When fishing you need a functional fly reel to balance your outfit.
Fly fishing reels are constructed in two ways: pre-cast and machined.
Pre-cast fly reels are made from liquid metal poured into a mould. These reels are typically heavier and slightly less durable than their machined counterparts, but they can also be had at a more reasonable price point.
The reliable performance and affordable price of pre-cast fly reel makes them a great choice if you’re looking to get started in fly fishing.
Machined fly fishing reels are milled out of a solid block of metal. This process leads to a lighter and stronger fly reel. Machined fly fishing reels will last a lifetime and offer the best performance over time. Not surprisingly, they are also more expensive than pre-cast fishing reels.
Another thing to consider is the finish on the Fly fishing reel. An anodized finish will stand up to salt water, which is very corrosive, and this is essential if you’re planning on fishing in the ocean.
Weight & Size
- Like fly fishing rods, fly fishing reels are often rated by weight or size. When looking for a new fly reel you will want to match the reel size to your rod for a correctly balanced outfit; for example, if you’re fishing a 5-weight trout rod, you’ll want to pair it with a 5-weight reel.
- Also consider when looking at reel size are the type of line you will be using and backing capacity. Backing capacity is even more important when choosing a saltwater reel. Most reels can handle 2 to 3 sizes of line. For example a size 6wt fly reel can handle a 5,6 or 7wt fly line.
- Switch and Spey reels are oversize to accommodate larger shooting head fly lines, while saltwater reels often feature more backing capacity as those fish are prone to long runs.
Drag
- Drag is a very important feature of the fly reel. The drag provides the braking power to stop a big fish and take control of the fight. There are two main drag systems to choose from: click and pawl, and disc drag.
- The traditional style is click-and-pawl and offers less adjustability and stopping power than a disc drag system. Because of this, the click-and-pawl is a great system if you are on a budget or chasing smaller fish..
- Disc drag provides the smoothest and most efficient drag system. It is a great choice for stopping large game fish, or when you need to smoothly stop a large trout on light tippet.
- When choosing a saltwater reel you have to consider not only line capacity and drag system but also the seal of the drag system. If it is not water tight you will have problems with sand and coral contaminating the drag system. If that happens your reel will be seriously compromised then failure is inevitable.
- My advice when purchasing a saltwater reel is to spend as much as you can afford.
Arbor
Arbor refers to the cylinder at the center of the reel that the backing and fly line is wound around. Most modern reels feature some type of large arbor as they retrieve more line faster and create less ‘memory’ or twist in the line and leader. If you are chasing warm water or saltwater species, pick a fly reel with a larger arbor as this will aid in smooth runs as well as retrieving a lot of line quickly when the fish turns and runs back at you.
Classic trout reels are generally smaller in arbor, as are beginner fly fishing reels. They are usually lighter, less bulky, and less expensive than their large-arbor counterparts.
We offer a selection of fishing reels with a great drag system at various cost points to enhance your fly fishing experience.
Don't forget always wash your fishing reels and fly rods after fly fishing, especially after saltwater use.
If you need help in selecting the right fly reel or fly fishing rod for your fly fishing needs give us a call on 1300 034 075.
