Orvis purchased "British Fly Reel Company" some years back and now they
moved the entire operation to China because wages in England are as high as
in the USA. Orvis really has a big share of the low to mid-priced fly reel
market in the USA.

This might be the last year (2007) for English made Hardy Reels. Their "LRH"
Lightweight is $495 usd this year in the USA? I think they will be going
'overseas' soon. China?

The Orvis MA (Mid-Arbor) is our top selling fly reel the past two years @
$119.00 usd for the III #5/6 size.

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______________________

Bob,

I would look at the IV #7/8 size Orvis MA reel for that rod if you want a
little more room for backing and to balance with that long stick.

I guess that is an older Loomis?

The Rio 'Steelhead' floater would be a good line for it too. Maybe a WF6F?.

--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"BobS" wrote in message
...
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.