I get asked occasionally “What is the best reel for a bamboo fly rod?” Well, there is no one answer to that question. But, a lot of the modern day reels are very light weight and don’t balance a bamboo rod very well, while many of the older reels that were made years ago are heavier. And, there is just something about putting a reel with a “classic look” on a fine bamboo fly rod. When I’m out fishing, I usually have an older classic reel on my rods. I have several old Hardy reels and Pflueger reels, and also have a very nice Saracione reel and a Bellinger reel for my two-handed Trout Spey rods. Here are a couple of photos of my set-ups:
A beautiful old Pflueger Gem Reel on my bamboo 3 wt Euro-Nymphing rod on the Metolius River.
A classic Hardy Sunbeam on a 7′ 0″ 4 wt medium action rod on Whychus Creek.
A Hardy Perfect on a 7′ 6″ medium fast action 5 wt rod on Silver Creek.
Casting an 8′ 0″ slow action 5 wt rod with a Saracione reel on the Metolius River.
Again, my old Pflueger Gem reel on my Euro-Nymphing 9′ 0″ 3 wt rod on Hat Creek, CA.
My old Hardy Sunbeam on the Upper Deschutes River.
My Bellinger reel on my 10′ 6″ Bamboo Trout Spey rod and a beautiful Cutthroat from the Salmon River.
My Hardy Lightweight on my 8′ 3″ Medium Fast Action 5 wt rod on the Salmon River and big Cutthroat.
Incredible colors on this nice cutthroat taken on my 8′ 3″ medium fast action rod with my Hardy Perfect reel on the Salmon River.
