moonshadow
Smolt
nearly time for that first cast
Posts: 97
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Post by moonshadow on Mar 2, 2008 12:13:09 GMT -1
Hi Folks
What in your opinion would be the best reel for sea trout fishing. The only criteria would be it would have to be rated for 7/8 lines. What reel would you choose and why? Cost is not a factor.
Will be interested in your replies.
Moonshadow
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Post by watermole on Mar 2, 2008 14:03:32 GMT -1
Quite an open question moonshadow...
...When you say 'sea trout fishing' I assume that you will be mostly night-fishing. Also, although cost may not be a problem, I think that you must ask yourself, "Is it up to the job in hand?"
A reel for night-fishing should be as plain and as gadget-free as possible, be essentially basic, robust in construction, BLACK in colour and fully-caged. Personally, I would err on the heavy side, as regards weight. Not only will a heavier reel balance the outfit up better, but a super-lightweight reel is usually one which has had its' overall strength compromised somewhere, for you should bear in mind that, at night, it is quite likely to receive some accidental clouts and other knocks etc. and you don't want to have to stop fishing, because of that.
Adequate line and backing capacity is paramount. If you are fishing a river where big stuff may be expected, give due consideration as to how far a hooked fish may run. If this be the case, then 150 yards of backing should be loaded, for safety. If a fish runs you out further than that, you are knee-deep in the nitrates already, so say good-bye.
You may also want to change lines, so one with a quick-change spare spool is another factor. I think that far too much importance is placed on an all-singing, all-dancing line drag system. Some of these are very complicated and have been known to fail because of that. A line dragging in the water is a brake in itself and light finger pressure on the line drum will soon tire out and turn a fish.
To sum up then; I am not going to recommend a specific make or model; there are so many to choose from today, all claiming to have superior features, but to be honest, this doesn't count for very much at night, on the river. Is is not important, that you spend a great deal, just to have a certain makers' name on the backplate; believe me, neither sea-trout or the blackness of night will care two hoots, what make it is.
Your reel should have a good capacity, balance the rod, be strongly made and do the job which it was intended to; and all without frills or fuss. You won't even think about it when you feel that adrenalin rush, as the line draws up tight in the blackness and the rod kicks down with a thump!
........but you will if it fails..
Best wishes,
Wm.
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Post by moose007 on Mar 2, 2008 16:23:58 GMT -1
Most important to match the reel weight to the rod, my Hardy Gem 9'1/2" balances perfectly with my Greys G-lite, my Greys M2 9'1/2" balances with my Hardy princess. Balance the rod with the reel on your index finger, remember backing will also affect the reel weight.
I've recently bought a Bison reel for £70 which came with a spare spool, I'll be putting it through it's paces shortly.
Oh yeah don't by a G-Lite their hopeless.
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Post by Hoppy on Mar 2, 2008 17:21:34 GMT -1
Cost is not a factor. Will be interested in your replies. Moonshadow If cost isnt an option I would go with a Lamson Litespeed (Hard Alox) it is a superb piece of kit, great drag and hard wearing - i have a few of them!!! I'd go with the LS 3 or 3.5 (if you can get one). The reason i bought my original reel was after hearing how they were being sold in the US. Someone had gone into a shop in the US, and in the shop was a large plastic bin, full of sand and saltwater. When the customer asked what was in them - the store owner said Lamson reels. If you wanted to try a reel, you simply delved around in the salt and sand and took the reel out. A quick rinse and the reel worked perfectly. It might be urban myth etc etc - but its the kind of test that really does wonders for advertsing - i was sold and bought one about 5 yrs ago - its still going strong and has had a battering. Thats my recommendation anyhow! Hoppy
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Post by Paul Dunstan on Mar 2, 2008 17:54:19 GMT -1
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Post by DAZ on Mar 2, 2008 17:56:25 GMT -1
Link don't work Paul........... Mike,you have a pm. DAZ.
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Post by moose007 on Mar 2, 2008 18:43:35 GMT -1
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Post by Ditchrat on Mar 2, 2008 20:41:19 GMT -1
Cost isnt and issue then I would say an Able Super8 In this finish Or a Hatch reel. one of the finest reels I have ever touched.
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Post by clydefisher on Mar 3, 2008 13:08:21 GMT -1
i use a greysn platinum x dosnt cost much n is a good reel
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Post by speystalker on Mar 3, 2008 15:58:36 GMT -1
I would agree with watermoles advice a good large arbor capable carrying 150yds 0f backing because if you connect with serious large fish they will not be for stopping when first hooked. Consequently you will have to follow them to give yourself any chance of landing such fish.
I know I landed a 22lb salmon one night a couple of seasons back. Not good for the arms on a single handed rod but if I didnt have plenty of backing I would nt have managed to land such a fish after an hour.
Anyway plenty of good reels out there with a smooth drag and I have been using Vision Gts and Scierra xdps both have not let me down.
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Post by White hunter on Mar 3, 2008 16:32:59 GMT -1
Danielsson LW 6nine... I have purposely abused this reel for well over the last two seasons by never washing it after use in the salt, it has taken a good knock or two falling over whilst sea trout fishing and has been dropped on beaches etc, I have no worries in using this reel for single handed salmon fishing niether.. What Tomas from Danielsson will tell you is that they only create products which stand the test of time and they do not seek to impress or bombard people with new reels year after year just for the sake of it, their current range has remained largely unchanged for years....... if it aint broke dont fix it Im hoping my grandkids will end up with my LW reels one day. Best regards Lee
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moonshadow
Smolt
nearly time for that first cast
Posts: 97
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Post by moonshadow on Mar 3, 2008 19:48:20 GMT -1
Hi folks
Thanks for your replies, seems there are a lot of favourites out there.
Watermole thanks for your advice.
Thank you to those that provided the photos and the webb sites.
Great advice folks a hard decision made harder
Moonshadow
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Post by waddington on Mar 3, 2008 21:13:43 GMT -1
I am going to use a Danielsson LW 6-9 this season. Not used it in anger yet but very impressed by its quality when closely examining it. Time will tell and I hope my experience will mirror Lees'. Very unimpressed with some of the modern Hardy reels which are no where near the quality for which they were once famous. If the Danielsson works out the way I hope, I have a few Hardys that might well be ending up on e bay!
Phil
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Post by White hunter on Mar 3, 2008 22:36:52 GMT -1
Im quite certain you will enjoy many years use from your new reel. I have a little confession, this is my entire reel collection, bar a lightweight reel i use for distance stuff on grass.... I made the desicion years ago to use these reels exclusively for all my fishing, and after wasting much money in the past it was nice to seemingly be done with buying reels once and for all. None of these have let me down. Best Regards Lee
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