I am hoping to 'have a go' at salmon fishing and would be greatful for any advice on the following rods and which would be most suitable for a beginner -

Greys GRXi+ Salmon Fly Rod 13' #8 - with FREE Scierra MWF V2 Salmon Line for approx. £180

Grey x-flite salmon fly rod 13' #8 of which are currently half price at approx £137.

Scierra Matuka 13' #8/9 - approx £80.

Any advice on a good reasonably priced (up to £70) salmon reel would also be appreciated.

and finally any comments on the Rio afs kit for the above rods?


Thank you in advance for your contributions and advice.

Daryl

I personally wouldn't buy any new reels that cost £70. After a few rash mistakes I have come up with the conclusion they all have some ropey drag system that will fail after a few weeks.

There are however some cracking click and pawl reels to be had on ebay. I much prefer fishing with them and provided the rim is exposed you have plenty of control, when playing a fish and they make such a joyous sound when a fish heads for the tail of the pool.

This is the type of thing I would go for
eBay - The UK's Online Marketplace

Best of luck

Simon

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Good, practical advice from Simon. You can also try the larger Okuma Integrity reels or the Scierra Sweep 10/11.

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Thank you both for your advice.

Any comments on the list of salmon rods?

I have also seen a BFR magnum 200D and 140D reel - are these any good and which size would be best for a #8 or #9 line?


Thanks again,

Daryl

I've got the BFR Magnum 200 for my fourteen footer, and its been a great, tough reel.I would still go for the 200, even with a 8 line.
You could make me an offer on my switch outfit advertised in the classifieds, that comes with the Snowbee Geo reel, which is superb, but to be honest I've always been happy with simple, cheap reels.I've also managed to fish small and medium size rivers with my reservoir gear, no problem.

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He goeth forth full of hope and when the day is far spent he returneth
Smelling of strong drink, and the truth is not in him

The Magnum 200d are solid reels, but perhaps a little over gunned (heavy) on a 13' rod.

I'd go for the Matuka rod at that price, and leave yourself some money for a good reel which I would buy second hand from one of the forums, there are plenty going around.

All,

Thank you for your opinions and guidance - much appreciated.

After much thinking I have decided to go with the Greys x-flite 13' #8 line as this is a steal at half of its original rrp.

For the reel it seems that the advice is to buy a J W Youngs 1540, BFR Magnum 140d or a Daiwa 812 (Apparently all made at the same factory?) and therefore I am now seeking one of these in a mint unused condtion - Please pm me if anyone has 1 for sale.

and finally the line, any advice for the Greys x-flite would be appreciated. Hoping to buy a multi tip but unsure of the pros and cons of such a set up.

Thank you all again - this is a great forum for advice

Regards,


Daryl