[Phish]

Models would be helpful but I really need to know what size. Say a normal 10 wt reel or 12 wt reel, etc. This will be my first Spey(or almost) rod

 

[MJC]

Hey Phish...

Not knowing your price criteria I will tell you the Tioga 10 standard arbor balances nicely on my 13' 6 wt. If your going to use a shorter head like a Delta/WC the LA spool should also work.

 

[roballen2]

I like my Bauer M-5 but i hate that it requires maintenence ( cork lube) I am used to hardys which require nothing for years

 

[pescaphile]

A 3-3/4" Hardy (Marquis 10, JLH 8/9, 3-3/4" Bouglé) should balnace nicely. A 3-7/8" Perfect should also be nice match. You might also consider a 3-5/8" reel like the Marquis 8/9 or 3-5/8" Perfect.

If you like a little handicap, try the St. Aiden (3-3/4" lightweight series). Having only the gear-and-pawl drag without rim/spool control like the others makes things fun!!!

 

[debarb]

I've got the Hardy JLH Salmon on a 6126 and it's perfect; Sierratradingpost.com had some 8/9s discounted some time ago and may still.

 

[andre]

3 1/2 in Hardy Perfect

Bodgan Salmon Zero

Hardy Marquis Salmon 1

Hardy St. John/Sage 509 (shooting head type line)

 

[NrthFrk16]

Okay, be nice to the poor guy.

If you are going to run a Windcutter 6/7/8, Delta 6/7, SA Short Head 6/7, any your standard sized 8 weight steelhead reels will work. If you are going to run longer belly lines from Midspeys to Long Delta's and such (in the 6/7-7/8 range) any of your average reels advertised as being best for a 10 weight will work.

Andre-You've got a St. John?...ever thought about getting rid of it??

 

[bigfatrod]

P--

I've got a rod similiar to the one you describe--it's my dry line summer steelie rod.

A Bougle MK IV 3.75" balances it nicely.

BFR