Grrrrr.... Fly Reels $$$$

skein · 06-17-2006, 10:05 AM

Okay, so we're landlocked for the next week - or so it seems, and natually we start looking at goodies, and dreaming dreams to keep us sane (?) until our playground smooths out.

You also may know I'm crazy to hook up with Uncle Albie on a flyrod, and have a 12wt all set to go. But....

Somewhere in the back of my mind (?) I keep lusting after one of those flyreels that are built for the speed and raw power of a bullet in the blue; maybe a sleek Fin-Nor or Tibor.

But holy hazmat, they're spendy! As in $$$$$.

I try to mentally compare them to something like an Avet EX Two Speed, with all the gears and drags to make 'em work, then look at a flyreel - which is simplicity itself, and wonder how the Avet can go for $549 while the Tibor is $700+ ! And that's without the $300 extra spool.

Pretty tough to spend a boat buck on a flyreel.

I'm not looking for solutions (well, maybe I am) but all I really need is your sympathy and understanding. Just lift a glass to me and say, "Skein-o, we feel yer pain."

Skein

ron m · 06-17-2006, 10:10 AM

Just put one of your spare regular reels on it! a Peen 113 H should hold plenty of flyline! and when you turn the rod over, the handle will be on the left side, you'll just have to reel backwards!

Isn't it good we're so helpful! I hope you enjoy the beer I hoist to you as much as I will!
ron m

ron m · 06-17-2006, 10:11 AM

Ah, Jim, how about one of the type of reels they seem to like in Canada? That might actually work as a fly-reel.

skein · 06-17-2006, 10:15 AM

Ron,

That's exactly what I have; a big mooching reel. We'll see....

Oh, by the way, here's just one of the pictures that got me started down this road.

Flyrod Bluefin

Skein

bajadan2000 · 06-17-2006, 10:23 AM

Temple Fork Outfitters came out with a new reel series that is worth looking at. Model # TFR H3 sugg. $379.95.

If I can stop breaking my toys and come up with some extra bucks this reel will go on a TFO rod model TF BW HD for $249.95.

It will not be long before we are chasing them Jim. Sure would be nice to boat them on a fly rod. Good luck in the chase.

Bait O' Eggs · 06-17-2006, 12:14 PM

Buy a matching set (one for you and the wife) and get the gold anodized one and get your names and marriage date engraved in the side, and something sappy like

"love ya always, yadda yadda yadda, Jim"

She will thank you for being so thoughtful

or maybe

ya, but either way, with the engraving the reels wont be going back and you have a shot at making the wife thank you for getting a nice reel.

Booja 1 · 06-17-2006, 12:28 PM

Whatta nice BFT,,,,,,any bft is nice, tough enough to get one on the deck with conventional tackle but truely amazing on the fly rod. Might have a better chance on a boat throwing live bait, get the fish chewing pretty good, then go in with your fly. Hopefully you're with friends so they don't get mad when you take awhile to land the thing.

edsr · 06-17-2006, 01:48 PM

O.K. Roy, come clean which, no, how many of your reels are, guns, poles, etc. are engraved? You seem to know way too much about this.

edsr · 06-17-2006, 01:54 PM

Skein - I agree with you. When you consider the complexity of a standard reel in comparison to a fly reel it doesn't make sense.

I think the mooching reel you showed me loaded with fly line is about as sturdy and cheap as you are going to find.
The problem with a reel that has no anti-reverse is how many finger nails is it going to cost before you "acclimate"?

edsr

HOGGEMIN · 06-17-2006, 03:42 PM

Ok Jim I feel for U buddy so I will toss a few beers down just for U and I hope U get a Albi on the fly this year.

tomictime · 06-17-2006, 06:01 PM

..not a flyreel..but start using this for salmon ALSO and you can sell some of those levelwinds...my $.02...

Islander MR3..about $500 US

JD

Bird Chaser · 06-17-2006, 06:25 PM

1977 I became addicted to Fly Fishing in the Ocean for Salmon. As the previous posts mentioned, the normal fly gear for this type of fishing requires you to own a major share in a bank. It is now 9 years and I have gone through quite a lot of experimentation and have settled on the following.
The reel. Yep, it is a mooching reel style with a superb drag. It is no longer in production. Its a ABU Garcia Diplomat 420.
The Rod, a North River Casting Rod Heavy Action 20-50 lb which has been modified somewhat, and I generally cast lead core line with it.
Dkoes it work. You bet your sweet bippy. 1977 Port Hardy BC 36lb 4OZ Chinook (shown in article I wrote for STS. 2003 Trinidad Ca 56LB 10 OZ, and I'll admit that on this one I would never have landed it without another person piloting the boat.
I also have a second 420 on my spey set-up.
It is not invincible though for last year I was trolling for albacore and had a fish-trap on. The fish overran the reel before I could grab it and broke the 30 lb line.

Onokai · 06-17-2006, 07:23 PM

Jim you seen that dvd of that winchester bay tuna trip all fly rod action a few years ago??I have it just pm me for a loan. It will get your juices flowing.ZMark

skein · 06-17-2006, 07:26 PM

Yeah, Mark, I have it. I've watched it a couple hunnerd times. :grin:

I'm gonna get me at least one this year. I may not have any thumbs left after the initial run, but I am definitely going to score.

Skein

tomictime · 06-18-2006, 09:17 AM

the knucklebuster "feature" is very handy for keeping OTHERS away from your gear and fish...

tomictime · 06-18-2006, 09:43 AM

Quote:

1977
The reel. Yep, it is a mooching reel style with a superb drag. It is no longer in production. Its a ABU Garcia Diplomat 420.

I also have a second 420 on my spey set-up.
It is not invincible though for last year I was trolling for albacore and had a fish-trap on. The fish overran the reel before I could grab it and broke the 30 lb line.

there is a 420 for sale at fishingcolectabile.com for.....$40...

JD