Suggestions for a 5 wt fly reel?

[carrsallstars]

I have been fly fishing for about 5-6 years and am looking to replace my Cabela's Drake $20 fly reel.... that reel is a piece of you-know-what...but it holds the line and reels it in to hold it again when I move from place to place ;)

Because of the quality of that reel- I think I've gotten into some bad habits and always play and land fish by hand as opposed to getting the fish "on the reel." While this generally works OK, I often end up with a ball of line, a flopping fish, a net, maybe a camera, and some fantastic combination of all of these once the fish is released!

I guess the things I'm looking for are something that will last a long time and perform with a smooth drag with minimal maintenance. I intend to use this reel under a rang eof conditions from small stream brookie fishing to small flies on teh Swift and and moderate size river fishing for trout on the MIllers and Deerfield...

I have some Cabela's gift certificates I got for Christmas...so I'd be partial to some of the name brands available in their catalogue. My plan was to use the crappy reel for long enough to determine that this was something I woudl b edoign for a long time before dropping some $ for a reel I will use and enjoy long term. So I guess my price range is a wide $100-300.

I generally liked the feel of Lamson reels, and am intrigued by the sealed conical drag system that they advertise...so I'd appreciate any comments on those...particulalry how they hold up over time. But am open to anything.

Of course, the ideal reel woudl also make me the most stylish fisherman on the river...so something like a porsche logo on the side would be nice too.:rolleyes: Not...

Thanks!

[jhook]

I know a number of people will probably disagree with this idea but I will throw it out there for you to mull over. The only thing is you will not have a lot of time to think about it.

I would suggest that you give the Orvis Mid-Arbor a good hard look. I think you will get the most bang for your buck.

It has a lot of the traditional looks and if it is for Fresh water it will serve you well. Read the reviews.

The main reason I am suggesting this reel is if you order one before February 1 you get a free spare spool ( more bang for your buck ) and I think the shipping might also be free. Check out there website and I think according to the web site participating shops can also do the same. Try the Bearsden.

Re-read your post , missed the Cabelas gift card thing. Another nice reel for the money and very sharp looking is the Plueger Trion reel model # 1956, It will hold 100 yards of backing with a 5 wt line. I know because I have one and it works extremely well. I just ordered a spare spool for mine.

GOOD LUCK ON WHAT EVER YOU DECIDE.

[Cheju]

I have a 5# Tioga which I have used for over 8 years. Very strong drag and hardy. As far as looks, more like a Honda rather than a Mazzeratti but the price is about $125. Also have four others ranging from 8# thru 10# which I use in the sat.

Cheju

[coltranem]

I may be a bit off here....I have been fly fishing for a little over 2 years...but I use a basic orvis clearwater reel...$35 I think. For the types of situations you suggest this basic reel fits the bill. Getting fish "on the reel" I find only useful for larger trout. ...granted the biggest fish I have caught on this setup was 2 lb landlocked salmon. I have never had to really rely on the drag of my reel. It comes off pretty smooth when I am stripping line off though so I think I would trust it for small runs. For maintenance I just oil the spindle a few times a year.

If I were putting together a setup for much larger trout, steel head striped bass, I would be much more concerned about the drag and being willing to pay for it. For a basic trout rod I am of the opinion of less is more. But that is just my opinion.

I have heard many good things about the orvis battenkill mid-arbor and bar stock reels.

[pschwart00]

check out the G Loomis & Pflueger President fly reel. Believe me I would have never considered Pflueger but I picked one up on super sale a few years back and I've been highly impressed with the quality.

[BobG]

I know of several dedicated fly fishermen who are presently fishing 40+ year old Pflueger Medalist's bought for them by their Dad's when they were kids.:brow The reels and anglers are still going strong.

[carrsallstars]

Thanks for the input guys... I was hoping that since most of us are inside it might get some conversation going- so thanks for taking the time to add your thoughts... and the "style" comment was intended as completley sarcastic ;)

I ma checking out the Orvis site right now- thanks for the tip Jhook. That does look liek a pretty good deal with the free spool thrown in. One reservation I have about those larger arbor reels is the extra weight - the Orvis 5-6 is listed at 5.7 oz- while it seems liek many other manufacturers' regular arbor 5 wt reels comed in around an ounce to an ounce and half less. Not sure if that's a big deal but it makes me pause instead of springing on the free exxtra spool from Orvis.

Coltranem- I've been in that boat for a while...but I think I'd like to have the comfort of knowing that if (when!) I get in the situation where I'm surprised by having a big fish on the line I have the drag and reel to settle in and deal with him for a while without my reel making a click or a clunk and then watching the line go slack as he breaks me off... though for 99% of the time my line holder reel has covered me while I bring the fish in by hand. I guess I'd just like to have the option to put the fish on the reel if I take one on some longer casts and have a medium sized fish in decent water.

Some reel ad quotes:

The Orvis reel offers" If unexpected big fish are a possibility, the Mid Arbor is ideal preparation.

For the Pflueger President model " The innovative design contributes to a space aged look." ! Hmm, not quite a porsche logo but I would be "space aged" on the river. The trout I'd be fishing over woudl technicaly have been born in the "space age" so perhaps I need this reel to compete!?

The Scierra IC3 offers a " cork disc drag that slows down those frisky fighters."

and the Ross Momentum LT: "Sporting modern cosmetics, the LT has a machine engraved logo on the spool cap." ! There we go, it's decided. (#$119)

(...removing tongue from cheek)

Thanks for the tips on performance and durability as I guess that's what I'm looking for.

[carrsallstars]

it looks like the Orvis bar stock reels also are on sale with a free spool...

Woudl I recieve an electric shock (or something worse --126-3-) if I tried to mount an Orvis reel on Cabela's fly rod?

[NMB]

i've have the orvis mid arbor reel since 2002, and use it for fishing large (3-8lbs) trout in north georgia with my 5 wt rod. it is the only orvis product that i have not replaced in my fishing arsenal. it is plenty light for a 5 weight rod, looks great and performs exceptionally well. i would recommend it highly for the type of fishing you describe.

[captmike]

I really like the orvis mid arbor reels

[carrsallstars]

...the Orvis mid-arbor sounds like the consensus top pick. I am on the Orvis mailing list so perhaps I'll wait for one of those $25 off credits they send out every once in a while...or pick up a one on ebay....
Thanks, Jamie

[smcisaac]

I have both an Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor III and a Battenkill Barstock III. They are both solid products, but I think the Mid-Arbor is too much reel for a 5-weight. You don't really need the bigger arbor for light trout fishing, and the size and weight of it make your whole rig a bit clunky and graceless. I use my mid-arbor with a 6 weight for heavier duty freshwater fishing and light saltwater, and my barstock with a 5 weight for trout in streams.

[NatickDave]

I know of several dedicated fly fishermen who are presently fishing 40+ year old Pflueger Medalist's bought for them by their Dad's when they were kids.:brow The reels and anglers are still going strong.


Heh heh...that was me, Bob, and I caught a hell of a lot of fish for many many years. But then dad took pity on me and bought me a Cabela's Prestige and it has served me well. It looks like it has been redesigned though.

ND