need reel advice

[jrib]

Advice needed! I need a good reel (affordable) for Kings in Alaska this summer. I am looking at the Ross Evolution, Galvan Torque and the Orvis Mirage. Will go on an 8 wt Sage Z Axis. Thanks in advance. JR

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

The Ross Evolution does not have any heavy drag setting. Good for trout and steelhead but not salmon or saltwater. The Ross Momentum would work.

The Galvan Torque and Rush have the same good drag heavy drag system.

The new Orvis Mirage has a very sophisticated multi-disc drag.

[Ned Morris]

Lamson Litespeed is great for the Salt ($300). I use a Pfleuger President for freshwater and it has worked great however not sealed for saltwater ($150).

[TaylerW]

love galvan torques. a friend of mine has used his for everything from steelhead and stripers to bonefish and permit.

[Mark Kranhold]

sent you a pm

[Tiger]

If you want a reel with a smooth drag that doesn't jerk everytime a fish takes off go with the new Sage 6080. I've been using it fo 6 months and haven't had one problem More expensive but worth it. I have had nothing but problems with the drags on Ross and Galvan. Start up inertia has been a big problem with these reels. It is more expensive but the key here is it actually works...In the long run you'll save money and be alot happier..

[dpentoney]

I would bet that more fly-caught salmon have been taken on a Pflueger Medalist 1495 1/2 than any other. The drag system might not be as good as what the more expensive reels offer, but you can tighten it just enough so that the reel does not over-run when you strip line off to cast. When you are hooked up, just let the reel handle run against the palm of your hand, which once educated is a better drag sytem than comes on any reel.

[Ned Morris]

An 8 wt. will NOT cut the mustard in AK for Kings. You need a 10 wt. or at min. a 9 wt. especially if going anywhere in the Kenai or Susitna Drainages.


Advice needed! I need a good reel (affordable) for Kings in Alaska this summer. I am looking at the Ross Evolution, Galvan Torque and the Orvis Mirage. Will go on an 8 wt Sage Z Axis. Thanks in advance. JR

[Tiger]

dpentoney...After all the problems I've had with drag you might be on the money...

[jbird]

There are so many good reels out there that can handle salmon. I totally agree that an 8wt will be bringing a knife to a gun fight. You need a 10. Of your list I would choose the torque. I also agree that a medalist is fine for salmon IN THE RIGHT HANDS. A dragless reel like a pflueger or hardy requires a learning curve with big fish. Palming the spool on hard charging fish is an art and is not "better" than a quality drag system. But its fun!

[flyguy1]

my brother as two almost new galvan torque's. T-12 nd T14
see link below



http://www.kiene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19125

[Steelhead Guide]

Everyone has what they like and I think you should get to the shop and bring your rod and play with some reels. the Orvis Mirage was designed for fighting tarpon and from start to finish this real is a big game taker. In the size 12 the reel picks up almost a foot of line per revolution even into the backing which is great when fighting fish that are gonna run you out. The 8wt reel is perfect and would be my choice for AK Salmon in the river from a boat and the 10wt from shore.

[jrib]

Thanks for all of the posts. I have been told from the lodge owner and a few folks that have fished there before that an 8 wt is OK. Maybe it is because the river (To Toy Lon) is a smaller tributary and the fish may not have the room to "run"? One guy told me that he uses his 7 wt. I will use the Lodge gear if I get up there and find myself under geared. Thanks again