Reel rec's for 50'+ bellied lines

1955 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Bill Malin, Oct 9, 2006

pcknshvl

Discussion Starter · Oct 7, 2006

I put a CND spey line on my Snowbee Torridge today... Holy flirking schnit what fun!

I'd been messing with Skagit and Scando heads for so long that I thought it was time to try some "long-" (I know, "long" really means 85' or more) bellied lines. 55' is a big change from 35 - 40 ft heads.

Anyway, I had a blast with that line. Now if I buy one, or some other similar line, I'll need a new reel. I'll need to go cheap (but not crappy). Okuma? Cabelas? Recommendations, anyone?

BTW, I may be willing to trade, if only in part, my 10wt Outbound line (floating) for a reel or line or both. Still clean, undamaged, untested by any fish over 8" (sigh), fished a few times this summer. Perfect for rods where 425gr is useful.

Tom

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the moy green

· #2 · Oct 7, 2006

Tom,

If you want to buy a decent but cheapish reel why not try out the Shakespeare Pflueger President 10/11 or the 11/12,there absolute cracking reels and you'll have no problem fitting long bellied lines on them.another thing about this reel is its lightweight, stylish and has a very good drag.they workout at just under a £100,well worth the buy.

Hope this helps

Gerard

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spey machine

· #3 · Oct 8, 2006

CND lines

....................pcknshvl,like you,I've been fishing shorter lines. At a recent clave,I picked up one of Bob Meisers rods....a fatal mistake! I think it was a 13' 10/11 wt. It had a CND 10/11 wt. line on the reel. Let me just say there was no reasonable spot this rod and line couldn't reach!:Eyecrazy: I must have spent an hour blasting out casts. Well,there is a CND line waiting for some exercise on my desk. SOON!! And, a rod is on the way!!:smokin:

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MJC

· #4 · Oct 8, 2006

I'll need to go cheap (but not crappy).

Cheap is a subjective term. The Tioga 10 standard arbor is a perfect size for that rod, will hold that line with a good amount of 20# backing, is anodized and built like a tank, and priced right. The green version will look quite nice on your Torridge.

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pcknshvl

Discussion Starter · #5 · Oct 8, 2006

MJC said:
Cheap is a subjective term. The Tioga 10 standard arbor is a perfect size for that rod, will hold that line with a good amount of 20# backing, is anodized and built like a tank, and priced right. The green version will look quite nice on your Torridge.

You're right, cheap is subjective. My Torridge, for example. I could have spent twice as much for a similar rod, but have only equal satisfaction.

I checked out the Tetons--they look good. Would I have to go up to the #12 if I wanted a large-arbor?

Thanks for the tip!

Tom

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· #6 · Oct 9, 2006

The answer to your question is yes. However, it baffles me why people want a large arbor reel for speyfishing. Capacity is everything in speyfishing, so if you go with the 12 I'd still get it in a standard arbor. The retrieve will be the same and if you ever decide to go with a heavier line or a longer belly line you would be able to do it with buying a new reel or spool.

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Smolt

· #7 · Oct 9, 2006

Check eBay for an Albright Tempest 11/12. (I don't know if a 9/10 would do). Very nice reel being closed out. You most likely could pick one up for under $150. I think the fit and finish is a bit nicer than the older Tioga reels, but I haven't seen the newer ones. Either way, you won't go wrong.

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SSPey

· #8 · Oct 9, 2006

JR SPEY said:
However, it baffles me why people want a large arbor reel for speyfishing.

I'm sure you know why better than anyone else - its called brainwashing.

Whereas the development of graphite rods was a true advance, the FF mainstream has truly wagged the dog by pushing large arbor designs as superior in all respects.

Will the new efforts to introduce regular arbor spey reels fall in the $300-400 price range? I hope so, to have a shot at the mainstream.

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Bill Malin

· #9 · Oct 9, 2006

Standard and Mid Arbor Reels on the Cheap

While not cheaply made, the Lamson Radius 4 is a decent standard arbor reel with a very smooth drag. Holds an 8/9 65' head with about 150-175 yd of backing. Under 7 ounce weight. They retail over $200, but can be found for less on unmentionable sites that ARE NOT Ebay (Bad Ebay!! No Cookie for You!!)

The Lamson Velocity reels are mid arbor and the V4 with about the same capacity @ $279 is OK. But what would you say if you could buy them for $169. They are on closeout due to a finish change. I think that is one of the best deals I have seen in a while. They actually weigh under 7 oz, not 8.75 like their website says, so they balance on shorter/lighter rods and are perfect on switch rods. I have had one of these for the last two seasons and really like it. If you can afford a little more than a pflueger or cabelas, you will be getting excellent quality product made in the USA with top notch anodizing and superior drag.

I'll give you a hint on where to find the Velocity : My friend has a daughter named MADISON, she lives by the RIVER and goes FISHING with good COMPANY.

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