"daytripper" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 5 Aug 2007 20:25:05 -0400, "BobS" wrote:

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.

I think the Orvis BMA5 would be a fine reel to go with that rod -
especially
with an extra spool :-) It has all the features of much more expensive
reels,
and if anything ever goes wrong with it, you'll have an easily accessible
company that stands behind their products...

/daytripper (need any more brothers? ;-)

Thanks and that is the reel I was initially looking to get but the made in
UK version wasn't available. The Battenkill Disc Drag model V was (in
Titanium) and so I ordered it and a model IV for my brother-in-laws upcoming
birthday.

So everyone doesn't think I'm nuts. A little over a year ago we got flooded
out and our walkout basement (and my office) was a disaster area along with
my small wood shop. Those that came to help us clean up and helped in other
ways are now getting a bit extra come their birthdays, anniversaries and
Christmas. I now have 5 new fly fishing fanatics to go fishing with
too.........;-)

The work was hard, it was super hot following the flood and they had to
drive over 100 miles to help us. Their help was priceless - so some new
fishing gear / accessories is nothing in comparison.

Thanks,

Bob S.