The single most important consideration in choosing a fly reel is its line capacity. The
capacity of the reel is usually indicated on the enclosed literature as well as the box that
the reel comes in.
Generally, one of three or four sizes of reels offered by a manufacturer will work for just
about any freshwater fishing situation. This makes choosing the size of the reel a
relatively simple chore provided you know the line size you are using, and you by all
means should.
Next in the order of importance is the drag. If you plan on catching only smaller fish
species such as panfish, for example, then the click type drag with a palming spool is
adequate. Medium size fish, say from three to eight pounds, demand a more efficient disc
type drag system. The drag efficiency and durability is even more important when you
are fighting larger, harder fighting species.
Make certain that the retrieve, left or right-handed, fits your requirements although most
all of them are reversible.
Most manufacturers make it relatively easily to change spools on their reels. This allows
you to use different types of lines without changing reels.
Of course, the weight of the reel is another very important factor. Given that the spool
capacity, strength and drag system are adequate, the lighter the weight of the reel the
better. There’s little sense in purchasing a fly rod that’s light as a feather and worrying
about half ounces if your going to use a heavy fly reel on it.
Again, machined finished aluminum generally offers greater smoothness of operation but
is usually more expensive. Most anglers would agree that the added cost is well worth it,
however.
The final decision comes down to pleasure. After all, most of us think pleasure is what fly
fishing is all about. If the fly reel is a pleasure to fish, most likely that’s enough to satisfy
the most discriminating angler.
Copyright James Marsh 2012