TroutBum4wt Posted August 18, 2007 Posted August 18, 2007 I just bought a Scientific Anglers Concept reel for my 9wt "trout master" rod. If you're on a tight budget, this series of reels might be the ticket. It's 95 percent plastic and not too pretty, but it seems to be getting the job done so far. I landed a nice Taney brownie on 8/17 at the public boat ramp with the reel, which cost me $50 at Wal-Mart. "Where There Are Trout, There's Hope" - John Gierach
Terry Beeson Posted August 18, 2007 Posted August 18, 2007 The "cheap reel" debate is a fun one at times. The reel you mentioned will work.... now... What is the value of a reel? Some folks tend to view the reel as only a place to hold the fly line during storage. Many fish are landed without touching the reel. I, myself, put very few fish on the reel. So why spend big bucks on one? Others value a "good" reel to fight larger fish. A good drag will make a difference in a fight with a good size fish for sure. Other factors to be considered are the durability of the reel. Composite ("plastic") reels and cast aluminum reels can and will break if accidently dropped in the parking lot (personal experience speaking.) Machined reels are more "durable" in that sense. But, you may argue that you can buy 5 or 6 of the WalMart reels for the price of one "high dollar" reel. Honestly, I think it's a matter of personal taste, usage, and budgetary issues that help us decide which reel to use. As long as the $50 reel is working for you (I have a couple of $20 reels that are doing just fine myself) then go for it!!! TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Zach Bearden Posted August 18, 2007 Posted August 18, 2007 I agree with Terry, I used a reel just like that but it was the 20$ model, on a 20$ rod that I still use today as my main rod. I was actually in Muskogee (ok) and was looking at it with a guy. He was thinking about buying it (60$ pack and clearenced down to 15$) He asked me if I really wanted it (I only had 10 and mom wouldnt get me the last 5 lol) And I said "You bet!" He asked me if I would promise to keep out of trouble if he paid the last 5 and tax. And again I couldnt resist, I told him that I would, until I hit the river. Thats when all them fish got into trouble! haha but I still use that thing and its brought in everything from a 2" bow to a 17lb bow. But the reel has been upgraded because I did the same thing as Terry and dropped it in the lot and the drag system broke. I got a Cabelas Prestige (gift from my fly fishing mentor) and it hasnt let me down. I would highly recomend that reel to a person and its only 30$. So my verdict is that a high dollar reel might have a warranty and be 600$ but like he said how many 20-50$ reels could you get not to mention the spools with 600$? haha "Its clearly Bree time baby!" Member: 2009 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed Czech Republic. 7th Place Team Member: 2010 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed Slovakia. 4th Place Team Member: 2010 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed The America Cup. 4th Place Team
trout fanatic Posted August 18, 2007 Posted August 18, 2007 Hey Zach, I've consulted with the "Good Karma fishing gods" and they seem to think that you may owe some unsuspecting young kid in the future a $5 donation towards a rod or reel of his choice--LOL
The Caddis Posted August 19, 2007 Posted August 19, 2007 I was at the local outdoors store here and picked up a Ross Flystart for $45.00. No plastic and the drag is as smooth as the Rhythm. Only difference I have found is it is about 3/4 oz. heavier, but $200 lighter on the wallet.
Danoinark Posted August 19, 2007 Posted August 19, 2007 Now you guys are talking my language..I am the worlds foremost frugal fly fishermen. I have a Martin 61 still in use today. Dano Glass Has Class "from the laid back lane in the Arkansas Ozarks"
Terry Beeson Posted August 19, 2007 Posted August 19, 2007 ...I am the worlds foremost frugal fly fishermen... OOOOOooooohhhhh.... And I thought you were just an ol' TIGHT-ARSE!!!! TIGHT LINES, YA'LL "There he stands, draped in more equipment than a telephone lineman, trying to outwit an organism with a brain no bigger than a breadcrumb, and getting licked in the process." - Paul O’Neil
Zach Bearden Posted August 19, 2007 Posted August 19, 2007 Hey Zach, I've consulted with the "Good Karma fishing gods" and they seem to think that you may owe some unsuspecting young kid in the future a $5 donation towards a rod or reel of his choice--LOL Lol well I havent done that wil a rod+reel... but I did with a bunch of flies! hahaha Cody caught quite a few trout that day too! "Its clearly Bree time baby!" Member: 2009 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed Czech Republic. 7th Place Team Member: 2010 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed Slovakia. 4th Place Team Member: 2010 U.S. Youth Fly-Fishing Team. Competed The America Cup. 4th Place Team
strangercreek Posted August 20, 2007 Posted August 20, 2007 I still have an old South Bend Plueger Clone reel somewhere that I bought at KMart for 15 bucks (or something like that)...works great.
flyfshn Posted August 20, 2007 Posted August 20, 2007 Have several Hobbs creek reels....got them at for $29 at BP and they work well. My son won a $200 Ross reel from Feathercraft 2 years ago and it is very nice! Don't think I could fork out that much money for a reel though....I would rater have a nice rod! Fish On! Mike Utt “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift from God, that’s why its called the Present!” "If we ever forget that we are ONE NATION UNDER GOD, then we will be a nation gone under" - Ronald Reagan Member: www.ozarkflyfishers.org
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