Moonshine Creede Reel Review
Today we’re looking at a new offering from Moonshine Rod Company – the Creede Reel. The relatively new rod company has primarily focused on fly fishing rods since their inception, but have now branched out into the world of high end reels. For the purpose of this Moonshine Creede reel review we tested out the 3|4 weight model.
The Moonshine Creede Background
While this is the first reel offering from Moonshine, it’s undeniably a design that is bound to stick around. Newer companies sometimes flounder about before they find their footing. But it’s hard to think of this as anything other than a tried and true, and yet seasoned reel.
The Moonshine Creede reel gets it’s name from Creede, CO, an old mining town where the ghosts of the old west still seem to float around. Likewise, its design gives a rough and gritty feel that implies what sort of grizzled workhorse it is.
The gloss finish with the copper colored G10 reel handle are punctuated by the Moonshine lighting logo. The reel comes in either raven-gunmetal or raven-copper finishes.
Creede Specs:
Line Weight: Three models:
- 3 | 4 weight
- 5 | 6 weight
- 7 | 8 weight
Model Reviewed: 3|4 weight
Arbor Size: 3.35″, 3.74″, and 4.17″
Weight: 5.15 oz, 5.65 oz, and 6.35 oz
Color(s): White on Black, Blue on Black
Drag System: Sealed carbon fiber disk drag
Moonshine Creede Reel Review – Features
1. Burnished wood reel handle
2. Sealed carbon fiber drag system
3. Machine from solid aluminum for strong yet lightweight design
4. Large arbor design, especially for the heavier weight models
5. Smooth draw, free of jerkiness and sputter
Moonshine Creede Reel Models
Moonshine Rod Co. The Creede Fly Fishing Reel, 3 | 4 weight
Moonshine Rod Co. The Creede Fly Fishing Reel, 5 | 6 weight
Moonshine Rod Co. The Creede Fly Fishing Reel, 7 | 8 weight
Moonshine Creede Reel Review – Our take
Design
The first thing we noticed in making our Moonshine Creede reel review is how good it looks. It follows the same design motif that Moonshine has become famous for. The burnished copper, black, and white that is reminiscent of mining towns and the history of a part of the world that has been forgotten.
Specs
So yes, it looks great. But that’s only part of the equation. Let’s dive into the specs to see what makes it tick.
The Creede Reel is machined from solid aluminum which allows for a strong, sturdy, and yet lightweight design. The reel we used came in at 5.15 ounces which is fairly light. However to be fair, there are other reels in the same price range that are able to get the weight down to an even 5 ounces for a 3|4 weight reel.
The arbor size measures 3.35” and according to their website should be able to handle 140 yards of line and backing. The arbor size is another spec that can be beaten by other reels on the market. So on the smaller weight reels the size and weight specs come in smaller and heavier than competitors, however when looking at the specs for the larger weight reels the story changes.
When comparing the specs for 5|6 weight reels and 7|8 reels, the Creede has the advantage with lower weight and larger arbor. It appears that the solid aluminum backside of the reel may account for the additional weight. There is a crescent moon shape cut out of the back which is a nice touch. But it makes me wonder if they could have shaved the weight down by increasing the size of the cutout of the design or even doing away with the solid back altogether.
Specs for All Models
- 3|4 5.15oz 3.35” diameter 140yd capacity
- 5|6 5.65oz 3.74” diameter 150yd capacity
- 7|8 6.35oz 4.17” diameter 185yd capacity
Drag System
The reel also includes a fully sealed, carbon fiber disc drag. This is a great addition that means the reel will work in both freshwater and saltwater. The reel action is very smooth with an even draw that doesn’t jerk and sputter when the line is peeling off. And the drag adjustment knob has a great feel with minute adjustments that can be made without cranking down too hard – which can be crucial when adjusting drag with one hand while a big fish is on the line.
Value
Currently this reel is priced at $299. This seems to be in line with Moonshine’s overall strategy of providing quality products that don’t completely break the bank. Sure, there are plenty of reels out there that are cheaper, but they often don’t include fully sealed drag systems, are made of inferior plastic, and their weight and arbor size specifications fall short.
Overall
The Creede reel is definitely a great option. We really like the price point for something with as many features and functionality that it provides. We feel that the choice of whether or not to buy this reel depends on what size you’re in the market for. We’ve shown how the weight and arbor size specs for the 3|4 model can be outdone by other reels, but if you’re in the market for weights 5 through 8, then the specs actually beat most other reels in the market.
Moonshine Creede Reel Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
√Large arbor for larger models
√Ready for fresh and saltwater
√Smooth draw
√Sturdy yet lightweight design for larger models
! 3| 4 weight model is heavier than competitors
! 3 | 4 weight model arbor size is smaller than competitors
Moonshine Creede Reel Review – Ranking
Looks
Composition
Performance
Value
Matte black with burnished copper accents and crescent moon cutout
Study, lightweight design with a large arbor and sealed carbon fiber disk drag
Smooth reel action that doesn’t jerk or sputter
A great feature set for the mid tier price
8.5 / 10
8 / 10
7.5 / 10
8 / 10
Overall Ranking
8 / 10
Moonshine Creede Deals
Amazon Product Listing
Moonshine Product Listing
Accessories: Rod and Fly Line
Moonshine Vesper Fly Rod
Rio Premier Gold Fly Line
Moonshine Creede Reel Starter Pack
If you’ve decided to pick up the Moonshine Creede reel, or found another fly reel that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to get read yot hit the water. Check out some of our suggestions below:
- Rod – You’ll need a fly rod that complements the reel. For this we suggest the Moonshine Rod Co. Epiphany II Euro nymphing rod
- Fly Line – For fly line we suggest Rio Products Mainstream Trout Freshwater Fly Line
- Waders and Boots – If you plan on wading into a stream, we suggest Simms Freestone Waders and Korkers Wading Boots.
- Wading Pack – We also recommend a good wading pack like the Simms Freestone Chest Pack to carry your flies, hemostats, tippet, and other accessories
- Flies – Fill your fly box with the newest and most popular flies from Orvis.
Moonshine Creede Reel Accessories
Rio Fly Fishing Tippet Head gate with 2X~6X-PowerfleX-Tippet Fishing Tackle, Clear
Fly Fishing Box Two-Sided Waterproof Lightweight Fly Box Easy Grip Transparent Lid Fly Fishing Lures Box Multiple Sizes
Fly Fishing Tools Kit and Accessories Combo Kits, Fishing Quick Nail Knot Tying Tool, Hook Remover Forceps and Pliers, Stainless Steel Salmon and Trout Multiple Fishing Set Gear Tool Assortment
