Switch and Spey reels revisited ( click? )

[J.James]

Hey all,

sorry to bring this back up but I'm still studying reels and want to be sure I'm doing this right. I little perplexed as to how much backing for trout/steel/salmon is recommended for switch/spey or for 11, 12-13, and 13.6 ft long rigs

Given that a trout rod won't need the same backing what size reels should I look at for that? I see the sizes 3 -3/4 or 4' etc.

Then again, may I use the same reel for trout and steel with separate spools? I don't why not but provided the rod lengths and weight are not dramatically different ie: 3,4,5w and a 4,5,6w rods shouldn't be an issue?

any recommended click reels would be appreciated!

as always thanks!

[speyman]

I use 3 3/4 and 3 7/8
Seems like a good fit for me
anything 100 yd or over is plenty. If I get spooled then and loose a fish I feel grateful for the hotness of the fish.
On these lighter rigs I use 20# dac or 30# gel

[yoda1]

J. James,
That's a lot of topic to cover in a single response.

Most spey fishermen would desire a steelhead reel capable of holding 250 or more yards of backing, especially if you load that on a click and pawl reel, as your thumb/fingers become your drag!

That reel would be too heavy for all but the stoutest "trout" rods-both in terms of balance and adequacy. There is a middle ground, where a reel for an 8 or 9 wt. single can double as a switch or spey reel on rods at or under 12 feet. On either side of that range, reels specifically matched to intended use are better choices.

Here's an example: My 11'6" 6/7 spey rod balances tip to butt with a reel of around 10 oz ( reel loaded with backing and running line, but the head outside the tip). A suitable reel will hold a 400 gr head, 100' of shooting line, and 200 yards of 20 or 30 lb. micron or gel spun backing. Lamson Velocity 3.5 is a good candidate, but there are dozens of suitable tools available.

So I begin by fastening the fly end of the line/tip to the empty reel spool. Reel that onto the spool, connect running line, reel that in too, tie on backing, and fill the spool to nearly full. Cut the backing, fasten it to something that will allow you to empty the reel without making a mess (I use my driveway). When you get the reel empty, tie the backing into the spool with an albright knot, reel 'er up under tension. Now you're set to fish.

This answer may help, but will likely spawn more questions.

Greg

[ReidFamilyFive]

J.James ............. On the subject of reels for trout speys and switch's ....... the most important thing you are going to deal with is weight and balance. On my Meiser 12'6" 3/4/5, I use a Hardy Marquis 10 and it balances perfect. On my Beulah 10'6" 7/8 I use both a Hardy St. John (3 7/8) and a Hardy Marquis Salmon 1 (3 3/4) and both work great. I think for lightweight switch's in the 10'6" to 11'6" range a reel with some heft (read vintage .... Hardy. Dingley. JW Young, Walker Bampton, etc.) go well with reels in the 3 3/8 to 3 5/8 range with narrow drum's. For Trout sized Spey's, I would say the sizes 3 5/8 to 3 7/8 in the narrow drum's. Lateley, I have been lusting after a Hardy Perfect 3 1/2 for my Meiser Trout Spey ........... I don't know if it ever stops. Dave

[russ1610]

I have today just received my new Diawa New Era fly reel size 8/9, which i will be using on my 11'3" BLOKE Switch rod. It should get 200 yards of backing plus a suitable line. However this reel will be too big for any single hander, but i already have reels for my 10' single hand rods.
Speaking of lines any opinions on any of the following

[gammarus]

I use 150 yards of gelspun on my trout-spey reels. When I'm going to use the reel for a trip down to the tropics I'll throw 150-200 yards of dacron over top and then my single handed flyline. I've never hooked a trout that would put a dent in 150 yards of backing.

[Philster]

As has been pointed out, it's about weight and balance. Put a reel on it, cast out a "normal" fishing length of line on a wet lawn, or preferably in moving water. Back up to remove all slack, and hold the rod like you want to for fishing. If it's a bit ass heavy on dry land, it may be just right with water drag on the line. For me the perfect setup will just kind of hang in one relaxed open hand, right where I want to hold it for fishing, almost horizontal.

Once you know your weight range you can pic the reel you want.

As to how much backing, 150 will be twice as much as most ever need. Yeah yeah... So and so had a steelhead run 100yds. Good for so and so. I haven't. I don't usually get to touch the fish that run into the rapids below me. I do give slow, careful, methodical chase, but No fish is worth a broken ankle to me

[J.James]

thanks everyone

In your experience then would you recommend the Cascapedia 5,6,7 for Switch and Spey under 13ft for either trout or Steelhead rods?

would the Hardy Marquis Salmon 2 be adequate for both of the above?

really appreciate it!!

[pond.olive]

Originally Posted by J.James

thanks everyone

In your experience then would you recommend the Cascapedia 5,6,7 for Switch and Spey under 13ft for either trout or Steelhead rods?

would the Hardy Marquis Salmon 2 be adequate for both of the above?

really appreciate it!!

I would have thought the Marquis Salmon No 1 would do the job nicely. They also usually go for less money on eBay.

HTH

TL
Richard

[J.James]

Originally Posted by pond.olive

I would have thought the Marquis Salmon No 1 would do the job nicely. They also usually go for less money on eBay.

HTH

TL
Richard

Richard,

excellent recommendation! I called Poppy at Red Shed and that is exactly what he suggested

thx

[J.James]

thanks all for your help and advice!

gammarus,

love your avatar