Ron Thompson Saltwater Fly Rods

[Starvinmarvin]

I use Orvis 20lb backing braid, it's a good idea to have it in a bright colour so that you can see when the main line is stripped from the reel, not that it's ever happened

 

When buying the reel especially in the case of a large arbour, is that some lines are 105' others are around 90' this can mean that there is no room for any backing, so may be worth moving up a reel size, check with the retailer before you buy.

 

SM

[MJB]

Any opinions on the Greys GRX reel ..... aluminium frame so I can drop it when I feel like it..... and comes with 3 spools ..... at £48 works out much the same as the Okuma by the time you buy spare spools for it.

 

 

 

I wouldn't touch the GRX reel with a barge pole! Diecast aluminium will get eaten by the salt, it's heavy and noisy and the drag is prone to locking solid. Ignore what the Organ said about dropping the Airframe. I have abused (and dropped) mine for 3 1/2 years with no problems. They're as tough as old boots. If it's dropped and breaks I would guarantee that an aluminium framed reel would be bent out of shape and in all probability the die-cast ones would break in the same situation.

[nifty]

Got to agree with Martin. The Airframe is a perfectly serviceable reel and the money you'll save against a fancier reel can be put towards a decent line like the excellent 444sl ghost tip.

Edited January 18, 2006 by nifty

[spanner]

cheers guys. airframe it is then

 

So if I put all the recommendations together and having had a hunt on the net for prices I've got the following list:

 

Harris Angling:

Greys GRX #8/9 rod £48

P+P £ 5

 

Mikes Tackle:

Okuma Airframe #7/9 £27

airframe spare spool £ 9

Cortland 444sl ghost tip #8 £36

Airflo 40plus Di7 #8 £27

P + P £ 5

 

So thats £157 for the basic kit ..... any comments?

 

I already have some 44lb and 65lb braid that I can use for backing, and some 17lb fluro carbon, is that too heavy?

 

How about reccomendations on a basic set of flies.... not forgetting snatchers of course

 

Anything else I've missed? A line tray is one thing that comes to mind, do you guys use one on the yak or not? I can see that there are no rocks to stand on but still easy to get caught up on stuff I'd imagine.

 

 

 

Not a cheap this game is it?

[Starvinmarvin]

Blimey I paid that for my first fly rod and that was and still is rubbish, I was foolishly blinded by the brand

 

SM

[fishfinder]

cheers guys. airframe it is then

 

So if I put all the recommendations together and having had a hunt on the net for prices I've got the following list:

 

Harris Angling:

Greys GRX #8/9 rod £48

P+P £ 5

 

Mikes Tackle:

Okuma Airframe #7/9 £27

airframe spare spool £ 9

Cortland 444sl ghost tip #8 £36

Airflo 40plus Di7 #8 £27

P + P £ 5

 

So thats £157 for the basic kit ..... any comments?

 

I already have some 44lb and 65lb braid that I can use for backing, and some 17lb fluro carbon, is that too heavy?

 

How about reccomendations on a basic set of flies.... not forgetting snatchers of course

 

Anything else I've missed? A line tray is one thing that comes to mind, do you guys use one on the yak or not? I can see that there are no rocks to stand on but still easy to get caught up on stuff I'd imagine.

Not a cheap this game is it?

 

Have a look at the Scierra Line Tray - its made of mesh on a bendable wire frame - nice and light and very comfy - about £19 I think!

[fishfinder]

Whaqt about the Scierra XDA reels - The look the business, but are on special offer in quite a few shops at the moment. !00% saltwater proof (Alegedly). Okuma also have a nice new reel - the Helios.

[MJB]

How about reccomendations on a basic set of flies.... not forgetting snatchers of course

 

Anything else I've missed? A line tray is one thing that comes to mind, do you guys use one on the yak or not? I can see that there are no rocks to stand on but still easy to get caught up on stuff I'd imagine.

Not a cheap this game is it?

 

 

I'm not that familiar with where you fish, but a good basic fly selection would include clouser minnows in chartreuse/white and black/orange, deceivers in chart/white and blue/white and some form of surface pattern. Speak to Oz at uksaltwaterflies.com and see if he can do a deal on a selection ( I'm not sure whether it will help or hinder you to say I sent you).

 

 

Line tray - 1x washing up bowl, 4x lenor lids glued in the bottom, 1x bungee as a belt when not in the Yak.

 

Don't forget a set of sunglasse's for safety. Hooks whizzing to and fro around head height and exposed eyes don't mix.

[Neil]

On the subject of Sunglasses have a look here..

 

http://www.fishingmegastore.com/acatalog/Super_Sale.html

 

There's also some # 8/9 floating lines there that are ok as well.

 

Neil.

[fishfinder]

Well - I've just ordered myself a Greys GRX 9ft #8/9 3 piece fly rod. I paid £48.00 plus £4.50 P&P.

 

I ordered it from Harris-sportsmail.

 

At least if I break it, I can vlaim a new one with the lifetime guarantee.

 

Has anyone esle got one? I've already got a 9 weight line, but also a couple of 10 weight (toothy Critter pike fly lines). Will I break it if I use the ten weight lines with it?

 

John

 

 

My GRX arrived today - superb value, can't wait to chuck some fluff with it.

 

If anyone else is after one, theres one up on Ebay, ends in 4 hrs, at the moment going for just £24.02. Item number 7211481592.

 

I wish I'd seen it before I ordered mine! Still happy though as I got a good deal with Harris-sportsmail!