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UNDER $100 A PFLUEGER TRION
If you need a second reel to broaden your gear selection or simply looking to get into fly fishing, the new Trion is a great choice that offers many features at reasonable value. It’s made from high-grade die-cast aluminum in a ported large arbor tri-spoke design and you really can’t miss the fish with highlights that include a central twin Rulon disc drag, twin dog drive and tool-less left to right conversion. You’ll also appreciate the large rosebud knob, easy release spool switch and its light weight of a little more than 5 oz. Two models are available in 1.1:1 gear ratios with a weight of 5.3 oz. and 5.4 oz. They are also offered in 4/5/6 and 6/7/8 reel sizes. MSRP: $79.95 USD www.pfluegerfishing.com
UNDER $300 B HARDY ULTRALIGHT FWDD REEL
The Hardy Ultralight Featherweight Disc Drag series is appropriately named as it has a minimalist design and at just under 4 oz. it’s easy to handle and light to pack or bring along for extended fishing trips. In fact, according to Hardy, it has the weight of a click check reel but offers the smooth drag system and all the performance of a disc drag reel. What’s interesting are the series of design elements that maintain its lightweight such as the bar stock 6061 construction, reduced main shaft as well as an easy-to-use push on/off spool design. Four models are available in 1.0:1 gear ratios, have a weight ranging from 2.90 to 3.60 oz., and are available in 1/2/3; 2/3/4; 3/4/5; and 4/5/6 reel sizes. Price: $199.00 to 249.00 USD www.hardyfishing.com
UNDER $500 C ABEL TR REEL
The new Abel TR Reel has a large arbor design, is available in 2/3 or 4/5 sizes and represents the company’s fly fishing roots with many notable features and a stylish, contemporary design and feel. With a partially ported frame to provide an ideal balance, the TR has a lightweight of a little more than 4 oz., and the quick-change spool – featuring a threaded release cap – has an integrated, balanced clicker to eliminate the need for a counterweight, which also provides a nice, clean profile. What’s more, the spool is engineered to reduce line memory and increase retrieval rate, while another notable design is the uniquely-shaped palming rim if you prefer to control drag pressure manually. The TR also sports good looks thanks to its milled designs and stainless steel accents. The TR reel is offered with spool diameters of 7 cm (3.06 in) (2/3) and 8 cm (3.29 in) (4/5), has a weight from 4.19 to 4.65 oz. and line weight ranges from 2+65 20 lbs – 3+50 20 lbs to 4+85 20 lbs – 5+65 20 lbs. test Price: $395.00 USD https://abelreels.com
D REDINGTON GRANDE
At around $400 CDN, the new Redington Grande is not light on the wallet but if you’re serious about fishing – and using serious gear – then it’s certainly worth looking at. Made of fully-anodized, machined aluminum, a new feature on this powerhouse is the Super-torque carbon drag system. It’s fully sealed for optimal protection and provides great stopping power for those relentless trout or salmon. Easy adjustments can also be made thanks to the large drag knob on the back of the frame. As the company explains the Grande “has been bulked up” with many features, you’ll like the oversized palming rim for increased drag applications and spool rigidity; the V-spool with a backing canal arbor to reduce line stacking (as well as increased backing capacity); plus an ideal reel foot position to offer a true center of gravity and prevent frame twist. Several models are available in sizes to include 5/6/7, 7/8/9, 9/10/11, 11/12/13 and 14+ sizes in various diametres from 9 cm (3.7 in) to 12.7 cm (5 in). Line capacities range from 200/20 to 750/50 and the reels are also available in a series of colours including black, champagne and marine. Price: $349.99 USD www.redington.com
UNDER $500 E ROSS EVOLUTION LTX REEL
Based on Ross’s popular Evolution series, the new LTX, which was awarded the Best New Fly Reel in the Saltwater category at the 2018 International Fly Tackle Dealer (IFTD) show, has been taken to a whole new level in design for die hard anglers. As an example, the new high-performance drag system is based on the stacked-disc system of the Evolution R to now offer more than four times the drag strength of the previous Evolution LT, making it a viable contender for active trout or many saltwater species. On the large arbor spool is an innovative line channel to cleanly hide arbor knots when winding on backing and its signature bell-shaped design provides added strength and helps to self-level the fly line across the face of the spool upon retrieval. Eight models are available, weight ranges from 4.20 to 4.91 oz. and diameters measure from 8 cm (3.42 in) to 10 cm (4.03 in). Fly line capacities range from WF3+60 to WF8+150 and is offered in two colours, platinum and black. MSRP: $385.00-$395.00 USD www.rossreels.com
F LAMSON LITESPEED 3.5 MICRA-5
Sturdy, tough and light, the Litespeed 3.5 Micra-5 from Waterworks- Lamson is a full drag reel with the housing integrated into the frame to reduce weight and decrease overall width. Constructed of Machined 6061 Aluminum, the Litespeed’s drag can be adjusted with ease with its new drag knob that provides a sure grip. Complete with a new finish for 2019, the reel has a structurally-sound frame, a narrow spool for solid line handling, and is coated with a new corrosion-resistant shield called Micralox to ensure it stays in top shape. Five models are available in the series including the LS15, LS2, LS3, LS3.5, and LS4 and range in weight from 3.72 to 8.06 oz. Price: $359.00 - $439.00 USD www.waterworks-lamson.com
UNDER $800 G SAGE SPEY
This is the latest addition to Sage’s line of fly fishing reels for 2019 Spey Series and as the company explains it has minimal porting, the weight pays off as it can better balance on longer rods and handle larger line with its concave, large arbor. The reel also comes with full line guards to ensure thinner lines don’t migrate between the spool and frame during casting. Additionally, the Spey features Sage’s Sealed Carbon System (SCS) drag, complete with a machined, anodized One Revolution Drag Knob and numbered settings. Two main models are available in 6/7/8 ad 7/8/9 sizes that range in weight from 9 13/16 to 10 7/8 oz., have a diameter of 4 1/8” and 4 7/16,” and are offered in bronze or stealth/silver colour options. MSRP: $475.00 - $500.00 USD www.sageflyfish.com
UNDER $1300 H SEIGLER MF (MEDIUM FLY) LEVER DRAG FLY REEL
Designed primarily for saltwater fishing, the Seigler MF (Medium Fly) Lever Drag Fly Reel was honoured with the Best of Category – Fly Reel award at 2018 ICAST and features the company’s unique Lever Drag design. According to Seigler, this allows you to conveniently predetermine the maximum drag setting, eliminating the need to switch hands to adjust pressure for the best possible control when a fish starts to run. It also offers a piece of mind as you know what setting the drag is at all times and even maintains the desired setting after a fish is landed. The Lever Drag Fly Reel is fully machined for maximum durability and another notable feature is the asymmetrical spool, which greatly reduces bearing friction, stress and torque as it practically eliminates the reel from rotating during fights. It also incorporates a “dovetail” joint system that slides into the socket of reel’s main body to ensure stability. The MF (Medium Fly) Lever Drag Fly Reel has a weight of 10.6 oz and a line capacity of 300 yds (40# Braid w/9wt WF shooting line). MSRP: $1000.00 USD www.seigler.fish