Saltwater reel recommendation

[Scott V]

This coming May I will be going on my first saltwater trip to La Paz. I will be taking a 10 weight and a 12 weight. I need recommendations on reels, I do not have alot to spend, but I am hoping to be able to get a descent reel. I would prefer to stay in the less than $200 range if possible. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to all for any info provided.

[Scott V]

thanks for the info Carl, I found an Abel X-Stream 10-11-12 for $299, is that a good price and will the reel hold up. I would use that one on a 10 weight rod.

[Lucky]

The Orvis mid arbor at $119 will handle anything Mexico throws at it. Truly a great reel for the salt.

If you want a large arbor. The Tempest reel being sold by Sea Level Fly fishing is what I use. Its worked flawless on 4 trips to the salt.

[Scott V]

Thanks Lucky, I am going in to see Bill possibly tomorrow and he is going to hook me up, I know he carries the Orvis line.

[Rick J]

You might also look at the Ross CLA though I think that is $250 to $290 depending on size.

For a bit less you might look at the Teton Tioga Mag-12LA. I have the smaller 10 as a spey reeel and used it fishing for tarpon at Tarpon Cay.

[Darian]

Scott,.... Carl's suggestion is a good one. For an alternative, the Redington CDL is a very good, economical reel. I've been using the old Brakewaters (no longer made) and the newer CDL for 4 years now (in Baja) without problems. The older Brakewaters have a cork drag and the newer CDL has a synthetic drag. The models I've been using are the 9/10 and 11/12. You need something with the capacity to hold about 300 yards of 30# pound test dacron plus a full line or a running line, shooting head combo. You can always add capacity by switching to use Spectra or some other brand of super braid.

I've taken numbers of fish and up to 30 pounds on these reels, had a few on that were bigger but came unbuttoned, without fade or locking up in the drag systems.... All of these reels have an quick change spools; a feature that many of the others do not have. The Redington's of equal size are lighter in weight than the Abels. A factor in fatigue after making several hundred casts per day in breezy conditions from the bow of a rolling panga. An argument in favor of the Abels/Tibors, etc., is there durability and that the quick change feature is not necessarily a desirable one. That will have to be your choice. I own an Abel reel, too, and rarely fish it unless I'm targeting Marlin or Sails. I feel that for most of the fishing you'll encounter, on Jay's trip, the Redingtons or a comparable brand reel would serve you well....

Hope this helps.... :) :)

[Jay Murakoshi]

Scott,

You don't need to buy a reel unless you want to spend the green backs.

I'll have reels available for you to use. I try to make my trips affordable to all my clients. I also rent rods for $100.00 per week.

I would suggest attending the in-store clinic that I will be doing at Kiene's.
The date hasn't been set yet, gotta get with Bill and select a date.

Jay

[Scott V]

Scott,

You don't need to buy a reel unless you want to spend the green backs.

I'll have reels available for you to use. I try to make my trips affordable to all my clients. I also rent rods for $100.00 per week.

I would suggest attending the in-store clinic that I will be doing at Kiene's.
The date hasn't been set yet, gotta get with Bill and select a date.

Jay

I'll be at the clinic for sure. And I will definetly be hittnig you up for a reel, I do plan on getting my own rods for sure, and possibly atleast one reel.

Did you get my email about the flies?

[Jay Murakoshi]

Got it - thanks

Jay

[Ed Wahl]

That's a huge idea. How many people over the years had to invest thousands of dollars for rods and reels they'll only use once in their lives. Good one Jay. And Carl, jump on it, it's a win win. You guys are pushing me closer and closer, better knock it off before I crack. :roll:

I'm serious, someday you guys will be wondering," what ever happened to that guy with all the unfunny jokes that only he got? Last I remember he went to Mexico/B.C./Alaska to fish".

Don't push me man. Ed

[mems]

Aloha Scott I would suggest the TFO 425 reel. I have used it on both 10 and 12wt rods, and just get the extra spool and you can use it on either rod. It has a carbon fiber disk drag and is pretty tough. It retails for $259.95. I do work for TFO and am biased, but it is a pretty good reel for heavy duty saltwater use. I used it down in baja last summer and had no problems, Mems.

[FlyFlogger]

Carl,
Dunno if you were kidding or not, but the rentals may not be a bad idea. Alot of folks I have talked to in the Orange County/San Diego area would like to try out some inshore saltwater fishing from skiffs, kayaks or like me float tubes, but don't really know what to buy, or which they should get, or if they would like it at all after the first time.

I do the inshore stuff, but all I have is a 8wt setup of a Crosscurrent rod and free Helios I picked up. My friends go to MX with Gary Bulla and asked me several times to go, but I don't want to spend $800 an outfit not to like it, or just use it once. I'm setup for freshwater, but to get setup with some 10wt and 12wt rods/reels is a chunk of change. It may be something to think about :?:

Perry

[Scott V]

Aloha Scott I would suggest the TFO 425 reel. I have used it on both 10 and 12wt rods, and just get the extra spool and you can use it on either rod. It has a carbon fiber disk drag and is pretty tough. It retails for $259.95. I do work for TFO and am biased, but it is a pretty good reel for heavy duty saltwater use. I used it down in baja last summer and had no problems, Mems.


Aloha Ahiahi mems, I am a big fan of TFO, I was plannong on getting the TFO bluewater rods, so to have matching reel to go with it would be nice. Plus I really like TFO's return policy, they took care of me faster than I thought was possible. And if I can use it for both rods that is another good incentive.

mahalo

[Ed Wahl]

All kidding aside, I also think this idea is huge. Ed

[Jay Murakoshi]

I've rented rods for the past 4 years. A couple years ago, I had all 6 of my rental rods broken by the time my clinics were finished. No problem, I send them back and get them replaced. I usually take 10 rods down with me and a load of fly lines.
Some of my reels are Tibors but I'm mainly using the Bauer's MX 4 & 5's.

Jay

[formula1]

The rental idea sounds like a great idea...it would be nice to know that should the airlines lose my rods that I have an alternative...or if I break all the rods I have...

Aside from that I have to concur with Carl that tropical fishing will test your equipment to the max. IMHO trips like this are not the place to try to use bargain equipment. $100-$200 reels are fine for stripers and blues but not for pelagics and southern tropical fish. People have mentioned sub $200 reels here and I don't want to be the party crasher but pretty much the majority of horror stories I've heard from guides I use involve reels in that price range and some of the ones mentioned here were specifically noted by my guides. Reel spools falling off, frames bending, drags locking up or freespooling, these are some of the things that happen. I don't see the point in trying to save a couple of hundred bucks when I spend upwards of $10k a week on a trip...it's truly false economy IMHO. Even Mexico which is cheap as dirt ($1830 for Loreto next year for a week, plus $800 for plane tickets, times 2 for 2 ppl as I usually bring my wife fishing...that's $5,260 right there...getting a $300-$500 reel instead of a $100 reel for the reliability, performance and durability is easily worth it if you consider that you will use this reel for the rest of your life).

[coolrivertx]

That is a great idea! I think I might try to use it at my new shop/job, Sportsman's Finest in Austin, TX. Also, if the rod breaks, it might be worth it to charge the customer the repair/replacement cost. If any one is looking for fine firearms, please give us a shout 512-263-1888. Ask for Brett. Thanks.

[Scott V]

Any opinions on Tibor Riptide reels? I have never had one and might have an opportunity to get one at a good price.

[john]

Any Tibor or Abel "at a good price" is a buy. You should be able to get 275yds of gelspun on the riptide.

[jbird]

Scott

If you can get a tibor riptide at a good price, dont even think twice...whether you need a reel or not. Its money in the bank.

Jay

[formula1]

Any opinions on Tibor Riptide reels? I have never had one and might have an opportunity to get one at a good price.

Define "good price."

[Scott V]

Ok I have decided to not go cheap on my 10 weight reel, I plan on investing on a good reel. I have one more question, what are your thouhgts on the Anti-reverse of the Abels. Is it just something else that can go wrong or is it a good idea to go with. I love the concept of not having that little handle spinning at 100 m.p.h. when I hook into a big fish. Does this mean that you can not palm the reel to assist in drag?

[Darian]

Scott,.... You're really gonna open up a can of worms on this subject. I asked the same question on Blanton's BB about 5 years ago and nearly started a war. :lol: :lol:

I have several direct drive reels and an Abel, Super 12, Anti-Reverse reel for saltwater and use it on a Cam Sigler, 12 weight rod. I chose anti-reverse drive over direct drive for the same reason you stated. I have some arthritis in my hands and frequently get my knuckles rapped on my direct drive reels. It's painful. :roll: :roll: I figured that when fishing for larger fish, I would use the Abel to reduce the amount of pain involved in landing larger pelagics. Still feel that way. 8) 8) I'm able to palm the spool when I feel it's necessary but, generally, don't.

Of all of the objections I've heard raised against anti-reverse drive reels, the most valid (IMHO) were that they are heavier than direct drive reels and line can be taken out while you're reeling in without your knowledge unless you're watching the reel or don't have a clicker that sounds when the fish is taking line. The former is an issue when making many casts out of a panga all day. The latter is of no concern to me.

As to more parts to maintain, it's true. However, I've not found that it takes any more effort to clean/maintain anti-reverse drive than the direct drives. IMHO, all of this is easily overcome. 8)

Most of the guys who object to using anti-reverse drive fly reels wouldn't hesitate to use an anti-reverse, multiplier, casting reel.... :? :?

[formula1]

Everyone has an opinion on a/r reels...Darian's reasons for using a/r is excellent and one I've never considered. I've always used dd and I've tried a/r but did not like them at all (and although I use a/r multiplying casting reels, it's only because that's what's out there...I personally detest multiplying reels because one of the reasons I like fly fishing *is* the direct drive reels that I think gives me more of the feel of being connected directly to the fish - it's my feeling that the gears isolate me from that feel of the fish). I've only gotten my knuckles rapped once ever in my life, and never again since then...it's not difficult to avoid getting them rapped. Once you learn to avoid it it's instinctive and I can't imagine I'd ever get my knuckles rapped again unless I was being stupid. However, if you like the idea of an a/r reel by all means get it...I tried one before I decided against getting one. If you can you should try one out otherwise you'll have an expensive reel you don't like.

I also like dd reels better than a/r because when I'm cranking on the handle I know I'm taking in line. An a/r (because of the necessary light drag settings with typical fly rod tippets) cannot do that at all unless you are talking dual mode reels like Henschel.

[jbird]

Getting your fingers knocked while fly fishing for big game is just part of the game. I would sure like to know formula1's secret for avoiding it. I have caught a lot of big critters on flies over the last 20 years and it still happens sometimes. When youve got a big "green" fish boatside and your really puting the heat on and the fish suddenly surges, it just happens.
I also dont think light tippets are part of the equation in the type of scenario scott is considering. Baja fishing is about slug fests and anything can happen.

I would think the biggest consideration is weight, like darian said. Tho Formula1 makes an excellent point, thats a lot of money for something your not sure you want. I love direct drive reels, while you can get knocked around by em a bit, that is not a consideration for me. The chances of getting hurt by it are pretty slim if you know what your doing.

I'm glad to hear you are going to invest in a great reel, you wont be sorry. The nice thing about the size reel youre talking about is it will serve you in baja and will be a nice fit on a switch/spey rod

Jay

[Scott V]

After lots of reading and listening to everyones great advice my choices are down to an Abel Big Game or a Ross Momentum for my 10 weight. After that it will be a simple :lol: matter of picking which line to use.

Thanks to everyone for the input, don;t stop kepp throwing suggestions and experiences at me.

[Scott V]

Carl,
which rod do you find you used the most, a 10 or 12 weight. I am getting both weights but was just wondering.

Thanks

[Scott V]

I have actually been to Loreto, but I was about 10 at the time. I do remember going out in a panga but I do no recall me catching anything. But I do remember eating fresh dorado steaks on the beach. We stayed in Puerto Escondid back when the only thing there was the miltary lookout built into the side of the cliff. We drove down in rv's and stayed for 2 or so weeks. As you can imagine I am very excited about going.

I am lucky that my wife is letting me go, because we usually vaction together and this will be a big trip without her. She gets to pick the next trip, hopefully there will be water close. :D

[Scott V]

Just an update, I was able to get a used Abel 4.5 with a Windcutter line that comes with a floating, type 3, and type 6 shooting head at really good price. This will be mated to a Redington 12 weight rod. Thanks to everyone for the assistance. I plan on getting a 10 weight outfit also in the next couple of months.