Home Forums Fishing Flyfishing WTB: 3 wt reel

I scored a spool of 3 weight line at Sierra Trading Post last week as I drove past Cheyenne. It was too good of a deal to pass up, even though I didn't need it at the time.

Then, I just picked up a deal on a nice little 3 weight rod out of Cabelas Bargain Cave last night. Kinda strange timing...

Anyway, I now need a reel. Does anybody have a reasonably priced reel appropriately sized for a 3 weight rig? I don't need (or want) top end, just a good functional basic reel.

Anybody got one you'd like to move out?

Thanks!

A Pfleuger Medalist 1492 should suit you just fine. It's cheap and very functional. A Pfleuger Supreme from the 1990s is a machined click pawl reel and if you can find one, a great little reel.

Oops...scratch the Supreme. They were $20 when I bought mine, now they're $60.

I have a Sage 106M reel click and pawl or a Pflueger Medalist 1594 1/2 RC that I would sell. 30.00 a piece and that includes backing.

Thanks for the info Gene.

DaddyRat, check your PM's.

Still looking....

ColdBore, I've got two. Actually I have three; but, I'm keeping one. I should say I have two available. The first is a brand new Ross Rhythm Sz.0. I'm going to sell it for $110 shipped and insured. The other is a Ross Flystart Sz1. I will sell it for $30 shipped and insured. Let me know if either of those interests you.

Thom

I'll second the vote for a 1492.

I've managed to squeeze about 50 yards of backing under both a 2 wet and 4 wt line, but if you need a little more, possibly a 1493 would be a better choice.

Cabelas carries them if you want to order online. I bought 2 from them in the past 2 years. The 149x series may not be the most high tech, but if you honor tradition and want a classic, there is none better.

I know a fly fisherman who has some old ring-guard 1494s. He says the tolerances have remained the same (loose) over time and a new spool will fit his old reel.

The 1492 is right-hand retrieve only, or used to be at any rate. That's not a problem for me, I retrieve right handed, but could be for some.

Good point on the 1492.

It has 2 down sides for me: no adjustable drag which can be an issue when I drop down to 1 lb leader ... doesn't take much to bust it, and sometimes I'd like to have a little more backing under it. Even with my 5' 2 wt rod, I'd like to catch some of the lower Rogue's half pounder (13-18 inch juvenile run) steelhead. With light leader, a little more ability to let 'em run would be good.

Still, for a real small, compact, light real I think its compromises are ok.

Tom

I would suggest that if you're looking for a reel that can handle a drag setting that light you might take a look at the Tibor Spring Creek CL reels. The drag is a felt pad soaked in oil that presses against the spool. Pretty smooth drag.

A 1# leader is a pretty light leader, in fact, once you tie a couple of knots in it, the break strength will be far less, and if you have any line out and/or if the rod is bent at all, both of those factors will add even more the drag on the line.

What you're looking for could be had with a click/pawl drag that is adjusted for a VERY light click. The problem is there comes a point where you aren't going to get a mechanical drag that can be set so that it is both smooth and light enough to do what you are asking. And, the whole thing needs to be light enough to balance on a banty sized 3wt rod. OTOH, a click/pawl drag can be too much drag if its isn't adjusted to be a really weak "click".

Maybe a Hardy Featherweight would work with an drag that has been lightened up a little by weakening the tension bar.

A really slick little reel for the 3wt is the OKUMA SLV 2/3.

It's petite light and inexpensive. Purty too!

It has a good drag system and is right/left reversible.

I run one on my TFO 3wt