The Redington Behemoth 7/8 paired with the RIO InTouch Big Nasty WF7 is a solid setup for targeting larger freshwater and light saltwater species. Here’s a breakdown of the components and their suitability:
1. Redington Behemoth 7/8 Reel
– Size/Weight: Designed for 7-8 weight lines, making it ideal for medium to large freshwater species (bass, pike, carp) and light saltwater use (striped bass, bonefish, redfish).
– Drag System: Features a smooth, sealed disc drag with a strong stopping power (up to ~20 lbs of drag), crucial for fighting powerful fish.
– Construction: Durable machined aluminum with corrosion-resistant components (good for saltwater with proper rinsing).
– Capacity: Holds a 7/8 line + backing (150+ yards of 20lb Dacron, depending on arbor size).
– Price Point: Affordable (~$130-$170) for a high-performance reel in this class.
2. RIO InTouch Big Nasty WF7 Line
– Weight: WF7 (7-weight) matches the reel’s range.
– Design: A specialized “big fly” line with a short, aggressive front taper to turn over bulky flies (streamers, poppers, articulated patterns).
– Coating: RIO’s InTouch technology reduces friction for longer casts and smoother shooting.
– Sink Rate: Floating (F) version, but RIO offers sink-tip options if needed.
– Best For: Bass, pike, musky, and saltwater species where heavy flies are used.
Ideal Use Cases
– Freshwater: Largemouth/smallmouth bass, pike, musky, carp.
– Saltwater (light): Striped bass, bonefish (in calm conditions), redfish, snook.
– Not Ideal For: Heavy saltwater (tarpon, permit) or ultra-precise dry-fly fishing (the Big Nasty’s taper isn’t delicate).
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|———-|———-|
| Affordable, high-quality reel | Behemoth is heavy (~7 oz) compared to premium reels |
| Smooth, powerful drag | Big Nasty line is specialized (not versatile for all techniques) |
| Big Nasty excels at throwing large flies | Not the best for delicate presentations |
Alternatives to Consider
– Reel: Lamson Liquid (lighter) or Nautilus X-Series (higher-end saltwater).
– Line: RIO Predator (similar to Big Nasty but with more versatility) or Scientific Anglers Amplitude Bass Bug.
Final Verdict
This combo is a great budget-friendly setup for anglers targeting aggressive fish with big flies. If you’re mostly fishing for bass, pike, or inshore saltwater species, it’s a strong choice. For more technical saltwater or trout fishing, consider swapping the line for a more versatile option (e.g., RIO Gold or SA Infinity).
Would you like recommendations for rods to pair with this reel/line?