I am looking for reel for an 11'6" 4wt. Specifically, I want nice and simple click and pawl--not fancy, functional and well, still nice.
I like the new Battenkill spey clicker but the IV seems a little too big. But I'm not sure as I haven't found one in a shop yet. Anyone?
The other option I am strongly considering is are the SA System/Marquis in either 7 or 8. The System 7 is 3.5" I believe and the 8 is 3.75" (give or take a 1/16). I'm leaning towards the 8 as I'd rather be a little over size than under. But I'm not sure about the capacity for integrated spey lines in the #4 range. Anyone with experience?
I have both the Battenkill IV and an old System 2 #78. The Battenkill seems to me to be too stout for a 4-weight, maybe better for a 6. I prefer my old SA System 2. For lighter trout speys I like the new Medalist 7/8. The Battenkill is ~ 1 oz heavier than either, and the clicker is pretty stiff.
I have a couple of older Sage reels (506 and 508) I like for just such an occasion. They work fine on smaller summer steelhead too. I see them from time to time used at very reasonable prices... the harder part is getting one that’s not totally beat up. I have a couple of the Battenkill Spey reels, but they would be much too big for such a light rod imo.
JB
Thanks for the info, all. It's good to know that the new Battenkill spey IV is so stout. I really dig the reel and am happy that Orvis is still offering a solid click reel. I used a 3/4 clicker on my fly rod for about 20 years before retiring it, still functional though.
Where does the Princess fit along side the Marquis 7 and 8?
Same question on the System 2, 7/8 vs. the dedicated System 7 and System 8?
There is the Marquis 8/9 and it is the same as the old SA system 8. Not sure why but the numbering system was different starting there in spite of the fact they were the same reels to the point of interchangeable spools. Princess is a little lighter but about the same volume. I think the princess would be perfect on a typical 3 wt. Since you implied cheaper maybe this one is out, but the Orvis CFO V would be another classic choice. A few have popped up recently on here for a steal. The Aidan is one of my favorites, and very light, but it just feels kinda big on such a small rod - I use one on a 13’ 6wt! Weirdly enough (I AM weird) the zenith from the same lightweight series which not only has the same volume but is a fraction of an ounce heavier feels just perfect on my 11’6” 4wt. It it wider, but with a smaller radius, but that opinion is certifiably not related to anything measurable. :hihi:
Here is a pic I took side by side several years ago if it helps, front to back Marquis 8/9, Princess, Marquis 7, modern Widespool Perfect 3 3/8.
Put a hole below the zipper of a ziploc sanwich bag, fill it with coins and place it dead center on the reel seat until you acheive the preferred blance. Weight it on a digiral scale and you will know which reel is right for you. Add a couple ounces for backing and running line.
The Abel's and Billy Pate's are beautiful things, but way outta my league!
The palming ring is something that I also need on a click reel. My first trout reel was a little Battenkill 3/4 and I fished that thing for almost 20 years. It's what I want on my two-hander and why I'm looking at the System and Marquis reels, I'm leaning towards an SA System 8.
I have a Leland Sonoma "striper" model (bass and striper model have same spec). A totally simple, non-adjustable clicker on my ARE 11' 3/4. I love it. Staying on that rod. $99 on their website right now.
I have a Leland Sonoma "striper" model (bass and striper model have same spec). A totally simple, non-adjustable clicker on my ARE 11' 3/4. I love it. Staying on that rod. $99 on their website right now.
The Danielsson L5W 6Nine works nicely on a Trout Spey as does the Hardy Marquis 10 or even a Salmon 1. I have the latter two I could be persuaded to part with. PM me if interested.
I have used the following reels on my 10'10" ACR 1wt to my 12ft 5wt.
Hardy Perfect 3&5/8"
Hardy Marquis 8/9
Hardy St Adian
Hardy Salmon 1
SA System 9 (Hardy Marquis 10)
Ross Colorado 3
Plueger Medalist 1495 with round line guide
I mostly use my 11'11" 3 at (235 grain scandi) with the Hardy Marquis 8/9 for most larger trout waters. Good balance for a very light rod. I have used all reels mentioned above, except the Salmon 1, on my 11'11" 3wt and they all balanced the rod fine.
Overall I prefer the Hardy Marquis reels in the correct size for overall looks/price/functionality. I personally don't need a huge amount of backing on a trout spey reel. Even on large sea runs browns, I used Hardy Salmon reels. It is nice to have the planing rim if needed.
For your rod I would consider the Hardy Marquis 8/9 or Marquis 10 for looks and balance. If you end up not liking them, you can easily move them to another owner and not lose money, outside perhaps a small rental fee. The SA versions are always cheaper. The System 8 is the same reel as the Marquis 8/9.
For my smaller trout speys (shorter than 11ft and under 200 grains) I'm planning to add a couple of Hardy Marquis 7s into the mix. My daughter can also use them on her 175 grain rod.
If you are good with fighting fish, the Marquis is an excellent reel. I landed this bruiser with a Hardy Marquis on a spey rod. I never felt under gunned. However, it was exciting at times. The Marquis 8/9 was a major steelhead reel for single handed rods for years in the PNW. I use the Marquis 8/9 for runners on the Madison, and for the large fish on the Missouri River.
I hope this is helpful. You have received suggestions from others, and all have provided great thoughts.
I use a St Aiden on a similar rig. I have tried a number of reels including St George 3 3/4, Perfect 3 5/8, Perfect 3 7/8. The St Aiden feels the best for my taste. I’ve never had a non-sea run fish challenge the backing capacity, and I have caught a number of 20 inch plus fish.
I use a 3-3/4" St.Aidan on my 11'11" 5 weight and it's oh so sweet.
So I would think you'd be fine with anything 3-1/2" or 3-5/8"
I'd suggest a princess but no palming rim on that.
They all hold tons of backing!
I forgot to mention I used a golden prince 8/9 (3-5/8" diameter) for an 11' 5 weight I have with an OPST integrated, backing etc. No issues there and the golden prince has a mid size arbor so you'd get even more with a traditional style click pawl in something that diameter.
I might be able to offer some insight on the SA/Hardy reel options. Recently I came into possesion of a few of these that I've been helping a buddy sell off because he doesn't like clickers. Anyway, I have a few trout spey rods, mostly the One series and in the collection of reels were Marquis/SA #6 , System 9 and 10...sadly not a #7. In the case of the 3110 the #6 will fit both the scandi and skagit heads but it's pretty tight. I do think the #7 would be perfect for the 3110 but if your like me and want to use the same reel on your 4116 and maybe 5116 I don't think the #7 would have the room. Enter the SA System #9 I do have and you have all those rods covered. I will say I think it is a tad big for the 3110 but it is also more comfortable to wind. Other reels I found to be very nice on the 3 wt are the Abel Super 6n and the Allen Kraken II.
A reel that is a tad heavy for the 3 (actually same wt as the new Sage Trout Spery reel 3/4/5) is the old Tioga #10 LA and it will cover the 4 wt also...didn't try it with the 5 wt heads yet. The System 10 I believe is the same as the Salmon 1 and that seems to work on my 6126 and I light solution for the One 7136 but the System 11 is better with falls between the Salmon 1 & 2. I thought the new Gunnison would be a fit but a shop owner out west says it didn't work to well with the heads fit wise. If you need the weights of these reels loaded with backing and shooting line I have them written down and would be happy to post them up.
Paul
You are welcome. I will say, as Bud pointed out, the St. Aiden is really nice. Bud and I are using the same rod, I mostly went with the Marquis because of price point. I also have a St. Aiden, but it goes with the 12ft 5wt.
Leland makes some nice reels at a great price point. Ive had two Vintage Series reels with me on the road for a couple of years now and they are of very good quality and pretty tough.
A couple of thoughts: first, give some consideration to having a full-cage reel, rather than a skeleton type. I have had my running line slip between the frame and spool while stripping on some pretty nice skeleton-type reels , resulting in the line coming out of the back of the reel. Not good. It seems that most clickers are also full-cage reels. Second, I believe it was Scientific Anglers System 1 reels, not System 2 that were the clickers. Made by Hardy. Good choice.
I'm using Hardy Bougle Mk.VII 3-1/2" on my Meiser Highlander 10'6" 3/4wt. I had a lot fun hooked up a big fish on this light weight set-up. The Bougle sings-out that same classical tune beautifully, the same tune as it has been since 1903.
I have the 11' 4" Spey for a 3wt. I am using my old Hardy Marquis #7, which is the perfect weight and size for this rod. It holds enough backing plus running line. I fish the SA 180 grain line on it, not the integrated version and it works great. The Marquis 8 will work as well.
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