FLY REELS

and how to choose one




Introduction


The first thing you need to do when choosing a flyreel is decide exactly what you want to do with it. By that I mean what fish you are going to target.
Example you wouldn't think of using a Hardy Golden Prince 5/6 to play with sailfish. O.K. thats an extreme example but I hope you see my point.
The second thing you will have to decide on is a budget range. Buy the best reel you can comfortably afford it will pay for itself in the long run. In saltwater flyfishing a smooth drag can often be far more important than the rods action.

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Drags


A good drag should be easily adjustable especially when fighting big fish. When choosing a reel make sure the drag knob is easily accessable and easy to grasp, that is large enough to get a firm grip on. Be sure that the knob is easily turnable as you may often need to adjust it with wet slippery hands. Check the range of the drag adjustment. Too large a range is impracticle, go for something with about a half to full turn range from minimum to maximum. If the range is too large you will have difficulty adjusting it quickly when you need to. Sometimes fish do not give you a lot of time to get things right.
If you intend to chase larger fish make sure the reel you choose has a large disc drag with oil impregnated cork or teflon. In an extended fight the drag can get very hot and inferior quality drag washers can melt and stick, and I am sure I don't need to tell you that this leads to disaster.


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Spools


In recent years flyreel technology has leaned towards reels with a large arbor (The inside diameter of the spool). This is to gain the most amount of line per revolution of the spool. Tests have shown that large arbor reels can decrease the amount of turns required by up to a thousand turns over standard spools.
Large arbor reels are ideal for fast moving fish that can peel large amounts of line off a spool and then turn around and head straight back at the angler.
Spools with a large arbor cut down on line memory and also the preset drag doesn't increase as much as standard spools as line is taken. Drag pressure increases exponentially as you reach the core of the spool.
There is a slight downside to large arbor reels. When you increase the inside diameter you must also increase the outside diameter resulting in some pretty big reels several inches across. Hardly a dowside and a small price to pay for fast line retrieval.
Standard spools are fast becoming a thing of the past.
One other thing to look into is the availability of spare spools. They can be quite handy at times. But then again you can't have too many reels now can you!?

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Tibor Gulfstream




Handles


Few anglers pay much attention to the handle on a flyreel when purchasing one. Yet this is as important as any other part of the flyreel, remember that you will be using it a lot. Make sure that you are comfortable with it so spend a bit of time just winding the reel.
There has been much debate on handles with some prefering a small inobtrusive handle and others prefering a much larger easily grasped handle. I won't go into the pro's and con's, (it would require a whole page to itself) I know what I like and I suggest you try a few and find the one must comfortable for you. Remember you are the one who has to wind with it, not the salesman.

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Perforated Spools Vs Solid Frames


A lot of reel manufacturers are going to perforated spools. They definately save weight and generally don't effect the strength of the reel. It is true that holes in the spool allow sand and salt to wash in but they also let them out again. A perforated spool allows the angler to easily guage the amount of line left on the reel (Not always a good thing, this has been known to send the odd angler into a panic when the spool has been nearly empty).
Again, however it is a personal choice.

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STH Golden Salt




Direct Drive Vs Anti-Reverse


There has been far more debate or shall we say arguement over direct drive vs anti-reverse than any other aspect of flyreel technology today.
In simple terms direct drive reels give positive control, are generally lighter and simpler in construction. They cost less and give better leverage. However when line is taken from the spool the handle spins rather quickly, quite dangerous on the fingers.
Anti-reverse reel handles remain stationary and are safer. However they do not have rim control, they are heavier and far more complicated in design (some reels offer duel modes).
Some people prefer the added feel and control of the direct drive where others opt for the safer anti-reverse. Both are good, I prefer the D.D. but again I suggest you decide for yourself.



Strength


As with all aspects of fishing strength of your gear is important. Even the most careful angler will at some time knock, drop or bash his reel. Look for a reel that is constructed of solid materials. Most of the better quality reels on the market today are machined from solid blocks of aircraft grade aluminium.
Reels with bearings also offer a level of smoothness that combined with a good drag can mean the difference between a great day and day to forget. If the reel you are purchasing has bearings be sure that they are made of high quality stainless steel and are sealed well. Substandard bearings rust and corrode quickly.
An average strength reel will do for most fishing but when chasing the big nasty critters it is best to go for brute strength, a good fish can bend the frame or mainshaft. Get the strongest you can, it'll last longer.

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Corrosion


Most reels designed for saltwater use are made of stainless steel and aluminium and are anodized to resist corrosion. Poorly anodized reels will show colour variance in the anodizing and will have stains and pit marks. Don't buy one of these!
One thing to always keep in mind when purchasing a new reel is not to bee fooled by a lovely bright shiny gold reel. A lovely gleaming reel that you can see your own reflection in does not always have the goods inside.
Reels in the cheaper area are often painted and will resist corrosion reasonably well but require meticulous cleaning and care.

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Reel Information


Click on a brand below to go to the website

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