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Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) #13638122 07/21/20 12:23 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
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capt.kidd/tx Offline OP
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I'm looking for recommendations for a good (i was told to spend more on the rod than the reel ) saltwater fly reel (8wt),i was told i need a sealed drag. I'm buying a TFO BVK rod

Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13638308 07/21/20 02:14 PM
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COFF Online Content
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First off, I'll put an asterisks on the statement on how much to spend for a fly reel. I agree with that statement for all freshwater applications, but a quality reel with a good drag is much more important in saltwater fishing than in fresh. That said, you don't have to spend $300+ to get a good saltwater reel IMO. I've got a fiblink from amazon on my 8wt saltwater setup. Machined aluminum body, large arbor. The drag is smooth and even to engage. Taken into the salt on about 5 trips now, and no sign of corrosion with a proper post-trip washing.

Fiblink

I cannot give a full endorsement of the drag system and durability because I have not given it a full test. Unfortunately I have not hooked into a bone or GT that gave it a run into the backing. It has pulled in a few dozen trout, smaller reds and spanish mackerel, and for those short runs the drag has performed flawlessly.

If I made more than one trip a year to the salt, I may choose to invest in a more robust reel. But for my purpose I have been very happy with it. I also rationalize that if I burn it up on a fish with a long run, I can easily replace it many times and still be ahead of the curve.


Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13639278 07/22/20 01:44 AM
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Osbornfishing Online Content
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I use Okuma SLV reels and have documented many records with them. You can get them on ebay at Walmart or amazon for around $55. I am very hard on my fishing equipment and after 10 years of hard fishing, the finish is flaking off a couple of the reels. The drags are still perfect. The finish or material on more expensive reels will last longer, but you pay a lot more up front. I just want the drag to work when needed.

[Linked Image]

Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13652451 08/01/20 03:44 AM
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texasflycaster Offline
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HATCH.

Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13652792 08/01/20 04:28 PM
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Curt0407 Online Content
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I have a couple of Okumas that I use for salt and fresh water. So far so good.

Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13653383 08/02/20 03:48 AM
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flyfshrgrl Offline
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I have been fishing for awile now, and I always spend more on my reels than rods--I fish TFO rods and Nautilus reels. My BVK 8# holds my gold Nautilus NV-G. Some of my reels are 10+ years old, and I've taken them everywhere, and I have had 0 problems and no lost fish due to a reel malfunction. Here's my 8# TiCrx rod / Nautilus reel combo:
[Linked Image]

Last edited by flyfshrgrl; 08/02/20 03:51 AM.

Julia Bell/flyfshrgrl
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Re: Looking for Recommendations for Saltwater sealed drag fly reel (8wt) (im a begginner) [Re: capt.kidd/tx] #13654880 08/03/20 05:32 PM
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ZachW Offline
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COFF has good advice for you. Saltwater fly fishing is difficult. I would go a few times and catch some fish before deciding you want to drop $$$ on the reel. Unless of course you just want to spend the money! Then go for it!

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