I'm looking to buy a reel for my 7'6"#3 rod and like the Okuma SLV as I already have one in a larger size for me 8'8"#4/5 rod. The SLV is available in these sizes
#2/3 Weight 133gr, 66mm dia., WF3 plus 20yds of 12lb.
#4/5 Weight 145gr, 75mm dia., WF4 plus 95yds of 12lb.

I have hear many on here say that for small brook rods lightness of reel is everything. Is there a point where a reel can become too small ie in diameter. I intend to fit the reel with half a DT3 and Rio 20lb backing so presume I'll get more than 20 yards on it. Do I need more than 20 yards backing for brook fishing anyway?

In essence is the 2/3 reel okay or should I look at the 4/5 for any reason?

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Location - Ospreylia

For years I've used an Orvis Battenkill reel or alternately an Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock reel for my 7'-6" 3 weight rods (Orvis Silver label and Thomas and Thomas LPS) and they have balanced well with these rods held a full DT3 line and a healthy amount of backing. That being said, I've never had a fish take me into the backing on these rods, had a handfull that could have, though I either turned them or the streams were so small and choked with brush that they broke me off in a snag before getting far enough. As I've always understood it, on a 3 or 4 weight for small streams the reel is just there to hold the line, and the backing is just there so the line doesn't get too tightly coiled and retain too much memory. You can get too small in diameter which will have the effect of putting tight coils into your flyline leaving it hard to manage. The Orvis reels mentioned are solid hold up well to years of fishing and come backed by very strong customer support and warranties. I'd probably look more closely at the 2/3 you mentioned above as oppossed to the 5/4. Hope that helps.

Hi Osprey
Just had the same dilemma, same size rod but #3/4. I went for the 4/5 reel. Lovely, nice and light and small. Not cast in anger yet. Hoping to get some practice in this w/e, and will be out the first w/e after the 1st.

Whichever you choose, check that whomever you buy from has the reel in stock- had a bit of an issue getting mine.

Gaunty

Thanks both of you for the advice. Gaunty, where didn't have it in stock? Was possibly going to take a trip to Fishtec.

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Location - Ospreylia

Hi
I tried originally to buy from Tackle Discounts. But they then found they didn't have the #4/5. They had ordered from their suppliers but would have to come from Holland (I think) with no way of knowing when. However, I could not fault their service. They notified me very quickly and kept me up to date. Despite them not fulfilling the order I would use them again.

In looking for the info I've found out I've deleted all the emails but I think it was Fishtec in the end. Turned up a couple of days later.

If you don't have a line check out Pitsford Pirate on the forum. Does very good deals.

Gaunty

SLV's a great choice, excellent reel and value for money.

Personally, I would go with the 4/5. The 2/3's diameter of 66 MM is extremely small, IMO, and it would be very fussy to use. Also, with a DT, it may well just barely hold a full #3 line if it does at all.

I wouldn't say having a light weight reel is everything. In brook fishing the attribute I find most handy in a reel is the ability to pick up the line quickly. When moving from place to place through the brush, I need to completely reel up, not like fishing a big river where you can let some line drag in the the water and wade ahead. So for that reason, I'd go slightly larger.

Also, c'mon, the weight difference between the two is like the weight of pencil. It's not like you'll have to carry an extra pound.

Backing? Forget it. put a little on so it's easier to connect the line. It's Fantasy Island to think you'll ever need it fighting a fish on a small stream. If you get even half a line out there'd be about zero chance of landing the fish because he'd cluster-eff you by getting into a brush pile, or overhanging tree, etc and break you.

Grouse

I was looking for a #3 reel recently which would be a bit lighter than my GRXi and went for the Greys Streamlite ..£94 from Grommit and it's a lovely wee reel and holds the line and pretty much same amount of backing as the GRXi ..Only downside is that if you want another spool they are almost half the price of the reel as it's not a cassette type ..the spool is the whole handle side of the reel .

Stuart

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Previously known as molley
and
Don't call me "mate" .

Thanks Grouse, My thoughts were that the smaller reel might be a bit too small and fiddly as you suggest. Looks like the 4/5 then. Thanks again for the advice.

Thanks. I already have the lines from The Pirate.

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Location - Ospreylia