So I've been struggling to find classic reels that fit well on the 3/4 wt fiberglass rods. Hardy Heritage reels, Robichauds, Bellingers, Saraciones, they all seem too heavy for glass, but perfect for cane.

Other than the hardy made Orvis CFOs, can any of you recommend classic reels that work well with the more delicate modern glass rods?

Rookhawk:

You will get many other good suggestions but here's mine.

I own more than a few "new" 3wt & 4wt glass rods from 5’0” to 8’0” in length. Obviously, your preferences may differ but IMHO all of those rods balance wonderfully with reels from Hardy (reissues & older) and a few Abel built and one Hardy CFO in the mix.

What reel I match with what rod is dependent on the rod length and I will admit it is a challenge to achieve the static balance point I prefer (at the winding check) with the shortest rods, but if it helps any, all of the reels have a stated weight between 2.0 oz. and 4.23 oz.

They include the aforementioned CFO’s, all of the Lightweight Series (Flyweight, Featherweight, LRH), Duchess, Marquis, Baby (2-13/16”) Bougle, St. George and St. George Jr.

To put things in perspective with reels you mentioned, while I don’t own any reels from Bellinger or Robichaud, I do have reels from Saracione hanging on some of my bamboo rods. The smallest & lightest of those is 5.10 oz. and considerably heavier than what I prefer on my 3 & 4wt glass rods.

Hope this helps a little!!!

What constitutes “Classic” is pretty subjective. A combination of age, aesthetics, and functionality, I guess.

I’ve been happily using a Hardy Prince on my shorter/lighter glass rods.