This year I entered the world of switch rods with a 6wt Deer Creek which I absolutely love. I currently have a Ross CLA4 on the rod which balances the rod fantasticly and performs admirably, no complaints there. However, I have a hankering to give one of these classic clickity-clackity reels a shot. Not looking to spend a fortune on a perfect, just a reasonable 3-3/4"ish starter classic, JW Young, lower range Hardy, or similar somewhere $100-$200.
Most of the time this rod will be used for schoolie stripers and shad in the Potomac but I also want to take it up to the Salmon/Oswego area. I realize it will be light on Altmar winter steel but I'd like to give it a shot never-the-less. I've read a bit about the differing checks in the older models so I thought I'd leave it to a few experts to point me in the right direction. I'm not afraid to palm a reel, but I do want something more in a drag that just free-spool prevention. Suggestions?
My3 3/4" is a little more than the 200 but It would fit the bill,, Hard coat III on the reel skin so the salt will be O.K. and It can be assembled with a duel drag if you like, DISC, to have a that double back up drag or "redundancy" to stop the worry of free spooling. So one or the other will always be engaged. It's also a clickity ,clackity, cluckity machine as well.
While there is no argument that the Speyco reels are beautiful, well made reels (I love mine) for a more cost effective option to "test the waters" so to speak of click and pawl reels a 4" regular drum J.W. Young Beaudex reel would be a great choice. Tough, strong adjustable check, good capacity and weight for a 6wt, most can be switched between right and left hand wind and can be had toward the lower end of your price range.
Maybe a reel worth considering?
Also you can find some hardy st. John 3 7/8" reels close to the top end of your price range, another good reel worth considering.
Those are just 2 off the top of my head, i am sure others will add to the list.
Cheers
J.
While not anodized like the gem above, the Hardy Zenith would also be a good choice at around $250. It's a classy little reel with plenty of tension to prevent spool over-run. For reference: I fish mine with a Z-Axis 7100 for riverine Strippers and Whippers (White and Stripped bass hybrids) to 10lbs without concern. It does double duty for Steelhead mounted on a Z-Axis 5126 with enough capacity for: a GPS 4/5 or 6, and Switch Skagit/Scandi comp head systems. The gear, pawls and springs are high-carbon steel and I would not recommend it for saltwater angling.
Hmm "The zenith" I have one of those an old "English made" In a box somewhere? It does not have the double screw I would think made in the 80's ish. ? Just on a off note, What are those selling for these days I was planning on selling off on all my old reels. Maybe some of the older Speyco demos and some of the other dust collector reels that 100% will never be used by me anymore. I must have 10 or so old reels that are not doing anyone any good in dry storage in a box. Maybe After the Clave on the Grand I will post a few of these reels up to pass on the fun.
Hey Tim: Mine has a 2 screw line-guard. I've seen some with rectangular guards so there is no need to flip it for L or RHW. I think those mount with 4 screws. If I'm not mistaken: I've seen one or two with an L shaped line guard?
There was one in the classifieds for $250 recently.
I really appreciate the info guys. From what I gather, I have quite a few options. By weight, drag, and relative price range, it looks to me like the St John would be ideal. Or a Beaudex would be a good start to test the waters on a classic at a lower price point. I think that might be a good upgrade path to eventually get to something like that River Series reel, Tim. Great looking reels.
I guess I'll be keeping my eyes peeled for a deal on one of these. Again, thanks for the help.
I prefer the older rim control Hardy reels, SA System 9 or 10, Marquis 10 they fit nicely on the 11ft Deer Creek rods.
These reels are discontinued and can be found on the bid sites.
Regards,
FK
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