I have been doing more saltwater fly fishing the past few years and realized on a recent trip to Belize the benefits of having a number of fly rods rigged up in the boat and ready to cast, particularly when fishing for multiple species like bonefish, permit, snook or small tarpon on the same day. For example, It would have been much more efficient to have 10 weight outfits set up with both floating and intermediate lines. I did not like having to switch spools or lines if conditions changed or we targeted a different species. In addition, eventually I plan to fish for some larger saltwater species, such as larger tarpon, giant trevally, dorado, roosterfish, smaller tuna, wahoo, or jacks. I have concluded this means purchasing several additional high-quality saltwater reels. I currently use a Nautilus CCF 10 and older Stratos 380 for bonefish and permit. The Nautilus does double duty on 10 weight outfits for snook and smaller tarpon in saltwater and for silver salmon in estuaries in Alaska on windy days.
I am in position to make a onetime purchase of several quality saltwater reels. My research has led me to exploring different reel manufacturer’s sites, some fly shop web sites, asking around the local fly shops, and also queries to some mail-order fly fishing outfits. I need to buy at least one or possibly two more reels that will be used primarily for 10 weight rods and lines. In addition, I need to buy a larger capacity reel for a 12 weight outfit. Perhaps the 12 weight reel could do double duty also serving as a smaller spey reel. While I realize Abel and Tibor reels have set the standards for saltwater reels, several fishing companions own and fish Abels and Tibors and have had to fuss with their cork drags to keep them from drying out. I have been leaning towards one of the newer reels with a sealed drag system, but this decision is not irreversible. From what I have been able to glean, the following reels are among the ones to be considered: Nautilus CCF and NV; Galvan Torque; Hatch; Bauer Rogue; Tibor QC; or possibly Ross, Waterworks, and Sage reels.
While I am quite satisfied with my Nautilus CCF 10, I am open to other manufacturer’s reels for 10 weight lines. For the larger (12 weight) reel I have been leaning towards a Hatch or maybe a Nautilus CCF 12DD, but I also am open to considering other reels. I was wondering if the Hatch Pulse, Mid-arbor 9 Plus would be too heavy to use on one of my two 10 weight rods? I realize I would need additional backing to fill the Hatch spool if using it with a 10 weight fly line rather than an 11 or 12 line. I believe Nautilus makes a 10DD spool that fits on the 12DD reel frame so the reel also can be used with a 10 weight line. I need to buy durable reels that will last and give me the greatest long-term return on my investment. I am not interested in picking up the newest, lightest reel on the block just for the sake of saying I own one. Because I take good care of my equipment, I would expect the reels to last for a long time. This posting is an effort to determine if there is any consensus about these or other fly reel options among the community of experienced saltwater fly fishermen. Any insight is appreciated.
I am in position to make a onetime purchase of several quality saltwater reels. My research has led me to exploring different reel manufacturer’s sites, some fly shop web sites, asking around the local fly shops, and also queries to some mail-order fly fishing outfits. I need to buy at least one or possibly two more reels that will be used primarily for 10 weight rods and lines. In addition, I need to buy a larger capacity reel for a 12 weight outfit. Perhaps the 12 weight reel could do double duty also serving as a smaller spey reel. While I realize Abel and Tibor reels have set the standards for saltwater reels, several fishing companions own and fish Abels and Tibors and have had to fuss with their cork drags to keep them from drying out. I have been leaning towards one of the newer reels with a sealed drag system, but this decision is not irreversible. From what I have been able to glean, the following reels are among the ones to be considered: Nautilus CCF and NV; Galvan Torque; Hatch; Bauer Rogue; Tibor QC; or possibly Ross, Waterworks, and Sage reels.
While I am quite satisfied with my Nautilus CCF 10, I am open to other manufacturer’s reels for 10 weight lines. For the larger (12 weight) reel I have been leaning towards a Hatch or maybe a Nautilus CCF 12DD, but I also am open to considering other reels. I was wondering if the Hatch Pulse, Mid-arbor 9 Plus would be too heavy to use on one of my two 10 weight rods? I realize I would need additional backing to fill the Hatch spool if using it with a 10 weight fly line rather than an 11 or 12 line. I believe Nautilus makes a 10DD spool that fits on the 12DD reel frame so the reel also can be used with a 10 weight line. I need to buy durable reels that will last and give me the greatest long-term return on my investment. I am not interested in picking up the newest, lightest reel on the block just for the sake of saying I own one. Because I take good care of my equipment, I would expect the reels to last for a long time. This posting is an effort to determine if there is any consensus about these or other fly reel options among the community of experienced saltwater fly fishermen. Any insight is appreciated.