Affordable saltwater reels?

[Darian]

Sheepdog,.... I've fished Abel and Tibor reels for many years now and agree with others that they're top of the line and far out of the price range you described in the first post. Also, like Jay mentioned, I wouldn't use them in the surf zone, here.

Lamson, Ross and some models of Orvis reels will work just fine. If you can find Redington discontinued, used or new models (Brakewater, CDL or Delta), I'd highly recommend them. The Brakewaters had a cork drag, the CDLs/Deltas had composite drags. I've owned/used each model for Black Bass and Striper fishing in the CA Delta, the Brakewaters and CDLs in Baja for some Roosters, Dorado and a couple of Tuna without problem. Still in use after 13 years. Not sure what the used price might be but the price when they were new was mid range ($350 to $400). Good reels if you can find one.

[Baja Fly Fisher]

Sheepdog,
Monterey? I would start fishing the beaches from the Old Navy Grad school, del monte beach,the apartments, the sewer plant, the old sand plant. It's a long walk but the Salinas river state beach can be good as well as the beaches around Moss landing. Like I mentioned I lived in the area for many years, covering many beaches. Late March, April, May can be the months to find the bigger perch along the Pajaro Dunes area ( my favorite place ). Too help you cut the learning curve, learn about tides, learn how to read the
waters and be careful of those rogue waves.
My equipment: 9' 7wt rod, type 3/4 shooting heads, mono backing, dacron running line, 7' leaders 8#, flies - rusty squirrel, micro shrimp, orange ruffy, 10/40, wooly buggers, small white clousers.

Good luck on your adventure

Jay

[dynaflow]

Unfortunately this thread went waaaaay off track (as they often do)..the man is asking about affordable salt water reels,and I'm surprised that the tried & tested Redington Behemoth hasn't rated a mention.I use a 7/8 for Bonefish and a 9/10 for GT's, and at $109.99 and $129.99 respectively nothing comes close.No,the drag is not "sealed" but then none are really,with only Abel's SDS,Ross's EvoR and a couple other of high-end reels getting close.Did I mention that the Behemoth also has up to a 30lb.drag? I've dunked mine occasionally,but do your best to keep any reel out of the salt,and always rinse them after each outing....oh yeah,and don't use WD40.
Cheers

[Larry S]

Sheepdog,
Should clarify my use of WD-40 on a reel. I use it as a cleaner; it's definitely not
a lubricant. I occasionally see some salt buildup even after the daily freshwater
rinsing. I know lots of WD-40 haters out there; but, it works for me.
Had an amazing sight this morning at the Farms/Blacks Beach. Tons of bait just
outside the breakers and the pelicans and seals were going wild. The seals were doing
dolphin imitations. Quite a show! Always something to look forward to.
Best,
Larry S
Sun Diego

[dynaflow]

Thanks for the clarification re WD40 Larry, as it's basically a petroleum based water dispersant rather than a lubricant.
I only use one thing for lubrication and cork drag maintenance on my fly reels....Cal's 2 Speed
Cheers