WTB: 2wt Reel

[BPG]

Howdy, folks.

I'm going to be building a Forecast 6'6" 2wt, and need a reel to go along with it. I'm looking for something light and small. Left without another option, I'll probably pick up an Orvis Battenkill Barstock I new.

I'd like to spend less than $100, but am not interested in generics, particularly old, or worn reels. Pretty much hoping that one of you will feel generous or bad for me and throw an amazing deal on a reel your not using my way. :)

Thanks,
-Brian
aka MagsDad

[Solid]

Brian,

I must admit, when I saw this post it got me pretty excited. I have been geeking out over my 2wt. build that is in progress for some time now, only to get goofed on by my close friends. they don't have any respect for my 2wt., but they will.....

I am not sure how I feel about leaking these early build shots on the internet, but you seem like a good guy so I will allow these to be viewed by the public.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/megabass5150/2wt-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/megabass5150/2wt-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v319/megabass5150/2wt-3.jpg

I can't wait to unleash the power of this thing on some Bull Gills! This is a pretty fast 6' 6" blank, and combined with the drag on that Colton, forget it!

Anyway, I don't have a reel to sell you, but if you like the looks of that Colton, you can get them pretty cheap on Ebay now (way less than $100).

[BPG]

I do like the look of that Colton. I'm on their website now.

We will join the 2wt revolution and take over the world!

[jegiv]

Hmmm, do you have a suitable reel that you can get a 2nd spool lined with the 2wt? :wink:

The 2wt Revolution has begun!

[BPG]

JEGIV,

My Ross Evolution is a #1, which is rated 2-4...but seems a little big at 3" for a 2wt that short. Spools are expensive, too. I do know someone with a lovely Hardy Flyweight already spooled with an unused 2wt line he could lend me...

!VIVA LA REVOLUTION!

[logan]

Check out the TFO No. 1 reel. It is a great fit on my 2 wt and I have been very happy with it. It was under $100 when i bought it, not sure what list is now.

[Androfisher]

I was in KTP last weekend and they had a nice little 2/3 wt reel made by Reddington, I think. It was small, light weight, looked like it was made well and looked nice too. The drag was not the best but would certainly do the job on a 2wt rod. Only thing I did not like about it was the clicking (due to the drag system) on the retrieve. Price was right at $99.00.

Just another option for you.

[OTTER]

In matching a reel to a rod, I go by both size and weight. The designations by the manufacturer are often way off. For example, I bought the following two reels recently from Albright:
The inexpensive Topwater 3/4 which in my view should be labelled 2/3 at 3.5 ounces
regular price $99:00 now $39.99 a click and pawl reel. Still available check out:
http://www.albrightflyfish.com/
The much more expensive Bugati 3/4 which in my view should be labelled 4/5 at 5.5 ounces (now out of stock). I bought it sight unseen and use it with 4 weight line.

I should also add that I use a 3 weight line on a 2 weight rod since I want to load the rod properly for short to modest length casts.

I am delighted to hear that more folks are getting on the 2 Wt revolution. Here are two of mine:

http://flyfishinginnh.com/vforum/picture.php?albumid=11&pictureid=1094

Sorry for the terrible photo:

The upper one is an 8 foot mostly for fishing brookie ponds; althoough I found it a pleasure to use on the Cocheco last month. The lower 6' 6" is strictly small brooks with wild trout. It was made for me by Mike Noonan: F662-4,6'6" 2wt mjn 2009. One reel I use is an old LL Bean made in England; the other is 60 year old Hardy.

A quick observation. These rods are strong enough to land even big fish quickly without unduly tiring them. I have seen a couple of anglers on the Cocheco and Lamprey play fish so long even on 5 weight rods that I had to bite my lips to not swear at them or throw rocks at them. I assume they were newbies and therefore forgiveable.

So, although it is nice to get the initial feel of the smaller trout on these two weights; please don't play a fish too long.

PS No new developments in long or short term outlooks. I got my first chemo yesterday, tolerated well and hope to get out to a river in the next couple of days if all continues as well as today.

[Solid]

Otter makes some good points. I am building my 2wt. strictly for warm water species, but of course, I would use it for trout as well. This rod/reel will have no fear of giant largemouth bass either! It never fails, when hunting for monster Bull Gills, you will inevitably tangle with Largemouth’s.


Otter, that Bugati is a nice reel!

http://www.albrightflyfish.com/media/catalog/category/bugati_1.jpg

[fishin jimmy]

Another point: these midget reels are mostly rated for weight forward line. Get a size larger reel - as you might want to consider a DT for the 2 wt & for most 2 wt rated reels, you can't pack a 2 DT on them - too small.

[BPG]

I've been browsing a lot of the reels you guys have mentioned, google searched, and been going through ebay. While I haven't found a reel that I both like and can afford...I think I've fallen in love. Check out this Marryat Baby.

http://www.dinsmores.com/products_detail.asp?ID=532&CatID=9&SubCatID=79

Now only if I had a wealthy older brother to act as my benefactor...

-Brian
aka MagsDad

[BugChucka]

"Now only if I had a wealthy older brother to act as my benefactor..."

BPG, you could wh*@e out a few of your "hot spots" to raise some quick coin. Solid pays pretty well. It isn't exactly what some would consider a respectable practice but I wouldn't look at you any differently. Speaking of Solid, are you and Rusty really flying down South and entering that Blue Gill tournament? When is it?