[birddog]

I use also use light 7/8 weight reels for my 6wt. My go to is a Nautilus FWX, which weighs all of 4.1 oz. and balances nicely on my 6wt Mauser Waterman, and I also use a Ross Evolution LT 4, which is like 4.8 oz. or something. Both are awesome reels if you can find them on the used market, otherwise take a look at their replacements - Nautilus XL mentioned by many above and a Ross Evolution R or LTX. Plenty of other great options out there that have already been mentioned!

I like using the lightweight 7/8 reels because I like the safety of additional backing as a lot of 6wt saltwater reels are on the low end of what I'm comfortable with for backing anyway (that's just personal preference). Need for backing depends on what you're fishing for, I guess.

 

[Moore Lyon and Quick]

Currently using a Billy Pate Trout DD for my 6wt, and Abel Big Game 1 (floater), Abel 6N (intermediate line) for my 7wts - all bought used.

 

[richarde206]

Hey fellas,

I did some searches but many posts were a little dated. I was just curious what options are out there for a decent 6 weight reel? I know the freestone’s are what everyone is looking for but just thought I’d check to see if there’s other less expensive options out there. I’d love a cork draw bar reel over sealed but seems those are few and far between. Cheers!

Part of that answer depends on your rod, in my opinion. On what rod are you hanging this? To me, the rod/reel combo should be relatively balanced, and some rods may be better balanced with a lighter (relatively) reel and some with a heavier (relatively) reel.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[richarde206]

Use a light weight 7/8 reel for the 6wt in salt water

Generally agree. A Ross Animas 7/8, a Litespeed 3 or 3.5, a Sage 2580, a Galvan Torque 6, a Bauer M4SL - all function or have functioned well for me on a salty 6.

 

[cj.james]

Billy pate salmon used. Old school but a tank and not as heavy as you would think. I just got one and it's only 8.32oz put it on my 6wt View attachment 193108

Those Billy pate reels are sweet! I was curious about those reels. How do you adjust the drag? Or is it similar to a click and pawl type reel?

 

[Moore Lyon and Quick]

Pate reels are cork disc drags, adjusted with a knurled knob. No draw bar like Tibor or Abel Big Game/Super Series.

 

[Gatorbig]

Yep mine are all direct drive versions. I have a salmon,, bonefish, and tarpon. The drag knob is in the center on the same side as the handle.

I run nautilus and tibor signature in sealed drag but love these pate direct drives. They are replacing my old pflueger medalists/orvis madison. I have a collection of those also still use for fresh water.

The drag is adjusted by the gold gear looking thing in the center... reel isn't on a rod.

 

[Snakesurf]

I recommend an American made product like Abel, Tibor for high end and little less; Nautilus, Galvan, Colton, Ross or Lamson. Don't be afraid to use an 8wt reel on a 6wt rod. Makes the reel you choose more "all purpose" for different applications. The real choice will be sealed or unsealed. My choice is unsealed for saltwater because I have been there and done that when the seals on a expensive fly reel can't keep back the fine particles in the water. You are down and out until you can get it apart. Non sealed take it apart, rinse it off and your back to fishing.

 

[fatman]

I’d love a cork draw bar reel over sealed but seems those are few and far between.

Keep an eye out on ebay for Old Florida Reels - a No. 4 size would be about right for 6-8 wt.
This company eventually became Nautilus, but they were simple, stout, Cork drag, easy to service.
If you're patient, you can pick them up fairly reasonably.

 

[richarde206]

Keep an eye out on ebay for Old Florida Reels - a No. 4 size would be about right for 6-8 wt.
This company eventually became Nautilus, but they were simple, stout, Cork drag, easy to service.
If you're patient, you can pick them up fairly reasonably.

The key word here is 'stout'; that old Old Florida may be a little heavy for today's modern lightweight rods. If I recall, aren't those also silent (no click) on the outgo?

 

[fatman]

The key word here is 'stout'; that old Old Florida may be a little heavy for today's modern lightweight rods. If I recall, aren't those also silent (no click) on the outgo?

Not sure on the weight of a Freestone, but I'd guess the No.4 isn't far off. And yes, they're silent on the outgo...

A No.3 or No.2 would work as well, they just don't show up as often, No.4 is much more common in my experience...

 

[cj.james]

Yep mine are all direct drive versions. I have a salmon,, bonefish, and tarpon. The drag knob is in the center on the same side as the handle.

I run nautilus and tibor signature in sealed drag but love these pate direct drives. They are replacing my old pflueger medalists/orvis madison. I have a collection of those also still use for fresh water. View attachment 193304

The drag is adjusted by the gold gear looking thing in the center... reel isn't on a rod.

what’s funny is I was considering just going with a simple click and pawl reel over a sealed drag simply because it is wide open and would be easier to service than a sealed reel. But I’m not sure how these things would hold up in the salt…

 

[Ben Sheppard]

Tand is a good bang for the buck. Light, quality materials and good performance

 

[Gatorbig]

Fair Chase 6-8wt Click Pawl Fly Reel- Blue on Blue - Cubalaya Outfitters

Let’s be clear – this reel isn’t for everyone. The Fair Chase is designed by and for the purist, purpose-built to minimize the mechanical advantage of the angler and bring raw finesse to the forefront. The Fair Chase is our way of leveling the playing field with the fish, offering a uniquely...

cubalayaoutfitters.com

Saw this in tail mag would love to play with one of these at least for a few fish. Someone spend the money and report back...

 

[MOUNTAIN-OCEAN-TROUT]

I’m sure there will be response from this post, but check out the ROSS F1, if you can find one. I bought a bunch of these, all the sizes when they were being discontinued and being sold for a steep discount. I have these reels on everything from 3wt(overkill) up to my 9wt. I’ve had nothing but great reviews for these reels. People will say everything from overweight to overkill. I for one love them. They are handsome works of art and have never failed me. Sure pricey when they first came out compared to equal quality reels, but I guess I jumped in at the perfect time. I stand behind this reel.

 

[Cfury189]

Hey fellas,

I did some searches but many posts were a little dated. I was just curious what options are out there for a decent 6 weight reel? I know the freestone’s are what everyone is looking for but just thought I’d check to see if there’s other less expensive options out there. I’d love a cork draw bar reel over sealed but seems those are few and far between. Cheers!

 

[Cfury189]

Hey fellas,

I did some searches but many posts were a little dated. I was just curious what options are out there for a decent 6 weight reel? I know the freestone’s are what everyone is looking for but just thought I’d check to see if there’s other less expensive options out there. I’d love a cork draw bar reel over sealed but seems those are few and far between. Cheers!

Lamson Guru S

 

[SS06]

Al my reels are Lamson...I think 6 now...happy with all

 

[Tom Ilg]

Don't overlook the the new Van Staal reels. Light, well made and fairly inexpensive.

 

[cj.james]

Don't overlook the the new Van Staal reels. Light, well made and fairly inexpensive.

i had no idea van staal was making fly reels... ill give them a look!