Orvis Battenkill LA V, disco'ed, Cortland Backing

[joefishin]

First, I am getting ready for a fishing trip to Kodiak Alaska. I am not tending to spend $500 for a reel, and $500+/rod. I am in the working mans budget of $150 rod, $150 reel playing ground.

I picked up a new, Battenkill Large Arbor V. No longer in production. Has issues, from what I gather, so far, with its drag, and backing capacity. Not that much info on the reel so I am leaning towards returning it. Price was $140.. (I love a bargain,, but,, maybe it isn't on this one) WHAT DO YOU FOLKS THINK OF THIS REEL??? GOOD,BAD, WHO CARES??
If I was to stay in the price range, I can get a Teton Tioga.. And I would probably lean toward the heavier 11wt'ish size because I DO want to try my hand at landing a KING salmon during this July.

I do have, already, a new Albright Meridian 8wt (needs a reel) and a new TFO Pro, with a Battenkill mid arbor V, loaded with sinking and 30#? backing.

Now, on the backing. Since I will probably end up fishing New England for food and fun, which backing should I get? Cortland yellow 30# for saltwater?? I am kind of afraid of the gelspun because of the cutting effect it can have on fingers..

OKUMA HELIOS, PLUEGER TRION, SA 2's any good for the money??
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks

[ShaneY]

If you bought the Battenkill from orvis you should be able to get a new one if something goes wrong I have an LA II that I really like and though I havent used it a ton it seems ok. either way a lifetime guarantee is good to have also if they stopped making it theyll have to replace it with something newer.

[Homebuilt]

I had a Trion, liked it, but bought a Tioga (after reading numerous posts from users on this board). Am very happy, both with backing capacity and durability. As people point out, don't buy the Large Arbor spools--they're heavier and you lose significant capacity. I have about 250yd of 30lb backing and a WF10F on the Tioga #10. There are a couple of sellers on auction websites who have stockpiled reels and spools (bought a spare recently for $40).
Best of luck.

[BigBoatDog]

Joefishin,
I have the same real and had no problems in Alaska last year. Lots of Sockeye salmon and when home plenty of Blues and Stripes to 20 lbs. If you are fishing for King Salmon then it might be a bit questionable. I have no complaints.
BBD

[joefishin]

If you bought the Battenkill from orvis you should be able to get a new one if something goes wrong I have an LA II that I really like and though I havent used it a ton it seems ok. either way a lifetime guarantee is good to have also if they stopped making it theyll have to replace it with something newer.

Yes, I got the reel from an full line Orvis dealer. Hmmm?

[smcisaac]

I have a Battenkill LA V (old model; they discontinued it and came out with a redesign this spring) that has worked fine for me on a couple of trips to Quebec for Atlantic salmon.

If you have any doubts and haven't used the reel yet, Orvis might let you exchange it for the new LA V. The new one has the same drag as the Battenkill Mid Arbor series. The Orvis Mach is another option.

[Quicksilver]

I thought the King run was a May/June thing.(?) I think the most bang for your buck would be an older SA 8/9 or 10/11. If you want to buy a new reel then Teton is probably what you want. For rods I would consider getting 2 piece TFO's and make a bulletproof rod case from schedule 40 PVC pipe. I have make two fishing trips to AK. The area I fished was in the Matanuska Valley. I have used seven and eight weight TFO rods with a Lamson LP-4 reel. I have never fished for Kings. The stuff I had was fine for all the other salmon though. The river you fish will probably determine the tackle you will need. I was told that anglers fish the smaller rivers for Kings with eight weights. The larger rivers require an outfit that would tame a tarpon.

[joefishin]

You are probably correct about the size class fish vs wt... And, I think I am going to go with the Teton reels because I can afford one, or two.

I am going to Kodiak mid July.. Sure, I would love a fish taken from a river, by myself of course. I think my best chance of landing them will be on a charter boat, which I have scheduled two.. Halibut and Kings. :brow I figure getting one on a charter boat rod will allow me to see what the hoopla is all about.. I do not discount the caveats that a KING can trash a rod and reel in no time. One of the recent Alaskan posts have said that a -------> 102 pound king <----- was recently landed!!!! Some of the pix I have seen of these fish are amazing.. That is why I am also bringing a waterproof camera. (Pentax w3o, or the Olympus 720)
Even I will want to look at the pix again someday in aw..

Tite Lines
Joe

[saltydancindave]

:cool:The LA V Battenkill is my favorite reel for jacks, reds, snook, sea trout & spanish mackeral with the Orvis #9 T3. The first time catching a snook I had the drag set too light getting into the backing, but it will adjust down to tippet popping the flies off if need be! It also will hold 200 yards of #20 backing plus a flyline. Easy to clean & lube reel, which is a big plus in saltwater flyfishing !

[joefishin]

I will probably end up with a couple of Tetons.. Lots of deals on reels online..

Thanks for all the tips folks!