Dad's reel question?

[Travis C.]

Ever since I took my dad up to the Caney a few weeks ago he has had bunches of questions on fly stuff.

This is his last one to which I can't answer. If you were only going to buy one reel, what would it be? He is intending the question to not only mean a single reel but not ever buying another as well.

I have only bought just good enough to get me fishing with wife, kids, enconomy and everything else in the way so I can't really answer that for him.

Throw price out for the time being but keep in mind this isn't a guy who will be stalking the smokies, up in BC chasin chrome or bones on the flats. He will probably give it a go on the Caney, maybe Obey and locally maybe after blue gill or bass. That said he don't want a reel to crap out on him either beacause its cheap as he likes quality.

Any thoughts?

[Travis C.]

My first thought was the barstock Orvis reel but I have no experience with them.

[TheYiman]

My standard Battenkill 5wt has taken a beating for many years now.  It is a great reel. 

Another idea, I have been hearing alot of good things about the Ros FlyRise reel.  I think I am going get one for my new SM set-up I plan to put together this winter.

[Steve H]

The Orvis barstock is a great reel. Reasonable price and you could go to CT and see one and make decision while there as well as get line and backing.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=40C7&dir_id=758&group_id=768&cat_id=7627&subcat_id=7643

My first foray into serious fly fishing (from spin) was with the Clearwater and a friend of mine still uses it to this day. No trouble at all, just a little lube ad good to go.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=44H9&dir_id=758&group_id=768&cat_id=7630&subcat_id=7647

[Travis C.]

Another idea, I have been hearing alot of good things about the Ros FlyRise reel.  I think I am going get one for my new SM set-up I plan to put together this winter.

I thought about that as well. Infact, the question came about while he was on the phone with me at Academy holding that one in his hands. Its not bad priced at $89.99 for line, backing, leader and a drag adjustable reel with lifetime warranty.

I just don't know what line is on it or if the reel is any good. That is when I told him to hold off while I sought some more advice.

[bd]

I have a Redington SVII on my main trout rod and I absolutely LOVE it.

It's not too expensive - only about a hundred bucks.  In my opinion, the drag is more reliable than anything else I've fished in the same price point.  Yeah, you can get a better drag on a $300.00 reel, but for the reels in the $99 range, I don't think you'll find anything better than the Redington.  I've caught trout up to 26" and carp up to about 8 or 9 pounds on that reel and it hasn't failed me.

Finally, I can be very rough on gear and it has held up to the punishment with no problems.  Some of the black finish has worn off and it's silver in places, but it still works like new.  So it passes the endurance test.

bd

[MikeA]

Orvis Barstock is a nice looking reel and tough. It's one of the ones I can't seem to part with.

[grumpy]

I have several Battenkill's that are over 20 years old & still working, same drag as the Barstock, they just aren't machined & cheaper.

Grumpy

[Travis C.]

Thanks for all the responses guys.

He has decided to go with the Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock and pair it up with a TFO rod. I told him with the warranties, he should be happy for a long time catching a few trout and bluegill's.

We'll see ya soon Grumpy.

[TheYiman]

That will be a solid set-up.  Last a good long while.