Questions on reels.

huck · Post by **huck** » Mon May 26, 2008 12:54 pm

Let me preceed this by saying that I know absolutely nothing about flyfishing. I stopped by the flea market on the way back from breakfast this morning. [Was looking for one of the old meat grinders to make chum with]. A gentleman there had assorted fishing supplies. I purchased the three reels and two extra spools he had for $12.00 [yes it was an impulse buy].

The reels are as follows:

1. Pflueger medalist [apporx. 3 3/4" in diameter]
2. Precision Martin Fishing Reel. The number 60 is engraved on the back.
3. Same as number 2.

The spools were a spare each for the Plfueger and Precision reels.

My questions:

1. Best way to clean these reels out. As one of them does have some rust.

2. Based on the limited information I provided what would type of fish would one target with these reels.

3. Your reccommendation for a couple of brands of used [inexpensive] fly rods.

Thanks for all the help.

I really didn't have a lot of interest in flyfishing prior to seeing these reels for sale. Though impulsive, $12.00 for all of these seemed too good to pass up.

The reels are older [obivously] but seem to be in working order.

Cheers,
Huck

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon May 26, 2008 1:15 pm

Take them apart, and throughly clean and soak them in lukewarm water. Use some WD 40 if you want also.

The Pflueger Medalist was a great light reel. Both reels would suit panfish, largemouth, and peacocks. I wouldn't use them for anythign heavier though, as these are light reels.

Some good rods to pair them with would be St. Croix. You can also shop around the local Bass Pro or Cabelas for cheaper fly rods. (Cabela's Traditional fly rod is also a great bargain).

Do you have any pictures? They could help too.

onshore · Post by **onshore** » Mon May 26, 2008 1:40 pm

I'd strip them down and soak everything in WD40. Then, dry them off and whipe the parts down with Penn Rod & Reel Cleaner.

I used a Pfluger Medalist 1492 for years for Striped Bass and Bluefish. That reel took many fish in the 25-30 lb. range. The drag wasn't much but you can palm it for more. You could certainly use it for Redfish and Trout and small Snook. The model # is usually on the side of the spool.

huck · Post by **huck** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:20 pm

Thanks for the tips guys.

Frogfish I will look into the rods you mentioned. The reality is I will probably keep an eye out online or at the store for a used rod for these reels. I just want something inexpensive to try my hand at. From one of the posts you had made I guess I ought to get a 9' or so 7wt. rod for these reels. Is that a good match??

Onshore thanks for telling me where to look for the model number. I hadn't noticed it earlier as the paint is chipped off. It says "Diamolite line guard" on one side and sure enough "1498" on the other side of it.

I will try and post pics as soon as I am able.

What size length and "weight" rod should I look at?
Thanks for the help guys.

Cheers,
Huck

huck · Post by **huck** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:27 pm

On the small martine reel, does the center screw have to be undone in order to remove the spool? Also, how come the martin 60 reels don't have a drag adjustment on them?

Huck

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon May 26, 2008 2:57 pm

Most likely the Martin is a clicker reel. The most you can do to adjust the drag is by palming it.

The Medalist 1498 is a beast of a reel. I never realized how big of a reel that is. You can definitely move up to a 10wt on that.

huck · Post by **huck** » Mon May 26, 2008 3:16 pm

I found a place called The Fly Fisherman in Titusville. They're about 45 minutes from me, but they offer clinics for beginners. Will def. be going up to one of their clinics.

I also found the Mid-Coast FlyFishers club. Will be calling them on Tuesday to consider joining.

Cheers,
Huck

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon May 26, 2008 3:51 pm

Haha, welcome to the addiction!

Flyfishing is like crack.

huck · Post by **huck** » Mon May 26, 2008 6:17 pm

It's funny you say that. Had someone told me this morning, when I woke up, that I would be developing a keen interest in fly fishing I would have told them to get lost. Little did I know.

I think part of what peaks my interest is that with salt water fishing the most reliable method of catching fish thus far has been using bait. The idea of dangling my line in the water waiting for fish to bite has never really appealed to me to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I will be trying out the lures [as I much prefer using them since it gives me something to do] but flyfishing seems like it may be a lot of fun.

So for now, I'm going to stick with the inexpensive reels I purchased. Try and find an inexpensive fly rod or two and spend my money on clinics and workshops so I can actually learn how to use the gear.

Any decent books, dvds or websites [besides this one] you guys would reccommend to a newbie such as myself.

Cheers,
Huck

onshore · Post by **onshore** » Mon May 26, 2008 6:26 pm

Huck,
The rod will be dependent on the line weight you use on the reel, not on the reel itself. The 1498 should easily hole 100 yds. backing plus a 90' flyline (up to 9 Wt.) For most inshore fishing, you want either an eight or a 9wt. line.

You should be able to get some good advice from The Fly Fisherman and from the club.

Frogfish101 · Post by **Frogfish101** » Mon May 26, 2008 7:09 pm

Find online flyfishing forums. They are VALUABLE!

PM me is you want some sites that I have found very useful.