly rod, nice rod for the money. I don't have a Echo reel but one of my fishing buddies has a couple and he swears by them. Caught lots of steel and salmon with them.

[stillwater97]

IMHO, The Echo reel is the best bargain on the market today. I own several and they are worth twice what they cost. Sealed disc drag, corrosion proof... etc...