Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

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Kave
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Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#1

Post by Kave »

Hi Folks,
I’m new to the Forum and will probably have quite a few questions in the future but here’s number one:

I’m having a custom 8wt-ish (Wes Jordan/Orvis taper - I believe) rod built for saltwater flats fishing. It’s going to have saltwater compatible hardware and a 1000 coats of varnish,etc. I want the set up to look kinda old school like something Ted Williams or Joe Brooks would fish but without breaking the bank. Any suggestions? What reels DID those guys fish? Does anyone use Pf Medalists for the salt?

All input is welcome. Thanks

bluesjay
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#2

Post by bluesjay »

Hi Guys, Well, Joe Brooks used one of those cool looking Johnson reels.

:viewtopic.php?t=11557

Edit: Sorry, I forgot it was a SW reel discussion. I use an Orvis Odyssey III. I'm not sure the Johnson Magnetics are SW reels.

Jay Edwards
Last edited by bluesjay on 10/15/21 19:26, edited 2 times in total.

Sash
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#3

Post by Sash »

Have you looked at the Orvis Saltwater CFO?
It should take your line a backing, and is very classic in appearence.

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sodbank
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#4

Post by sodbank »

I have used a Billy Pate Salmon AR reel on an Orvis 8 1/2 ft 8wt. SSS rod in the salt for school stripers.
Balances well and casts an 8wt. Intermediate line a mile.

Doug

jimwright
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#5

Post by jimwright »

I have used an Orvis BBS V for saltwater including bonefish and permit. It looks fine to me and has worked very well and they were made in 3 colors, titanium (bright silver), black and gold.

Webfly
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#6

Post by Webfly »

The ultimate saltwater classic, a Fin Nor Wedding Cake #2 will work perfect for that rod.

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Tom Smithwick
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#7

Post by Tom Smithwick »

Another vote for the Billy Pate Salmon model, which is sized just right for 8/9 lines. I personally prefer the single action model to the A/R, but that's up to the user. You should be able to find one for about half what they sold for when new. They will handle school stripers and bluefish as Sodbank suggests, but also handle the long running speedsters like Atlantic Bonito and False Albacore.
BTW,I did get started years ago with a 1498 Medalist that I slightly modified by adding a counterbalance. It worked, but really did not have the drag for the longer running fish.

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LeeB
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#8

Post by LeeB »

+1 on the #2 Wedding Cake. A real classic, and ideal for an 8 weight.

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Brian K. Shaffer
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#9

Post by Brian K. Shaffer »

I would use anything and have fun doing it - I applaud you.
Try the Medalist and cut the hole thru... very old school.
________________________________________________________________________________
Kave wrote : I want the set up to look kinda old school... like something Ted Williams

Can't make out what that reel is...

Image

LINK - also with Jimmy Stewart photo
http://moldychum.squarespace.com/home-o ... ition.html
" There's no such thing as a fly fisherman wholly satisfied with his casting performance. " ~ Jim Green (1971)
" Just once I wish a trout would wink at me. " ~ Brian Shaffer

Use the SEARCH for justification and reasoning.

jim royston
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#10

Post by jim royston »

Joe Brooks and Ted Williams used Zwargs and EVH reels a lot in the salt.

Kave
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#11

Post by Kave »

Thanks guys, you’ve given me a lot to check out.

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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#12

Post by Low Profile »

Take a look at the Orvis SSS reel series made by STH. A 7/8 weight model in either direct drive or anti-reverse won't break the bank and should be a perfect fit. I used one for many years chasing stripers/blues and made many trips down south for bones, snook and medium tarpon never let down. Super smooth cork/teflon drag and looks good on Boo.

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ted patlen
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#13

Post by ted patlen »

what species will you target 90% of the time? My friends and I use 7 and 8 's most of the time here on Cape Cod. About 150 yards of 30# backing is all we use, even for the albies. Anti-reverse is good if you are a doctor (don't want your fingers banged up) and fish for bonefish or the like. There are many reels out there and they are all decent. It comes down to your choice and the depth of your pockets.

kakaryan
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#14

Post by kakaryan »

+3 for the Billy Pate AR, Salmon, or personally I'd get the Bonefish model instead. To keep it all "saltwater looking" you say.

But their arbor is small so line retrieve would be slow, not very favorable for SW flat. And, they do NOT have line out clicking sould.

I'd prefer an Abel Super 7/8 instead. They don't look really classic but with cork drag they don't look modern either.

Pancho
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#15

Post by Pancho »

kakaryan wrote:
10/16/21 00:59

I'd prefer an Abel Super 7/8 instead. They don't look really classic but with cork drag they don't look modern either.
Then I will support bluesjay with the Orvis Odyssey, great looking, cork drag. Awesome reel

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cappy
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#16

Post by cappy »

Surprised no one mentioned the Martin MG reels.
Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.
Anatole France

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jhuskey
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Re: Reel for 8wt saltwater fishing?

#17

Post by jhuskey »

Or Pflueger Supreme

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