Outfitting help

captcl · 03-21-2007, 09:22 AM

Hey fly guys I've been fishing a long time but......... I got a deal on a 10wt. lamiglass rod fromm a guy I know. I 've been shopping reels all winterand now it's crunch time. I guide/charter on a cc here in OC Md. but I"ll be the first to tell you I"M A FLY FISHING ROOKIE! The cost of fly reels amazes me!
Anywhere from $69 to $690.00. I want to use 30lb. backing(as much as I can get on there) and a wt. forward sinking line. Help me out on the entry level! Should i spend the big bucks on the Ross ? Is there a medium priced reel that will serve me well. I am not going to turn into a fly fish only guy but I would like a quality outfit that I can depend on . Thanks for the help.

Lattitudechange · 03-21-2007, 10:23 AM

Hi Cl,
Welcome to the obsession. What species are you planning on targeting? Rods and reels come in all sizes and prices, as your finding out. There are great reels for beginers to look at. Look into THe TFO line. Also another line to look into would be the Nautilus. They are fairly new to the market, but I hear good things about their reels.

There are a lot of great high end reels out there, Tibor, Bauer, Ross, Hardy, ect. The question is it nessessary to spend $800 on reels. There are reels in the $300 range that will function just fine as well. It all depends on your budget, the amount of time you fish, and the species you target.

I can better assist you if I have more information. Where are you fishing, inside or outside? What kind of fish are you targeting? You mentioned guiding or chartering. You need to supply gear for your clients.

I have rods from $150 to $800, and reels from $200 to $1200. I use them all.

Bryan A. · 03-21-2007, 10:39 AM

I have not tried one yet but I have heard good things about the Pflugger Trion Reels. The are in the $80-90 range. Not a bad enrty level reel. Anyone care to give info about this one?

captcl · 03-21-2007, 01:44 PM

Spend a lot of time in the 3mile on stripers but i could be at the inlet croaker fishing or 16-20 miles offshore trolling and see somthing on the surface get a wild hair and throw something at it. thats why i did'nt hesitate buying the 10 wt rod.

captcl · 03-21-2007, 01:47 PM

I'm lthinking wide arbor with plenty of #30 backing should do me. This will more than likely be my one and only fly rod.Thanks for the help!

Lattitudechange · 03-21-2007, 02:11 PM

For near shore and back bay fishing a 10 wt. rod is sufficient, for bass and blues. Put a 4 1/4" large arbor reel on it. It will hols 200 yds. or 30 lb backing. If you go to 20lb backing you can get 250 yds on it. 30 backing for bass I think is overkill. You will also rarely see a bass show you the backing. It can happen but rare. Inexpensive reels for this type of fishing would be the TFO 4.25, it sells for $250. The other reel is the Nautilus reel I mentioned before. It sells for around $300 and has a sealed drag system. They are decent reels for what your doing. The Able reels are nice but old school in design. Hardy's are nice with a good drag set up if you like reels made in England. It's not necessary to spend big money for inshore fishing.

Now, for offshore game, your in a whole different world. You will snap that 10wt rod on all it's four peices if you hook into anything out there. If your looking for shark, tuna, or anything that will break your wrists, then look into at least a 14wt. rod. You need backbone and lifting power. These fish have nowhere to go but down. You may draw them on the top but once you hook into them they dive. They will also be pealing off line fast. You need a reel which can hold at least 400 yds of backing. Just equally as important is the drag system. This is where I would recommend high end. If you look around and ask around you will here one name come up a lot. Tibor. They have a solid back plate for strength, they offer 5" offshore reels, and they have an extremely powerful drag system. Look into the Pacific, it holds 600 yds of 40 lb backing. If you can afford to go offshore than you can afford the equipment cost that goes with it. This reel sells for $800 with out any options.

captcl · 03-21-2007, 04:24 PM

Thanks Lattitude! I'll see if i can go Tibor on the 10wt. and if I get hooked setup a big one.

Lattitudechange · 03-21-2007, 09:54 PM

Cl,
If you going to put a Tibor on a 10 wt. You will be looking for the Riptide series. The Riptide is a 4 1/4" reel. I still don't recommend spending $600 on a fly reel if you are considering yourself a Rookie. The Tibor I recommended was for offshore purposes (the pacific) with a 14wt rod.

Don't get me wrong I think the Tibor is a smart investment that will last a lifetime. It's just that typicaly you would work your way up to that reel, and start with something half the price.

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