When choosing a fly-reel, remember, the basic purpose for a fly-fishing reel is to hold the backing and fly line. However, there are other important functions and features (all desirable) to be taken into consideration. They are:
First, the Drag system. The reel should have a quality drag system that controls the rate of release of the fly line. This is very important when fighting a fish-especially a fish that is big enough to pull line (sometimes all of it) off the reel. A smooth, (not hurky-jerky), drag system will allow the line to pay out smoothly, with the right tension, to the run of a strong fish. There are a number of different drag systems on the market today, and most all of them work well. I think the thing that is most important is that the drag systems be easily adjustable and pay out line smoothly and evenly. Like I said, no hurky-jerky.
Next comes Durability. You don't want the reel to corrode overtime, and you want it to keep functioning, even if it's dropped or stepped on or whatever. Regarding corrosion resistance. If a reel is not coated well or the surfaces are not treated in some manner to reduce corrosion, it may corrode, even if used in freshwater; let alone in saltwater. Like the pizza man says; "better ingredients; better pizza."
Eliminate all reels that are not machined from high-grade aluminum stock (aircraft quality aluminum). Why, because the reel will last longer and perform better over its lifetime. Machined reels have more precise tolerances, are stronger, and lighter. That's three very good reasons. Note: if expense is an issue, remember, you get what you pay for.
Third, Size and weight =Rod Balance. The reel should match up with the fly rod in that when the reel is attached (loaded with the line) the whole fly-fishing unit is balanced. You want to feel the cast from the butt of the rod to the tip. Don't buy a reel made for an 8-weight rod for example and put it on a 5-weight rod. If you do the rod is not going to cast properly.
Fourth. Spool inter-change-ability. A reel that has interchangeable spools is important because: you can load each with a different kind of sinking line, and/or a sink tip line, and/or different types of shooting lines. All this will give you enough versatility with one rod to fish virtually any condition.
Fifth. Appearance. Were talking anodized colored aluminum reels now. Not as important to some, but important to others. If you're into image or prestige and want the reel to look good on the fly rod then go for it. The reel manufacture's today offer some astonishingly good looking reels. Expect to pay $200 and up.
Sixth. Arbor size. The arbor is the spindle on which the spool rotates; the larger the diameter of the arbor the faster the line retrieves (or pays out). Thus, a larger arbor is more desirable than a standard arbor sized reel.
Second, larger arbor reels spin more smoothly than do smaller diameter (standard) arbor reels. This will reduce friction that can build up from the hard run of a bigger fish. If you pick up a reel and spin the spool and it doesn't spin smoothly, don't even think about buying it. It will not hold up under the run of a "hot" fish. You want the reel to spin like butter. You don't want it to explode as a result of a hard run.
Finally, a large arbor reel allows for quicker spool change, which on occasion might mean the difference in the number of fish you have the opportunity to catch, or not catch, because you're busy changing reels.
Reels come in standard, medium and large arbor sizes. Wrap all these values up in a reel at an affordable price, and you have a winner. There are many very affordable reels on the market today that have all the qualities I've mentioned. Pick the one that fits your budget and go fishing!
A couple of final thoughts: when you load the reel with the fly line, you need to consider which hand you're going to crank the reel with? There is no right or wrong answer to this question. If you're going to fish with the rod in your right hand then most likely you'll want a left hand crank and vice versa. It's whatever you're most comfortable with, and make sure your reel has the proper amount of backing when you load it with fly line.
| Steve Gardner is an expert fly fisherman and has over forty years of fly-fishing experience in Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. Visit his website http://www.flyfishingthings.com to see a list of fly-fishing reel manufactures along with reel specifications, models, price, size, and weight. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_E_Gardner |
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