Deciding on a reel.

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Dallasblues
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Deciding on a reel.

#1

Post by Dallasblues »

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!

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bugslinger
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#2

Post by bugslinger »

What’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....

3creeks
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#3

Post by 3creeks »

Make 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

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steeliefool
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#4

Post by steeliefool »

As stated in the past, I like the prewar Shaker Russells. Classic look, excellent double spring adjustable check and certainly within your budget. Getting harder to find of late but not imposible. Good luck.
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eapling
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#5

Post by eapling »

Agree 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.

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sodbank
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#6

Post by sodbank »

Check out some of the JW Young reels. I think the Beaudex series of reels may fit your needs . True English classics.

Doug

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Brian K. Shaffer
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#7

Post by Brian K. Shaffer »

Three 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. :x

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.

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wctc1
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#8

Post by wctc1 »

Hi Brian: Think you are right, probably about 5X cost of rod. Maybe should save some $ by using an import line. Good call. Joe here

salterlee
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#9

Post by salterlee »

I 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!

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JohnMD1022
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Re: Deciding on a reel.

#10

Post by JohnMD1022 »

It’s a bit over your budget, but you cannot go wrong with a JLH.

A nice Battenkill might fit the bill.

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