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Favorite trout reels?

7K views 34 replies 27 participants last post by  blue dun 
#1 · (Edited)
What would be your favorite trout reels (single hand 5-8wt), ideally classic design / s-handle?

Like the Bogdan equivalent for trout reels... or would you just take a Bogdan?
 
#11 · (Edited)
Trout reels are first and foremost a place to store line. Most trout outside of Labrador, Chile, Argentina, and New Zealand are played by stripping line in and thus the heavyweight features of the more expensive reels are not essential to the aim of the game. If you want to get the top dollar reel, I say go for it. But, I have stable of older Hardys from the Featherweight up through Hardy Marquis 7 hanging below my trout rods from 3 up to 7 weight. I have splurged on a couple of the small Bougle' reels because I like the look. I wouldn't say no to a smaller Perfect in LHW, but the extra weight may throw my lighter weight graphite rods out of balance. We have to remember a lot of the older classic reels were designed and made for use on much heavier bamboo rods.

Buy what you can afford and appreciate, but don't kid yourself into thinking it will be a necessity for 95% of your trout fishing.
 
#13 · (Edited)
Agreed. We have a lot of folks on here with classy (and expensive) tastes, so the collection of Saras, Bogdans and Perfects is no surprise, but I was still hoping to see at least one along the lines of “I love grandpa’s old reel that he got from his father and has been in the family for 4 generations. :)

I like my Marquis 6, LRH and Princess ... as my line holders. While it works perfectly the LRH in particular has an especially lovely, honestly-earned decrepitude to its outer finish - very wabi sabi! Of course this reel is not what many would call a truly an “old” one, as it is not even older than I am, nor a true “classic”. And unfortunately it was not my grandpa’s reel, though I’m sure it was someone’s grandpa’s reel.:chuckle:
 

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#12 ·
Bellinger and Brusky are not too heavy classic s handles that have reasonable balance with graphite sticks 8-9 ft. Baby bougle and bulldog 80’s my go to for cane 6 foot 1-3wt.


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#14 ·
Where and when I grew up I never saw any of the custom built reels, it was a Pflueger environment you could say. I made a tremendous leap to an exotic in 1978 when I bought my Hardy Featherweight. Since I caught so many trout using that reel I'd have to say it's a favorite. I also have a Princess I got in the late 80's for a six weight cane rod that I like a lot.

Featherweight and my 1979 Far & Fine #5



Princess



I still have one CFO reel that has seen some use but the Hardy reels are the go to for trout on small streams here.
 
#18 ·
Very Nice Gus.
I would concur on the Noel trout reels. I have a 150 TD and it is my favourite trout reel. I have heard from one member I used to chat with a member on Clark's who offered me his 150 in Faux ivory that it was the most stunning reel he had seen.
Unfortunately I declined and had Maurice make me what is now known as the 175TT.

I used to own a few Godfrey reels but they are not in the same class IMHO. There's a picture of the trio on Vintage Fly Tackle's Godfrey Reels section.

Cheers,
Steve
 
#17 ·
Trout Reels of Choice

I had the pleasure of meeting and over many years getting to know Stan Bogdan dating back to 1973. His trout reels still top my list...but there are others. I like the new Hardy Cascapedia, Hardy Perfects of course and the Abel TR series. I have a variety of others but there isn't any need to really get into all that here.

I've attached a photo of one of my favorite combinations...a 7'3" Weiler Garrison 204E reproduction with a 1948 vintage 2 7/8" Perfect.
 

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#20 ·
I'll disagree slightly on the trout reel is only a line holder. That depends on where you are and the waters you fish. All you need do is hook a 3 pound or larger Delaware River rainbow or brown and you better have a respectable drag and a good 100 yards of backing. I've seen the bows especially put on the Atlantic Salmon act with jumps and runs that have a reel screaming. Believe me they can be most impressive!!
George
 
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#21 ·
Most definitely. In years gone by I used to do a lot of stillwater and large reservoir fishing for trout, loch style. The stillwater trout were pretty easy, recently stocked ones came in like a sack of potatoes; even big ones to 10 pounds or over and could be handlined in easily.
However on the huge resevoirs, the "grown on" fish which survived a couple of seasons or more, became wild fish and strong from swimming in large expanses and a 2-3 pounder caught on a hopper on top will strip your flyline and 30 yards of backing in a matter of seconds, even with your hand palming it on a drag reel. The speed of the take and fast run can often mean popped tippets, even at 10lb. These are no tame river fish.
 
#25 ·
I can’t believe I’m actually writing this , but I started fishing for trout as a 7 year old in 1960, using a Pfleuger knock off, and always coveted the reel Mackoy my father was using. Well, that old reel with the round line guard is now mine, and I can’t think of using anything else. Partly because it always reminds me of fishing with the best trout Fisher I ever knew, part because I’ve never needed anything fancier (and I’ve caught some lunkers), and part because I’m a tight-fisted Scot that doesn’t spend anything more than is absolutely necessary! :wink2:
 
#26 ·
Hey...don't knock it. I remember my first "good" reel was a Hardy lookalike made by Martin. Fished it for years...then moved up to the Pfleuger Medalist. Still fish'em. Took my first bonefish on a 1495 1/2. Great reels...always have been, always will be!!! Sure...time has allowed me to acquire a few other goodies, but too many of these things have stood the test of time...so why change?
 
#27 · (Edited)
Quality reels with a bit of history make for a more fulfilling experience in my book. Here are my three: Contracted and leaded Perfects from 1950, 3 5/8" (unused) and 3 7/8, both made by James Hardy who wrote to me of their story (his initials being inside); three Perfects in total he made, during his time in the reel shop.

The other a Hardy St. George, 1930's, 3 3/8" complete with smoke agate line guide.

Malcolm
 

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#28 ·
To Each His/Her Own

Reels are very personal items, as evidenced by some of the posts in this thread. There is absolutely nothing wrong owning high end equipment, reels, rods, waders, etc. But, there is also less practical value in it as far as catching fish are concerned than some of the posts let on. To be sure, I'd take a capable reel and rod with me to Patagonia or Labrador. But, I caught as many trout with my original Berkley Parametric 8' six weight using a Pfleuger 1494 and a level line back in the day.

I enjoy it more with better equipment. And, I can afford it now, so my decision is mine to make and appreciate. But, I hope I don't tempt someone to spend money they can't afford for a high end reel when the reel they are using is perfectly suited for the use they make of it.
 
#29 ·
Reels are very personal items, as evidenced by some of the posts in this thread. There is absolutely nothing wrong owning high end equipment, reels, rods, waders, etc. But, there is also less practical value in it as far as catching fish are concerned than some of the posts let on. To be sure, I'd take a capable reel and rod with me to Patagonia or Labrador. But, I caught as many trout with my original Berkley Parametric 8' six weight using a Pfleuger 1494 and a level line back in the day.

I enjoy it more with better equipment. And, I can afford it now, so my decision is mine to make and appreciate. But, I hope I don't tempt someone to spend money they can't afford for a high end reel when the reel they are using is perfectly suited for the use they make of it.
A story you might enjoy glcaddis...I had the pleasure of meeting the great rod builder Everett Garrison back in the early 1970's. When I was in his home with him and a mutual friend he told us of a rod he had received from Berkley, an 8' Parametric. His reaction was if they are going to build glass rods like that one...he was out of business. He considered it most impressive!!!
 
#31 ·
Hmmm.. definitely some subjective opinion liberally applied here (smiling)

I've fished (and fish) a pretty diverse selection of trout reels. All I can say to "the reel is just a line holder" crew is your fishing different water/s than I frequent. I put every decent fish hooked on the reel and (in my opinion) it has saved me trouble far more than ever causing it. If your versed with the practice there's nothing to it.. but benefit. I've played decent (but not "good") fish by hand, ie attempting to apply drag to fast outgoing line, and more often than not the result was predictable.. the rod soon began bucking heavily. To much friction.. hot/humid air temps combined with fast moving line on skin not very conducive. I agree that fingers are sensitive.. but best applied to spool rims (my own bit of subjectivity)

It's all good.. B
 
#35 ·
My favourite trout reels are just about anything made by Hardy with the preference leaning to the St. George, St. John and Perfect models.
From top to bottom: 3 3/4" shallow drum St. George, Pre WWII St. John, 3 7/8" leaded Perfect and a Zenith Multiplier.
I still have the top 2 but the others have new homes.
 

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