Harris Reels

[esox master]

I was looking into buying a new reel for Salmon/Pike and decided on the Harris. Though after reading a comparison between the normal and the large arbor, It stated the large arbor really offers no benefits. With it not being an actual large arbor, you can obtain the same results with just sticking more backing on the reel. It seems logical to me that all you need is more backing on the reel. Can anyone confirm this though?

[mcflyfisher]

Compare an ***** Battenkill LA, with a standard arbor of any type. The difference is that when the LA has about 3 feet of backing left on it, it still has a larger arbor, than a standard arbor when it is full of backing and fly line. I am not promoting the ***** reel, I just use it as an example, because it is real large arbor reel. Now consider this scenerio. The steelhead of life time has just grabbed you fly and ran you into your backing. For reasons known only to God, and Mr. Mykiss he has turned around and is heading back at you. Which reel would you rather have? It is unlikely you will be able to keep up with either reel, but the LA will get you back in contact with him much sooner. I am a Large Arbor fan.

[speyday]

I understand the benefit of large arbor; but the ultimate goal is to pick up line quickly. Here's one option on reels that usually isn't considered, but is just as valuable.

I would look at a reel and its ability to free spin when the handle is "batted".

I used this with a fly reel, and use it all the time on a centrepin reel.

In other words, the fish is running toward you and a giant pile of line is at your feet. You give the reel handle a powerful thrust and let go, and it will begin spinning; picking up line faster than you could ever reel. Two or three of these bats......and your extra line is back on the reel.

A good example of bearings that offer this type of spinning is the Ross Gunnison series.

Oh yeah, and dont forget, you can always strip the line in by reaching up towards the stripping guide of your rod. Thats the easiest and most reliable, IMO.

Tight lines,
speyday

[SpanishFly]

Following the theory of just sticking more backing on the line, you are not considering that you can also do that to a large arbor reel. You will never be able to compensate for the diameter of the spool. That is the ultimate limit. Bigger diameter spool filled to capacity brings in more line. Large arbor usually comes with larger diameter, right?


I have both large arbor and small, and I don't prefer one over the other. Both hold line. If a fish is going to run at you full speed, you can't keep up with it with either reel. Center pin would be your only hope.

[esox master]

I think I will end up going with the large arbor, because I need something with a chance to catch up with those 20+lb gators.