Fly fishing
is part science, part art. While it is demanding, you
can improve your chances by selecting a reel that suits the type of fish
you want to catch and your fishing style. This reel becomes part of a "balanced"
system when combined with your fly line, leader and fly.
Reels
can vary greatly in cost. Make sure to choose a reel that can accommodate
the type and amount of line you want to use and that pairs well with your
rod.
Construction
Aluminum/Graphite
Most fly reels
are made of aluminum, either cast or machined because of cost
The
main consideration with aluminum is its finish
If you plan to
fly fish in saltwater, buy a reel with an anodized finish
since it will withstand the corrosive effects of salt air and water
A
fly reel made of graphite is lighter
Link
capacity
Many
of today's fly reels come with large arbors, the
spool's center where the fly line backing is tied. These larger arbor reels
offer you several advantages:
Quicker
line retrieval
Better
line handling
Enhanced
drag-pressure control
The
larger arbor makes it easier to take in line, a big plus when a fish runs
and then comes back at you
In
fly fishing, you must keep constant pressure on the line so you'll be reeling
to take up slack. A larger arbor helps in this situation.
The
larger arbor reduces line coiling since the line pulls off with fewer corkscrews.
This helps to keep the line from tangling.
You
will get more consistent drag pressure from a larger arbor
Line
weight
First,
determine the type of fish that you want to catch. Smaller fish such as trout
require a lighter line weight; bigger fish such as pike need a heavier line
weight. In either case, the reel needs to match the line weight.
You
need to match your reel to your line weight and rod
A
five-weight reel matches up with a five-weight rod
Remember,
fly fishing requires a balanced system so match the reel and rod. If you
don't, you will hurt your casting accuracy and efficiency.
Types
of reels
There
are three types of fly reels to select: single-action,
multiplier or automatic.
Single-action
This is the simplest
and most common, a good choice if you a beginner
The
fly line is stored on a spool and the handle attaches directly to the spool rather
than a gear system found on most fishing reels. One crank of the handle provides
one revolution of the spool.
Multiplier
Unlike the single-action,
the multiplier reel attaches to a gear system that multiplies line retrieval
with each crank of the handle. The advantage is quicker line pick-up.
Automatic
This reel allows
you to simply flick a lever to retrieve line, a big plus when you have a
lot of line out in the water. Fly fishing purists may disdain the automatic
as taking away the challenge, but it does help in line control.
Drag
systems
This
is an essential feature of fly reels. Simply put, "drag" applies friction
to the spool. This helps when you cast and when you play a fish, especially
a larger fish. You can select from three types of drag systems:
Spring-and-pawl
This type of system
is also known as "click-and-pawl" or
"ratchet-and-pawl." It is the simplest and most affordable drag.
A
spring pushes the pawl into a gear on the reel spool
to create drag. Some models use a knob to increase or decrease drag tension,
while others feature a fixed drag tension.
While
this is the simplest drag system, the "spring-and -pawl" is best-suited for
lighter fishing, such as trout and panfish
This
system will work on larger fish if you want a challenge and are skilled at
working a reel by palming, a technique where you press the palm of your hand
against the spinning reel of the spoon as the fish takes line
Caliper
This option falls
between the "spring-and-pawl" and disc system both in the way it performs and
what it costs
Much
like brakes on a car, a caliper pad pushes against the braking surface on
the spool
This
friction then slows the way a reel spool spins
Even
though most of today's reels come with an exposed palming
rim, if you plan to palm make sure the reel you buy has this feature
Disc
Generally found
on more expensive reels, a disc drag pushes a large-diameter pad against
the reel spool's braking surface
Just
as with disc brakes on a car, pressure is applied directly, which increases
control and the overall efficiency of the drag system.
Cork
or synthetic materials such as Teflon are used in disc drag systems
Although
more expensive, many believe cork provides a smoother, more consistent pressure
and can be adjusted more precisely
You
can also further increase control by selecting a reel that incorporates an
exposed palming rim, usually a built-in feature on reels with a disc drag
Disc
drag systems are ideal for fighting big, powerful fish since you get extra
control and more consistent drag pressure
Size
Larger spools
offer quicker line retrieval, better line handling and enhanced drag pressure
control
If
you're palming, make sure the reel also fits your hand as comfortably as possible
as well
Fly
fishing is as much art as it is sport so your equipment becomes extremely
important. Line, leader, tippet, fly, reel and rod work together as a balanced
system.
If
you are a beginner, you should consider buying a pre-packaged combo. This
assures you of getting that balanced system necessary to increase your chances
of landing fish and your enjoyment of the sport.
Get
lots of practice and refine your skills by adding more equipment as you begin
to master the art of fly fishing.
If
you want an all-purpose combo, look for 5- or 6-weight rod and reel, with
an 8- 9-foot rod, and a rod with a medium to medium-fast action. This combo
will tackle nearly all of the fly fishing situations you may encounter.
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How
To Select and Buy Fly Fishing Reels
