Fly Fishing

colehatch · Newbie Joined: Jan 08, 2007 Posts: 32

I just picked up a Lamson Litespeed 3.5 for my 8wt....anyone using this reel...what's your opinion? I've read some pretty good things. I really like the drag adjustment on it, super smooth. Also, I haven't equiped it with line yet...any suggestions? It'll be mostly long roll casts, fishing under a float.

waterwhippa · Posted: Fri Feb 02, 2007 10:37 am Post subject:

SA Mastery series, Steelhead taper.....big fat head on the front end...pretty much effortless roll casting, even with huge streamers etc.

kray · Posted: Sun Feb 04, 2007 5:30 pm Post subject:

I have 2 of them and have used them for 3 years with clients and they have lasted great. No complaits.

lunchbox · Newbie Joined: Mar 19, 2006 Posts: 39 Location: Utah

I have seen a lot of sezed bearings on those reels. Never remove the drag cap when you are fishing. They just started using stainless steel bearing assemblies so that should fix the problem.

HauntedbyWater · Posted: Tue Feb 06, 2007 10:38 pm Post subject:

I picked up a Lamson Velocity 3.5 after Christmas time. I plan on using it for Steelies in MI and OH and out east for light salt action. So far it is on the shelf staring at me and waiting for this frigid weather to clear up. All I have heard is good reports for this brand and I always do my homework before I plunk down that kind of cash.

chromefinder · Posted: Wed Feb 07, 2007 4:55 am Post subject:

I had a several of these reels (Litespeeds and Velocity Models). I stopped using them after the 1st drag failure - a seized drag due to contamination, (sealed drag got wet and rusted). Lamdon did replace the drag but I switched reels brands. Hopefully the new stainless design that lunchbox mentions above will eliminate potential problems.

For long roll casts and indy fishing I use the Rio - Steelhead & Atlantic Salmon Fly Line Tapered weight forward floating, a great line imo. I have yet to try the SA steelhead taper mentioned above.

captdave · Newbie Joined: Sep 05, 2006 Posts: 1

I have 7 of these reels, bought the first one about 8 years ago and the rest when I equipped myself as a saltwater guide 4 years ago. Have caught NUMEROUS albies and bonefish with them, and yes did have some rust in the old drags which caused some minor problems, but that was after very extended use and lamson sent replacements. I was a tester for the new stainless steel drags about 3 years ago and can report the reels have performed wonderfully. Have taken skipjack tuna and stripers over 20 pounds with no problem. the best feature is the easy to change spool. They are a great value.

capt dave azar
one more cast charters
nyc

colehatch · Newbie Joined: Jan 08, 2007 Posts: 32

I ended up going with the SA Mastery Steelhead line. Roll casts and mends nice out of snow in the front yard Rolling Eyes

...can't wait to see how it performs on the water.

waterwhippa · Posted: Mon Feb 12, 2007 9:12 pm Post subject: SA Mastery

Wise choice Cole....I think you will be happy with it.

bonefisher · Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 9:00 pm Post subject:

I got the Lamson Litespeed for my 8. I really like the size and weight, i havent fished it yet though Crying or Very sad

.... but i put a Scientific Anglers bonefish taper line on it... i dunno i kinda like bonefish....