Hey everyone. I recently bought a beautiful 4/5 wt bamboo rod from a member here on the forum and could use some help deciding on a reel. So far, I’m looking at an old Pflueger Medalist 1494 or a new Orvis Battenkill II click reel. Any thoughts on those? Is there something else in the $150 or less price range I should consider? Not sure how much this matters but I like simple designs and classic looks. Also will mostly be used for trout and panfish.
Thanks!
Deciding on a reel.
Moderator: Ken M 44
- bugslinger
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Re: Deciding on a reel.
#2What’s the length of the rod? The diameter and weight decides which reel plus personal choice. You already set the price so that will also limit your choices....
Re: Deciding on a reel.
#3Make sure that Pflueger will fit on the reel seat. The standard feet are too large for a lot of seats and I had all of mine retrofitted with replacements from Robert Selb. I don't think you can go wrong with the Pflueger Medalist or a Gem 2094
- steeliefool
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Re: Deciding on a reel.
#5Agree with Steeliefool.
I would think the Hardy lightweight series LRH, fly weight and their Heddon clones. Also Battenkill Mark lll, and Sci Angler originials System 5&6.
Even the Hardy Lightweights can be had used with a lot of mojo and fully functional in your range.
I would think the Hardy lightweight series LRH, fly weight and their Heddon clones. Also Battenkill Mark lll, and Sci Angler originials System 5&6.
Even the Hardy Lightweights can be had used with a lot of mojo and fully functional in your range.
Re: Deciding on a reel.
#6Check out some of the JW Young reels. I think the Beaudex series of reels may fit your needs . True English classics.
Doug
Doug
- Brian K. Shaffer
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Re: Deciding on a reel.
#7Three and half times the cost of the fly rod is the general rule.
Oh wait - that is not right al all.
It's five times.
For those not keeping up with the Murphy's, you can hang anything on there you want. Your choices mentioned seem just fine. Simple.
Oh wait - that is not right al all.
It's five times.
For those not keeping up with the Murphy's, you can hang anything on there you want. Your choices mentioned seem just fine. Simple.
" 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.
" Just once I wish a trout would wink at me. " ~ Brian Shaffer
Use the SEARCH for justification and reasoning.
Re: Deciding on a reel.
#8Hi Brian: Think you are right, probably about 5X cost of rod. Maybe should save some $ by using an import line. Good call. Joe here
Re: Deciding on a reel.
#9I would second the vote for a Hardy LRH, they look great even when they're beat up and used and are very versatile. They look good with most cane and I find that I fuss around with lots of more expensive reels on different rods, but often go back to the LRH because it works well weight-wise, capacity-wise and looks—that's why I have a few of them. You didn't mention the length of your rod but I find an LRH works well for rod 8 1/2" and under. Good luck!
- JohnMD1022
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Re: Deciding on a reel.
#10It’s a bit over your budget, but you cannot go wrong with a JLH.
A nice Battenkill might fit the bill.
A nice Battenkill might fit the bill.