A Perfect Combination

There are some things that just go together so perfectly. Usually, it's because they were designed and made for each other. To be clear, I'm thinking about how good a Winston Perfect Reel matches a Winston Traditional Fly Rod...specifically, IM6 or WT rod models with down locking reel seats. The pairing just works in view of performance, weight, and aesthetics, which is exactly what the folks at Winston intended when they designed them. According to my old Winston Catalogs, the Perfect Reel was launched in 1999, in celebration of Winston's 70th anniversary...and then, Winston Perfect reels continued to be offered through 2003, into the WT rod series era. Winston was manufacturing their own blanks during this time, and offered consumers a range of build options. It was a fabulous time in Winston's history.

The Light Trout rods in the IM6 series balance quite well with their respective Winston Perfect reel model. There were three sizes with these Winston reels, and each of them are about an ounce lighter than their Hardy Perfect counterparts. Yeah, Winston designed some changes when they contracted with Hardy to make their line of Perfect Reels in 2 7/8", 3 1/8", and 3 3/8" models. The Winston Perfects were a bit wider than Hardy's, lighter, and could be set up to wind in a fly line with either hand.

I'm looking forward to 2026, and I'm making plans to optimize a few select rod and reel kits for some designated streams I'll be fishing this next year. I'm also going to mix it up with my regular fishing rotation, and add some new streams to keep the sport fresh. That's right, there will be some new adventures with my fly fishing in the coming year.

At the moment, I like to lock in a Winston Perfect 2 7/8" reel into three different fly rods: Winston IM6 6'6" 2wt; WT 7' 3wt; and an IM6 7'6" 3wt fly rod. These three rods seem, for me, to be what Winston had in mind for the smallest Winston Perfect Reel, and it is so smooth for a dry fly angler fishing mountain creek environments. Yeah, having an extra spool allows me to use it with both 2wt and 3wt fly rods.

The Winston Perfect 3 1/8" reel has only been fished with my Winston WT TMF fly rod...to date. However, next year, it will get locked into an IM6 8' 4wt rod as well. I have two extra spools with this reel, so the options are many in view of classic rod models it can be paired with...yeah, I'll definitely spool up one of the extra spools with a WF5F fly line. The green Perfect 3 1/8" seems to be made for my WT 8'6" 5wt fly rod as will as the WT TMF rod. Legendary combinations, indeed...and period correct too.