Getting ready for a tackle sale this Friday & Saturday.
Decided to keep back this Garcia Conolon 8201-A green 5 1/2' UL rod for my personal use. The action is superb, the condition appears new, the history of these rods is impressive.
Sometimes, you just have to keep one for yourself.
Pulled out about 65 rods, of which about 21 are Fenwicks. And around 180 reels. Then some other tackle junk also.
But, which of these (12) UL/Microlite reels do you think would be a great match for this Conolon UL green rod?
Any would be excellent —- but curious 👀 about our members opinions...
Thanks for your input!
Daiwa 1000C Silver
Daiwa GS-1 Gold
Penn 716 Green
DAM Quick 265 Microlite Black
Shimano Spirex 500 Silver
DAM Quick 1000 Black & Silver
DAM Quick 110 Black
Daiwa Mini-Mite Gold
DAM Quick 1001 Black
Mitchell 408 Dark Blue
Daiwa 500C Silver
Penn 714 Green
Best, Fred
Since it's a light action, not UL, I probably opt for a UL stepup like maybe the 714, 265 or 110. Personally, though, I prefer the feel and balance of the 265 over the 110 & 110N.
It's a toss up between the Greenie you have mounted and the Daiwa Silver next to it. Having said this, I would rank the Greenie over the Daiwa because of the reliability, smoothness and longevity.
Nothing against the Daiwa, just really like the Greenies and it looks good on that rod.
I personally set up a stick with a reel that has balance , and a spool diameter that will flow with the guides . That also takes in mono or braid line for maximum cast distance .
Personally I'd strip it and flip it to a baitcaster. But I already know I have a serious problem. >:D
I like the combo as is with the Greenie, but the 408 and the rod both look to have Garcia markings on them.
Green rod, green reel.
Frank
I'd hang that gold Daiwa mini mite on it.
Same here, mainly 'cause I'm partial to the older Gold series.
Quote from: oldmanjoe on February 03, 2026, 08:22:08 PMI personally set up a stick with a reel that has balance , and a spool diameter that will flow with the guides . That also takes in mono or braid line for maximum cast distance .
x2 Notwithstanding, Daiwa Mini-Mite/GS1/Quick 1001 for performance, Penn for aesthetics, and Mitchell for the Conolon purists.. ^-^
408 brand wise.714 aesthetics.
Aesthetically I love the greenie on it. For fishing enjoyment while still looking stunning, it's the Mini-mite for me.
For looks I like the 408 (don't really like the white handle or drag knob on the Greenies) but for your use isn't it the DAM 1001? Skirted spool and worm drive sounds like a winner.
I had same rod with Mitchell 308 many years ago and It's better with 408
What a beautiful box of reels, Fred!
I only have used one of them, so my uneducated preference would be for one of the greenies to match the rod color.
Sent you a PM about the Daiwa Silver 1000c, which I'm wondering if you would consider selling.
Mark
My dad supplied Daiwa spinners for us to fish as kids. He was pretty protective of his Quick microlite. So any of those get my vote
Fred,
Curious minds would like to know. Which reel did you end up pairing with the Conolon rod and did anyone buy it?
Matt
Quote from: reelynew on February 11, 2026, 08:15:52 PMFred,
Curious minds would like to know. Which reel did you end up pairing with the Conolon rod and did anyone buy it?
Matt
For my own use, it will be the green Penn 714, Mitchell 408, or a DQ 1000/1001, Matt —-
Any of these would balance out and work well with the rod.
I didn't sell it because I was keeping it for myself. But it attracted (2) knowledgeable anglers who ended up buying something else after I told them it was not available.
Best, Fred
I would go with the 714 or 716 -- whichever balances best.
After awhile I would get bored and throw on the 408, for the sake of having a Garcia combo.
Then I would get bored and switch back to the Penn again.
Can't go wrong with any of those.
I'd save my Daiwas for '70s or '80s-era Fenwicks.
Quote from: cbar45ive on February 03, 2026, 11:38:59 PMDaiwa Mini-Mite/GS1/Quick 1001 for performance, Penn for aesthetics, and Mitchell for the Conolon purists.. ^-^
came here to say this, Conolon needs the Mitchell..
fished my 308 with a rod made from a Conolon fly-fishing 6wt blank for forty years, then broke the rod in a car trunk, late one night..
Mitchell, to go with the Conolon rod!