fly rod reel

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Reddington wrangler combo with Crosswater reel

I just started fly fishing. I got into some small mouth bass this morning. (only 10 inches but it was the first time I had caught something other bluegill) I was having a blast until the line got tangled in the reel. Yes, it was my fault I was paying attention to the fish I had on rather than what I was doing.

What happens is the Crossfire reel has a groove between the spool and the piece that attaches to the rod. A loose loop of line will slip into that groove and give the effect that I wound the line on inside the spool holder and outside the spool holder at the same time. I had it happen before. I have removed some of the backing, so the line sits deeper in the reel, but it still happens.

So, you get what you pay for. I am looking for a better reel, but I am 73 years old and can't justify spending a $1000 for a reel when I have trouble seeing well enough to ty a fly on.

I need recommendations for a reel that is at least 1 to 3 steps up.

Thanks for your ideas.
 
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Well, the good news is there are plenty of fly reels that won't cost you a thousand buck. I've generally spent money on a mid range reel, just because I like the bling, or the drag. Sometimes both.

Maybe look for a good used reel. Scientific Anglers reels on eBay. Solid reel, click prawl reel, no bling.

Redington RUN reel is their new budget reel, looks like about 120 buck.

If you have a fly shop near by, or big box outfitters, you might check out their line up. Lots of reasonably priced reels out there.
 
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I'm a big fan of the Ross CLA reels and have them on most of my rods. There is a used market for them but they can be hard to find. The Scientific Anglers System 1 reels are inexpensive used and seem pretty bomb proof.

I have not used Lamson reels myself, but people seem to like them and there are several options on Sierra Trading Post:
 
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Orvis Battenkill or Clearwater for $100. And both ship fast.
www.stillwaterflyshop.com

Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel

The Classic Click & Pawl Fly Reel Simple design and flawless construction make this the perfect click-and-pawl fly reel for nearly any freshwater fishing situation. A minimalist's dream, the all-new Battenkill features a classically styled, yet technically enhanced, four-position click-and-pawl...
www.stillwaterflyshop.com www.stillwaterflyshop.com
 
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Greenhorn said:
Reddington wrangler combo with Crosswater reel

I just started fly fishing. I got into some small mouth bass this morning. (only 10 inches but it was the first time I had caught something other bluegill) I was having a blast until the line got tangled in the reel. Yes, it was my fault I was paying attention to the fish I had on rather than what I was doing.

What happens is the Crossfire reel has a groove between the spool and the piece that attaches to the rod. A loose loop of line will slip into that groove and give the effect that I wound the line on inside the spool holder and outside the spool holder at the same time. I had it happen before. I have removed some of the backing, so the line sits deeper in the reel, but it still happens.

So, you get what you pay for. I am looking for a better reel, but I am 73 years old and can't justify spending a $1000 for a reel when I have trouble seeing well enough to ty a fly on.

I need recommendations for a reel that is at least 1 to 3 steps up.

Thanks for your ideas.
Click to expand...

Are you reeling in the fish? If so don't. Strip them in and make them pull hard enough that you release line pressure with your hand. If you get a brute, let it take your hand line out and then use your reels drag. As Long Rod mentioned, always have tension on your reel, in and out(drag)..

Echo Ion reel for a bargain reel.
 
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Second Wetswinger's advice, you will want to strip in most fish, instead of putting them on the reel - gives you way better control over most fish. The big fish will tell you when you need to use the reel.

Okuma SLV is a solid reel for under $60. That's all I used for years on my 5wts. Never had a problem with them.
 
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Greenhorn said:
What happens is the Crossfire reel has a groove between the spool and the piece that attaches to the rod. A loose loop of line will slip into that groove and give the effect that I wound the line on inside the spool holder and outside the spool holder at the same time. I had it happen before. I have removed some of the backing, so the line sits deeper in the reel, but it still happens.
Click to expand...
Having line slip into the gap between the edge of the spool and the reel frame happens with "open frame" fly reels like your Crossfire. It happens more often when the gap is large. Many reels are open frame, including some very expensive ones. For a good illustration of an open frame reel, look at the pics of the Orvis Battenkill that Surfnfish posted.

As Long Rod Silvers said, keep tension on the line as you wind it onto the reel. I do that with all my reels, open frame or closed frame, mainly to have the line lay onto the spool evenly. Otherwise, the line can bunch up and jam. I run the line between my thumb and index finger of the rod hand.

Closed frame reels are much less likely to allow line to slip between the edge of the spool and the reel frame. I recommend a Teton. Solid, machined and anodized aluminum, sealed drag, and made in USA. It has a closed frame, like many older reels, but also has a palming rim on the spool, which is extremely handy for adding drag with a big fish. It's overkill for panfish and little bass, but just an example of a great design.
Have a look:

Teton USA

Teton Fly Fishing Reels are 100% Made in America. Parts for older Tioga and Teton models available and fishing hats, accessories, reel cases
www.tetonusa.com
 
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Greenhorn said:
Reddington wrangler combo with Crosswater reel

I just started fly fishing. I got into some small mouth bass this morning. (only 10 inches but it was the first time I had caught something other bluegill) I was having a blast until the line got tangled in the reel. Yes, it was my fault I was paying attention to the fish I had on rather than what I was doing.

What happens is the Crossfire reel has a groove between the spool and the piece that attaches to the rod. A loose loop of line will slip into that groove and give the effect that I wound the line on inside the spool holder and outside the spool holder at the same time. I had it happen before. I have removed some of the backing, so the line sits deeper in the reel, but it still happens.

So, you get what you pay for. I am looking for a better reel, but I am 73 years old and can't justify spending a $1000 for a reel when I have trouble seeing well enough to ty a fly on.

I need recommendations for a reel that is at least 1 to 3 steps up.

Thanks for your ideas.
Click to expand...
The Lamson Liquid is a great reel for a very reasonable price. They run about $130'ish and are bullet proof. You won't have that same issue either - I use mine a ton and have never had an issue with it. Hope that helps!
 
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A really cheap fly reel that works perfectly well can be had by going on Ebay and looking for an old stamped aluminum reel with a simple spring and pawl system. There's dozens of them for sale for $35 or less that will work as well as new. For most fly fishing the reel is simply a line holder, and those old time reels do that as well as $1,000 reels.
 
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dbaken said:
Second Wetswinger's advice, you will want to strip in most fish, instead of putting them on the reel - gives you way better control over most fish. The big fish will tell you when you need to use the reel.

Okuma SLV is a solid reel for under $60. That's all I used for years on my 5wts. Never had a problem with them.
Click to expand...
I use an Okuma SLV for my (rarely used) saltwater reel, on the theory that if/when it gets corroded I'm only out $60.
 
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Thanks for the ideas. I have fished with spinning reels for so long, it is hard to get out of the habit of using the reel to bring in the fish. The Lamson with 2 spools looks like a good deal but they seem to be out of stock at most dealers except Cabela's. Naturally I have some other items, I want that Cabel's does not have. Trying to keep it to one order.

I just reread what I wrote. I am turning into an old man whiner lol. Glad my wife does not read this forum.

Have a great day and week! Thanks again.
 
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Greenhorn said:
Thanks for the ideas. I have fished with spinning reels for so long, it is hard to get out of the habit of using the reel to bring in the fish. The Lamson with 2 spools looks like a good deal but they seem to be out of stock at most dealers except Cabela's. Naturally I have some other items, I want that Cabel's does not have. Trying to keep it to one order.

I just reread what I wrote. I am turning into an old man whiner lol. Glad my wife does not read this forum.

Have a great day and week! Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Check Sierra Trading Post for the 3-spool Lamson deal.
 
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