to large arbor, or not to large arbor... that is the question

[teflon_jones]

what's the concensus on large arbor reels for bonefish? do you need one? are they really worth the extra money? i'm sure there's a bunch of people on here that have used both...

[sandeel9]

There is a difference, and large arbor or ultra large arbor reels are advantageous. If a fish runs at you, the amount of line you can take up with a large arbor reel is significantly greater per unit time (per revolution). There is also a small advantage due to the decrease in line memory. But, is it absolutely necessary? No. People were and still are catching big fish on "old fashioned" reels. A good, smooth drag is very important, however. So, like many things, it becomes an economic issue. If you can afford one, and want to treat yourself, do it. If not, you'll still catch fish, all things being equal. I've got a couple, and I love them. But, I don't use them exclusively, and still have a good experience on the water.

[Guy]

I still use three old Orvis battenkills from time to time (one on my 6 wt rod for when the wind dies which unfortunately saw less than an hour's use last year in 5 weeks in the Bahamas last year - we had that much wind - damnit! - one goes on my 9 wt cuda rod and I have taken cudas up to 4 feet with no problem and the last battenkill is lined with a windmaster taper for when the wind really howls) in addition to the Lamson 3.5 Velocity which I use as my principal bonefish reel now. The large arbour certainly has some advantages in line retreival (which is important when a bonefish runs at you) and decreased memory; but as Sandeel points out, you can get away with either design. The large arbour is a more effecient design and I still wonder why it never caught on until the last few years. The standard arbour in it's favour will hold more backing but it can be a chore getting it back when you get down to the small part of the spool. I would suggest reeling with your dominant hand if you are going to use the standard arbour for bonefish.

One thing to consider is rod / reel balance. Seems like a lot of saltwater guys don't really care too much about that and you get some pretty heavy large arbour designs when they beef up the reel to accomodate more backing. I like to wade when bonefishing so to me rod reel balance is important ( more so than having excessive backing) when I spend hours in ankle deep water with no place to keep the rod and reel other than my own hand.

For what it's worth I am thinking I will replace the battenkills with new large arbours. Not that the battenkills aren't doing the job, but rather all things considered, I do like the idea of the large arbour design.

Guy

[Loopy]

There are large arbors and then there are large arbors. I think that a large arbor designed as such from the start has not only a large arbor but is also wide. That way there is no loss of capacity. My favorite has been the standard Loop traditional. I would look closely at the Ross large arbors if I were purchasing today.
THe disadvantage of a wide reel is that the line has to be taken from side to side as you retrieve which is one more thing to think about. I don't think you need a "stop a truck" drag if you have a large palming rim. I have had freshly hooked bonefish run at me so fast I couldn't hand strip the line fast enough, much less even get the fish on the reel. Fortunately they usually run away or sideways before they run at you.

[BobG]

I guess on paper the large arbor is supposed to take up line much quicker on an incoming fish than a standard reel. But Loopy hit the nail on the head. If a fresh bonefish turns and runs right at you after his initial run, no reel will take up line at that speed. So this pointin moot. IMHO, if you don't use barbless hooks, this won't be much of an issue.
Another large arbor advantage is the increased drag surface. This will maximize torque on the initial hook up. Plus, it will provide a silky smooth, very sensitive drag, with plenty of stopping power if needed. Speaking for myself, I find this the most important feature while fishing the canal, and fighting a heavy bass in a strong current.
Ironically, I cast much better with a standard arbor reel. They seem to balance much better on my rods.
This is really one of those personal preference issues.

[teflon_jones]

well, i bought myself an old florida SA6 (super arbor). it's a large arbor that the shop fit 220 yds of dacron backing on, so i've got the best of both worlds! :) of course it's a little heavier than some reels, but for $315 you get a cork drag that has an awesome adjustment knob, and a large arbor that still holds plenty of backing. overall i'm very pleased with it, and i can't wait to hit the water and try for some stripers!