SilverDoctor Posted March 18, 2009 Posted March 18, 2009 I fish the big Islander mooching reels when I go to the Charlotte's. Any reel is only as good as its weakest link and the open cork drag is the definate weak link. Dip your Islander in the river, let it soak for a bit then test the drag, a real world fail. Works flawless when it is dry and the cork has been conditioned, but really how often is a reel bone dry, especially on the coast or on a trout rod? Maybe not a big deal on a small trout rod/reel combo, but a huge issue when you need it with a big fish! Nautilus all the way, never a regret. Never noticed that on My Islander. Last fall my LX4 spent 3 days in the water and rain, sitting outside the cabin most days and taking many prolonged dips. It never gave me an ounce of trouble with some brutal salmon.
fish432 Posted March 18, 2009 Posted March 18, 2009 I have had and do have lots of reels. I put my vote in for Ross. They work just fine . Quality is good, service is good, very user friendly and not very pricy.
AndyW Posted March 18, 2009 Posted March 18, 2009 Never noticed that on My Islander. Last fall my LX4 spent 3 days in the water and rain, sitting outside the cabin most days and taking many prolonged dips. It never gave me an ounce of trouble with some brutal salmon. I like the reels and would like to support a Canadian company. If they had a sealed drag I would own them in a heartbeat.
jack Posted March 18, 2009 Posted March 18, 2009 Islanders. The open cork/polymer drag should not require dunking. What it does require is some TLC, once a year. A very light smear of SuperLube synthetic grease on the face of drag is all part of the annual cleaning/maintenance. There is nothing better than fighting a Northern Coho on a coastal river for 10 minutes, and then having some guy come up to you afterwards and ask: "Is that an Islander?" Yeah, they make some noise, love 'em. j
wingshooter Posted March 21, 2009 Posted March 21, 2009 Islander is the best there is and Teton is a close second. Both have landed some big fish for me in the past. www.kureoutdoors.com
Gil Posted March 22, 2009 Posted March 22, 2009 Islander is the best there is and Teton is a close second. Both have landed some big fish for me in the past. www.kureoutdoors.com I do love my Islander. Considering adding another to the collection...
Pipestoneflyguy Posted April 4, 2011 Posted April 4, 2011 I love my nautilus, chose islander as the one I would like to try since Nautilus is not on the list
ggp Posted April 4, 2011 Posted April 4, 2011 I have three Islanders, one Ross, one old Orvis, and a whole bunch of Hardy's, which are older than a great deal of the people on this forum. They all have seen a tremendous amount of use in both fresh and salt water. All are still in great shape and still in use. None of the newer reels come even close to the Hardy's or the old Orvis, but they do make reasonable back ups. As you can imagine they don't get used much, only the ones with specialty lines on them, because I ran out of spare spools for my Hardys. What a sweet sound those Hardy's make with a fish on . Quiet reels how boring!!!!
bowbuster Posted April 10, 2011 Posted April 10, 2011 My fav is my runner, but i like the look of the nautilus
tailwater Posted April 11, 2011 Posted April 11, 2011 I have been a tibor, and nautilus guy.... but i think my next one will be a hatch reel. It is getting great reviews in the US and BC.... I really like the construction of this reel.
flyfisher87 Posted April 23, 2011 Posted April 23, 2011 I am with a lot of you in the fact that Orvis didn't make the list. Too bad. Great Reels.
ironfly Posted May 2, 2011 Posted May 2, 2011 I'm a budget-minded man with a proud scottish heritage, so my vote is for Redington. Very affordable, good drag system, saltwater rated.
tailwater Posted May 5, 2011 Posted May 5, 2011 I purchased some Hatch reels and I must say I am very impressed so far. Hatch would be my vote.
FraserN Posted May 14, 2011 Posted May 14, 2011 I think the newer reels I am using are better, but I chose Hardy. My marquis #7 lasted over 20 years on the bow, and landed so many nice trout, performing very well while doing so. Those are irreplaceable memories that are hard to beat. Thats why I chose Hardy.
reevesr1 Posted May 24, 2011 Posted May 24, 2011 I have had the opportunity to test out the new Greys GX300. It is a cast aluminum large arbor, entry level reel. It retails for like $69.00. It was given to me because I am notoriously rough on equipment. I've only had it for two weeks, but I'm not giving it back. Super smooth drag, almost (or maybe just as) smooth as my Bauer. I landed a 24" really feisty brown with it this weekend, and it performed perfectly. I'm not saying it is a high end Hardy reel, but I would buy one of these in a second. In fact, if I am forced to give it back, I'm buying it instead. I know Hanson's and Southbow carry Grey's, not sure who else.
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