The Grande is Redington's big-game reel — a fully sealed Super-Torque carbon fiber drag in a CNC-machined T-6061 aluminum frame. This is the 7/8/9: bonefish, redfish and salmon — the all-around saltwater size, and the one most people buy first.
Construction
| Frame and spool | CNC-machined, anodized T-6061 aluminum |
|---|---|
| Drag | Fully sealed Super-Torque carbon fiber — smooth and powerful, and sealed against salt, sand, and grit |
| Arbor | V-spool with a backing canal — reduces line stacking and adds backing capacity |
| Palming rim | Oversized, for extra drag by hand and spool rigidity |
| Reel foot | Positioned for true center of gravity to stop rod twist; rounded finish protects line and leader in storage |
| Handle | Enlarged soft-touch anti-snag Delrin |
| Included | Nylon reel case |
Offered in Black, Champagne, and Marine.
All sizes in the Grande range
| Size | Best for |
|---|---|
| 5/6/7 | Big trout, steelhead, light salt |
| 7/8/9 (this page) | Bonefish, redfish, salmon — the all-around salt size |
| 9/10/11 | Permit, tarpon, big stripers |
| 11/12/13 | Migratory tarpon, tuna |
| 14+ | Blue water, GT |
Why the sealed drag matters. Salt and sand are what kill fly reels, and they do it gradually — the drag does not fail dramatically, it just gets grabby until one day it stutters on a good fish. A fully sealed drag keeps both out entirely. On a reel you are taking on a trip you saved up for, that is the specification worth paying for.
The oversized palming rim is the other detail worth knowing. On big fish you often want more stopping power than the drag knob is set for, right now, without reaching down to adjust. A wide exposed rim lets you add it with your palm.
Where it sits in the Redington line: the Behemoth is the die-cast value option with the most powerful drag in its class; the Grande is fully machined with a sealed drag; the Ace is machined for freshwater. All stocked here — the Grande is the one to take to salt.
Warranty: Redington original-owner lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Rinse it. Fresh water after every salt day. Sealed drag or not, the hardware still lives outside.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.