Fly Reel

[Hmac58]

Good morning,

I've been bass fishing for 25+ years, decided to pick up fly fishing this summer and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. Mostly fishing Taneycomo but will also fish NFoW.

I have a couple of 5 wt rods - a Scott that is a loaner and a BPS rod.

I'm looking to buy a reel, something that will serve me well for years to come. I've done some searching on my own but haven't seen much in comparisons or what reel is better than another or why. I've seen many good comments about the Lamson Konic, although I'm not opposed to spending more than that.

Any recommendations?

Thanks

[Trout Commander]

If money isn't an issue check out the Able Super reels.

[flytyer57]

I have 3 Ross Cimarrons that I enjoy a lot. They are older and no longer available and not large/wide arbor. I would definitely buy something with a large arbor. Ross reels are pretty darn good for the money. Very smooth drags and good quality. Also made in the good ol' USA.

I have purchased a couple of Bass Pro Shops Hobbs Creek Fly Reels. They cost $40 each. They are made of some sort of metal, not plastic like a cheap Cortland reel. For my cheaper rods they work just fine. The drags work pretty good and for tailwater trout fishing, I don't think you can beat the price for value.

Those Abel reels will set you back quite a bit. I haven't used one, but for the money, I think you could find a good reel a lot cheaper.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Abel's are nice, but heavy. They are the gold standard in the industry.

I've owned many different brands but I love my Lamson Litespeeds!!!

Light weight, large arbor and very smooth drags.

SIO3

[Gavin]

Lots of em will do the trick...Guess I have 15-20 reels.....and I like most of them for different reasons. I like the sealed disk drag reels for cold weather fishing...The Lamson Konic cant be beat for the price, but many others will do the trick. My Galvan OB's have been fished hard and beat up in boats for years.... I've never had a problem with them. Shiltons are really nice too, if my Galvan's ever fail I'll probably get a Shilton. The Lamson Litespeed is a great reel too.

I'm not a big fan of Abel, or Ross... Abels cost a bundle and they are heavy, good cork drag, but the drag on the Tibor is better..Ross...I dont like em cuz I had some issues with their old Cimarron model...(spool detent pin freezes and causes it to free spool in really cold conditions)..so I've stayed away from Ross since then. Their newer models may be better, but if the spool engages to the drag with a spring loaded pin..stay the heck away if you fish in freezing conditions. Many reels will fill the big...just depends on what you like and how much you have to spend.

[troutfiend1985]

I have a G. Loomis Venture on my 5 wieght and it has worked great for three years, and I see it working great for years to come. Very smooth drag, a little heavy but that has never bothered me. At 100$ you can't beat it in my opinion. I think you should check it out.

I also have a Lamson Guru on an 8 wieght and it is very nice. A little pricey at 200$ but I love mine for carp and bass.

But if you're only going to be doing trout fishing and a little bass fishing with this reel I would go with the Loomis.

[Newbie Fly]

I too am new to the fly. I have a Lamson Konic had no issues at all, for the money its great.. Same drag they use on all thier reels. Even though its cast they do machine the spool afterwards.... For a little more you can get the Guru which is their entry to fully machined reels

I heard mention of Galvan ,( bit pricey)another great reel and I can tell you a great family run company I used to live near their shop when in California and they are good people and make a great reel. All my bigger stuff for saltwater is Galvan they can take a beating

Most everyone told me the reel doesn't matter much its justa place to store your line, spend it on the rod!!!

Yeah go and strip wooley buggers during the night at Taney during October and you will find out real fast the importance of a drag you can count on.

I 've had brownies take off like a bonefish on the flats !!!! Even with 4x I had to get him on the reel and let him run

The Konic held up

[Danoinark]

I have 3 Ross Cimarrons that I enjoy a lot. They are older and no longer available and not large/wide arbor.

I have to agree. The Cimarron is great and you can still find them used.

Dano

[stlfisher]

I have the Cabela's RLS reel on a St. Croix Legend Ultra and I couldn't be happier with it. Drag works great and it has handled trout, bass, and even a few Catfish just fine.

[rcguy]

Lamson Konic and Guru here. Great reels so far!