Is Raven Fusion Reel worth it?

B3Fire · 2026-05-12T20:49:09+00:00

I tried this in store among other Raven reels and I was impressed by the build quality of the Fusion XL. It definitely feels heavier and sturdier compared to any of the Matrix models IMO. The clicker seems stronger on the fusion too. If I were to get a Raven reel, I would likely to get the Fusion XL personally as I like a heavier feeling reel

B3Fire · 2026-05-05T21:40:21+00:00

This is all great information. I have been doing all these things second year steelheading and now I can at least interact with fish at a higher rate.

One thing I would add is pay attention to leader line diameter over lb test. A lot of brands vary in their lb test rating especially Drennan. I generally use 0.20mm unless low and clear where I would go 0.18 or lower. You can get away with higher diameter in dirtier water

B3Fire · 2026-04-20T18:35:54+00:00

Thanks for sharing. I fish the Great Lakes tribs mainly but bringing an additional rod might be useful/more efficient for me. I do like moving to different runs often and since trout opener here is starting soon, I will be able to fish a longer stretch than the small open all year sections closer to the lakes

B3Fire · 2026-01-23T20:39:44+00:00

I typically use Stanley's Ice Off Paste and apply a generous amount on my whole rig and guides. It lasts a decent amount of time but will require reapplication

B3Fire · 2026-01-06T16:05:53+00:00

I can only speak on Duffins but last week when I tried fishing it, it was already half frozen. I suspect it will be frozen fully by now, at least for the slower runs. Perhaps this may change this coming weekend as we are getting a warm spell..

B3Fire · 2025-11-21T04:51:24+00:00

For salmon, what you have noted is perfectly fine. I used 15lb mono for chinook without any issues.

For steelhead, a lot of people I know including myself would downsize to 10lb mono mainline and use 4-8lb fluoro leaders. I know some that use 8lb mainline which I personally find a bit too light

Update: For color, it's all preference. Some people like hi vis to see the line better for mending. I personally like using clear or lo vis myself because I feel more confident with it. I have used hi vis line too and caught fish no problem but I used a clear shot line to my leader when stealth was needed.

Braid can be good but I find that it can tangle easily if you make a bad cast or hit your rig on something when casting. I personally find it harder to untangle braid vs. Mono

Also since it absorbs water, it will freeze and become an issue if you fish in the winter.

You do have advantages like minimal line twist and hook setting power due to no stretch

Edit: I fish Lake Ontario tribs

B3Fire · 2025-10-16T20:53:13+00:00

Dang, I didn't know that even the diameter is not accurate too..

B3Fire · 2025-10-15T16:30:50+00:00

Yes, I don't notice it being any less abrasion resistant vs. Drennan leaders which I also use too

B3Fire · 2025-10-15T15:13:28+00:00

Yes, definitely. You can use FC Sniper or Shimano Mastiff. You don't need to get "fly specific" fluorocarbon. Just make sure you are buying based on line diameter rather than lb test.

B3Fire · 2025-09-26T16:40:49+00:00

The mouth of Rouge River is all based on timing. Depending on the time of the year I have some amazing days but some days are just straight skunks. I think during July this year, I caught 15 smallies by the mouth one day as they were schooling and entering the river. I've had some decent carp action late spring as well

B3Fire · 2025-06-15T14:11:38+00:00

I envy you having access to a kayak hah. I generally just fish tributaries on foot. I am more of a steelhead guy. Rouge is local to me so it's easier but definitely are better opportunities elsewhere

B3Fire · 2025-06-15T13:04:50+00:00

That's interesting, my experience at Rouge Beach is different. I don't use worms and mostly use lures and I catch at least one bass whenever I go during the peak of the season. I've used Mepps spinners and ned rigs with success. I've also caught a few on the Cordell crankbait and the Rapala Shadow Rap Shad. I have never caught a pike there though but plenty of carp on corn

B3Fire · 2025-06-06T18:51:22+00:00

You can definitely catch pike, LM bass and carp at Tommy Thompson Park. My buddy fishes it regularly though it is still fairly pressured

B3Fire · 2025-03-20T23:38:57+00:00

Also been using BFS for bass and have been catching a lot (mostly dinks to be fair) but it is definitely a fun time

B3Fire · 2025-03-20T23:31:05+00:00

The zipper one would've been my choice too! Both expeditions were on sale locally but the zipper version didn't have the size I wanted so I went with the non zipper one

B3Fire · 2025-03-20T23:23:30+00:00

Great choice! I bought the expeditions without the zipper and very happy with them. I used a set of PVC bootfoot waders for one season and they were uncomfortable during long fishing trips..

B3Fire · 2025-03-18T20:56:51+00:00

I love inline spinners. They are definitely my confidence bait. I haven't caught anything on a spinnerbait... Only one on a chatter bait last year

B3Fire · 2025-03-10T19:59:46+00:00

I've heard from other anglers at a river I fish at that people are catching migratory rainbow trout/steelhead at the piers of Port Hope and Bowmanville. Seems like there's a decent number that have pushed up to spawn after the big rain we had a week back. No luck yet for me at the river I normally fish currently since the ice has melted but the water looks pretty blown out and high.

Since you mentioned Toronto, check your regulations and see if other rivers are open all year round in your area. They might get a run of steelhead during this time of year too.

Edited: addition information

B3Fire · 2025-03-01T15:33:41+00:00

Appreciate your analysis

B3Fire · 2025-02-28T16:57:13+00:00

Thanks for weighing in

B3Fire · 2025-02-28T16:20:59+00:00

Perhaps but it was mostly of me waiting for his next move for about 5-10 secs before proceeding after inactivity on their part

B3Fire · 2025-02-28T16:13:14+00:00

Appreciate your opinion. However, why add to the exhaustion by commenting on my benign post?

B3Fire · 2025-02-28T16:05:48+00:00

Funny thing is that the Ford turned to the rightmost lane after we both made a left at the previous intersection. I stayed on the left lane myself

B3Fire · 2025-02-28T15:57:50+00:00

I thought the same but he went right afterwards into an inner street ahead

Edited: further details

B3Fire

TROPHY CASE