If you’re new to fishing, you may not know the importance of your reel choice. And, if you’re about to try fly fishing for the first time, the reel is an even more crucial component. But just how important is your fly fishing reel?
Before the invention of modern drags, reels were largely used to hold the line, reel the line, and to help add slight resistance on a fish. And the majority of resistance was added by physically palming the reel. Modern drag systems remove the need to palm for resistance by utilizing discs and corks to create highly effective braking systems. They make it possible to control resistance and put pressure on a hot fish. That, in turn, results in fewer lost fish!
Your reel is critical when trying to land fish that fight hard and pull beyond your ability to slow the fish down with the rod alone. Choosing the right reel is vital, especially for big and fast fish situations.
Sizing: Standard vs Large Arbor
One of the first things you need to consider when selecting a fly fishing reel is the size of the arbor. Think about the use of your reel and the amount of line it will need to hold. A standard reel holds less line than a large arbor, and that makes it a good candidate for situations where you’re rarely into the backing. Most Trout, Bass, and Panfish situations will not require a large arbor and the extra lengths of backing – think 2–5 weights for most standard arbor reels.
A large arbor means the spool is designed to hold more backing and fly line. This is beneficial when a giant Tarpon is peeling off the line at record pace and every inch of backing counts. For anything larger than a 6 wt reel, a large arbor is beneficial.
Lastly, you must choose a reel size. Luckily, this is very easy as each company designates reel sizes to match rod sizes. Some reels have a specific rod match. For example, you’ll match a 7 wt reel to your 7 wt rod. Others have a size range to match multiple rods. In this case, you’ll match a 7–8 wt reel to your 7 or 8 wt rod.
Right vs Left-Hand Retrieve
You might already have a preference for right or left-hand retrieves. If so, look for a fly fishing reel that’s set up to suit your needs. If you’re unsure, many reels offer the ability to change retrieve direction. This is great when you feel that switching hands will improve your game. Keep in mind that you must remove all the line and re-spool everything when changing the retrieve direction.
Personally, I cast right-handed and retrieve with my left hand. I do this while fly fishing and spin fishing. Many anglers reel and retrieve with the same hand, however. Use whichever is most comfortable and intuitive.
Drag Systems for Your Reel
This is the difference maker for many reel designs. The drag quality determines how much resistance the reel can add against a fish. The classic designs used (and some still do) a click-pawl drag that uses gears to add tension. The design is great but has limited force capabilities.
Disc drags use a disc system much like you’d find on a vehicle brake. When you crank up tension on the drag knob, it adds pressure and increases the force required to pull the line off the reel. The disc system is very effective and is a great option.
Other designs like cork and conical drag systems are also used on some reel designs. Cork is a consistent and much-loved drag style by anglers who use and abuse their gear. A solid disc drag is fine for the large majority of species, however.
For the saltwater anglers out there, make sure to invest in a sealed drag system. If saltwater is allowed to enter the drag, it will corrode components and lead to failure in a hurry.
Do you need an expensive fly fishing reel?
The lowest-priced reels with disc drags are often adequate for light to medium-duty fly fishing. Your average Trout, Bass, and Panfish put very little pressure on the drag systems, so you don’t need to spend much for these species. The higher price points often mean the reels have more machining and are much lighter. If weight is important, plan on spending a little more.
The market for mid-range, large arbor reels with excellent drag systems has improved drastically. There are numerous budget-friendly options that perform at a high level in freshwater and saltwater. You don’t need an expensive reel to land some of the most challenging species on the planet with a robust mid-market reel option. That said, there are high-end reels that are just incredible and are worth the investment if you plan on pushing the limits of a drag system.
Pro Tip: Go for (at Least) the Mid Range
Overall, I think it’s a good idea to avoid the bottom-of-the-barrel, very cheap fly fishing reels. They tend to wear out quickly and the drag systems are rarely reliable. Go for the mid-range and higher options when you really need a bulletproof drag. For most applications, your drag will see light-duty use but it’s nice to know you have the capability when a big fish strikes.
It’s Time to Put Your Fly Fishing Reel into Action!
That just about sums up all the key considerations you need to know when looking at getting kitted out with a fly fishing reel. But, as you should be aware, it’s far from the only consideration! Pair your reel up with a matching rod, appropriate line, and effective flies – suited to your environment – and you’ll be halfway to landing that dream catch.
What are your favorite fly reels? We’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments below! Have a question? Feel free to reach out, too!
The post Fly Fishing Reels: A Beginner’s Guide for 2024 appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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