Saltwater Flyrodders

Leading question I know.....

I'm looking to buy a new small reel. Suitable for say 8wt (so it would be a REALLY small reel for me). Capable for sharkies, salmon but usually smaller fish than this............. Must have good drag and obviously reversing handle/rim control (is there anything else?)

Please don't suggest limited edition gold plated $3000 reels - but I do want something reasonable. Please indicate why you thing 'brand A' is so good. If you know where I could buy one at a good price - even better.



I would say if you know a shop that sells one at a good price and you don't want to provide details publically - PM me.....but how do you do this on this new forum?


Regards
Simon

Simon - to PM click on the little head icon on the left hand side under the persons username. This should take you direct to PM them.

It's a no brainer Simon. Tibor Everglades. Perfect 8 wt reel, lots of pretty colours, reliable drag, etc, etc. Only down side is it's a little heavier than some of the newer design reels. Chris or Rohan are pretty competitive on pricing for club members.
Other option is the Sage 6080. Lighter build reel, but nice drag and finish.
There's plenty of other reels out there on the market, but these are two that I've used and would purchase again in a heartbeat.

The TFO 375 has done me well and landed some good fish (though those Abel reels are mighty pretty )

If you are not fussy about the finish, then look at one of the Shilton reels from Chris Dunham.

The SL 5 model is rated for 8 weights. The SL6 model is rated for 9- 10 weight lines but has the same diameter as a Tibor everglades.

The difference between a Shilton and a Tibor is one has an outgoing drag, the other doesn't. Also one is made in South Africa the other in the US.

Can bring it in the next meeting if you want a look at mine.

Doug

Tony
I agree the Tibor Everglades is a great reel (I've got one) but down south I think it goes great on my #10 throwing bigger flies into a bit of wind to a school of salmon. I really looking for the next size down (and yes a little lighter) to be 'balanced' with the #8.

Doug
Yes please bring your Shilton along. I think Terry had one in Exmouth that I thought was fairly good. But do you mean it hasn't got a drag? I certainly want a drag (I always prefer cork).

Thanks for the suggestions....any more for a reel a bit smaller than the Tibor Everglades?

Simon

That should read "the shilton has a silent outgoing drag. The Tibor has click when the fish runs."

Lamson reels are generally lighter than most of the other big brands. If you're looking for a decent midpriced reel the lightsoeed is pretty good- gettable here for around $300.

shimano biocraft 7/8 full machined/ anodising, easily removed spool and light.$219 even less with club discount.

Simon,
Lamson litespeeds or the sage 6000, 4500 or 4200 series of reels are my pick. They are are all light and are reasonably priced( except the 6000 series)
Cheers
Martin