Some people disregard the value of a good fly reel, saying that a fly reel is not a crucial aspect of a fly fishing gear.
However, nothing could be further from the truth.
Fly reels are just as essential as your rod or other type of gear. You donand#39;t want to miss the opportunity of a lifetime to hooking a great catch just because your substandard fly reel failed you.
Going for the cheapest fly reel because youand#39;re just testing the waters can be a great excuse, especially if you lack funds. However, if youand#39;re hooked into fly fishing addiction, an excellent fly reel makes a huge difference. It offers a choice between landing a 30 incher effortlessly or fighting it only to lose the fish.
So without further ado, here are crucial tips when choosing an outstanding fly reel:
Select the Best Fly Reel Weight
Weight plays a major part when choosing your fly fishing gear. The performance of a fly line, rods, and reels all depends on the weight. With heavier fly lines, youand#39;ll be able to cast it farther, even during high winds. Fly reels with higher weight capacity can help you handle bigger fishes easily.
If you have the right weight specification for your fly line, reel, and rod, youand#39;ll have a better experience with fly fishing. At the same time, youand#39;ll be increasing your chances of landing a fish.
As a general rule of thumb, your rod weight should have a 1:1 ratio with your weight that your fly reel can handle. Hereand#39;s a quick rundown on weight requirements, depending on the fish youand#39;re targeting.
- 0 to 4 rod weight: Recommended for hooking panfish and smaller trout in small creeks
- 3 to 5 rod weight: Best for graylings
- 4 to 6 rod weight: Good for trout with an average size
- 5 to 8 rod weight: Great for smallmouth bass
- 5 to 9 rod weight: Best for largemouth or spotted bass
- 6 to 10 rod weight: Recommended for carp
- 7 to 9 rod weight: Good for steelhead
- 8 to 10 rod weight: Great for salmon
- 8 to 12 rod weight: Best for northern pike, muskie, striped bass, and golden dorado
Do you already have a fly rod and a line? The best fly reel for you is one that can handle the weight and length of the fly line.
Pick an Excellent Drag System
If youand#39;re planning to target smaller fishes only, you donand#39;t have to give too much attention to the drag system. However, if youand#39;re targeting medium to larger fishes that offer a fight, you need a drag system to help you land that those fishes.
Click and Pawl Drag System
Click and pawl drag system is an excellent option if youand#39;re on a budget. Itand#39;s slightly cheaper than disc drag systems. Newcomers to fly fishing can choose this drag system because itand#39;s great for landing smaller freshwater fishes. Even old-timers love the varying pitches their reels make when fishes pull out drag on a click and pawl drag system. However, if youand#39;re targeting hard-fighting fishes, youand#39;ll need a disc drag system instead.
Disc Drag System
A disc drag is more expensive but offers a superior drag system. Anglers can easily apply extra drag with just their palms, providing more even drag while the fish continues to pull. Do you want to use an element of stealth? A disc drag system is your choice as it applies drag silently. However, if you love a drag systemand#39;s classic sound, go with the click and pawl drag system.
Match the Fly Reel with What Youand#39;re Fishing
Fly reels are usually called based on the fish itand#39;s designed to catch. Bass reel, small trout reel, or even bonefish reel are some of the names it can be called. If you plan on targeting small freshwater fishes, itand#39;s best to choose rods that donand#39;t go over a weight of six.
Pick Out the Best Fly Reel Using These Tips
Follow these tips and spare yourself from being overwhelmed with a wide variety of choices. If you feel like the standard versions wonand#39;t cut it, you can always go for custom fly reels. You donand#39;t have to run your savings dry just to buy the most expensive fly fishing gear. Whatand#39;s important is to pick a fly reel that matches your fishing requirements.
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