[82134]

Hello,
Have a Burkie 8128, really enjoy fishing this rod on the Sol-Duc and other coastal rivers. Looking for a new reel to match the rod. I was thinking about an Abel Spey. The reel weighs around 9 ounces, has a 4 inch spool diameter with a 1 inch spool width. This is a lighter reel than I currently own (most of my reels are 11/12 ounces with slightly wider spools). Does anybody have experience with this reel and what are your opinions on it? Additionally, are there any thoughts about this rod/reel match up?
Many Thanks

 

[Storybook]

imo....with such a nice rod....maybe a smaller reel builder would match better? Take a look at Saracione if you want a drag reel...or a Farlex for click & pawl. Lots and lots of cool reels out. And since you have a really cool rod....

 

[I'm not here]

Not to high jack your thread, but I just picked up this rod and was wondering what heads you've been using.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Steve Saville]

There are an infinite number of choices that would work nicely at one third the price of a saracione or farlex. If budget is a no concern, go for it but the abel spey would definitely work or a Hardy Duchess or Perfect; both very nice reels or a nice Cascapedia. I have one on my Burky 7134.

 

[82134]

SaltyCutt,
Run both a Rio Skagit Max 550grn and Airflo Skagit G2 540grn on the rod with mono running line..both feel very good.

 

[Gone’r]

I have two Abel Speys, one on my Burkie 8133 and one on my sage 9119 and they match both, slightly heavy on the switch rod and dead nuts perfect on the 8133 so I think you will be more than pleased with your rod. As for the reel, they are indestructible tools, and purr like a kitty in heat when Mr Bucky Long Jaw takes off across the pool. I love the simple, classic look and despite my best attempts I can't even scratch the finish.

It may place me in permanent Spey Yahweh exile to say that I'm replacing all my hardy reels with Abels, have my eye on the platinum finish for my 7126 next.

 

[Andy D]

It should balance your rod just fine. There is only one real way to find out. I like sean fish this real on both a long and short rod ( z axis 7136 and tcx 8119), but I am of the opposite oppinion. I find it perfect on the swith and a little light on the z axis. I also feel that it is the most reliable and sturdy of all my reels. I plan on getting the other two in the line as well. Get it you won't regret it.