🎣 Discover the Magic of Redington Fly Fishing Reels! 🎣
When it comes to the art of fly fishing, the equipment you choose can make or break your experience. Among the plethora of options available, the Redington fly fishing reels stand out as the unrivaled champion. 🏆
Why Redington? Let’s Dive In: 🌊
- ✅ Unparalleled Precision: With its meticulously designed mechanics, every cast feels tailor-made. 🎯
- ✅ Robust Durability: Built to withstand nature’s elements, ensuring your investment lasts for countless fishing trips. 🌧️☀️
- ✅ Sleek Design: Not only functional but also a masterpiece of aesthetics. 🎨
- ✅ User-Friendly: Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned angler, Redington reels are intuitively easy to use. 🔄
- ✅ Value for Money: Premium quality without the premium price tag. 💲
🔶In a sea of choices, Redington emerges as the beacon for every angler, promising not just a reel, but an enhanced fishing journey. 🌟 So, if you’re ready to elevate your fly fishing game, Redington is your go-to choice. 🐟
Setting the Stage: The Reel Deal in Fly Fishing 🎣
Fly fishing is often likened to an art, a harmonious dance between the angler and nature. And like any masterpiece, the artist’s tools play an instrumental role. At the heart of these tools lies the fly fishing reel—an oft-underestimated component that can spell the difference between a triumphant catch and a disheartening miss.
Enter Redington, a name synonymous with unparalleled fishing excellence. 🌟
In the vast panorama of the fishing industry, many brands claim mastery, but only a few genuinely deliver. Among them, Redington emerges not just as a brand, but as a legacy. With its rich history, dedicated craftsmanship, and unwavering commitment to quality, Redington has etched its name in the annals of fly fishing legends. Whether you’re a seasoned angler reminiscing about that record trout or a beginner just starting to test the waters, the name Redington likely resonates with respect and admiration.
🔶Why? Because a Redington reel isn’t just a tool; it’s a testament to the brand’s deep-rooted passion for the art of fishing. Every turn, every cast, and every moment on the water is enhanced, optimized, and made memorable with Redington by your side. 🌊
A Legacy Born on the Riverbank: The Tale of Redington 📜
Every iconic brand has its genesis, a moment or series of events that propel it from obscurity to the spotlight. Redington’s journey, too, is one of inspiration, determination, and a relentless pursuit of perfection in the realm of fly fishing.
Beginnings, Founders, and Waves Made in the Industry 🌱
Founded in the heart of Washington state, Redington began as the brainchild of passionate anglers who felt the sting of a market saturated with overpriced fly fishing gear. Determined to offer both novices and experts quality reels without breaking the bank, this team set out on a mission: to create fly fishing equipment that was accessible, durable, and, above all, effective.
The inception of Redington wasn’t merely about introducing another reel into the market. It was about shifting paradigms. Instead of just selling products, the founders aimed at educating the community, fostering a deeper love for the sport, and ensuring that every angler, regardless of their experience level, had the best tools at their fingertips.
Charting the Brand’s Rise: From Humble Beginnings to Fishing Fame 🚀
As word spread about Redington’s commitment to quality and affordability, the brand quickly carved a niche for itself. The early years were marked by hands-on craftsmanship, attention to the minutest details, and an open ear to the fishing community’s feedback.
Over time, Redington’s product line expanded, but the brand’s core values remained unwavering. Innovation became a cornerstone, with the company constantly evolving its designs to cater to the ever-changing demands of modern anglers. From leveraging cutting-edge materials to integrating the latest engineering techniques, Redington consistently stayed ahead of the curve.
🔶Today, Redington stands tall as a beacon in the fly fishing industry, a testament to its founders’ vision and the continuous efforts of those who carried the torch forward. The brand’s evolution is not just a tale of a business’s growth but a chronicle of passion, innovation, and an undying commitment to the angling community.
Redington Fly Fishing Reels: Catch More Than Just Compliments: Review!
In the intricate ballet of fly fishing, where precision, patience, and skill converge, the gear you choose becomes an extension of your intent. Among the tools of this age-old dance, the reel stands as both a testament to an angler’s style and a linchpin of success. Enter the world of Redington reels – a brand that has consistently merged tradition with innovation, offering anglers an unparalleled experience on the water. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the nuances of Redington’s offerings, shedding light on why these reels have become a favorite in the angling community and whether they live up to the hype.
1# Redington Series I.D Fly Reel
Redington I.D Fly Reel is a nice good-working little no-frills reel. It features a great quality like most Redington products. The reel itself has a spool on it. There are both clicking going forward and reverse on the reel. Clicking noise is relaxing and calming if you know what I mean.
The reel features a sturdy cast aluminum body and a smooth disc drag. A large arbor ensures speedy line retrieval. Redington I.D Fly Reel features a flat back surface to accept custom decals for customization and personal expression. They represent anything from your home state to your favorite fish species. You can easily remove or swap them update your reel’s look. The best way to define your identity as an angler.
2# Redington Series Grande Fly Reel – Champagne
Redington Grande 7/8/9 Fly Reel – Champagne is a real heavyweight champion. The reel features a fully anodized machined aluminum construction. The finish is very high quality and the design ensures picks up line fast. The reel features an oversized palming rim, increased backing capacity, and designed an easy-to-locate handle and drag knob so you can adjust it quickly in the heat of the fishing battle.
You just can’t beat the quality of this reel. The drag is super smooth and strong. Holds a ton of backing. Handles the tug of big fishes just fine. The bar stock is great. The knob is flattish, and that’s a good solution too. You can easily use this reel in saltwater. Redington Grande 7/8/9 Fly Reel – Champagne features the sealed super-torque carbon drag system that will confidently drag any fish you hook.
3# Redington Series RISE Fly Fishing Reel
Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel has an excellent fit and finish. It beautiful reel and works great. The drag is butter-smooth and super strong. The reel holds the fish in place well and allows for smooth drag and no broken lines. It will stop salmon or other big fish without any problem.
Redington RISE Fly Fishing Reel features an u-shaped large-arbor and a compact carbon fiber drag system. It offers over 20 lbs of stopping torque. The reel features a lightweight design and thoughtful details like twin molded soft handles and a big drag knob which helps the reel work great in the hands of any angler. The reel easily converts to left or right hand retrieve. The only caveat is that if you have a light trout rod with a western-style grip, you may need to counterbalance it with a heavier reel. And if you’re going to use some switch lines, you will have to up-size to the next bigger reel to maintain capacity and be able to actually use the reel. The reel is great for its price and wonderful positive and smooth drag.
4# Redington Series BEHEMOTH Fly Reel
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel combines excellent value with a powerful drag. This is die-cast and not CNC so the weight and tolerances are not as tight. The reel endures long fishing in an extremely harsh climate and constant use. If you need a reel strong enough to handle big fish with strong and smooth drag you’re on the right way. The reel drag is extremely strong. You’ll have no problem fighting the fish even in the strong current.
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel is equipped with a huge but lightweight and comfortable arbor. The design is truly unlike any other. It is noticeably heavier than other CNC, but there’re no complaints in that regard. The only thing to wish that the drag can be dialed down a little lighter than it is.
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel demonstrates the most powerful drag in its class with stunning design. The unique die-cast construction is matched with a durable, interlocking, large-arbor spool functioning like a premium-class reel. A super-heavy duty carbon fiber ensures the utmost in drag strength, reliability, and high performance. Definitely 5 stars of 5.
5# Redington Series Run Fly Reel
Redington Run Fly Reel is built with a compact carbon fiber drag system, not fully sealed. This setup gives the angler large performance, without detectable startup inertia, and ensures good smooth line flow.
Redington Run Fly Reel is lightweight and is equipped with the stopping capabilities of a carbon fiber drag system. The reel is made from die-cast aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight, affordable alternative to machining and is part of the reason the unit is the lightest reel in its price range. This durable die-cast construction features a ported arbor on the inner barrel of the spool to increase durability and decrease weight. This design allows for quick retrieval allowing you to hold on to the fish no matter how hard the battle is.
Its compact carbon fiber drag is smooth and reliable in all types of environments. The Run fly reel is so lightweight but still contains a compact carbon fiber drag system that offers extra smooth stopping power even in the harshest situations. For a handle, you get the plastic soft-touch knob. It offers good comfort along with a relatively tight tolerance to the spool. You easily take off the spool by pushing on the small button located at the center of its face. Very simple and easy.
6# Redington Series ZERO Fly Reel
Redington made some noise with this model, and there is no wonder why. Redington Zero Fly Reel is really lightweight, has absolutely nothing extraneous, and very easy to change from right to left hand retrieve. The huge arbor Redington Zero is an awesome, lightweight, and competent reel for most time of your fishing when you don’t need to rely on a drag. Great for catching big bass, pike, or even larger fish. Redington Zero Fly Reel is a lightweight, simple, and truly reliable godsend.
The reel is really durable and sturdy. Great sound, good feel, and reasonable price. Easy button release for the spool. Redington is hitting the mark of the fine line of affordable prices and great quality again. Redington Zero Fly Reel just sets a new standard for lightweight and affordability being the lightest reel in its class. Die-cast construction ensures an incredibly lightweight design. A brand-new, durable clicker drag system adds to the design creating ideal lightweight reels for trout and similar fish.
7# Redington Series Crosswater Fly Reel
We would recommend Redington Crosswater Fly Reel for all, even as an early seasoned angler. For those who are not ready to go and buy a too expensive rod or reel. The brake and tension setting is top-notch, from almost free spin to hard one. The reel has a classic red grip. Plastic is a matte finish and does not warp, unlike aluminum ones can.
If you are looking for a light and inexpensive fly reel, this Redington Crosswater Fly Reel fills the bill perfectly. It is very light, feels well constructed for a composite reel, and disc drag feels butter smooth. Redington Crosswater Fly Reel disc drag feels smooth and works great. Drag is super easy to use. The composite material over aluminum ensures it stays in one piece if you drop it and still be lightweight if you want to take it backpacking with you.
Redington Crosswater Fly Reel is really inexpensive and has a strong name brand. Plastic is sturdy. The shooting line and tugging seem perfect. Brake is strong. And palm retrieve is done by rolling on your palm to fingers since it has no momentum as metal ones do.
Unraveling the Redington Magic: Features that Fascinate 🎣
Fly fishing reels might seem simple, but in reality, they’re marvels of engineering, design, and craftsmanship. Redington, in particular, has set industry benchmarks through its meticulous attention to detail. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these reels stand out.
Beyond Tough: Unpacking the Build & Materials 🛠️
Redington doesn’t compromise when it comes to the materials used in their reels. Employing a mix of aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, these reels are designed to combat corrosion, withstand rugged environments, and tackle the fiercest of fish. This robust build ensures that anglers don’t just get a reel for a season or two, but a trustworthy companion for years to come.
Engineering Excellence: Precision Meets Performance ⚙️
The true test of a reel lies in its performance. Redington’s reels boast a meticulously engineered drag system that provides smooth resistance, ensuring that every fish, be it a sprightly trout or a fierce salmon, is reeled in with ease. The precision engineering promises not just accurate casts but also a level of efficiency that amplifies an angler’s skill.
The Angler’s Best Friend: User-Centric Design 🧠
Redington understands its users. Be it the ergonomic handles catering to prolonged usage, or the easily adjustable drag settings, every feature screams intuitiveness. Both rookies and seasoned pros will appreciate the reel’s design, which simplifies complexities and elevates the overall fishing experience.
More than a Tool: A Work of Art 🎨
At first glance, it’s evident that Redington reels are not just functional tools but artistic masterpieces. The sleek finish, the intricate patterns carved into the spool, and the harmonious blend of colors reflect a deep-rooted passion for aesthetics. They’re a treat for the eyes, ensuring you fish in style.
Quality Worth Every Penny: Value Unveiled 💰
With the myriad of options in the market, cost-effectiveness becomes pivotal. Redington offers a remarkable balance between quality and price. While they might not be the cheapest, the array of features, durability, and performance they bring to the table ensures that every dollar spent is an investment into a premium fishing experience.
Real Reels, Real Stories: Anglers Weigh In 🎣
When it comes to evaluating a fishing reel, who better to turn to than the professionals who’ve put it to the test in real-world scenarios? These firsthand accounts from seasoned anglers provide not just a testament to Redington’s quality but also a window into the unforgettable experiences they’ve facilitated.
Jake Martinez – Pro Fly Fisherman 🐟
“I’ve been fly fishing for over 20 years, and I’ve tried and tested an array of reels. But there’s something genuinely special about Redington. Last summer, I was on the Yellowstone River, and I hooked into what felt like a submarine. It was a massive brown trout, the kind every angler dreams of. The fight was intense, and that’s where my Redington reel shone. The drag was smooth, and it handled the trout’s runs perfectly. By the end of it, I had a 28-inch beauty in my net. It wasn’t just a catch; it was a moment of a lifetime, made possible by my trusted Redington reel.”
Mia Kim – Competitive Angler & Guide 🌊
“For me, fly fishing is not just a hobby; it’s a passion, a profession. I need my gear to be reliable, especially during tournaments. The first time I used a Redington reel was during a competition in Colorado. The river was swift, and the fish, savvy. But with my Redington reel, I felt in control. The casts were accurate, and the retrieves, efficient. I bagged the first position that day, and a significant part of that win goes to the reel.”
Rajan Patel – Fishing Enthusiast & Blogger 📝
“I started my fly fishing journey with a basic setup, but as my love for the sport grew, I realized the importance of a good reel. On a friend’s recommendation, I invested in a Redington, and it’s been a game-changer. I remember a particular day on the waters of British Columbia when I hooked a spirited salmon. It darted, jumped, and did everything to shake me off. But my Redington reel’s precise engineering ensured that I had the upper hand. That catch remains etched in my memory, a testament to what’s possible with the right gear.”
🔶These stories underscore a unanimous sentiment: Redington reels are more than just fishing equipment. They’re enablers of memories, of standout moments, and of fishing tales that get passed down through generations.
The Reel Deal: Redington Versus the Rest 🏆
In the vast arena of fly fishing, multiple brands vie for the top spot, each boasting a unique selling proposition. But how does Redington stack up against the competition? In this segment, we put Redington side-by-side with other market leaders, highlighting where this brand truly shines.
Redington vs. Brand X: Durability & Longevity 🛡️
Redington: Known for its robust build, Redington employs aircraft-grade aluminum and stainless steel, ensuring corrosion resistance and longevity.
Brand X: While offering a sturdy build, they tend to lean more on aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of ruggedness.
🌟 Advantage: Redington’s commitment to durable materials offers anglers a longer-lasting reel, proving advantageous in challenging environments.
Redington vs. Brand Y: Precision & Performance 🎯
Redington: Precision engineering is at Redington’s core. Their reels promise accurate casts and efficient retrieves, facilitated by a top-notch drag system.
Brand Y: Boasts a good drag system but may require frequent maintenance to maintain optimal performance.
🌟 Advantage: Redington offers consistent performance with minimal upkeep, ensuring anglers focus more on the catch and less on equipment troubleshooting.
Redington vs. Brand Z: User-Centric Design 🤝
Redington: Their reels are crafted keeping both novices and professionals in mind. Ergonomic handles, easily adjustable drag settings, and intuitive functions set them apart.
Brand Z: Tends to be more intricate, which might appeal to pros but could intimidate beginners.
🌟 Advantage: With its user-friendly design, Redington ensures that every angler, regardless of experience, feels at home.
Redington vs. Brand W: Aesthetics & Craftsmanship 🎨
Redington: Beyond functionality, Redington reels are a blend of sleek finishes and artistic touches, making them aesthetically pleasing.
Brand W: While they offer a modern design, they sometimes lack the artistic nuances seen in Redington reels.
🌟 Advantage: Redington strikes a balance between form and function, ensuring anglers don’t just fish efficiently but do so in style.
🔶In the competitive landscape of fly fishing reels, Redington consistently emerges as a brand that understands its audience and delivers on multiple fronts. While other brands have their strengths, Redington’s commitment to quality, performance, and user experience sets it a class apart.
Ensuring a Lifelong Bond: Caring for Your Redington Reel 🧰
Just as a musician cherishes and cares for their instrument, an angler must nurture their reel. After all, it’s this piece of equipment that often makes the difference between a great day on the water and a disappointing one. While Redington reels are designed for resilience, following expert maintenance advice can prolong their life and ensure optimum performance. Let’s delve into how you can best care for your Redington treasure.
After Every Use: The Basic Ritual 🌊
🔵 Freshwater Rinse: Regardless of whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, always give your reel a gentle rinse with cool, freshwater. This prevents salt, dirt, and other debris from settling.
🔵 Dry Properly: Use a soft cloth to wipe down the reel and let it air-dry completely before storing to prevent any moisture buildup.
Monthly Maintenance: Going a Step Further 🔧
🧿 Check the Screws: Ensure that all screws are tight. Over time, they can loosen due to regular use.
🧿 Lubricate: Apply a small amount of reel oil to the reel’s moving parts. This ensures smooth operation and reduces wear.
Seasonal Care: Preparing for Storage 🛋️
🐋 Deep Clean: If you’ve used the reel extensively during a season, consider doing a thorough cleaning. Remove the spool and clean the interior using a soft brush.
🐋 Lubricate Generously: Before long-term storage, ensure you lubricate the moving parts more generously to prevent any potential corrosion.
🐋 Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Humidity and temperature fluctuations can affect the reel. Use the original reel pouch or a soft cloth bag to store it. Avoid storing it in damp or very cold areas.
Yearly Professional Check-up 🕵️
Just as we go for regular health check-ups, consider taking your reel to a professional once a year. They can help detect and address any potential issues, ensuring longevity and top-notch performance.
Bonus Tips 🌟
⚓ Avoid Sand: Sand can be detrimental to reels. If you’re fishing at a beach or sandy area, make sure to keep your reel off the ground.
⚓ Handle with Care: While Redington reels are robust, treating them gently, avoiding drops or knocks, can go a long way in maintaining their pristine condition.
🔶In essence, the love and care you pour into your Redington reel will be returned manifold through its impeccable performance and longevity. A little effort can ensure that your reel remains a trusted companion on countless fishing adventures to come
The Final Cast: Why Redington Reels Are a Cut Above 🏅
The dance of fly fishing is an intricate one, with each element playing its part in perfect harmony. At the heart of this symphony is the reel, and as our journey has shown, not all reels are created equal. Redington stands out as a beacon of quality, reliability, and design excellence.
📌 Recap of Redington’s Brilliance:
- Durability: Crafted with top-tier materials, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements.
- Precision: Engineered to offer accurate casts and efficient retrieves, making every fishing trip a success story.
- User Experience: Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, Redington’s intuitive design ensures you feel in command at every stage.
- Aesthetic Mastery: Beyond functionality, these reels are a blend of art and engineering, ensuring you fish in style.
- Market Stature: Pitted against industry giants, Redington reels have consistently proven their mettle, emerging as favorites among anglers worldwide.
To sum it up, Redington isn’t just a brand; it’s a promise of unmatched quality, performance, and memorable experiences. It’s not just about catching fish; it’s about the stories you’ll tell, the memories you’ll make, and the bond you’ll form with nature.
Your Next Step 🚀: Don’t just take our word for it. Experience the magic, the precision, and the sheer joy of using a Redington reel on your next adventure. Dive into a world where engineering meets passion, and where every cast tells a story. Embrace the Redington experience; the waters are waiting.
Dive Deeper: Your Comprehensive Redington Resource Guide 📚
While our exploration of Redington reels has been comprehensive, there’s always more to learn, especially for passionate anglers eager to get the most out of their gear. This section provides a curated list of resources for you to further enhance your Redington reel experience.
Video Tutorials 🎥
Getting Started with Redington Reels: A beginner’s guide to understanding and setting up your new reel.
Advanced Casting Techniques with Redington: Hone your casting skills with expert tips and tricks.
Maintenance and Care for Your Reel: A visual guide to keeping your Redington reel in pristine condition.
User Manuals & Guides 📖
Redington Reel User Manual: A detailed guide to all the reel’s features, troubleshooting, and more.
Model-specific Adjustments: Dive into the nuances of different Redington reel models and their unique features.
Articles & Blogs ✍️
Redington’s Journey: A deeper look into the brand’s history and its commitment to excellence.
Pro Tips for Fly Fishing: Expert advice on leveraging your Redington reel for the best fishing experience.
Community & Forums 💬
Redington Anglers Forum: Join a community of fellow Redington enthusiasts. Share experiences, ask questions, and get advice from seasoned pros.
Events & Workshops 🗓️
Redington Reel Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops to improve your skills and learn directly from the brand’s experts.
🔶In the world of fly fishing, continuous learning is key. These resources will ensure that you’re not only equipped with the best gear but also the knowledge to use it effectively. From the unboxing of your Redington reel to mastering the most intricate casting techniques, this treasure trove of information has got you covered.
❓ FAQ: Redington Fly Fishing Reels ❓
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I must say that although I own a Redington Zero reel, it is not the lightest one out there. There is one reel that I find absolutely stunning and much lighter – the Wychwood River and Stream. Weighing almost an entire ounce less than the Zero, this reel is a true work of art.
I personally own two and am considering getting more because they are among my all-time favorite reels. Shipping from the UK can be a bit costly, but in my opinion, it is totally worth it for this amazing piece of equipment.
I have to admit, the Wychwood River and Stream is surprisingly sturdy for how delicate it feels. The spool does wobble slightly more than I’m used to, but overall it holds up well. I’ve accidentally dropped it a few times and even left it in the bottom of my 30L backpack on backpacking trips, but it’s only suffered a few scratches. One thing to note is that it’s definitely a click pawl reel with an adjustable drag that doesn’t do a whole lot, but it’s significantly quieter than my Redington zero.
I now leave my Redington zero in my truck in case I happen to come across a fishing spot while out and about, but the Wychwood River and Stream always come with me on my 0-3 weight trips. The only downside is that there isn’t much room for backing, so I only put on about 20 feet to leave plenty of space. If you’re looking for a reel with a lot of backing capacity, this might not be the right choice for you.
I have owned a few Redington Rise reels before and they were just decent in my opinion. The drag on them was pretty good and had decent stopping power, but overall they were just alright. I used them for Salmon fishing and they got the job done.
I must admit, I’m not one to spend a ton of money on the newest, top-of-the-line reel out there. Especially if you’re on a budget, it’s just not feasible. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would probably go for a nice Hardy Marquis or Hardy JLH Ultralite. I absolutely love the click pawl-style reels and think they are a great option.
Many “modern” fly fishermen seem to dislike click pawl reels because the line pick-up is usually 1:1 (unless it’s a multiplier reel). However, I believe this actually gives the fish a fairer chance, especially if you’re using barbless hooks (which you should be if you’re fishing with catch and release in mind). You can easily find a nice Hardy Marquis for less than $100 US, and they will likely last for multiple generations.
In my experience, for 5wt trout fishing, a heavy drag system like the Behemoth is not necessary. Instead, I recommend the Lamson Remix or Liquid, Sage 2250, and the Taylor Reels Type 1, with my personal favorite being the latter. Of course, the choice of the reel should also depend on the rod you plan to use and your budget. The Redington Zero is a great lightweight option, especially when paired with their Hydrogen rod. Let me know if you have more specific criteria, and I can help you narrow down your options even further.
As an owner of both Redington reels, I have to say they are fairly nice for the price. The Redington Run is a really solid reel with a more than decent drag.
However, I had it on an 8′ 4wt and it just didn’t feel right, maybe too heavy? So I swapped it out for a Redington Zero I got on Black Friday. It’s my first click and pawl reel, and yes, it’s got some noise to it when the line is pulled out.
That being said, it’s super fun to use for bluegill and trout. They rarely, if ever, pull drag anyways. The only slightly annoying part is stripping the line from the spool so you have something more to cast.
Based on my personal experience, I have been pairing the Redington Zero with CT and Vice and it has worked well for me. However, I do want to mention that the clicking sound of the reel may not be for everyone. In fact, a friend of mine opted for the Run instead of the Zero because of this reason.
If you are considering purchasing the Zero, I highly recommend testing it out with your rod to see if the weight balance is to your liking. You may also want to try out other reels to find the best fit for your setup.
From personal experience, the Crosswater reel is a decent and affordable option. I used it for two years in the harsh San Diego surf conditions and it held up pretty well. However, I did make sure to rinse and oil it regularly. The drag did eventually stop tightening beyond a certain point, but it worked well for catching small to medium-sized fish. While I was able to play a 10+ lb push ray on it for over 20 minutes, I wouldn’t recommend it for bigger fish that require a stronger drag system.
I recently upgraded to an Okuma SLV and I love it. It’s much lighter and smoother than the Crosswater, although I haven’t tried it out in the surf yet. It’s not much more expensive than the Crosswater and it’s a great investment if you want a reel that performs better.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Crosswater is a good option. But I’d recommend spending more money on a good fly line, as it can make a huge difference in your casting and catching success. When I was using the cheaper White River fly line ($30), I wasn’t able to cast or catch fish as well as I did after switching to the RIO gold series ($80) fly line. So, consider prioritizing a quality fly line over a more expensive reel or rod.