Fly Fishing Reels

Choosing the correct fly reel is a very important factor
to gain the maximum joy from your fishing trips.

This choice can be very difficult, and several things have to be taken into consideration,
but below is a basic guide to help you make the right choice.

The smoother the drag the more uniformly the tension is distributed
to the leader, preventing it from breaking with a hard running fish.
This is therefore a very important factor that should be considered.

Fly reels come with two basic types of adjustable tension drag systems.

First the ratchet and pawl also known as click drag because of the
clicking sound it makes when the spool is revolved.
This simple and reliable design makes it a good choice,
when smaller fish is the target.

The second type of drag system is the disc drag, which generally uses
cork or synthetic pads to exert pressure directly on the spool.

Smoother than click drags and usually silent when engaged,
disc drag systems can make large and powerful fish easier to handle.

Therefore the first question should be “What kind of fish are you after?”

Secondly you should decide if you are likely to use the reel in saltwater.

Saltwater fly-fishing demands a reel expressly designed for the purpose.
These reels are generally heavier, sturdier and have greater line capacity
than their freshwater counterparts.

In addition, the frames and internal parts of these reels
are often constructed of materials such as anodised aluminium
to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater and air.

Another important consideration is whether the reel is set up
for a right or left-handed angler.

Years ago many reels had to be set up one way or the other by the manufacturer.
Today, however, most reels can be switched from left to right retrieve with ease.

The reel’s line capacity is also very important.

A typical description of a reels capacity will look like this: WF8+125YDS 20LB.

This means that the reel will hold a weight forward,
8 weight floating line with 125 yds of 20lb backing.

Last, but not least, large arbor reels is generally to prefer
due to their high-speed retrieve, low start up inertia and reduced line memory.