[gmreeves]

The two rods that I have built that are sub 5', have small vintage reels on them. One is a Meisselbach Featherlight 260 and the other is a Phlueger Progress 60. Both reels have a spool diameter of less than 2" so they don't hole much line but do they really need to? They basically just about balance out such a short light rod and that is all I was trying to do. You can find a lot of the Plueger Progress 60's on ebay for around $40 or $50.

[Flying Fisherman]

I watched one go last night for $42, check out this and tell me what you think....

Click here: Rip Tide Fly Reel Classic 2/3 WT. For Small Rods - eBay (item 400076190975 end time Dec-28-09 20:12:36 PST)

[gmreeves]

Never heard of it but it looks like a new reel fashioned after an old design. It says it is powdercoated so it will probably chip away after some abuse. It is also 2 1/2" in diameter and while that is small, it will still look a little big and not balance the short cane rod. That is one of the dilemmas about short rods. I basically have to palm the Meisselbach reel when fishign my 4'4" rod to make it balance out and not feel funny while casting. Well it still feels funny but it is better than holding it up where the grip is. These rods are really just novelty rods anyway so whatever gets the job done. I know some people that put the reels in their pockets and just carry a handful of line while working up the little blue lines.