Fly Reels

Here are some basic but important points about choosing a fly reel.

A fly reel’s primary function is to store your fly line. It isn’t directly involved in casting a fly. That makes the single most important consideration in choosing a fly reel is its line capacity. Generally, one of three or four sizes of reels offered by a manufacturer will work for just about any fishing situation. This makes choosing the size of the reel a relatively simple chore provided you know the line size you intend to use.

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 type drag systems. The drag efficiency and durability is even more important when you are fighting larger, harder fighting species.

Most manufacturers make it relatively easily to change spools on their reels. This allows you to use different types of lines without changing reels. Spare spools can be purchased for all the fly reels we sell.

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 put a heavy fly reel on it.

Machined finished aluminum generally offers greater smoothness of operation but is usually more expensive; however, most anglers would agree that the added cost is well worth it.

“Perfect Fly” Fly Reels

Fly Reels