Glades is definitely better suited for bones. I use the Riptide on my 10 wt tarpon rod. While the difference is .5 ounces, the size difference is noticeable. For bones, an angler is typically making many more casts in a day than say casts for permit or tarpon (depending on situation here, I've had days with countless shots for them). But typically, you want to go as light as you can for bones.

I'd seriously check out Nautilus as well. I recently changed out some gear and got two - one for my 8 wt, and another for my 9 wt. Love them. I fish Tibor on my 10 and 12. However, I will be getting a Tibor Backcounty Wide for a 7 wt primarily used for reds.

 

X2 on the recommendation. Congrads on the engagement!

 

Get a Nautilus NV-G 8/9 in custom colors. Forget the engraving

 

Nautilus is "EXTREME DORITOS"

Tibor is proven class and simplicity

Get the Everglades

 

Performance wise is there a big difference between a nautilus and tibor? Or is it mostly weight.

 

Opinions vary but I greatly prefer the simplicity of the unsealed, cork drag system on the Tibor vs. the Nautilus.

 

Performance wise I think the cork drag and life expectancy of a Tibor is better, and you gotta love the sound the drag makes, but if you're going to wade and/or cast a lot the lighter weight and sealed drag of the Nautilus is better suited for those conditions.

 

I started to say something then thought the better of it. Go with the Tibor.

 

I was thinkin' the same thing

 

X2 on that Tibor

 

Gettin the Tibor in satin.

 

Good choice, they are timeless reels with bullet proof drag systems. You can repair the drag yourself. The satin is my fave, though the flat black is slick too.

The Nautilus gets knocked by some, the Extreme Doritos comment is actually really funny, but their weight, line pick up speed and precise drag are killer. Downside is you can't repair the drag yourself and they are more delicate. I prefer them over hatch, but that's another religious debate.

Hey @BayStYat - if Nautilus is Extreme Doritos, what is Hatch? Oh, and thanks. I'll never look at Nautilus the same again without laughing.

 

I feel like they are all close but I want the one that can take boat abuse the best. Already had a Kraken spool bend from normal "toss that crap around" abuse.

 

You got the right reel then - they are as close to bullet proof as you can get in a fly reel. Plus, their customer service if you ever need it is awesome.

 

Tibor+Abel>Nautilus+Hatch, its a bulletproof design and its not overengineered

 

Ifsteve and bluezone, is this what you were gonna say?

 

Another vote for Tibor Everglades. They get knocked for being too heavy, but a heavy reel behind your hand will make the rod and swing weight feel lighter. It works as a counter balance, so I'll take heavier reel over a lighter one any day. And the Tibor will last forever. As far as drag performance, cork will win every time.

 

That is especially true when you start getting up from a 9wt, (especially a 10wt) northward up the scale, to counter balance the heavier lines. But in the lighter rods it's not as important and I tend to lean towards a lighter reel..

 

Ha I hear ya loud and clear Blue!

 

I'm on my 2nd marriage....hold off on the engraving.

My first wife sold about $18k of offshore tackle at a garage sale at MY house while I was paying for her to live there during the divorce.

Oh yeah....Everglades all day long.

 

@Backwater great post - Ted J. and Steve Huff are guys in my book that I'd love to meet in person. I met Lefty a few years ago (finally) and sincerely thanked him for his contributions to the sport. Also told him Fly Fishing in Saltwater is a bible to me.

Like I stated, I love the hell out of Tibor and would chose them over any brand if I had to. I gave Nautilus a shot but it wasn't because of advertising or any of the color combinations they have (I went stock silver). I spent time with it and Hatch, which I believe are pretty equal in engineering, though the drag design differs. I like going light on 8 wt, and was trading out Lamson Litespeeds, so the Nautilus won it out for me.

The first fish I caught on the Nautilus was a permit. And the drag control was out of this world. The line pickup is also fantastic.

One last thing about Tibor - absolutely love you can get an exploded parts diagram of every reel and get your own parts. I changed out all the parts myself on my Gulfstream.

 

I have 2 sons, one just turned 6 and the other is 2 in about three weeks. I like knowing that when they're old enough to chase tarpon on the fly they'll be able to use the same Tibor reels I have now.

 

Tibor...but then I'm a wee bit biased...

 

Tibor Everglades

 

I cannot say enough great things about Tibor reels, or Tibor himself. He exemplifies the American dream and builds things your grandkids will cherish.