Salmon/Steelhead Reel

[albatross]

I'm likely going up to fish the Salmon River this fall with Bruno for King Salmon in the 20-30 pound range. I need a serious new reel for this and I also hope to use the same reel on my 10 foot 7 weight Steelhead rig for Erie.

I'm looking at two different reels right now, but I would consider other suggestions. The discontinued Lamson Velocity 3.5 for 8/9 weight can be had on ebay for $155 and the Okuma Helios for 8/9 weight can be had on ebay for $145. Both of these reels weigh around 6.2 ounces and both have a reputation for a good drag.

Which way should I go on this? One of these or some other reel?

 

[Heritage-Angler]

Alby - You deserve one of these.

Yes, they're brutally expensive, but they are the best. With a Super 5N, and a spare standard arbor spool, you'd be covered for 5wt to 8/9wt lines. Life is too short to settle for less. :-D

 

[wetflyguy]

I fish the Lamson.
Good reel and the drag will handle any of those runaway
trains.


Wet

 

[scotto]

I have landed some large fish, including steelhead, muskies, stripers and blues using a Battenkill Mid-arbor. The drag is smooth and it holds plenty of line. I have not caught salmon ith it so I can't say how it would hold up to Kings. Good value at around $120, have been using mine quite a while with no problems, despite my poor maintenance habits.

 

[dryflyguy]

I've got an Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock V reel that is very smooth.
Has a nice drag, and holds a ton of backing.
And the price, if I remember correctly, was right around the range you're looking at

 

[MattBoyer]

I have a Cabelas SLA that I bought for half off and I wish to heck I'da picked up an Orvis BBS instead (for 10 bucks more), so I'll second that recommendation.

Boyer

 

[Acristickid]

Maybe try Poor Richard's in Erie (or the like).

It is after the season for steel and many more months away from the next runs-maybe a bargin could be had? I know they had some good looking setups.

The reel(Orvis Large Arbor) I have works good for Erie and for lighter saltwater. Might consider one that will also perform in saltwater.

 

[FishOnCamp]

I would recommend the Lamson Velocity. I was playing with the Kings on my 7wt with a Velocity 3 last fall and the reel was awesome.

 

[jaybo41]

Lamson- has a great drag and the Hard Alox finish is super. I've got that on my 7wt and fish it for Steelies with confidence.

 

[albatross]

Thanks for the comments guys.

I won an E-Bay auction for the discontinued Lamson Velocity, so I'm good to go on the reel. I got it delivered for under $140, so it was a pretty good bargain. It should serve me well for the forseeable future.

 

[jaybo41]

Congrats on your great deal! I think you'll be very pleased with it. Worst case scenario you have a reel that you can easily sell if you don't like it or a solid backup. Don't think it will come to that, but you certainly have options.

 

[jayL]

A loomis venture can be had for 100 bucks flat. I have landed many salmon, and a few less than many steel with it. Great reel for the price, and it looks good.