Is there any rhyme or reason to fly rod reel seat sizes? I mean you have UL (or DL) 3's, 5's, 8's, etc. but the numbers don't don't seem to coincide with increases in seat sizes. It seems to me that the only thing to go on is the actual dimensions of the seat, i.e. length, diameter, etc. If all fly reel feet were a standard size it wouldn't be an issue and I believe most newly manufactured fly reels are standarized but if you're working with older reels, sizing becomes an issue.

I'm building a small 6'6" fly rod that I'm pairing up with a small Hardy reel. The seat I chose for the rod about swallows up that little reel. The seat has a wood insert which I'm going to cut down to make the overall length of the seat more in line with the size of the reel but I was just wondering if I"m missing something when it comes to selecting reel seat sizes.

No, there is no rhyme nor reason to the fly rod nomenclature of many seat manufacturers. Those numbers are simply company model numbers and may have nothing at all to do with the sizing - you have to check their catalogs for that information.

Some years ago at the annual Fly Tackle Dealer Show, a move was made to have fly reel manufacturers standardize reel foot sizing. Some adopted it, others did not. Until everyone conforms, your best bet is to check the fit of the intended reel to the seat before installing the seat on the blank. A real pain, I know, but that's the way it is.

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Good Morning George,
I have an old Hardy Flyweight reel and I have found that the A7 reel seat available from Batson, Pac Bay, and American Tackle works fine with that reel. If you want to go more upscale you can compare the dimensions of the A7 reel seats with reel seats from Struble, Bellinger, REC, and others. Batson and Pac Bay also sell Nickel Silver reel seats that will fit your needs as well. Good luck.

Mike Blomme

I have used several of the Stuble small diameter reel seats lately for 2,3,4 wt fly rods. They work great because they are desiged for that much smaller rod. They can be pricey but are really high quality.

Matt White

Thanks for the responses.....I appreciate the help.

i think this is one of those situations when a supplier for components which offers that extra knowledge and service for your needs beats out the high volume sources (none of which are listed as vendors to the left).

eric
fresno, ca.