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Recommendations for Chinook reel.

9K views 44 replies 26 participants last post by  Sir Castalot 
#1 · (Edited)
Looking to upgrade my big reel for this coming season. Previously been using a Redington Behemoth, but haven't been happy with its tendency for my running line to jump out of the cage.
Looking for something that will balance on my 13ft Echo King. I use a click/pawl reel for every other species but still a little gun shy about going after Nooks without drag. I would prefer something to have an outgoing click though. Fish usually range in the high teens to low 30s and the river is pretty big.

Was looking at an Orvis Battenkill Disc Spey V, as it seems to fit without breaking the bank. Also considering Cascapedia but mostly because I'm partial to the looks.

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Danielsson H5D 11fourteen would be one great possibility. By a good margin the best bang for the buck out there at the moment. Order online direct from them. One of the very few situations where you can say ordering from Europe is the budget option for an A-list item. Depending on your tastes you can add some lead core trolling line under everything to adjust the weight, but so much room it will barely be perceptible. I added about 2.5 oz to balance a 13’6” 9wt. It also serves as a warning indicator for when you are about to get spooled. :)

I have the largest cascapedia and it would be a good weight but I feel like a bit small, but maybe not for Most of the chinook you mentioned.
 
#3 ·
I use a Danielsson 11-14 and Tibor Gulfstream. Both are older models, both well tested on chinook, with no issues.

The Tibor is an open-frame design, but no issues with 40 lb mono running line jumping through (whereas I have experienced this on other reels). The Danielsson is their heavier discontinued HD 11-14 that balances 14' rods; the current H5D 11-14 is a bit lighter and likely balances a 13' rod well, very highly recommended and not too pricey

You can minimize line jump-through with your current reel by using stacked electrical tape or a dab of epoxy to close the gap.
 
#7 ·
Pricier than those you mention, but I find the Charlton Mako 9600S the perfect reel for chinook. It's bombproof, has a strong and convenient drag and picks up line like a multiplier due to its large arbor. It has a chip and rash-proof finish and is quite light for its size.
 
#8 ·
If you want disc drag and a clicker you find a better combo than the Loop Classic as already mentioned. I have a 10/13(use it on a 16' rod) and might be a bit big for a 13' rod, the 8/10 should still have plenty of capacity and a better fit for a shorter rod.
 
#12 ·
Hehe, always reliable on here, whatever the original context, to get some expensive tastes. That Mako is about the sexiest looking thing I’ve ever seen. I feel like the OP should then spend (at least) a grand or so on a new rod so that princess will not have to have any “contact with the peasants”. It would be the only civilized thing to do. :chuckle:
 
#15 ·
Some great reels suggested here !!
I am partial to the Loop Classic, it was my first S-Handle reel. Excellent drag and served well on Atlantic Salmon.
I've heard nothing but praise for the Danielson reels too.

Going back to the OP's first post, I think the Orvis Battenkill Spey Disc V would be fine as a Chinook reel.
Another suggestion that wouldn't break the bank is finding a Scientific Anglers System II 10/11 or 12/13. These are full cage reels, have a wide range of drag adjustment and are completely bombproof. Even the 10/11 should have ample space for backing.


Mike
 
#17 ·
I just bought a used Behemoth that I am lining up and don't quite understand how the line is jumping out of the cage or when, on the cast, fighting a fish? Doesn't sound good to me but I am aware that I can probably remedy this with a spot of epoxy or tape to close any gaps. What sort of line configuration are you using when this happens?
 
#18 ·
To be fair to the Behemoth I got mine used and it had definitely seen some use.

It would jump out between the cage and the spool, this was with 50 pound mono. You may have no problems depending on your choice of running line, and it could just simply have been the abuse my reel had seen. Other then that issue, it had tons of room for backing and a strong enough drag.

I would just rather replace it with something I have more confidence in given that during Chinook season my hooks up are few and far between and I would like to have full confidence in my gear when it does happen.


Tons of great suggestions so far, and a couple beautiful reels that are a bit out of my price range. :chuckle:
 
#20 ·
There are some A1 but currently affordable reels that also have a click (if that is important) that are worth mentioning since most of the other suggested options are very pricey. It more of a pro forma click, and not the powerful growl of a Saracione or one of the others, but it sounds nice. I hesitate to mention them because it may take some work to find one, but these are the old Lamson saltwater reels made 20 years ago. If you are lucky you can find them in very nice condition on eBay where they still come up every month or so, and sometimes on here for $200-250 ish.

They sold new 20 years ago at $700-800, and are the equals of the more expensive Abels, and like some of them they have a cork drag which still is regarded as one of the most reliable types there is. They are heavy for their volume, maybe why they were only made for a few years, but for that reason make great reels for longer spey rods. One of our hall monitors on SP, Montanafos, is very into these, and he inadvertently got me into them when he posted a “centerfold” of one on here. Now I have all the sizes I can use, and two of the “Permit” size, but he may be the guy to pm to see if he has any ideas about how to find one at the moment. Another person might be Bill Archuleta (Archuleta Reel Works) who has taken a special professional interest in these reels. You probably want to look for a “tarpon” sized one, but there is the “Marlin” (very heavy) as well. Anyway, these click and if you like the looks are at the apex in terms of quality without any added surface ostentatiousness. For some that is most appealing of all, in addition to the value. They don’t have the advantage of a large arbor but have a classic if understated look, and are very simple. You basically have access to all the parts within seconds and without tools. This is a “Tarpon”. About the same volume as a 4” perfect so not too huge, but the drag is unimpeachable.
 

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#21 ·
I am surprised there is any discussion. For Chinook, use a chinook reel, designed for chinook.
The Silver King from Nautilus. I also use the Nautilus NV Monster, but the Silver King is a better price point.
I have blown up Hatch, Galvan, and Tibor on chinook, and now only trust Nautilus.
 
#22 ·
I have used a Hardy Cascapedia for Chinooks in BC and had no issues as the drags on these reels are quite strong. The only issue to consider or keep in mind is the reel has a 1:1 retrieve so when these fish make long runs which they will do reeling the line back in. I also used a Bogdan Model 2 which has a great drag as well and has a 2:1 retrieve so helps in reeling in line. This of course is a much more expensive reel. But I would have no problem using the Cascapedia for Chinooks. There is another gentleman, Ard (Hardyreels) on this site who lives in Alaska he uses this reel for Chinooks and has done so for a number of years.
 
#25 ·
I very much like Teton Tioga reels. Full cage, sealed drag using a multi-washer style drag system - and they are less than $200. Their 12 wt large arbor would be perfect for chinook. Offset disc drag reels like Orvis' Battenkill are susceptible to varying drag effects when wet and you have already discovered the benefits of a full cage. Addendum: Sadly, I just went to Teton's site and they no longer make the reels larger than 7-8 so you would have to find one on the used market. Good luck with that.
 
#28 ·
I have a question in general on big fish and reels.
A century ago give or take they were very large Atlantic and Pacific salmon being caught on click and pawl reels.

I don't recall reading about reel failures as a common major problem.
What would be wrong with fishing for Chinooks with one of those old large salmon reels, a 4 1/4" Hardy perfect or other 4" plus Hardy reel, a 4 1/2" Young 10B, etc. etc.
 
#29 · (Edited)
THIS!! The guide(s) I fish with up in BC use cllck & pawls for some of the biggest Chinooks I've ever seen. Specifically vintage 4" to 4 1/2" Hardy Hercules reels. They know exactly how to fight these fish some of which run close to 50lbs. The reels and rods take a beating and some fail...but to watch this feat is certainly humbling.
 
#30 ·
Because most people do not know how to fight a fish they think they need the newest technology available, sealed drags with the latest carbon fiber yada, yada, blah, blah, blah.
Be smarter than the fish and you will win, if not.....
Also apparently people cant read or there reading comprehension is very poor.
The OP was asking for a full cage reel with disk drag and out going click. That eliminates Danielson, Charlton, Able Galvin, Nuatlis, Bauer, Tibor and most of the others mentioned.

I agree about not giving up on full on click n pawl reels as I have caught several Chinook with a 4" Bougle, though here in Washington they do not tend to take big runs and just tend to bull dog and sulk.
 
#31 ·
.....
Also apparently people cant read or there reading comprehension is very poor.
The OP was asking for a full cage reel with disk drag and out going click. That eliminates Danielson, Charlton, Able Galvin, Nuatlis, Bauer, Tibor and most of the others mentioned.
“I’m shocked! shocked to find that gambling is going on here!”

Even though this happens EVERY time.

Reading even closer reveals that the poor OP was just looking for a more reliable upgrade for his used, <$100 new, Chinese manufactured, super-budget reel. Five-star reading comprehension would seem to indicate he would have no interest in most of the recommended reels above, including a loop classic! I’m glad someone was able to come up with a suggestion that had all the criteria for under $200 as I was feeling a little guilty even about the < $300 suggestions.

Maybe I’m spoiled but I find the sound from many low-priced reels that click, with or without drag, to be the opposite of satisfying. So caveat emptor on that. The OP can decide if a better sound is worth the extra cost to HIM.
 
#32 ·
I am not sure it’s wandered too far off the original post although only the originator can really comment on this. I think people have suggested reels they have used successfully including non fully caged reels which have not been a problem for them with running line getting trapped.
I think though that it is very true to say that many of us have become focused on expensive reels with the latest whale stopping drags. I guess as fish become more scarce especially here in the U.K. you don’t want to loose that one fish because your reel was not up to the job. If you fish a lot for a lot of fish then your skill level with a click and pawl reel will be high and so it’s maybe the less frequent fishing anglers who are nervous of these reels for big fish and want to rely on a good smooth drag. I am pretty sure this is why people have recommended Danielsson reels a lot as although not fully caged they are very well constructed, have a bullet proof smooth drag, running line doesn’t get trapped and they are great value considering how well they are made. Unfortunately though not much of a click and the non control reels are not that heavy to balance some of the longer, heavier rods.
I am going to Norway this year with the chance of 20+ or even 30lb Atlantic’s on a big river and even though I fish a Hardy perfect in Scotland and have caught salmon to 20lb on this reel I am still nervous of using the perfect in Norway. Maybe I have been caught in a marketing trap and I should just use what I know and like and rely on me to fight the fish.
One comment I read many years ago which I thought was a good one was that rods come and go but if you want to spend money invest in a good quality well made reel and it will serve you well for a lifetime. Bearing in mind top end rods are at $1100 or more then maybe we should be thinking about paying more for our reels than our rods and learn and become confident playing big fish on those reels over time and we will be more successful as a result. Lack of confidence in my view can lead to lost fish as you play the fish too lightly. Also fishing with a quality well made reel is a real delight for me and adds a lot to my fishing.
 
#33 ·
You won't ever feel comfortable using a click and pawl for Nooks if you don't use them. I would suggest try use your favorite clicker for them once and see how you feel; if you haven't already. I personally love a little chaos and out of control feeling when I am fighting fish. I've heard decent things about the Sage Spey reel, never fished it, but they look nice and have good drags.
 
#34 ·
One decision point would be intended goal. If I were catch and release, then who cares if you don't land the fish, and I take my Speyco. If I'm feeding the family, then I want all the advantages when I get the first hookset in 3 days. Then I take the Nautilus and catch and release into my cooler.
 
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