Old Florida 8 SA

[ChrisR]

Does anyone have experience with this reel, or a similar reel from Old FL (7sa, 66, 77, 88)? I am looking to buy a 12 wt reel without breaking the bank. Any other recomendations for a tarpon reel under $400?

[BearsFan]

A buddy I fish with has Old Floridas on his 8 and 10wt setups. Seem to be decent reels. That being said, his 12's are matched with a Pacific and a Super 12.

Bauer has the JM 5 with the same drag as the rest of their reels for $315. There is bound to be an old abel or tibor on ebay for around $400, I got a new super 12 for $500 about a year ago.

I used to have a Ross CLA 7 that landed a few fish in the 100lb class, it was OK but the drag needed constant tweeking. The entire drag adjustment is based on pressure to an o ring. I would not recommend it for serious saltwater fishing.

[noles]

You'll be fine with the OF reels for tarpon. It's design is similiar to Tibor or Abel using the draw-bar system. I think they are a no frills reel that is very simple to take apart and clean. I have 3 of them, however they serve as backup to my Abel & TFO Hayden.

[DaveR]

I have one. Problem with mine is it can't catch redfish.

[ChrisR]

Thanks guys. Is the 12 wt appropriate for tarpon, cobia, whatever other big stuff swims around here, or should I be looking at maybe a 10 or 11?

[BearsFan]

I fish a 10 out of the kayak 12 out of a stinkpot. I don't think you are going to put much more pressure on a fish with a 12 over a 10 out of a kayak, just a theory...

[Dustin]

I fish all Old Florida and Nautlilus reels (including several of the SA series). They have always served me very well.