Fly Reels For Steelhead

Catch 22 · 11-06-2001, 08:33 PM

Looking for a fly reel for steelhead fishing on the Clack/Deschutes. Anyone here have any opinions on the many choices out there? Would be going on a #7 St. Croix Imperial.

SSPey · 11-06-2001, 09:30 PM

I'm guessing that you don't want to spend an arm and a leg. There are lots of features sold in current reels that aren't really needed (disk drags, machined bar stock alum), and typically you trade features for basic quality at the low price range. Don't do it!!

Pfluegers will serve you well, best to get rim control version (1595). Other good reels are the Orvis battenkill 7/8, then another $tep up to the Teton Tioga 8 or Ross Cimmaron 3 or SA system 1 reels. I've heard less than good reports about Okuma reels though I hear that they make a great website sponsor!

I use an old click pawl Hardy reel, made with primitive technology and almost no features, but solidly made. It rules.

Catch 22 · 11-06-2001, 09:43 PM

Thanx FnF. I looked at the Cimmeron today. I liked the real alot. The store owner strongly discouraged me from buying the Okuma. He was a dealer for a while and said he had sold many of their spinning reels to local guides who later returned almost all of them. I will look for the other reels you mentioned. I don't want to be cheap. However I can't spend a bundle right now either. I'm just looking for something that will last and do the job that won't break the bank.

Gizmo Man · 11-06-2001, 11:33 PM

If you don't want to spend a bundle, go buy the pfluger as suggested above.

I have most of the reels mentioned above plus more and the pfluger work fine, are undestructable and you can afford to buy the extra spools.

I saw a couple being closed out for around $20 at Gart brothers at Clackamus about 1 month ago.

Giz...

Thumper · 11-07-2001, 04:37 AM

My three sons and I fish in Alaska every year for salmon, mostly sockeye, chums and silvers. In about a week we will land 300-400 fish and lose perhaps that many too. We catch many of them on 8 weight fly set-ups and have tried several reels (Ross Gunnison, Fin-Nor, Penn International, Okuma, Scientific Anglers, etc.). For my money there is one standout --- the Penn International 1.5 G. After a few hundred fish the HT-100 drags are still great and nothing has fallen off. It is the only fly reel that we have used that can hold up to that kind of pounding. The reel is expensive, listing at over $300, but I buy them on Ebay, new-in-box, for about $150 apiece.

By the way, the Okuma, which sells for only about $60, held up this year better than most. The drag pooped out after about 50 silvers, but that is easily fixed.

I haven't tried the REALLY pricey fly reels but I don't know how any could do a better job than the Penn. A large arbor reel might be nice, tho. Weakening......

Captn · 11-07-2001, 05:17 AM

I have also done a lot of silver fly fishing in Alaska. Betweem my brother and I, we have a good assortment of fly reels. It is pretty hard to beat the Scientific Anglers System 2 89. The reason is it is also made for saltwater. It is heavy, disc drag but built. I also use the Tioga and it is lighter, also good disc drag and built for salt. The Pflugers are good value for the buck, but like mentioned before, no drag, regulated by palm only. I haven't seen or used the Penn real mentioned above, but that sounds pretty good, I will have to look that up. Tks for the thread and good luck. You know how it goes, once you find a reel, no matter what, that will be the one you like.

V. Green · 11-07-2001, 05:54 AM

You might want to consider the Argus AF8890 from WWGrigg. This is a reel made from machined bar stock aircraft aluminum with a good disk drag and retails fro about $110. You can find these at Ollie Damons (Portland) and at Rivercity Flyshop (Tigard).

You can check out the reels at: http://www.wwgrigg.com/
the site doesn't list this model but either of these shops can get it if it is not in stock in the color you want.

I have the AF340 and the AF890 and I love both of these reels. They are without a doubt the best reels I own.

Predator Dawg · 11-07-2001, 06:46 AM

I use my Scientific Anglers Sys 2 7/8 up in Alaska every year while Sockeye/King fishing. Couldn't even begin to tell you how many fish it has handled over the years, well into the hundreds and beyond. My buddies use the same reel as well. Between us, not one issue to date. I've also used and abused it in the salt down in Florida numerous times, again, without ever having an issue. I've never had it repaired, tuned, looked at, cleaned, etc. and it still works flawlessly. There's no paint left on the bottom from banging around on rocks and in boats. Can't imagine going with any other reel. Throw in the fact that it has a disc drag! I bought the 10/11 for my 10wgt Loomis and it has been flawless as well.

Good luck.

Pete · 11-07-2001, 06:55 AM

I admit I have a Scientific Angler System One reel on my Scott custom steelhead rod, but if I were to replace it I would get something different. I like large arbor reels for steelhead. The looser line coils and greater leverage for palming mean better casting and better control during a fight. Sage has a nice line of large arbor reels, but they are way spendy. For about $70 Okuma has some very nice looking reels which I would love to try on the water. Take a look HERE.

Thumper · 11-07-2001, 07:23 AM

I really think the Okuma is a good buy. It is not machined, but that is why it is less expensive. And the Scientific Anglers reels have some impressive supporters for sure.

rob allen · 11-07-2001, 07:59 AM

On Bob's site there is a guy selling the perfect reel for your dituation the 7/8 Orvis battenkill disk.. He only want's 75 dollars for it and he says it's in excellent condition.

Coot22 · 11-07-2001, 02:03 PM

Take a look at the G. Loomis fly reel series. Ever since G. Loomis was bought out by Shimano, they have started to make reels. So far it has just been the Adventure series of fly reels but they are incredible! I have played with quite a few and own one myself (the Adventure 5). This series of reels come in the 3, 5, and 7 sizes. I personally use the size five for steelhead and silvers. It has been awesome! My favorite feature on the reel is that it is completely quiet when you are reeling your line back in. The only time that it clicks is when line is paying out. This reel is also by far the smoothest reel on the market! No reel can even come close to the smooth action as the Adventure series fly reels by G. Loomis. The best thing about them though, is that it comes with the standard G. Loomis warranty. This reel will set you back $100 and the spare spools are $50 each. Go take a look at one, you will like what you see.

Snagly · 11-07-2001, 03:36 PM

I'd like to put in a plug for the Tioga, the less expensive junior member of the Teton family. The Tioga and Teton share the same award winning drag. I've caught over 100 steelhead on the Tioga plus some hard charging saltwater fish, and the drag is excellent. My only comment is that the 9/10 model I own is heavy but given the maintenance free nature I'd buy another one in the large arbor model. Last I checked, the larger sized Tioga sold for $140 and $70 got you a spare spool.

CZ · 11-07-2001, 04:30 PM

I use a Lamson 3.5LP for my 8 wt. Great reel, never had a problem. They retail for about $210 or so, but are well worth it. Many silvers, steelhead and chums with no drag problems whatsoever....

Catch 22 · 11-07-2001, 10:09 PM

Lots of SUPER responses here. I thought most of the people here would frown at the fly deal. WOW!

Coot, I checked out that Loomis and it seated into my St.Croix Imperial fine. However it was too small for the upper end rods by St. Croix. Kinda weird. Other than that it is a nice reel.

V.Green, I'll check out that Argus. I have to pick up a reel from Ollie's this week and I'll ask about them.

Those large arbor reels out there seem nice. I'm so confused now I'm going to have to sit back for a while and ponder.

4Salt · 11-08-2001, 10:59 AM

Another vote fot the Teton/Tioga reels. Excellent drags, smooth action. Good value for the money. Also, check into Reddington reels.

Ramstrong · 11-08-2001, 01:04 PM

Has anyone heard of the Leeda Dragon Fly #395 Cartridge? I have heard good things about them on a Canadian board and they seem right in my very small budget. Barry Bait in BC has them. I'm just wondering if anyone down here has seen one. $80.00 cdn for the reel and two spare cartridges seems like a bargain.