So my question is "what do you fish with?", and my answer is the best to the blue collar: St. George Jrs for my short rods, and 3" St Georges for 7 1/2' to 8' (I top out at 8' rods, DT5 lines). But I am a huge fan of the lowly Hardy Sunbeam, the one pictured here. This is a super example of a smooth-foot 2 3/4" model, with a lot of bluing, actually the most I've seen on one of these. Could have been made sometime in the 20s. I like them because they look a bit odd, they're heavy and balance rods well, and will last far past my lifetime because I think it's near impossible for one angler to wear one out. I own two of these small Sunbeams (they came in three sizes, 2 3/4", 3" and 3 1/4"), this one's with DT3 Sylk, the other carries a DT4.
7' 3/2 DT3 rod by pal George.
The Hardy Sunbeam, horse shoe latches, later changed to the telephone latch. The largest 3 1/4" reel at left was sold, and I hope whomever bought it is enjoying the reel. (though it has to be said that an overfilled spool leads to loops getting trapped in the Bickerdyke line guard) the only downside of this reel's design. I underfill my spools on this reel.
I love the Medalist too, the American classic. Here, a 1492 with Pfoot installed by Frazier Mountain with a rod made by pal George, 6'9 DT2 silk, and like the maker sometimes you have to wait and be patient. Actually patience is always required with this medium, hand-planed small trout rod. He made it for me, my name is on it. So it's perfect.
And the king and still standing reel of reels for short bamboo rods, imho, is the reel named for the patron saint of merry ol' England, the St. George, here the Junior model. I only wish my collection were steel guide models because all my gear gets rough service, bushy, rocky courses of hell, hell I say. No park-like chalkstream environs with a welcoming pub up ahead, trimmed banks and undulating weed growth. This is welcome to the American West fishing, and may your felts be fresh on the granite rocks.
Rod by Mike Chark, 6 1/2 3/2 for a DT3.
I also own and fish CFO ll and lll reels, the 1494 Medalist, and some other British reels, Turnbull, Farlow, others. Hardys are what I reach for and fish most often. What I've learned over the years is that your choice of reel may be hugely affected by the rod -- the reel should balance the stick, should approach the age of the rod or be right on, and the whole vibe of the outfit should groove together.
