[windknot]

I recieved a GLoomis 15' IMX 8/9 spey rod a few years ago and have never used it. Now that I live in Southern California I've decided to put it to use. But I need a reel and line. I plan on fishing the Delta for Stripers and Black Bass this May and doing some summer fishing in lower WA. Might even find myself down at the coast before I'm done. I would like to keep reel price under $200. Was looking at the Cabelas SR series large arbor or possibly a Tioga. Since I will be doing many different types of fishing I was thinking maybe the Airflo multi-tip line 8/9wt. but, since I'm new, really don't know what I should get. Would appreciate any and all suggestions.
thanks in advance,
WK

 

[juro]

I have the 8/9 15' 4pc IMX, nice rod. All my other rods are Sages but this one, I bought it before Sage had the 8150-4 and can't seem to take it "out of the rotation".

Most of the time I fish a spey head system for tips on it but also have fished a DTF 9wt on it, very pleasant.

Not sure about a good reel under $200, I will defer to others.

 

[windknot]

So thats a yes on the airflo multi tip in 8/9wt.?

 

[juro]

Never fished that line on the rod but would assume that it would work. Hate to say anything without trying it though. In an ideal world we could try the line first. I've had some great conversations with the airflo people in the past, maybe we could obtain one to try in exchange for an honest product review and a promise to buy if we like it. I'll let you know what they say...

 

[windknot]

I guess im confused about the Spey line for tips comment.

 

[NrthFrk16]

$210 gets you a Lamson Velocity that will hold enough backing for any Spey line you are going to put on it for that rod and will hold plenty of backing for your saltwater applications.

The Lamson is machined from bar-stock aluminum and comes with a lifetime warranty. It is a true large arbor and picks up an incredible amount of line quickly and features a simple, bulletproof yet incredibly smooth conical disc drag that spins on a stainless needle bearing.

I guarentee you will love this reel...even if it is a tad over $200. :devil:

 

[juro]

Windknot - sorry this was a custom built spey head and I didn't want to complicate the answer... too late I already did!

Another option is to contact Loomis and ask them directly. I believe they still have Rayjeff on staff so try to ask him. I have no direct experience with that line and won't try to guess - but will try to obtain it to test it since we both have the same question. My experience with the rod is (a) DTF 9 and (b) Mike Kinney style Spey head.

Ryan -

As you know I am a Velocity nut. Hard to beat that reel, for sure. IMHO the v4 is too way too small for the IMX 15' 8/9 Spey. Have you heard whether they are going to make a Velocity Spey? That would be a nice reel to have.

Although not in the price range, the ULA Force is a nice match.

 

[NrthFrk16]

Juro, Windknot-
You are right, the Velocity 4 would be much too small for that rod...I misread what rod he was planning on putting the reel on. Sometimes I just gotta slow down!!

And I have not heard anything about them building a Velocity Spey...I think if they build another Spey size it would be in the Litespeed series before anything, although if the Litespeed was heavier it would be on the above rod because it does have a higher line capacity (I have loaded 150 yds of 30# and a 9/10/11 WC on one a 4 before).

Next time I talk to the PNW rep, I will ask him if anythig is in the works and if there isn't I will push and push and push. :devil: