Still working on making the cork grip the same diameter as the Winston and
it looks as though manual sanding will be the method of choice. Thanks to
all that responded to my other post. I'll do a follow-up post when I get one
done.

On to my next problem - actually a nice problem to have if you're going to
have problems....

Got my brother a 9', 9wt, 5pc rod for his birthday this past week but didn't
get him a reel to go with it since I'm at a loss as to what would be a good
match - for him.

He will use that rod for steelhead and salmon and some big LM bass on large
lakes and rivers in upstate NY or Maine. Should I get him a mid-arbor type
reel or a large arbor reel? My thinking is that he probably would get
better mileage out of a mid-arbor reel since he would have more backing than
on "most" large arbor reels I've looked at. The local shop is doing their
best to hook me into an Abel... Nice but I just want a decent gift for my
bro - not a second mortgage.

I'm looking at the Orvis line since all but two of my reels are by Orvis
(BRF) and the fact that I know a shop that still has a few "Made in England"
reels available which I'm partial to.

Having never fished for steelheads or salmon in upstate NY or Maine - nor
paid attention to the fly fishing equipment used, I sure could use some sage
advice on what would be a good choice. Brother is a big boy (ex-cop), can
muscle in and persuade anything he can get on a hook but like me is
relatively new to fly fishing.

I know there are lot's of manufacturers of reels and everyone has favorites
(like I do) and I would like to get him another Hardy but gotta stay within
a reasonable budget - hence the Orvis choice this time around.

I thank you for your thoughts and your time writing them down,

Bob S.