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In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at one of Moonshine Fly Rod Company’s brand new fly reels, the 7 to 8 weight Creede. I delve into the design and construction behind it and look at who should consider buying this reel.
Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel
If you like what you see in this Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel review, you can order the reel on Moonshine Rod Co.
Ultimately, in my opinion, there’s no such thing as a perfect reel, so understanding what makes this reel tick is of utmost importance before you go out and buy one yourself.
Why Trust My Moonshine Creede 7/8 Review?
Right up front, I want to mention that the guys over at Moonshine sent me this new 7 to 8 weight Creede reel specifically for this review. But, as always, they do not do so with any conditions on what I should or shouldn’t say.
As far as a reel review goes, I tend to be much more finicky about the details and always take it apart completely. Yes, I know I might void the warranty, but for the purpose of this review, understanding the construction and design behind the reel is super important.
Over the course of the past six weeks, I’ve stripped the reel down twice, switched the reel’s direction, and used it on carp and bass. I chose not to use it in salt water; the reason for this I’ll make clear later in the article.
Where Does the Creede 7/8 Shine?
Before I delve into the complete list of specs that make up the Creede, let’s take a quick look at what makes it a great reel.
Reel Case
When you take the Creede out of the box, you’ll find it comfortably stowed in a neat neoprene case. Now, I’ve seen some excellent cases from seriously expensive reels and can tell you this is right up there.
It’s perfectly sized for the reel, so you won’t struggle to get it in or out. One other cool feature of the case is the three breathing holes at the bottom that help moisture to evaporate if your reel is stored wet.
Looks
As I pulled the reel from its case, the first thing that was apparent was its looks. The most noticeable part is the solid backplate of the cage, with a porting slot cut into the shape of a crescent moon.
There are two accent color options, Raven Copper or Gunmetal. These colors pull through the entire reel and are featured on the drag knob, the inside of the spool, and the drag sealing ring.
The extensive porting on the spool looks cool, sheds weight, and allows the backing and fly line to dry faster.
Large Arbor
From a functionality point of view, the spool has an outer diameter of 4.17”. This large arbor reduces line memory when your reel is stored for extended periods of time. The most important advantage of such a large spool is it increases the line pickup rate, allowing you to retain tension while a fish is swimming towards you.
Where Does the Creede Fall Short?
The Creede performed flawlessly throughout all the days on the water. It handled fish well, balanced my eight-weight rod perfectly, and the drag applications were perfectly smooth. So, as a reel, it performs 100% to standard.
Order the Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel
If you like what you see in this Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel review, you can order the reel on Moonshine Rod Co.
I wouldn’t, however, recommend the Creede to anyone looking for a good crossover reel that can be used in the saltwater environment. Moonshine also states that this is a freshwater specific reel, but I know some of you might be looking for an affordable 8 weight reel that can do both fresh and salt.
In that case, I suggest you look at other options. The seal on the drag is not sufficient to prevent water ingress, and the drag will seize up if used in saltwater scenarios.
I’m not saying this to take anything away from how good the Creede performs, but I just thought you need to know this if you’re in that market.
Moonshine Creede 7/8 Features and Specs
So, with that out of the way, let’s look at the Creede 7/8’s specifications.
General
The reel weighs in at 6.35 ounces, which is slightly on the heavy side compared to other options on the market. That being said, I think that the extra weight and sturdiness of the cage will ensure that the reel lasts a long time. Also, lighter isn’t always better, and the Creede balances moderately priced 8 weight rods just fine.
The 4.17 inch spool diameter gives you a pretty decent backing capacity of 185 yards, which is more than ample for most freshwater fishing scenarios. If you can’t stop a fish with that amount of backing, you’ll never stop it.
The Creede 7/8 is specifically designed for 7 and 8 weight setups, and all standard 7 and 8 weight lines fit on the spool with ease.
Cage
I spoke about the reel’s solid cage earlier, but I just want to go through it again. This cage is not machined or die-cast, but rather forged, which results in a much tougher and more durable material.
Spool
If the cage is heavy, the spool is the complete opposite. With the ample porting and lightweight design, it helps to bring down the overall weight of the reel.
The spool is attached to the cage with a screw cap that has the Moonshine Rods Company laser engraved onto it. This connection method works flawlessly, and the tolerance between the cage and the spool is perfect.
Grip
Another great feature of the Creede is the G10 handle. Basically, G10 is a moulded fiberglass composite material. It has a coarse texture, ensuring a solid grip, and no lubricant is required for long-term smooth operation.
Warranty
The Creede comes with a one-year full-service guarantee where Moonshine will repair or replace the reel if it malfunctions due to any manufacturing or material defects. After this initial period, Moonshine will service and assess the reel for $65, which doesn’t cover the cost of any damages.
My Personal Thoughts on the Creede 7/8
So, after spending six weeks on the water with the Moonshine Creede 7/8, what are my personal thoughts?
Pros:
- The reel is well built, and it sure looks the part. You’ll definitely own a unique looking piece of kit when you buy the Creede.
- The smooth drag won’t cause any issues or lockups when you’re fighting that big trout of a lifetime.
- The ultra-large arbor reduces line memory and improves line pickup rate.
Cons:
- It would be great if the reel’s sealing system was slightly better, which would have made it a very good crossover option between fresh and salt water.
Who Should Buy the Moonshine Creede 7/8?
The Moonshine Creede 7/8 is ideal for a beginner or intermediate freshwater fly angler who’s looking for something slightly different.
Order the Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel
If you like what you see in this Moonshine Rod Co. 7/8 Creede Reel review, you can order the reel on Moonshine Rod Co.
Yes, the reel operates flawlessly, as you’d expect from a reel you’re paying more than $250 for, but it’s the looks that set it apart from the rest of the field.
Conclusion
The Creede is Moonshine’s first step into broadening their product lineup into the reel world. (See what I did there?) I feel it offers exceptional value and some clever design features.
Combine these features with Moonshine’s exceptional after-sales service, and I have no problem with recommending the Creede to any freshwater fly angler.
I hope you found this review helpful, and if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please leave them at the bottom of the page. I always strive to improve these reviews, which ultimately are dedicated to you, so your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
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