A place to discuss those classic and vintage fly reels, classics include modern variations of those of vintage. Please add your photos, stories or just join in conversation about your reels.
the Hardy St George, 2 1/2" diameter reel weighs 3.9 ounces. The equivalent Robichaud reel 2 1/2 " weighs 4.7 oz. Small reels, but a little heavy for a light rod.
I would recommend the Hardy Flyweight 2 1/2" reel, which weighs 2.6 ounces.
May I suggest a Pflueger 1392? With it's pillars and old time looks it works well on several of my shorter light rods and is sturdy enough for even rough conditions. Not as elegant as a St. George but classic none the less.
sth2006 wrote:the Hardy St George, 2 1/2" diameter reel weighs 3.9 ounces. The equivalent Robichaud reel 2 1/2 " weighs 4.7 oz. Small reels, but a little heavy for a light rod.
I would recommend the Hardy Flyweight 2 1/2" reel, which weighs 2.6 ounces.
Steve
// Why not go for one of the smallest of Hardy Bouglés ? The Hardy Bouglé Lighweight I, The Hardy Bouglé Agate I or the Hardy Baby Bouglé. All are from the beginning of the 2000 and 25/8"in diameter one problem, may be they are, I think, a bit hard to find. Good hunting ! // Steen
the 2 13/16" Bougle' is a great little reel and I think it would balance well with a 2 wt Bamboo rod. I use 3.25" version on my 3.1 ounce 5wt wood rod.
Some excellent suggestions so far, especially the various Hardy options But for something very much outside the norm, what about a Danielsson Midge? Or an Original Ross Reel no.1?
Tom Morgan :::
"We are really looking at rod attributes. I have really strong convictions that to make a rod that is going to fish for Trout, it needs to work from 15' to 50'. If it doesn't really flex for that, then you have got the wrong rod."
All great suggestions and I'd go with the Baby Bougle if I had a 2wt. I have a Cascapedia 2/3 for my 3wt. I does seem kind of funny though we're trying to make suggestions to a guy who hasn't even checked into the board in over two years.
If he checks back I like the original Ross Colorado 0 a whole lot for a compact and light weight reel that works good. Maybe he got locked out of the board like I did and could not solve the CAP..puzzle with no space to type it in either.
Another suggestion if can find one; a Richard Bradley 2 1/4" flyreel. They are beautiful and simple and rugged. You can google this for a picture. Sorry I'm too dense and impatient to figure out how to post pics.
Hardy 2 3/4" Duchess, really measures 2 11/16" , perfect for a light line 7' rod.
I love the 2 1/2" Flyweight but it looks to small on a 7' rod. Perfect for a 6'er though.
I’ll second the St George Jr reel. A very elegant reel for pairing with a cane rod. Since it has been already suggested, I will focus on another fine match, a JVH original is quite rare, but a Bill Ballan replica model 44 would be a superb 2 wt reel.This 2 1/4 inch raised pillar design will help prevent line jams during a retrieve. The raised pillars allow an 1/8 inch more room on the spool. My second ideal reel would be a Hardy 2 1/2 inch Bougle 1903 original or the compensatory replica. This reel also has a raised pillar design that allows for a further 1/8 inch room on the spool. A raised pillar 1900 era 2 1/2 inch FeatherLight skeleton reel would be my third choice. This reel has a preset drag but the frame design allows anglers to palm the spool on a running trout. My last suggestion is a 1890 era brass British Hercules style reel. Here is a photo of an Army and Navy 2 1/2 inch reel. The reel also has a preset drag but can be palmed as well.
I would also recommend the use of a silk line to enhance the pleasure of fishing with your two weight outfit.
Regards from the Restigouche....Jim