Fly Fishing - Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO): Fly Reel Reviews

joey · Location: Colorado

I can't take it anymore. "Try this boron x2 iwz fast action fly rod and cast to the moon"..BS. I understand that fly fishing gear has come leaps and bounds over the past decade but so have the prices. I have used some of the fancy stuff and some of it is really really nice but my pockets are not deep enough for any of it. I mean when I am staring the better part of $1500.00 for a rod, reel, line set up it is humiliating. Sorry for the rant.

My question is this. I have been looking into buying some "reasonably priced" fly reels from TFO. I have used some of the companies smaller reels and rods and like them both. I want to try some of their bigger reels and was wondering if anyone has any recommendations. I was looking at the Large Arbor Reels. Any thoughts?

Thanks
j-

norm289 · Location: SW PA

I have the TFO LA340. Absolutely love it. Have had it for a few years now and have yet to have any issues with it. I have beaten the heck out of it and it still performs perfectly. Dependable, rock solid, bullet proof, nice drag. Holds lots of backing, 175-200 yards with a 7wt steelhead line. They are a little heavy but they balance the bigger rods nicely. I have it matched up on a 10' 7wt(also another TFO product) and it balances out well. This is my setup for Lake Erie and Lake Ontario migratory trout and salmon, where I can't use a two hander. So far, it has handled whatever I threw in it's direction. The LA375 and LA425 are on my list for a reel for the next spey rod I get.

joey · Location: Colorado

thanks norm that exactly what I plan on using these reels for. My other spey reel has lost its drag system and it is time to buy a new one. I am definitely going to try some more TFO products.

Bjorn · Location: Sierra Foothills

I picked up a TFO Large Arbor 375 to pair with my 8 wt. for a bonefishing trip in January. I didn't even know TFO made reels before this. I was impressed. The reel was smooth and dealt with those bonefish runs easily. I posted a review of the reel up on my blog. One guy commented some criticism of the reel, but he didn't even have the specifics of the reel right, so I think he was just being an ass.
http://bonefishonthebrain.com/2010/01/26/tfo-large-arbor-375-a-review/

B-

norm289 · Location: SW PA

No problem Joey. I have or have used alot of TFO products and I have not had any issues with anything from them that I have touched.