LLBean Travel Series Fly Rod and Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reel Review

I test out a number of LL Bean products on a recent Sockeye Salmon fishing trip to our family cabin in Alaska. I've broken the reviews into three parts, the Travel Rod/Mid Arbor Fly Reel, Helix Wader/RiverKeeper Wading Boot and the Gore Tex Pro Shell Wading Jacket/West Branch Fishing Vest. I encourage you to read all these reviews because LL Bean makes fantastic fishing equipment for a very reasonable price... and they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all their products.

LL Bean Travel Series Fly Rod 9 Weight, 8 Piece in Action

The ripple in the water above is a pod of Sockeyes!!

The LL Bean Travel Series Fly Rods are eight pieces and are available in weights 4 to 9. I selected a 9 weight rod to fish for 8 to 12 pound Sockeye Salmon. As you can see above, the rod is getting a good work out. The Travel Rod is very simple to put together, you just need to line up the alignment dots and you're ready to go. It's a good idea to check the rod attachments often, so you're rod doesn't fall apart while you trying to land a fish. I was very impressed with how this rod cast Usually rods that have a lot of pieces feel a bit flimsy. Not the LL Bean Travel Rod, it casts very smooth, even into the wind with heavily weighed flies.

Sockeye Salmon fly fishing is a little different that fishing for Trout or even Silver Salmon. The Sockeyes are not feeding as they migrate up river. They do not strike the fly, you basically pull the fly through the water and hook them in the mouth (and sometimes in the fin or tail). It's a very delicate technique and requires the proper presentation of the fly. If you do foul hook the Salmon watch out. They're into your backing in seconds and the fight is on. Most of the time, you fight these fish for 10 to 15 minutes before you land them (IF you land them).

The real test of the rod was when I pulled the Sockeyes onto the shore. I keep the line tight and walk backward. This helps keep the line from snapping, yet it puts a lot of stress on the rod. I had no problems with the rod using this technique. In fact, I had no problems with the rod after a solid week of fishing.

LL Bean Travel Series Fly Rod in Case

The LL Bean Travel Rod Case is the small brown tube on the side of my backpack. Notice how much easier it is to travel with this rod versus other 3 piece rods shown in the picture. The inside of the case has 8 separate pockets to hold the rod. That makes it easy to put the rod away in order, so you can quickly put it back together.

Short Break for a Picture

I decided to give the rod and reel a break, and pose for a quick photo.

LL Bean Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reel #4

The Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reel #4 worked out great when paired with the 9 weight Travel Rod. LL Bean makes 4 spool sizes of the Double L Mid Arbor Reel depend on the line weight you're using. The #4 Reel is used for a 9-10 weight line. I lined the reel with a weight forward, sinking, 9 weight line; then backing, then a string spacer because the reel holds so much line. This reel has almost a 4 inch diameter to help keep the line from bunching up... and it does work very well. My line never got tangled on the reel.

I was also impress by the drag. I have another more expensive reel and I can not set my drag as tight as the Mid Arbor Reel. It's also very easy to adjust the drag, which is a very important feature when you're fighting ten pound Sockeyes. The reel also held up much better than other more expensive reels. For as many fish as I caught, I still had no skipping on the drag mechanism.

The Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reel #4 only weights 7.3 ounces. This makes it great for traveling, carrying in your vest, and when you're casting all day long. This reel is a tremendous value at $129.

LL Bean Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reels

As I mentioned the LL Bean Double L Mid - Arbor Fly Reel comes in 4 spool sizes. You can also by additional spool for different line weights and types. Follow the these links for more information: LL Bean Travel Series Fly Rods and Double L Mid Arbor Fly Reel #4.

Fishing until Moonrise (1 am)