How to Choose a Fly Fishing Reel

Your fly fishing reel can be as important as your fly fishing rod. At one time, many people thought of the fly fishing reel as just storage for your line, but it has evolved into so much more. The reel can make a big difference in being able to drag in your fish or failing to do so.

Most fly fishing reels are either made from aluminum, graphite or steel. Aluminum is the best balance between weight and strength. They can be made from cast aluminum (cheaper) or machined from solid bar stock (best)

Since a fly reel is not used for casting you need to strip enough line off the reel with one hand to perform the cast with the other hand. You can then strip the line back in by hand or retrieve the line by winding it back up on the reel.

The type of reel you use depends on the fish you are trying to catch. Some reels are better suited for larger fish as well as more demanding conditions while on the water.

Your fly fishing reel should have a solid handle that is easy to manipulate. Some reels come with large padded handles that makes it much easier to grab hold of and wind up. Which one you choose is up to you!

The spool holds the fly line. Attached to the spool on the outside opposite the handle is a small weight called a counter balance. This assures that the reel spins smooth and true.

Most spools have exposed rims. This actually serves a very useful purpose when you are struggling with a fish. You can cup your hand on the outside of the rim to serve as an immediate drag if necessary.

The drag system on a fly fishing reel creates pressure and prevents the line from free spooling or back lashing. You can have a click and pawl drag on your reel which are springs that put pressure against a gear stopping it from moving. If your fly fishing for small trout on a small stream you don't need an elaborate drag system. A simple click-and-pawl will work fine. These reels can be somewhat noisy, though, so keep that in mind.

If your going after larger fish or use extremely light tippets (leaders) you'll want a more sophisticated drag system. A better choice might be a disc drag. This system uses either pads or gears that have calipers like brakes on a car. As the pressure on the gear increases, the pad clamps down slowing or stopping the line. These discs can be made out of cork, rulon or even carbon fiber.

Another choice is the sealed drag system that keeps debris and dirt from messing up the smooth operation of your drag.

In the past all reels had a standard (small) arbor. The arbor is the center of the spool where your line starts wrapping around. Nowdays you have the choice of a large arbor or even a mid arbor. The advantage of a large arbor is the speed of the retrieve and less line coil memory. Since the line is on the outer part of the spool, more line is retrieved for each turn of the handle. With the larger arbors there is a reduction in the capacity of backing though. This is somewahat countered by a slightly wider spool on some reels.

The reel seat is located near the butt of the rod which helps balance the weight of the longer fly rods. All reels are made to the same standard so the seats that are on fly fishing rods will handle all fly fishing reels. So, basically, you can pick out your rod and then choose the reel you want and not have to worry if it will fit your rod.

Choosing your fly fishing reel depends a lot on what type of fishing you will be doing. If fishing for large game fish, you will want one that can handle the pressure of the weight of the fish. If you are just fishing for trout and bass, you will want a standard reel that will make bringing your fish in just a little bit easier.

Ross Flycast

The Flycast series is a conventional width fly reel that is just simply a lot of reel for the money! The drag system is based on a time proven design that is dependable, smooth and has an infinite range of adjustment. Ross engineers spent considerable time refining this drag system to guarantee the level of performance that anglers have come to expect from all Ross products. The first time you pick up the Flycast, you will be amazed with its quality in manufacturing tolerance, performance and sound. When you compare this series to similarly priced reels, and even more expensive products, you will be amazed at just how much reel you are getting for your money.
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Lamson Konic

New for 2008, Konic delivers smart design and high performance in Lamson's most affordable reel. The same super-smooth, fully sealed conical drag system and stainless roller clutch used in our more expensive reels are matched with machined components and pressure cast ALDC12 aluminum alloy spool and frame. Konic is anodized then finished with a 100% solid polyurethane coating to resist gouging and abrasion. Affordable reels just got a whole lot better. RiverBum Fly Gear

Okuma Helios

Okuma continues to develop the most technological advancements in fishing tackle without compromising performance or value. Those were the thoughts when they decided to build the ultimate fly reel, the Helios series. This machined aluminum frame and spool fit the demands of the most experienced fly fishermen. Its multi-disk waterproof drag and one way clutch bearing make this the jewel of the highly regarded Okuma line of fly reels. Fishing Gear Tips and Advice Store

Ross Evolution

The Evolution is a high-end hybrid large arbor fly reel that is a machining masterpiece. The first time you pick up the Evolution you will know right away that this reel defines perfection in every way. This series was designed for those anglers who equally appreciate both art and function. The cosmetic innovation and precision workmanship of this series is only surpassed by the Evolution’s drag system which is precise and sensitive capable of protecting the lightest tippets even when battling world-class fish.
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