Appropriate Reel Size for Spey Rod

[jdeona]

About to purchase a 7/8 Spey Rod. Just wondering what would be the best size reels for it.

Thanks in advance,

JD

[hooksetter1]

What length rod? Assuming it's around 13ft, a reel in the 8.5-9oz range with enough capacity to hold 200-300yds of 30lb backing and a WF12 single hand line will translate well.

[Maupinate]

Originally Posted by jdeona

About to purchase a 7/8 Spey Rod. Just wondering what would be the best size reels for it.

Thanks in advance,

JD

Take your rod over to River City Fly shop and they will hook you up.
I like the Hardy Marquis Salmon Series for my spey rods.

[C-lice]

Err on the big side rather than the small side. Not only will you have more capacity, but some weight between your hands is nice to cast with and more weight in the reel = holding the rod by the cork rather than by the blank on the swing, especially on a longer rod.

[Nuchal Rouge]

Originally Posted by C-lice

Err on the big side rather than the small side. Not only will you have more capacity, but some weight between your hands is nice to cast with and more weight in the reel = holding the rod by the cork rather than by the blank on the swing, especially on a longer rod.

Great advice. A nicely balanced rod and reel are much more enjoyable to cast.

[surfnfish]

Originally Posted by jdeona

About to purchase a 7/8 Spey Rod. Just wondering what would be the best size reels for it.

Thanks in advance,

JD

A large arbor at least 4" in diameter and 1.5" wide, preferably 4.5" in diameter - I prefer the Lamson Velocity 4's, which can be found for sale on the internet at times for around $160 vs. $300 list.

The weight of the loaded reel is important to counter balance the length of the rod...