I won a Nautilus CCF12 reel at the WSC auction a couple of nights ago, and can use some advice of what rod to match it to.

I'm thinking saltwater and have looked at lots, including the Echo 2 SW,which are more in my price range.

The problem is, I am a novice at this and don't know what weight rod or line to match with it. I'm pretty sure an ASA 12wt rod/line would work, but I don't need that. I have seen matchings from a Spey 7 wt to a 8 through 13 wt single.

I have an 8 wt single hand steelie set up and don't want another right now.

Would this reel be good with a 9 wt single salt water set up? Other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Thanks, KK! I'm going to send it to the manufacturer to switch for right to left hand retrieve so have some time.

DR,

I don't think you need to send the reel to the manufacturer just to switch winding direction. At least with most brands you wouldn't. I'm not familiar with Nautilus however. Generally you just have to undo a screw or two and flip a little cog, then retighten the screws, with most reels.

At 12 wt size, you have a good reel for serious saltwater fishing: permit, tarpon, dorado, rosterfish; big league stuff. And that's a good all around size for Spey rods like KK says. I'd be willing to test it for you on the Kennectok next month if you like. : ) If the reel is heavier than 9 oz. I think you'd find it uncomfortable on a 9 wt single hand rod.

Sg

The reel has a sealed drag system and is left or right hand specific. It is pretty easy to change out but you need the part. I called the company and they told me Kaufman's can do it so that is my next stop.
The listed weight (empty) is 9.6 oz. I really want to set up a good salt rig for coho, etc. I have a Ross CLA4 which might be better for the single hand, and maybe should use the Nautilus for a spey.

So many ways to fish and so little time!

Any experience with the echo 2 saltwater rods w 2 tips?

Thanks.

Match it with a spey.

Ducker

DR,

Experience with Echo and TFO rods is limited mainly to test casting them at sports shows. Too fast an action for my preference. And any 12 wt, no matter its action, is going to be very stiff.

The Ross CLA4 will be a much better fit for a single hand coho 8 wt IMO. Use the Nautilus for Spey or a heavy salt water single hand rod.

Sg

+1 on the CLA4 for a single-hander salmon/steelhead stick. Balances really nicely in my experience, and it gives you plenty of room for sink tips and/or extra backing.

Congrats on the purchase. I wish I had a reel like the Nautilus for my spey rod. I am currently using an older Lamson 4 (one I bought off eBay - yeah, I'm a cheapskate, out of sheer necessity). It's a nice reel for sure, but it just barely holds a Skagit head and a marginal amount of backing. It's also a little light for the rod, which results in a bit of soreness at the end of the day from having to extend my swinging arm further away from my body to compensate for the imbalance.

From what I understand, Nautilus reels are highly regarded for saltwater fishing, which should mean they are exceptionally tough and corrosion resistant. If you use it as a spey reel, you will likely die before it does. That retrieve switch complication and the sealed drag system that necessitates it make me think that you'd better take really good care of it, though, as repairs probably wouldn't be cheap.

Hey Doctor Rick, nice job on winning that reel. I looked it up, and it definatly looks like something I'd like to see on my spey rod. Since it was kinda free, you could spend the $200(ouch) on a spare spool, and fill that with some 10-12wt clear Tarpon line and you've got an awsome large saltwater reel. I'd bet Kaufmann's or any of the bigger shops would have a reel about the same weight/size already loaded that you could go and test drive some rods. Happy hunting...Here's one idea...Tom

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sage-8136-4-Spey-Fly...53#ht_500wt_896

Foggy, my friend. Be careful what you wish for. You will have to help me fish it.

And, good advice. I'm looking at a 7 wt switch, Redington or Echo.

PS Jerry French, at Kaufman's (http://frenchsflyfishing.com/default.aspx)
has been great.

Folks, My sincere Thank You for the well considered thoughts.
I am looking at a 7 wt. switch with this reel.

My Very Best to each and every,

Extra reels are good. Thank You!

Thank you Kaufman's for supporting Wild Steelhead Coalition.
Go CCA and WSC.

Good stuff! I think I'll use this one for line capacity rather that line weight.
Thanks,

Trade it to me for a mess'o'skrunks... and I'll chase tuna with it...