Comments on: Initial Review: Cabela’s $29 Wind River Fly Reel

By: Owl Jones

Owl Jones — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 05:47:25 +0000

what happened to your reel? This one is a brand new model and I have high hopes. Maybe I can get a bass or two on it monday, but it’s not looking likely weather-wise. Might have to find a shallow pond and bait up my fly rod and line with some crickets or chicken liver.

By: The River Damsel

The River Damsel — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 03:26:19 +0000

Whew! I remembered reading this when you originally posted it…then today, I had unfortunate luck with a Cabelas reel “Three Forks”…and was hoping that it wasn’t the one you reviewed. Hope you have better luck and bring in many fish with it!!

By: Peter Louw

Peter Louw — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:00:48 +0000

Nice bit of kit and unfortunately another product those of us living on the £ side of the pond will not be able to get our hands for anything like $29.00 we’d be extremely lucky if we even managed to get it for anything close to £29.00!

Next time I’m over the US of A I’ll be doing a lot of shopping for fly fishing gear.

By: Owl Jones

Owl Jones — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 03:31:12 +0000

So, should my Ross Evolution have grease all over it? Most high end reels that boast “sealed” drag systems say you don’t have to grease ‘em. I think this one looks just like those – but it’s all goopy. I think you’ll like the Ross and in the long run, I don’t know if this reel’s finish is going to hold up. I know the Ross’ will. What you’ve got there is a reel for life – which this one is not. (but it’s $29!!!! ) LOL

By: Milliam

Milliam — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:56:37 +0000

Hmmm…$29? Makes me feel even worse about the Ross Vexsis I just got today. Got a great deal on it, but is it really worth that much. I always said I wouldn’t spend a lot on a reel…its just a line holder usually. You could buy 5 of these reels for how much just the spare spool costs for the Vexsis! I still don’t get why spare spools are so darn much. Maybe I can go into the business of just making spare spools for some of the top end reels. Most would be fairly easy to make I think.

BTW, that picture with the grease…that is a one way bearing there and it needs to be greased to work well. When it goes one way if free wheels = no drag, when it goes the other way, it grips the shaft and turns in on the drag = drag (of course). They are pretty neat things and are found in most of fly reels these days.

By: Owl Jones

Owl Jones — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:25:28 +0000

Seth, that would depend on which crosswater and what you do with it. If you fish somewhere (salt or for big carp) where you might need alot of backing, maybe not. If however, you’re like me and fish for trout and bass – and don’t need backing (or much of it) then it would probably work well. Let me know which rod you have (or you’re wanting) and I could give you a solid opinion based on weights, etc.

By: Owl Jones

Owl Jones — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:23:49 +0000

I’m hoping it’ll live up to my increasingly positive expectations. (fingers and toes crossed)

By: Seth Goodrich

Seth Goodrich — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 22:00:50 +0000

Owl, this review has been helpful for me. I am just learning to work the longrod and can’t quite swallow spending hundreds on a beginner set-up. Do you think this reel would pair well with a reddington crosswater rod? Thanks.

By: Fontinalis Rising

Fontinalis Rising — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:03:53 +0000

Owlie- I’m with you in wanting to promote inexpensive but good gear for working class anglers. Thanks for shining a spotlight on this reel.