My brother recently built a house on Lake Lanier in North Georgia. He has mentioned that he would like to start trout fishing (rainbow, brown, brook). His birthday is coming up next week and I would like to buy him a fly reel that he can start using up there. I plan on purchasing a 3-5 wt reel for him. Both Orvis Battenkill (regular and disc drag) are in the range I'm looking to spend. Looking for input on if the disc drag is useful for trout and any other general fly info. for North Ga/NC trout fishing.

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Posted by reds on reds on reds

Birmingham

Member since Sep 2013

4200 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 12:21 pm to Saskwatch

Any reel will do fine for trout. He won’t be fighting the fish on the reel anyways.
As far as Lake Lanier, I’m not sure on the fishing but I’ll be going there for a week at the end of July so I’m curious to see what everyone says.

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Posted by Gaston

Dirty Coast

Member since Aug 2008

38903 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 12:25 pm to Saskwatch

We went with a guide from Unicoi outfitters. It was awesome. Their shop is amazing.

https://www.unicoioutfitters.com/index.shtml

They would set you up real nice with a rig for up there.

This post was edited on 6/5/18 at 12:31 pm

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Posted by Dam Guide

Member since Sep 2005

15493 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 12:43 pm to Gaston

About the only time reel will matter up there is if he finds some big browns or goes up to the trophy section in Cherokee. Get something that will hold up to taking a beating from creek hopping/weather, keeps line nice, and looks nice. Most of our fun mountain streams are fishing small trout, you can reel them in by hand.

This post was edited on 6/5/18 at 12:46 pm

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Posted by bbvdd

Memphis, TN

Member since Jun 2009

24910 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 12:44 pm to Saskwatch

How much are you looking to spend? There are many reels that will fit for that from all different price ranges.

I have 2 or 3 battenkills and they are good reels but a little on the heavier side.

My favorite is a Sage that I have on my 4wt. It weighs nothing and paired with a light rod, its a combo that is just a joy to fish with all day.

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Posted by Saskwatch

Member since Feb 2016

16527 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 12:46 pm to bbvdd

$150sh. Lower end of the price range as far as fly reels go.

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Posted by bbvdd

Memphis, TN

Member since Jun 2009

24910 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 1:21 pm to Saskwatch

Sage

Lamson

Here are a couple of other to consider. I'm a big fan of Sage but wouldn't turn down the Lamson either.

The Battenkill is good as well.

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Posted by Saskwatch

Member since Feb 2016

16527 posts

Posted on 6/5/18 at 3:09 pm to bbvdd

Thanks Gaston, bbvdd, and DamGuide

I bought him a Battenkill w/ backing and SA Trout line for $150 from Stillwater.

The Unicoi Outfitters place looks legit and has some trips to private water.

Look forward to getting to explore some N. Ga. trout streams and tailwaters with my brother once he gets his feet wet and the lay of the land up there.

This post was edited on 6/5/18 at 3:09 pm

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