LOOP Opti Dry Fly

feeds@kickapps.com (Cameron) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:44:16 PST

Well...after the last four or five years of flushing all my modern reels and collecting a mess of clickers I finally gave in and am in the process of buying a LOOP Opti Dry Fly reel. I ordered one of the new 2010 Opti's since they are black and silver and the 2009 model is a dark blue. I guess when you're spending that much on a reel you can be picky, eh?

Joe Roope from Castaway Fly Fishing Shop sent along a demo/loaner so I could carry it to Seattle/Tofino next week to hold me until the 2010 reel arrives. I'm hoping to catch a few sea run cutthroats from the rocks.

perserverance is...

feeds@kickapps.com (corlay) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 23:39:46 PST

...finding the latch spring that you've accidentally jettisoned into outer space,
while you were piecing together a JW Young Pridex that you've just cleaned and lubed.

the sad part is I spent an hour+ sifting through the (open-top) garbage can in my shop,
like I was a forensics expert on one of those C.S.I shows,
thinking that it landed in there - but that's not where it was...

Abel TR Series

feeds@kickapps.com (BlueDunn) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:40:53 PST

Hi-

I was wondering if all Abel TR reels had the TR1/2/3, Made in USA on the reel foot? I know this is true for the newer Abel TR's but was wondering if the older (older being before they were discontinued...then brought back to life) reels?

Just picked up one on eBay and noticed that the reel foot didn't have the TR2, Made in USA on the foot. Probably just a design change along the way but I thought I'd check it out.

Thanks,
S

Click Hammer and Button Repair/Adjustment

feeds@kickapps.com (dhoover8448) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:25:58 PST

I bought a near mint Shakespeare 2925V Alpha Reel at a local antique shop a couple months ago for a mere $7. The only discrepancy I saw with it was that the Click Hammer/Button was not always tight, causing the drag to only lightly engage at times. How does one tighten up the Click Hammer/Button once it's loose? Looking at the Reel Papers Page, the 2925V Reel's drag looks exactly like the Bronson No. 360 Royal Reel on page #4. Thanks for any advise you might be able to pass along.

Dave

I hate you guys...

feeds@kickapps.com (clarkman23) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:55:02 PST

because of this site, within the last month or so, I have added a 12 wt SA glass rod, an FF807 (love the rod), a Martin Trophy 7/8 reel, a mint Daiwa 740 (St. Aiden clone)--balances out the FF807 perfectly, and just won a pair of Young Condex's that appear to be in pretty good shape....all because of you people!!!!

I guess there's just one more thing to say, thank you.

My Orvis H. Hart Salmon Steelhead beast of beauty reel (new Orvis catalog pic)

feeds@kickapps.com (jimpitz) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:42:23 PST

Here is my H. Hart Orvis reel made sometime in the 70's.Came in with an extra spool as shown.Nice anti reverse with strong drag. Pretty silver.

,

Pretty much too nice of a reel for me,I'll probably never fish it.Jim

Any Ideas what this is?

feeds@kickapps.com (tabornatives) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:42:06 PST

I am not knowledgeable at all about older reels but picked this one up recently thinking it might match a little Steffen I am having done with bronze fittings. The diameter of the reel is 3 1/8 and the width of the spool is 3/4. Any ideas what it is? No marks except for Japan stamped on the bottom of the seat.

The reel is pretty nice, although I don't think it is reversible thus I'll probably unload it. The rod I have it mounted on is also a new acquisition. Steffen 9ft three piece 6wt blank with a bronze uplocking seat that looks very similar to what we have been seeing on the Lemke seats of late.

New Toy

feeds@kickapps.com (Duff) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:29:43 PST

This probably doesn't belongs here but I had to share a photo of my new toy. My good buddy, Gearboy, brought over his "lucky dog" Lyons rod that came today and had a wonderful present for me. It's a Kineya reel tool used to take off the spool. Only Masatoshi would lavish so much attention on such a small utilitarian object. By the way, Jay's little 7' #2 Lyons is gorgeous.

JB Weld

feeds@kickapps.com (Flywalker) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:31:00 PST

I'm not sure where to put this question, but since it relates to reels I thought it should go here. How resistant to abrasion is JB Weld after it fully cures?

I know it can be sanded, but would it hold up to constant wear? The pawl on a recent reel purchase was either broken or worn down such that it doesn't interact with the gear any more. I was wondering if I could add some JB Weld and shape a new "point" to the pawl. Or would it wear down so quickly as to be counterproductive?

I haven't used JB Weld before, so if any of you could speak to the abrasion-resistance I would be appreciative. Otherwise, I'll just have to buy some and give it a shot. Thanks!

What's Your Favorite Martin Tuna Can?

feeds@kickapps.com (dhoover8448) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 22:07:59 PST

Been seeing a few "What's your favorite..." posts lately, so I thought I'd start one well within my budget to participate....plus the Olympics are over and I need something to do at the moment while I re=adjust.

: )

Martin 62 for me.

willow classic fly reels

feeds@kickapps.com (Yeti) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:12:09 PST

anyone have any experience with Willow Classic fly reels?

http://www.mysticoutdoors.com/willow-home.html

Airex 375

feeds@kickapps.com (WW) — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 16:01:24 PST

I mentioned this reel in another thread, (forget which one) and I got a chance to get some pictures of it today.
Lucked into this near mint example for about $30 shipped! Nary a mark on it! If only all my buys would turn out this well.

Peerless Model 1 papers

feeds@kickapps.com (Rockthief) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 19:21:24 PST

seeking papers for this fine reel, Model 1 not the 1a. The 1 does not have an drag adjustment feature. If not I will ask Peerless.
Thank you.
Paul

It's 1970 and you got a new rod

feeds@kickapps.com (fingernail) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:18:43 PST

It's 1970 and you got a new rod but you don't have reel, it's a nice little 7ft Scott PowR-Ply, what do you do for a reel. What options do you have for a nice looking quality reel? I know there are hardys, but you're limited on funds. So what do you choose?

Automatic reels

feeds@kickapps.com (Lhgann) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:54:45 PST

Any thoughts?

This subject was broached on the Boo site yesterday regarding a different question I posed there.

So I would like to get some thoughts on this site regarding automatic reels.

I'm sure like most of you (back up one, at least if your half as old as I am) then there is a good chance the first reel you encountered was an automatic. We were taught that any proper fly fisher-person, as soon as he/she learns a bit is to avail ones self to a proper non-auto click and pawl.

I'm beginning to have second thoughts. I do a fair amount of bass fishing out of a kayak. I am always fumbling with excess line. I'm thinking of adding an automatic or two back to the fold.

You guys have any thought's on ones you like/ dislike? Bulldog would like to hear you chime in...

Redington CT 5/6

feeds@kickapps.com (quillg) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 13:55:55 PST

This little gem just arrived..... I stumbled upon it over on the auction site new/unused for a BIN of $70 w/free shipping. These reels are very well made. My only complaint is that there's no positive stop for the drag knob adjustment. Anyway, can't wait to get a line on it an put it to use.

JW Young Recommendations...

feeds@kickapps.com (BlueDunn) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:43:56 PST

Hi-

I have 2 Steffen fly rods that I would like to outfit with a couple of JW Young reels (they look so snazzy). That said, I have no idea what type of Young reel to look for or what to watch out for. The rods I have are:

1) 8'3" 5-weight Steffen

2) 7'6" 3-weight Steffen

Can anyone out there recommend the appropriate, balanced reel that would potentially go with these rods?

Thanks,
S

What's your favorite agate decorated reel?

feeds@kickapps.com (burkholder) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 10:27:08 PST

The next reel on my list is one with an agate line guide. Without spending a fortune on an antique Hardy, what am I looking for? I was hoping that some of you would be willing to share some photos and opinions. Which ones do each of you like and why?

Caliper Heresy

feeds@kickapps.com (bulldog1935) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:20:04 PST

You guys know I love the Martin helical-spring click-pawl, and the demise of that drag was the demise of the company as far as I'm concerned.
But I just hate the Martin caliper drag. Sorry. But it's true.
I don't want a 65, I got rid of a beautiful maroon Cortland Crown. I think the 68 is the one of the most beautiful reels ever made...

... but I hate the caliper.

OK, and I know there are many of you who like it just fine.
But IMO, there is a decent caliper-drag reel that has it - both function and asthetics, and I'm surprised we never talk about it on this board.
The Pflueger Sal Trout. Looks, light weight, line capacity, large arbor, and more than 6 teeth...

Daiwa 740 Hardy St. Aiden knock-off

feeds@kickapps.com (clarkman23) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:26:21 PST

Curious as to the value of a minty Daiwa 740?

Classic Fly Reels