Fly Fishing Reels

 How To Buy A Fly Reel
by
Eugene Macri

The Fly fishing reel has gotten better and better.  Even less expensive reels now have a decent drag.  The only problem I have is weight.  Some of the reels are just too light to balance properly with a rod and cause a myriad of problems.  What happens is that it causes the fly angler's wrist (especially true in neophytes) to break and their casting becomes inconsistent.

Sage 1600 Series Fly Reel

There's no easy way to buy a fly reel because everyone is different.  I like reels that hold enough backing and line.  Be wary of the how much line and backing the reels say they hold because you might be surprised at what happens.  This is due to different backing and fly line diameters and the over estimate by reel manufacturers of what they could hold.

The backing is insurance just in case you hook a big one and it also allows the line less knots and tangles on the reel as well as it comes out less kinked.  Large arbor reels which spread the line out better are new choice among many fly fisherman.

OKUMA INTEGRITY LARGE ARBOR FLY REELS

How much should you spend? That's up to you but in the $75 to $125 range will get you a reel that would have cost at least twice as much a few years ago.  In fact, many are better made than before. Don't be afraid to check reels by Pfleuger, Martin, Okuma and others.  They are unbelievable for the money. 

Make sure your reels' seat will fit your fly rod because on some models this reel seat is too thick to fit certain rods.  What should the reel be made of?  Well that's also an interesting dilema because many reels made of composites are just as good as "bar stock"  products of higher prices.

Once again the main themes are balance and how the line comes off the reel.  If you are fishing for and landing larger fish then of course look for a reel that has a super powerful drag.  However,  most decent trout fly fishing reels have a good drag system today.