15 replies to this topic

[NineZeroSeven]

I've been looking for a new reel for about 6 months. I fish mostly in Indiana for smallmouth and largemouth, with a 7wt rod, and to this point, a bottom of the barrel Pfleuger reel. Last year I tried to get into some steelhead in Northern IN, and I also have friends in AK, and want to be able to get into some silvers there. I've been told that I can theoretically do all this on the same 7wt setup. I think though, that a solid reel with a good drag is going to be key to making this work. So - to that end, I've been looking at several reels that can handle all my needs. I think I have narrowed it down to a couple of good ones, but would also be willing to hear more input from those of you with more experience than I have. I've looked at either the new Orvis battenkill mid-arbor (was the pro-guide ma last fall - they've apparently changed the name - guess people are stuck on the name battenkill) and I've heard a lot of good things about the Teton tioga. These both fall into the right price range, (<$150.) I'm sure some of you have experience with either or both of these reels, or can suggest others that I should look into.

RB

[steeldrifter]

I think you should be ok doing that with the 7wt. For a reel Theres alot of choices out there. The battenkill alot of people seem to like but personaly I had a 7/8wt battenkill and had some problems with the spool to case fit distorting on me after a few landed salmon. I was told by Orvis that it was a "bad batch" and they supplied me a new one, but it did the same thing after awhile. Could have just been a isolated case but that kinda soured me on the battenkills.

The Tiogas I've heard nothing but good things about. I havent used the larger size tioga but I had a chance to play around with a 5 wt tioga and it was a really nice quality piece, for the price I was impressed.

SD

[bluenose]

I've used the Teton Tioga for the past two years. Great reel.

Regards

[OSD]

I also have a Tioga and have landed a few good size salmon and steelhead with it and had no problems (great buy for the money)

OSD.

[Sean Juan]

Just another voice for the Tioga...

[NineZeroSeven]

What about Islander? Anyone have any experience with their reels?

[lewy271]

I don't know I personally have a price limit on a reel that I will never go over, that is between 100 and 150. The only reason its that much is for vanity... I personally own:

Cortland Big Game for pike and steelhead....Nice reel super solid drag, but feels like a brick on the bottom of the rod. This is on my 9

Redington GD on my 7 brand new hasn't even hit the water yet but seems solid, spools are decently priced to 25 bucks...It aluminum...It definitely has that *BLING* factor should do well with freaking out some spooky carp.

Okuma Magnitude on my 5 feather weight magnesium...Sweet enough drag...

I've been out fished by guys with old school line holder reels no drag or anything... At this point in time I look for a descent reel with cheap spare spool prices that way I can destroy the reel and not feel so bad about it. Reels are over-priced pieces of art in my opinion. I think if I was fishing salt I would feel differently about this. Most of my fishing is smallies and largemouth they are easy to get too..I've had one fish bring me to the reel...and I didn't even fight him on it when I got there. But back to your question Your price range matters...But I'd by the Magnitude and a spare spool and still have have money left over for the bar afterwards.

[cornmuse]

I've fished Battenkill disc drag reels for better than 10 years. Got (2) 5/6, (1) 7/8 and (1) 8/9. I'd opt for either the 7/8 or 8/9 for the 7 wt set-up you describe. Excellent reel for $125 - I've taken everything from redfish to bluefish, trout to carp and never had a single problem. I fish about 80 to 100 times per year and I'm tough on tackle. Spare spools run about $50. A little pricey (why is it that I can get a 10 ball bearing spinning reel that is machined to a fare-thee-well for $65 but I can't get a class-act fly reel for under $100?) but a good value when compared with the alternatives. And honestly, I can't say a bad word about Orvis' customer service. Good company (a bit slow on turn-around but I'd guess not much different than any other company for rod repairs).

Of course I learned how to fish and landed quite a few Cape Cod stripers on my old Pflueger 1495 and never had a problem with that, either. In fact, I'm still fishing it regularly after 25 years!

My $0.02.

Joe C.

[JRG]

Hi guys,

I don't have a lot of experience with larger reels but I am currently using a G. Loomis Adventure 7. I'm pretty happy with it. I got it for $100 which is quite reasonable. Adjustable drag, all aluminum construction, and pretty smooth overall for a 7wt. I use it on my 6wt with no problems. I haven't caught any monsters on it, but it handled the steelhead ok last year but none of them were too big but they could still take some line out.

Jeff

[ditz]

I am interested in the fact that I have seen no reference to the Pfleugers considering the price. I have used a 1400 series reel for bass fishing for 30 years without problems. It shows a lot of wear but that is part of it's personality. I am getting ready to buy one of the new 1500 series and I will still have change to take mother to dinner. Any comments are welcome.

Ditz

[RLinNH]

Couldn't find a 1500. All I could find from Pfleuger were the Medalist, Supreme, and the Trion. Do you have a link for the 1500?

[RLinNH]

Just got back from my local outfitter and checked out the new Battenkill. Wow!!! I remember when I got one about 10 or 12 years ago and the reel was a cast iron Anchor. After a few seasons of use, the frame warped on me. Well, KI can honestly say that the new ones are a hell of a lot nicer then the old one. Matter of fact, I am probably going to go with one on my new 4 wgt. Sage TLX. Damned fine job on the Battenkills Orvis. Also, they are still keeping the price down. Less then 120 for my 4 wgt.

[jcstikfish]

Toga!, Toga! oh......I mean Tioga!, Tioga!

You wont be disapointed. Look on Ebay, I have gotten two from a shop in CA called Mike Scott Fly Shop for a great deal.

I have an "8" I use for Steelhead and a LA 10 for the Salt and Salmon.


~James

[steeldrifter]

[NineZeroSeven]

Teton's warranty requires proof of original purchase, how does this go with an ebay sale? I've been looking there, and have found several 8RAs for about $100 and a little change, but was concerned about the warranty, so haven't sprung yet.