Reel for Steelheading

[BERRRG]

I'm looking for a good reel in the ballpark of $300 to use with my 6wt rod for steelheading. Looking for a good smooth drag and probably a sealed drag too, as my current reel's drag has rusted. Have my eye on the Ross CLA, the Orvis Hydros, Orvis Access, and Lamson Guru, Lamson Litespeed, Lamson Speedster.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with these reels? Or any others for that matter?

Thanks!

 

[[email protected]]

The CLA is nice for sure, great reel, but with a $300 budget, why not go with the Animas or Evolution?

Also, check out http://www.allenflyfishing.com/reels/

and http://www.shadowflyfishing.com/fly-reels.html

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

Too me its an easy choice with a lamson. At that price point a fully sealed drag, modern machining and looks, lightweight and easy to use in cold conditions. I have a litespeed with unsigned warranty and box that Ive used a few times if you wanted to wheel and deal

 

[BERRRG]

Too me its an easy choice with a lamson. At that price point a fully sealed drag, modern machining and looks, lightweight and easy to use in cold conditions. I have a litespeed with unsigned warranty and box that Ive used a few times if you wanted to wheel and deal

I'm listening.

 

[BERRRG]

The CLA is nice for sure, great reel, but with a $300 budget, why not go with the Animas or Evolution?

Also, check out http://www.allenflyfishing.com/reels/

and http://www.shadowflyfishing.com/fly-reels.html

Thanks. Might see if the local shop stocks those two models as well.

 

[Shawarma]

The Alpha III and Kraken from allen look pretty sweet.

I have the trout II 3/4wt and it's a solid reel. Looks awesome and drag on it is solid.

 

[fishermandan420]

Don't need a drag for steelhead. Go c&p

 

[BERRRG]

Don't need a drag for steelhead. Go c&p

That's the first time I've heard someone say that, lol.

 

[fishermandan420]

It's way more fun with no real drag. When I started swinging the dragged reels seemed boring coming from center pinning.

 

[BERRRG]

Ah I see you were used to a center-pin. I don't think I'll find steelheading with a drag reel boring at all! Could always just loosen the drag if so.

 

[IR4Jflyfishing]

I swing with click pawl but I nymph with a dragged reel, I dont know why that is but I have no interest in switching ahah.