Full cage reel?

[Ed007]

I was thinking about getting a full cage reel because I am going to be fishing a monorig more and trying to eliminate the "pull through". I currently have a Hydros and absolutely love it. I love the "zero" start up inertia and really protects the light tippet I use. I am looking for suggestions on a full cage reel that is comparable to the Hydros. I want it to have good stopping power for larger fish and I know it sounds awful but looks matter. I don't really like the classic spey looking reels. I also wouldn't want it to be any heavier than my Hydros.
Thanks
Ed

 

[JeffK]

I use an old Teton Tioga for my mono rigs and it works fine. Plenty of options, but I will only make general comments.

Weight of reel is to balance rod and light is not always the answer. I have a slightly older heavier reel to balance the 10 1/2' rod I now use with a mono rig. Plenty of recent posts on this.

I generally don't like the word stopping power or drag could stop a truck. Drag needs to be smooth first and foremost - jerks lose fish. Second drag shouldn't be set all that high. One guide is 1/3 of tippet break strength. Big fish like steelhead or bonefish just have to run sometimes and smooth and steady beats strong. There are times you can't stop a big fish from running into a bush and it is more about guiding the fish rather than horsing it in.

 

[DrownedFish]

Sage ESN. The ESN comes with a weight kit to help balance your rod, too. The sage trout is also full frame, but might be too classic looking for you.

 

[Prospector]

Ed,

I’m assuming you are using the reel with dries since you mention a light tippet. This is me but I only use reels with very good drags when I’m fly fishing for Salmon, Steelhead and Lake Run Browns. Where every fish is jumbo. When I’m fishing inland streams I strip trout in. I never fight off the reel. I can land trout up to and above 20” but I have been fighting fish without the fly reel for almost 50 years.

I’m not saying that you should switch to my method, but I am trying to say that you can be very successful in landing larger trout without spending $350.

Admittedly I love a sweet sounding drag on a really large fish. When I use a reel with a drag, Hydros are one. Good choice there. In addition I like the Ross Reel CLA model or Bauer MX model. I buy all of mine used on EBAY. Obviously you need to look at the photos and ensure the reel is lightly used. I exercise caution if the reel is coming from a coastal town where it could have been exposed to salt water. Those options listed above, in smaller sizes than I require, should work well for you in PA.

 

[Ed007]

I appreciate all the info I have been getting. I do put a lot of my fish on the reel. Just about anything over 14 in I put on the reel. Guess its just a personal preference. Its what I've always done. I was looking at a Hardy ultradisc udla. Anyone have any experience with these? I do use my 10' 4wt for erie steelhead and wasn't sure if it would be strong enough. My Hydros works well for them since I fish 5x and sometimes 6x tippet for them but I would like to try using a mono rig for them this year

 

[RichFishbelt]

Consider having a look at the Reddington Tilt. It is a closed frame design, a very nice drag system, 3 removable counter weights, and it won't break the bank. I have been using one frequently for the second season now. It works and balances well with my 9' 6" 2 wt, 10' 2 wt, and my 10' 6" 3 wt. I fish the mono rig on all 3 of these rods. I would consider getting another.

 

[Number6]

I have a few Danielsson reels. They're all full frame. And solid. I've got the Original Dry Fly on my 10' Recon. It balances well.