Fly Fishing Reel Reviews
So you have selected a rod and now it is time to find the right reel to accompany the rod. First of all, a fly fishing reel is not just storage space for the fly line. Sure your rod will help you fight the fish you have hooked, but the reel will help keep you from losing the fish.
Selecting A Fly Reel
A high quality reel may last a lifetime costing a minimum of two hundred dollars. Whereas a quality fly fishing reel will last a long time and will cost over a hundred dollars. The cheapest fly reel will cost less than fifty dollars and it will work if you are only fishing for small trout.
You will want to choose a reel that is resistant to corrosion. Therefore a quality reel will be more resistant than a cheap one. Since the cheap one is likely to have only a coat of varnish on it that will quickly wear off.
Another feature to consider will be the procedure of adding an extra spool. You want the procedure to be as simple as possible.
So now is when you will really have to do some reading up on fly fishing reels to enable you to pick the right fly reel for your needs.
Retrieval Systems
The retrieval system of the fly fishing reel is not extremely important. Since it is how the reel retrieves the line and how fast it retrieves it.
Single Action Fly Reel
The single action fly reel is the first type; it is the most popular of all the retrieval systems as well as the most durable. With this reel you turn the handle one full rotation which will turn the spool one full rotation as well.
Multiplying Fly Reel
The multiplying fly reel is the second type of retrieval system. Most noteworthy, this system combines a group of gears so one turn of the fly reel turns the spool itself more than on turn. Therefore the line will be reeled in much quicker. However because there are more moving parts involved with the use of this reel, it runs a greater risk of breaking.
Automatic Fly Reel
The automatic fly reel is the third retrieval system. Some die-hard anglers do not like automation of the reel. Consequently they feel as if some of the challenge has been taken away. The automatic reel helps in controlling the line. With this system the line is reeled in with a push of a button. The automatic fly reel is heavy and not as durable as the single action because of the motorized system inside the reel. Also they don’t hold as much backing as other reels and does not allow you to set a changing degree of drag.
How Does A Fly Reel Drag Work
Drag refers to the resistance applied to the fly reel spool. This helps you maintain control of the fish by not allowing it to strip the line away too quickly. You want to maintain enough slack in the line to allow the fish a short distance, but if you give him too much line, you will lose control by allowing the fish to go anywhere. On the other hand if you have the drag set too tight, you run the risk of the fish snapping the line or the tippet.
There are two different types of drag systems
Spring-and-Pawl Drag System
The spring-and-pawl fly reel is the traditional drag system, but it is not perfect for all fishing situations. Therefore if you are using light tippets, the spring-and-pawl fly reel is the best for the situation. Because there is no jerk or uneven tension. If you are using a quality spring-and-pawl fly reel, the line is pulled very smoothly.
If you have a large fish on your line and the fish starts pulling out fly line at a rapid speed, the tension will normally increase and decrease suddenly. So if you are using a light tippet, the sudden increase in the tension will part the tippet and your fish will be gone. Although a spring-and-pawl fly reel was designed for very large fish, they don’t work as well on the large fish as the newer disc-drag system fly reel.
Disc Drag System
The newer disc-drag system fly reel is the second type of drag system. The materials used in this type of fly reel cause them to perform as a brake on a car. Hence the drag adjustment on the fly reel adjusts the pad inside the fly reel to move up or down, which applies more or less pressure to the fly line. Seems like the only problem with the disc-drag fly reel is the unevenness of the tension when compared to the spring-and-pawl fly reel.
How Important Are Fly Reels
Although the fly reel is not as important as the fly rod, it is important in playing and landing the fish you have on your hook at the end of your line. Prices of reels can range from less than twenty dollars to thousands of dollars. They can be made from aluminum or titanium and probably several other types of material in between.
The more expensive reels are made with the more expensive material. Also the fly reels that are saltwater proof have a hefty price tag. However just because the fly reel is expensive doesn’t mean it is saltwater proof. So if you have plans to use your reel in saltwater, you must have a reel that has protection built into the reel.
Reels that are not protected by a protective coating will seize up because of corrosion. Therefore fisherman who fish regularly in saltwater rinse their salt water fly fishing reels in clean freshwater after every use, even if the reel has been coated with a protective sealant. When salt water dries, it dries into crystals which adhere to untreated metals.
Choosing A Fly Fishing Reel Video
Fly Fishing Reels on Amazon