Hey all,

I mean, if I can't catch fish, at least the rod and reel should look good right? I'm having trouble finding reels that look good with two of my rods, one I have and one is being built. One is a green 865 from Dusty and the other is Chris B's new 7 foot 3 wt https://www.instagram.com/p/CH-XHecARU8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link. Any thoughts on where I should look? A bonus would be if the reel appreciates in value. I have a new Animas 4/5 on the green rod and it's a bit small and light in my opinion.



So far, for vintage, the Hardy Lightweight series seems like a safe play, the Ross RR series seems like a possibility, but R1's seem impossible to find and the R2 is a little small for the green rod. For new reels, I'm not sure, to be honest. I don't think the Teimco's would look right, but honestly, I have horrible fashion sense, so that probably is at play here:)

Thanks for looking.

Your budget will be a big factor. For the Barclay, my mind says Hardy Featherweight, Abel TR1 (a little more heft), and for about $100 bucks, a new modern Orvis Battenkill I, which is black and would aesthetically meld with the seat hardware on that 7-3 on Insta. I'd check with Chris as the Orvis has a thicker foot, and he should know if his seat hardware will work with that reel.

Thanks all. For the Barclay, I'll look at the able tr1 and the Orvis. I have a new Orvis Battenkill and they are a little more grey than black. For the *********, I'll look at the LRH Lightweights, would a Princess be too large?

Thanks. it seems like there are a few plus' design-wise to the LRH for what I can find. I'll keep my eye out for one. The Duchess is really nice also. I need to look around for small black reels that aren't Abel in case I decide not to drop $400 on a 3 wt reel. It snowed here, finally, so I have some time.

For what it is worth here, the new Orvis Battenkills (new as in catalogs now) are in no way more gray/grey - they are more black, and come at about $100 bucks. Good luck.

https://www.orvis.com/view-all-fly-reels

You're right. They do look darker on the website. I had one about a year ago. Maybe they've updated.

Personally, I would consider how the reel balances on the rod foremost. Based on what is currently in production, the Abel TR and Medalist are both heavier reels for the size. Both may seem heavy on the 703. If balance is the determining factor, the Battenkill is lighter and may be a better option for the 703.

For your green *********, a Winston Perfect would be "perfect". Pricey I'm sure if you can find one.


Or more realistically, in a more modern design, the Galvan T-5 or 6 is a wonderful reel and is available in a dark green that would look good too. Beyond those, any black reel would look good.

that's the JAF Farmington drag reel that's green

Classic Fly Fisherman, Bob Selb has one of the green JAForbes reel for sale, but at 27/8", I can't imagine it being a match for the green ********* 865. Color would be perfect though.

If you can reel right handed, when you go to see Selb, see if he has any Hardy Bougle Lightweight Agate reels lying around.

They are green & silver beauties, but were only available in RHW (I think).

Hardy Golden JLH 6 for the green rod and Hardy Golden JLH 5 for the Barclay. Ultralite Disc 6 and 5 will do as well (it's basically the same reel as the JLH with a very good disc drag and in black - so goes with everything). If you fancy something heavier for the green rod a Hardy Lightweight LRH multiplier would be an original choice.

Ideas that I saw this morning:
What about a 1492 medalist for the Barclay, a nod to my Grandfather, and a Ross pre-98 G2 for the *********?Both in like-new condition.